At First Glance

The Irish like to eat bread


They drive fast and a bit careless


They have a strong sense of Irish hospitality


They enjoy talking more than eating


Beer is breakfast to them


Some are committed to church and others are anti- church

D Hotel Drogheda

Our original arrival destination was the Dublin Airport where we picked up our rental car and had our experimental drive to the D Hotel.  The D Hotel is the first two day stop on the trip. It's style is contemporary and modern in comparison to other hotels. It's located right on the river with one bridge to the left and one to the right. It's the center of the Drogheda poet with many shipping cargo along the river. 

The sunshine was taking a break from our time there, but that was the weather for most of the trip going forward. 

Overall, it actually was one of my favorite cities because it was a smaller city, which means simpler people, less congestion, a few nice attractions, but not so many you feel overwhelmed, and nice churches. People were friendly and helpful with directions- especially for directions as we had difficulty with it. 

Car Insurance Yes Please!

When traveling to Ireland, the most common mode of transportation for exploring is a car.  Often, one thinks of a car being a great addition to their trip. You don't have to rely on the train, bus or taxi, which leaves you additional time for other things.  It is so great to have a car on vacation right? I don't think so.

When you have to drive a manuel car on the left side of the road, it can make things a bit scarey, confusing, and exhausting.  When Kevin, drove the car, he had difficulty keeping up to speed. 
The distance between cars from the passengers seat appears to be merely a few inches. Sometimes it appears to be even less and that's when my hands come straight up directly over my eyes.  When I place my whole head into my lap, fear is immediately instilled upon me leaving me questioning my life.  "God please don't let this be the way I will die." While it all sounds quite traumatic, it may also come as a shock that I was not even the driver yet a full-time passenger.


My girlfriend, also a passenger, informed me of the dangers of sittting in the passengers seat in Ireland. Usually, she may overreact to some things, but this time it was a true statement. It is almost like one of those trick mirrors where everything appears a bit foggy. With some practice, Kevin's driving improved, but still there were close calls when entering into roundabouts and staying on the correct side of the road. When picking up the car, I was focused on getting the new Black manuel Dacia, but all the mini manuel cars are potential death traps in my opinion. 
Luckily, we arrived at our hotel, D Hotel  in Drogheda where we did not need the car.  It was such a breath of fresh air. 

 Thank you God for your protection and comfort today. Amen   

It is Finally Time

For years and years , I have longed to travel to the wonderful country of Ireland.  With Irish blood and an Irish smile, I feel overjoyed that it is finally my time to travel to Ireland.  From my times to attending St Patrick's Cathedral in New York to speaking with my Great Grandmother who was born in Ireland, I always had a true wonder for what the real Ireland would be like.  

One would imagine the fantastic churches, the castles, the small towns, the lush green landscape, the Irish pubs and the interesting people in them, meat-beer and fresh breads and milks.  While these few things would come to ones mind, I'm sure there is much, much more to this place where my Grandfather's heritage comes from in his generation.  

Now he only way to know about a country is to travel there and find out first hand. It is my time to explore this beautiful country from North to South and from person to person church to church and city to city. Let's Go!
 

Chicago to Dublin

With the weather at its ultimate worst this winter, we did have our concerns about having a possible flight disruption. Although, it turns out we just missed the snow.  With lots of wind and the gloomy and cloudy skies, the skies appeared as if they were ready to start snowing.  As it turns out, a few hours after our take off, there came the snow  Our Air Lingus flight left right on time and left me feeling very satisfied with the 6 hour 40 minute flight.  The staff on board were quite lovely and kind i.e. I asked for more club soda and she smiled and gave me a whole big Poland Spring bottle. That kind of service makes Priscilla Raj very happy. Indian vegetarian meals, brownies, movies, and music also make Priscilla happy and that was the Air Lingus flight.   While I did not sleep at all, I kept myself entertained watching Black Swan and Something's Got to Give(2 of my favorite movies). The flight just passed by so quickly that I never even bothered to look at my clock(sign of a good flight).  

As we landed, it was final moments of sunrise and I just sat staring into God's beauty. Reading my psalms made this a perfect moment to take time for my higher power. It was just one of those many moments when I take a few deep breaths and feel a sense of relief, a sense of comfort that God is watching over me. 

Upon exiting the plane, we met a nice couple from California.  They were sharing all their favorite places in Europe including, Capri, Italy-Santorini-Greece, Split-Croatia. We spoke about the beauty of the Vatican and the Italian culture.  It is always, always, refreshing to talk about traveling with other Americans. When I see people who get a taste of adventure, a new place, a different experience outside the box- oh that just lights a fire in my soul.  It was so nice meeting these lovely Californians and I wish them a fantastic trip through Ireland!