I'm In!

(Posted a little late- oops):
There are boxes everywhere and the paint is barely dry, but I'm in! Friday the 7th was moving day and it was quite successful. My parents' gift of a moving company was an incredible present. I can't imagine having to move my washing machine, sofa, bed, etc. up those stairs! My first night in the condo went fairly well except for the loud crash in the middle of the night. I had just gotten into bed and turned off the light after unpacking boxes when somewhere in the recesses of my new place, a precariously perched parcel decided to plummet to the ground. I jumped out of bed and held my 18 inch Maglite flashlight as a weapon, ready to defend my new home. Luckily, my ninja skills were not necessary that night and I found the offending package instead of an intruder. Other than the attack of cardboard boxes, I feel very safe in my new place. My neighbors are friendly and watchful (a major plus of living in a community with several retired persons), my condo is on the top floor, and I am in a quiet area. This is my new neighborhood - and it's a beautiful day there. (Do you like the Mr. Rogers allusion? I try to keep it fresh). =)

I'M A HOMEOWNER!

It's official! I now own two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large folder of legal documents, and more interest payments than my entire house is worth! =) Today was the closing on my condominium and now I am a homeowner!

The closing today was rather anti-climatic after all the stories I'd heard. Over the past few days, I have discovered that closing stories are like birthing stories. Most people have one and they love to share the story with novices, particularly if the story is gory, gruesome, or graphic. ;+) I wasn't quite sure what to expect after all the stories I had heard, but my closing was fairly non-eventful. There was a small discrepancy in the closing cost numbers and it caused some drama for a short while, but it all got worked out and within the hour I walked out of the office with a place of my own!

As soon as the closing was over, I went to my new house and walked around my rooms. It's MINE! I feel somewhat like a two-year-old who doesn't want to relinquish her new toy on Christmas. =) I DID manage to leave eventually with the promise of a celebratory dinner with my family on the Marietta Square.

I'm very grateful for my family during this whole process. My goal was to complete this process on my own - my first real "big girl" step - and I did! But it has been a great comfort for me to have my family by my side in support. My dad came to the closing as moral support and after the little snafu that occurred, I am glad he was there. Though I am a "SINGLE WOMAN" (as I was reminded by two more sheets of paper that I signed today), I do have a great family! They've encouraged me throughout this entire experience. Thanks, fam. Love you.

And thanks to all of my friends and loved ones who have encouraged me during this process as well. I'm looking forward to having you all over to MY HOUSE! And then you can see the pen I used to sign all my documents at the closing. I took it from the lawyer's office, so now I guess it is MINE too. =)

The Condo!

Many of you have asked to see the pictures of the condo, so I'm posting them! I don't have very many, but you can get a general idea of the place.

It's a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom flat in a quiet neighborhood. I'm on the top floor (stairs are a good way for me to exercise daily!).

If you have decorating ideas, let me know! My style tends to be contemporary-world-chic (if that's actually a style!). Most of my current decor fits into the black/ red/ sage green color palettes. My bedroom will probably continue to be taupe & chocolate brown, but the complementary color is up for discussion. =)




The living room is the first room through the front door. It connects the sun room, the dining room, and the kitchen. I am excited about the fireplace!



My favorite room is the sun room. It is painted a soft yellow color and will be a lovely place to sit and read! I plan to put my bookshelves and a big comfy chair in there. The porch is off the sun room and connects to the storage closet.






The kitchen is... um... orange! =) It is even a little intense for me, though. I'm considering painting it a light yellow. I like the flooring. It's different. I'll need to replace the refrigerator, but the other appliances are in decent shape.












There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bedroom has a huge walk-in closet. The bathrooms are tiny, but functional. While the master bedroom might be a little bigger, I think I prefer the second bedroom (not pictured). It has more windows and is on the corner of the house next to the green space.




I'm excited about my new place! I can't wait to have you all come visit! =)

The Steps

Forward, march!

Here are the steps I've taken so far towards becoming a "big girl":
1. Made an offer on the condo! (yikes!)

2. Filled out all the paperwork for a loan by myself

Let's pause for a moment to consider the loan application. Under the section labeled "who will inhabit this dwelling," the loan officer wrote "Single Woman." So now even my LOAN OFFICER is rubbing it in. Good grief. =) I did wonder about that section... why does it matter that I am a single woman? Should it make any difference in the loan? I'm well-educated. I've got a great job. I am a responsible citizen. When I asked my loan officer about it, he chuckled and said lots of women want to know about that label, but he puts "single man" for the single men, too. It's just a label, he said. I told him I thought we should change the label to "Amazing, Independent Woman Who Just Happens to be Single for Now". I think he thinks I'm crazy. =)

3. Accepted the counter-offer (it was VERY reasonable)

When my Realtor called me with the counter-offer, I was at the KMHS football game to cheer on the team (unfortunately, they didn't do so well). My friends Chester and Julie were in town from Athens and they were cheering ME on in the process, as was my co-worker and friend, Sky. Each of them was so encouraging that I got even more excited about the process.















So now I'm well on the way to being a homeowner! It's hard to believe, but it's really happening. (Incroyable, mais vrais!)



To celebrate my steps towards big-girl-dom and to escape the reality for a while, I went to the Clemson University football game yesterday with my best friend Elizabeth. We drove up in the morning and spent the day hanging out at Clemson's Homecoming. It was a beautiful day for a game and we had great seats (thanks, Eric!!) While I was glad that Clemson won the game (70-14, ouch!) and that I got to see the homecoming floats and festivities, I particularly enjoyed spending time with Elizabeth. She encouraged me about the home-buying process - and we even discussed property law! =) (she's in law school) It was a great way to take a few steps backward to look at the situation from a few hours away and recognize that I'm doing a good thing. This is an important move for me, and I'm grateful for all of the people who are supporting me in my endeavors.

Pumpkins and Condos

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. Part of that must stem from my self-acknowledged nerd-ism since autumn brings the start of school. Another part probably comes from my positive memories of marching band in high school and college. And yet another part connects to the beauty I see in the fiery-toned foliage and my memories of raking leaves in Ohio (all one can really rake in Georgia is pine straw!). To celebrate the arrival of fall, my family annually goes to North Georgia to pick out pumpkins, buy apples, and consume fried apple pies, cider, and boiled peanuts. The yearly trip is one of my favorite family traditions. My goal each year is to find the perfect pumpkin. It's a time-consuming process, but I always end up with a great looking pumpkin.

Our trip this year (a.k.a. The Great Pumpkin Chase) came the day after I took my family to see the short list of condos I'd chosen. I've been house-hunting for several weeks now and had finally narrowed the list to a few options. Each time I've been out looking with my Realtor, though, I ask to return to a particular neighborhood on the way back. I keep going back to the same location... and I think there is a reason for that.

I realized this weekend that I approach the selection of houses much like I approach the selection of pumpkins. I see the pumpkin I want after a short perusal of the options, but then I have to compare my selected pumpkin against the other pumpkins that might be better. Of course, none of them are better because I knew what I wanted from the beginning. For some reason, though, I still have to cart my chosen pumpkin around and hold it next to the others so I can see how it measures up against the other choices out there. Though the pumpkin I originally picked out is never truly "perfect," it is the one that I am most satisfied with - and I rarely change my mind once I've picked it out. Even so, I must compare it against all the other possibilities - just in case.

The same goes for my potential condo. I have driven through the same neighborhood consistently over the past year and a half, just to see if I still like the area. When visiting condos with my Realtor, I kept comparing them to the one I saw first in the neighborhood I liked. If pumpkins truly are like condos, then I know which condo I want. My pumpkin is a beautiful, fat orange globe with a thick stem, and it looks just lovely on my coffee table (it's the round one with the dark stem next to the cash register in the picture). It may have some minor flaws, but they are ones I chose to ignore when I first picked it up. I think I selected the right pumpkin... maybe I've picked the right condo, too.

Remembering Aunt Mary

I haven't been on the blog for a few months, but I recently wrote something that made me want to share.

Mary J. Yarbrough died March 19, 2007. She had been married to Ben for over 60 years. My siblings and I call them Aunt Mary and Uncle Ben. Though we are not related through blood, they have been dear friends of our family since we moved to Georgia. This week I wrote a card to Uncle Ben at his request. He is collecting people's memories of Aunt Mary. The following is what I wrote as my tribute to Aunt Mary:

It is from Aunt Mary that I learned the important traits of a Southern lady. First, one must always be presentable in public. Aunt Mary was a sharp dresser. She clothed her petite frame in outfits that were quite becoming. Her clothes were always neatly pressed, carefully matching, and nicely accessorized. Accessories are important, too. My favorite accessory of hers was the light blue hat she placed smartly on her always-coiffed hair. She was a beautiful woman and her adornment added to her charm, but it was her inner light I admired most. Of course, a lady must put her best face forward (and a daily application of olive oil was her secret to that!) but she must also shine with inner grace. Aunt Mary’s beautiful soul shined brightly to all who knew her. Even those who happened to pass by her as she was out somewhere must have noticed the sharply dressed petite woman with the blue hat perched smartly on her head and thought, “Now that is a lady!”

I was blessed to know Aunt Mary and I will be blessed each time I remember her.

What I've Learned: A Reflection

"A life-changing experience" is a hackneyed expression to use to describe my trip to England, but it is an accurate description. It is clear to me that God worked through this trip to teach me and prepare me, and though I am not fully sure of the "for what" or the "why" yet, I know those answers will come in time. The knowledge I gained from the professors at Oxford has altered my view of literature and how I will approach teaching it, but it is the knowledge I gained about myself and about life that made this journey even more of a learning experience.

Whether you've only looked at the blog once or you've been a faithful subscriber to my daily thought journal, I appreciate that you've shared in this journey with me. My final reflection on the trip is the list of what I learned while I was away. These thoughts are in no particular order; some of them are humorous, some are serious, and some need more explanation (I invite you to ask me about them if you want!). Thanks for being part of my experience by commenting, emailing, or just keeping me in your thoughts by reading now and then. I've been asked what I will do with this blog now and the answer is that I'm not sure. I have loved writing every day; it is a skill I would like to continue to develop. Sadly, my daily life in Marietta and Kennesaw is not nearly as noteworthy as my adventure in Oxford. Nevertheless, if you check back on occasion, I might have found something worth writing about. =)

Again, thanks for reading and caring.

What I've Learned:

When traveling, it is worth a higher ticket price to 1) fly on a bigger plane, and 2) have a direct flight and spend less time in airports!

There is a difference between “English” and “British”

“Don’t hug your water glass” – Dr. Cunningham, after he spilled water on his shirt while lecturing, reminded us of what he learned (but obviously didn’t observe) in a public speaking course.

I am inspired, rather than intimidated, by people who know more than I do

Effective public transportation systems are a great means of travel – and are good for the environment

“Mr. Darcy categorically does NOT have a hairy chest!” – Dr. Byrne, on why the new movie version of Pride and Prejudice is grossly inaccurate.

Politeness goes a long way.

90s music will live forever on British radio stations

Any commonality can bring people together in a foreign country.

I admire Jane Austen's ability to write happy endings, even if she might have felt like her own story did not have one

It is perfectly acceptable to stroll rather than walk with a purpose. In fact, it allows one to notice more, appreciate more, and reflect more.

Itineraries on trips can be helpful

Cute shoes, though worn by the British for walking all over a city, apparently do not fit American feet the same way and are, therefore, not acceptable walking shoes ;+)

God is bigger than a country.

ALWAYS carry an umbrella in England – even if the weather seems perfect!

Conversations with strangers can be enlightening, interesting, and an authentic way to get a better understanding of the people of a country.

I like Charles Dickens! (after reading Great Expectations in 9^th grade, I never thought I would say that phrase, but it is true now)

Skinny jeans look best on skinny people (as do most of the trendy European fashions)

When it comes to the difference in cost at B&B's, the extra money usually gets you an actual address instead of “off ______ road”

I prefer the smaller towns, villages, and countryside of England and Ireland to the capital cities.

Cut off the tags when you buy a new purse unless you want everyone to know how much you spent on it (ask me about that story if you want to know how I learned this!)

Friendships can arise from any encounter with people!

The Harry Potter phenomenon is even bigger in England than it is in the States.

A good friend is someone who will put up with a visitor for over a month (thank you, Jason!)

I like NEW: I enjoy meeting new people, visiting new places, trying new foods, and having new experiences.

I like OLD: I love old buildings, historic homes, ruins of cathedrals and castles, and ancient artifacts.

One thing the Church of England does very well is observe a true awe and reverence for God.

I love the smell of books and I really want a library in my house, even if I have to designate a room as “the library”

Even the best of gel pens can explode on a plane (and leave one’s fingers blue for over a day)

People in Ireland don’t pronounce the “Th” sound in words like Thursday (Tursday) and 4:30 (four turdy).

Don’t get lost in the ritual and forget the reason.

It is much easier to conserve and recycle in a country where everyone does it and effective systems are in place

I DO want a higher degree

It isn’t hard to rekindle a passion for literature – it just takes a few brilliant people talking about it to strike that spark!

Day 33: Going Home (Tuesday)

Tuesday was travel day. Based on the events of the day, I've made some decisions about how I fly from now on: I will spend the extra money if it means a straight shot home! We drove to Dublin from Kildare, dropped off the rental car, and then I got on my plane. I flew from Dublin to Shannon, deplaned in Shannon, went through US customs in Shannon (???), sat in their airport for a while, got back on the same plane, flew to Newark, went through a shortened line at customs there, sat in their airport a while (at least I was finally on US soil!), and finally flew to Atlanta where Mom, Dad, and Norrie were there to meet me! (yay for my family!) When I arrived at my apartment, my friends Julie and Chester met me there with groceries and hugs (you guys are awesome!).

Now that I'm back, I'm going to post a final blog to reflect on my adventure (it'll be Day 34), but until I get that done, I'll leave you with a few more pictures of Ireland.

St. Patrick (located in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin) / The River Liffey in Dublin / Molly Malone (wheeling her wheelbarrow, through streets broad and narrow, crying 'cockles and mussels alive, alive-o!')

Date: 31 July, 2007
Location: Dublin, Shannon, Newark, Atlanta, Marietta!
Highlights:
- Being HOME!
- seeing friends and family
- figuring out Sudoku puzzles with the guy in the seat next to me on the plane (we were on the runway for about 30 minutes before takeoff)
- sleeping in my own bed
Thought of the day: It's good to be home.

Day 32: Picturesque Sights (and a farm to boot!) Monday

Monday was a lot of time in the car, but beautiful sights. We began with breakfast at the Glebe Farmhouse B&B (she made scones and gave us choices for breakfast!). I opted for the smoked salmon breakfast instead of my 4th Irish breakfast in a row (I can only take so much sausage, eggs, and fried ham before my arteries slam shut!).

We got on the road and drove into the Dingle Peninsula. There was some confusion over what exactly was IN the Dingle Peninsula - it did not have the Cliffs of Moher or the set of ruins that Jason thought were there, but we still enjoyed the rugged beauty of the place. There is a very scenic drive with sharp rocky beaches, sloping mountains, and green countryside, but there is not really anything specific to see there: just the scenery. We stopped at Slea Head at the end of the peninsula to take pictures of the Skellig Rocks from a distance, we hiked up a mountain to get a nice panoramic view of the area, and we walked around the tiny coastal town of Dingle, but that was about it other than lots of driving and stopping at little scenic overlooks.

The drive from Dingle to our B&B that night was long, so we stopped in Limerick only for a short time for dinner. Originally, I thought it would be fun to look around for some poetical inspiration (get it? Limerick?? heh heh) but we were both so tired from the long day thus far that neither of us really cared to explore the city beyond walking around to look for food.

In honor of the brief stop in the city, I have composed my own limerick:

A girl from the States came to town
And turned the city upside down
She searched high and low
But spotted no PO-em
So she left Limerick to write her own

(yeah, I know "own" and "town" don't rhyme... and I know I forced the rhyme with the whole PO-em thing... but like I said, I didn't find any inspiration!) =)

Our B&B near Kildare was almost impossible to find. The "directions" to the Eagle Hill B&B said "5 miles from Kildare". That's it. The roads in that area do not have names, so unless you're a native, you're in trouble! We finally got in touch with the proprietress and she coached us in (to the middle of nowhere!). It was well worth the trouble. Julie, the owner, greeted us with tea when we arrived and showed us around. We were on an actual working farm! There were animals everywhere (sheep, hens, a huge workhorse named Bob, a Vietnamese potbellied pig who had escaped earlier that day, and geese). Julie and I talked while I played with her two year old son, John Paul (a good Catholic name!) and she told me about the workings of their farm. They keep the sheep to sell the lambs because the only money in sheep is in the meat, not the wool. I didn't realise that. She said it costs more to shear the sheep than they get in profit from the wool. So instead they keep about 200 ewes for breeding and 6 rams (those are busy rams!).

After the lovely evening of tea and visiting, I packed my bags and tried to go to sleep. I'm not sure if it was the strange farm noises, the anticipation of going home, or the caffeine from the tea that kept me awake, but I had a terrible time sleeping. The one advantage of not sleeping well is that I was awake before the alarm clock (and the rooster) made me get up. =)

Date: 30 July, 2007
Location: Dingle Peninsula, Limerick, Kildare
Highlights:
- beautiful scenery
- seeing the statue of "Fungi" the dolphin in Dingle ("Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle" sounds like the beginning for an amusing limerick!)
- a lovely end to my time in Ireland at the Eagle Hill B&B
Thought of the Day: I'm finally ready to go home!

Day 31: Where the streets have no name... and no position on the GPS

Let's consider the GPS phenomenon, shall we? Jason has one that he uses to navigate around England. It can be very handy when one is alone in the car and maps would pose a driving hazard... but there are drawbacks to GPS as well. Reliance on the system is one major drawback (prime example: we were driving and looking for a gas station. Jason was typing "find gas station" into the system while I pointed out the BP on the corner). I will grant that there are many locations in England it would have been incredibly difficult to find if it had not been for the GPS. England does not use cardinal directions on ANY of their signs (no I-75 N or S here... it is just "M6" and you have to guess the direction... quite impossible at times). But here in Ireland, GPS just does not like the streets at all. When we were trying to find Blarney Castle, it directed us to the Blarney Business Park, which is apparently also the location of the Blarney Tourist Center, Blarney Road, and the city of Blarney (none of which are there!). When we tried to find our B&B, we were driving on a blank space on the GPS map - it didn't even register that we were on a road! Unfortunately, none of the road maps we have are very specific, so I've been navigating with very limited information (the navigator is only as good as her map!). Despite all the misadventures with navigation, we've seen some great spots, driven some pretty roads, and found some interesting locales we may not have seen otherwise.

Today we drove from our B&B near Kinsale towards Killarney and the Ring of Kerry. What a great drive! The Ring of Kerry has the Killarney National Park. We stopped several times at different locations to walk, hike, and view. We saw a beautiful historic house (Muckross House) in the middle of the woods (about a 2.5 mile hike). We stopped at the Torc Waterfall (amazing!). And then we drove along the Ring. This highway around the peninsula of Kerry is amazing. The roads are very narrow, providing for some harrowing experiences, especially when we passed tour buses. Les, you would love this trip on your motorcycle! And any of you who are avid cyclists would also love this road trip! The views are astounding.

After the Ring, we stopped back in Killarney to walk around the city. It is very touristy, but also very quaint at the same time. I had lamb stew for dinner (poor little lamb!) and now I'm typing away at an internet cafe that costs MUCH more than the one in Dublin did. Oh well!

Date: 29 July 2007
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry
Highlights:
- Driving through the Ring of Kerry
- the view from the road
- not getting sick (too badly) on the trip (it was very curvy!)
- lamb stew (sheeps are friends... and food)
-spying the Leprechaun Crossing, even if I didn't see any of the little fellas
Thought of the Day: Maps are friends, especially when they recognize that roads exist where you're driving.

Day 30: A Day in Ruins (Saturday)

A day in ruins... much more literally than figuratively, though! =)

Leaving the hectic pace of the city, we began our journey towards Cork. Along the way we stopped at Cashel, a small village, with a large monastic ruin atop a large hill at the center of the city. The ruins were an impressive sight as we drove in on the small road. The admission price included an informative tour from a guide named "Ashling", a very popular name here. The location dates back to waaaaay long ago, and the oldest standing buildings are from the 12th century. I still can't figure out why it took people so long to learn how to build roofs... none of these buildings have them ;+)

On the tour, I learned that this rock is connected to St. Patrick. One of the legends says that whoever hops around the rock in an anti-clockwise direction (Irish term) will be married within the year. I chose NOT to test the legend because 1) I don't like time limits, and 2) the rock is a replica of the one inside their museum and I bet it wouldn't work anyway! Nevertheless, I touched it just in case something rubs off. =)

After a nice homemade lunch in Cashel at Granny's Kitchen, we drove to Blarney. GPS doesn't like Ireland very much, so it took us a while to find Blarney Castle. (more on this later) Once we finally located it, we walked around the grounds and up to the ruins. I had to carry my umbrella the whole time; the ancient folks in Blarney apparently didn't know how to make roofs either. =) It was a well-defended castle in its time, so it seems strange how much freedom visitors have now. We could walk in all the rooms, through all the corridors, and up all the staircases. Nothing was off-limits!

So I bet you're wondering if I kissed the Blarney Stone. It was still raining and I was hesitant to lie down on the soaked stone floor. Also, I was a little put-off by the idea of putting my lips on a rock that has been touched by thousands of people's mouths every year for hundreds of years, but the company is good (Winston Churchill, royals, etc.) and the lure was too much. Though some may say I don't need any help with talking, I still decided to take advantage of the chance to get the "gift of gab" the Stone supposedly bestows. The older Irish gentleman who was assisting the "kissers" helped me assume the position to begin the smooching session. I had to lie on my back, scootch up to the wall, lean over backwards, and kiss the stone upside down! As I sat down to begin the process, he asked me if I was a good kisser. I just laughed and shrugged. When he helped me return upright, he said that for a girl who didn't brag about kissing, I was clearly skilled in the technique. What a scoundrel! =) I don't have a picture of this event, but Jason got a video of it. I'll put that online when I can figure out how to do it... or just ask me to see it later!

After Blarney, we drove into Cork on the way to our B&B, but the city looked a lot like Dublin - just a little smaller and dirtier... I wasn't impressed. Our B&B was out in the country past Cork and it was a lovely location. We ended up driving out to a smaller town on the coast: Kinsale, the "gourmet capital of Ireland". It was a pretty view and we had a good seafood meal out there. The town seemed much newer, though - no ruins there. =)

Date: 28 July 2007
Location: Cashel, Blarney, Cork, Kinsale
Highlights:
- Rock of Cashel (thanks for the recommendation, Mom! never found the lamb stew place, though... =( )
- Kissin' th' Blaaarney Stohne
- The nicest B&B yet
Thought of the day: I really like ancient stuff - especially ruins. I think I could walk around piles of old stones all day! =)

Day 29: Finding the Free in Ireland

I'm sitting in an internet cafe to write this (and the previous entry), so these will be shorter and probably not nearly as clever as I'd like them to be. Sorry! =)

This morning's "Irish" breakfast tasted uncannily like an English breakfast... hmmm.... Maybe the two countries aren't so different after all. =)

Jason had apparently had enough of trying to drive in downtown Dublin yesterday (it was a nightmare) because he suggested taking the bus this morning. We went into the City Centre and immediately went to Trinity College. We spent the extra 2 Euros and got the guided tour. The college was founded by Queen Elizabeth I to try to "civilize" those brutish Irish through education. It seems like that's what I try to do every day I'm teaching, though I won't limit it to the Irish - just teenagers. =) Anyhoo, the point of going to Trinity College was to see the Book of Kells. It was fascinating to see the literary and religious history behind those sheets of paper. The detail in the illustrations is exquisite. I see why I received so many recommendations to see it! Unfortunately, the guards frown upon attempting to take photographic evidence that the Book of Kells actually exists... so you'll just have to take my word for it - or visit yourself!

We took lunch on the walkway by the Liffey River (which is NOT the source of water for brewing Guinness, the tour yesterday was quick to point out; it's a good thing, too - that water is gross!). There were many despondent Irishmen lying on the benches near the river. It was sad to see so many people struggling. I think Swift's writing on the state of the poor in Ireland probably still applies today!

Speaking of Swift, he was the focus of much of the exhibits at St. Patrick's church (more than Patrick himself, actually). Each of the cathedrals and churches in England and Ireland seems to have adopted a resident author, and Jonathan Swift is St. Patrick's! The cathedral is very pretty inside, but slightly different architecture than the others I've seen. Not sure what the difference is though. Perhaps a different style of Gothic? (care to inform us, Norrie? ...Dad? ...Beuller?) Unlike Westminster Abbey, I was allowed to take pictures, so I think I overdid it. I am trying to include only a few (plus it takes a while for them to upload and I don't want to exceed my time limit here!)

The rain followed me here from England, so I spent much of the day trying to avoid it. Since Jason didn't bring his umbrella or rain jacket, we were trying to squeeze under my yellow umbrella (ella ella a a a) and though it is cute, it is NOT built for two! So we ducked in a few places we may not have normally tried (that, and we were trying to find free stuff to take up time!). We went into Chester Beatty Library (not a clue who Chester Beatty is, though) and saw an exhibit on Leonardo DaVinci's Codex of Leicester. Bill Gates purchased it several years back (shows you how much it is worth!) and had it restored. It's on display now at this location for a month or so. It is all about DaVinci's theories on water, the moon, etc. He was such a genius, but after reading more about him, I think he was also severely ADD! He rarely completed commissioned works, he seemed to jump around from idea to idea, and he had to write backwards in his journals to keep his mind occupied! =)

One of my favourite free exhibits was at the National Library and it featured WB Yeats. My favourite Yeats poem was on display: He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven - originally written on the back of a postcard! I wish my literary genius would come out when I send items through the post! Here's the picture of the postcard (hard to see through the glass, but at least I was allowed to take pictures!)

After a tea break, we returned to St. Patrick's for the Evensong service (also a free event - see a theme here?). It was a beautiful service and the music was provided by a choir from... Atlanta. What are the chances? I didn't recognise anyone, but I still thought it was a small world experience. =) This picture is a stone they think is from St. Patrick's era that combines the Christian cross with the Celtic circle (creating the symbol that we Presbyterians use as a cross!). This was found near the well where good ol' St. Patty would baptise people here in Ireland.

Dinner was at another funky indie restaurant (the only kinds of restaurants around here that have meals under 10 Euros). Even so, my sandwich and coke cost about $15... I am really looking forward to having a "cheap" meal be CHEAP again! (and did I mention free refills?!) ;+)

So that's it for now! Tomorrow we're off to Cork and then the Ring of Kerry and then the Dingle peninsula... not sure when I'll be able to post again, but I'll try!

Date: 27 July 2007
Location: Dublin
Highlights:
- Book of Kells
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Yeats exhibit
Thought of the Day: Cheap is good... when cheap is actually cheap. =)

Day 28: Welcome to the Land O' Guinness

Ireland Adventure Day 1:
Thursday began with last-minute packing and then a flight on RyanAir to Dublin. We picked up the rental car and that's where the adventure really started. Jason is used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road, but he has his left-hand drive Jeep normally. The rental car is a right-hand drive manual. It took some adjusting, but I think he's got the hang of it (I didn't get toooooo sick). =)

Our first stop was the Guinness Storehouse (not because either of us is excessively obsessed with Guinness, but because several people had said it was worth the trip). The exhibits were very informative, even if they were a little over-the-top about how great Guinness is. One of my favourite parts was the vat of barley. I like to be able to touch exhibits. =) After circling upward to learn about the process of brewing Guinness, the Guinness history, Guinness marketing, and Guinness transportation (see? a little excessive!), we finally got to the top floor with a 360 degree view of Dublin and a bar. A pint of Guinness was included with the admission price. Though I'm not normally a stout drinker, I must say I enjoyed that pint! It was much creamier in the States (or maybe I bought in to the hype that Guinness in Ireland tastes better than Guinness anywhere else). =) Just so you know, this picture was taken by a couple who put their drinks on the table with ours - I was not going to drink two pints of Guinness! Every girl has her limits. =)




Next we parked in the City Centre area, walked around Grafton Street (shopping district) and had dinner at a funky little eatery. Since we weren't ready to head back to the B&B yet and since I had a hankering for some Irish music, we found the Temple Bar (a fairly famous bar in Dublin) and sat while a trio (guitar, violin, and random-stringed-instruments) played some great music. It was mostly Irish traditional fused with rock and folk. Jason and I shared a table with a father and his sons who were visiting from England. We compared stories of our tours around the city and chatted about various topics. That's one of the things I love about Europe in general - if there isn't space for you to have your own table, you share one with strangers. And people here, as a whole, are very good conversationalists! The elder son has been teaching English in Hong Kong for about 10 years. His stories were fascinating, and now I want to go teach in Hong Kong (but I am fairly sure that idea will fade quickly). =)

Our B&B is in a nice part of town on the outskirts of the city. The decor is a strange mix of traditional British/Irish and ornate Asian. There are paintings of Dublin next to a Buddha hanging on the wall... quite eclectic, but endearing in its oddity. =)

Date: 26 July 2007
Location: Dublin
Highlights:
- My first encounter with an Irishman was being greeted at the Guinness Storehouse by a friendly guy who gave me my ticket. I could have stayed just to listen to him talk!
- Enjoying the night life in the Temple Bar area
Thought of the Day: There is something to the phrase "Irish eyes are smiling" =)