Ireland +

The flight across the Big Pond is always hard. It is easier at night. If you don’t have a couple of gabby folks sitting behind you talking the. entire. time. We catnapped our way from ATL to DUB. Arrived zoomie & wandered the airport until catching our flight to Edinburgh. Taxi to the Air B&B flat and dad was done. He had gotten over 2 miles walking in through airports. Got him settled in then Greg & I left to see what we could squeeze in.

Hiked mile & a half to catch a HopOnHopOff* bus to see the highlights. It was chilly & last run of the evening so there was no getting off. Phone battery was dying and we might’ve been a wee bit concerned about finding our way back to the flat. Got in the general neighborhood then asked a local for food recommendations. Had a delightful Italian meal, took dad back his, turned in for sleep of the dead.

This is, however, our Ireland trip. I told the men that I wasn’t going to get this close to Scotland/England and not see a bit of it. Consequently, these first few days are going to be a blur of a bit of the United Kingdom. Should be enough to determine if I want to come back and if not, will have at least seen/done something in this nook of the globe.

Up early to catch train to London. Five hours of Sottish (then English) countryside, sheep, rolling hills, low stone walls, wind-farms, rock-faced homes, in & out of urban areas. The train trip was Dad’s suggestion. He LOVED it! Note (for those who understand): he also saw a Coca Cola truck.

Took a taxi to our Notting Hill VRBO that is three flights up with no lift...yikes! Dad said it reminded him of their first apartment—but that it was easier at twenty. Hiked (UP hill) to catch shuttle to London HOHO*. Greg & I like to do these in major cities to get oriented and decide what we want to go back & see. It was a rainy, cold day and we’re headed out of town tomorrow, so a little was better than nothing! Dinner at a local favorite in Chinatown. Another good day. 

*HOHO pics are on the camera; those of you REALLY interested can see the whole album upon our return. 

Pictures!