Motherland '08

is a wrap. It was an outstanding 12 (11?) days spent in Ireland, Kela's homeland. Heartfelt thanks to Kelly for bringing yours truly and the same to Leah for the opportunity.

Killah and I are tossing around ideas for Motherland '09. Croatia is on the agenda and we'll throw in another country - maybe Italia? There will be a blog for that, too. We'll probably update this one because we're used to it now and we don't want to disappoint our fans. I know there are more than the 8 of you that are following this blog. Those 8 are the die-hard fans that don't have to pay membership fees.

Back to reality..it ain't cute..

Oh, where to start? I'm at my mom's house sitting in front of the computer just absolutely missing Ireland. I almost have tears swelling in my eyes. The Country has made such an impact on me that I had a slight breakdown on our flight back home yesterday, the tears just couldn't stop rolling down my face (some into my mouth, whole new meaning to water works). I guess the reason why is the reflection of what Tania and I had experienced and how lucky we were to experience them.

Belfast was amazing. The history that holds this city together is outstanding, the fact that the history is still their reality to this day is mind boggling. I don't need to tell you about the segregation of the Catholics and the Protestants (Tania has already given you a snip it of it), but it's so intense that you can't even ask a local what their religion background is in fear that someone may overhear you or their answer. As your walking down the streets, you see the police "walking the beat", you can feel the intensity that this city isn't a joke. The flip side of Belfast is that you can go for a day trip and view the Causeway which is over 5million years old or visit the shipyards where the remains of the Titanic is resting or take in the history that lays right in the city center.
Belfast is just in the beginning stages of rebuilding itself. They're hoping that in 5 years the city will rejuvenate itself in being one of the most sought after cities to visit. I say, go now, so you can see how beautiful it is before they overbuild it with high rises and department stores. Once this happens, visitors will not be that interested in the history that is so thick in Northern Ireland.

Our last day was one of our favorite day's. I was able to finally get my families name tattooed on my back with the memory of my father. It was a emotional day. Full of energy and excitement and the fact that I met someone doesn't hurt either ;p
We spent the better part of the day trying to explain what I had invisioned to be written:

' T.Kelaher
Oct.11,1944-June 12,2005'

But it didn't come out like this....a few times. The handsome shop owner Erik may of had a hard time explaining it to Andor who didn't speak English very well. The final design is absolutely beautiful and I love it.

In closing, this trip has opened my eyes to something that I am sure I will be infatuated with for the rest of my life. Traveling is meant to open your eyes, to learn how someone who is just like you has lived a completely different life. People's lives are so rich with what we hold so dear.. ancestors, past history and the makings of new history.

I am surely blessed that I was able to see Ireland and relay the experience through my eyes of what my father had dreamt of his whole life. I didn't cruise the country in a Winnebago like he had imagined but view with my dear friend Tania.

Thank you to the people who have been following this journey with us. There are more plans in the works to see Tania's mother land Croatia in the near future..stay tunned.

This is Killer K signing out xo

Home sweet home

The eagles have landed, as Kelly would say. We got in around 7 pm and met up with Bev and Bob at Dorval. I'm drinking black coffee (no mlk!) right now. A sure sign the earth has stopped spinning on its axis.

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind. We decided to forgo sleeping Saturday night and just stay up until our Aer Lingus flight back to London. A good idea, in theory. We had six hours to burn in Heathrow until our 3.30 pm flight for Montreal. Fortunately, those six hours were spent in terminal 5 where we made sure to relieve ourselves of extra baggage by spending the english pounds we had left. I was beyond excited to restock my Shu Uemura mascara, as they don't carry it in Canada.

Sunday afternoon, back in Belfast...
Last time I posted, we were on our way to the tattoo shop. Kelly had her heart set on a tattoo and she pretty much had the design in mind (family name). She had brought in a sample the day before, jotting it on hotel stationary. Something so simple turned into an intense two hours as we sat through the resident translator relaying to the Hungarian, non-English speaking tattoo artist, what Kelly wanted. The bad feelings started when Kelly looked over the artist's shoulder and saw him sketching - he was sketching the logo of our hotel, as seen on the sample. I die laughing when I think about Kelly walking out with a tattoo of our hotel on her back. After ixnaying that one (and another!), he really wasn't looking impressed and the translator let us know by informing us that he could've done half a sleeve (half an arm of tattoos) in the time he spent on her design. We contemplated making a run for it. Any confidence I had for Killah walking out with a good tattoo was sitting in my shoes because all signs were shouting "SUSPECT".

It turned out perfect. Exactly what she wanted. Turns out, Andor is a bad-ass artist.

It was a great few days in Belfast, a couple of more would've been even better. There were tons of things we didn't get to do because of the weather and time. We're not done with Belfast.

Back on Sunday night, driving to Ottawa...
my mind started playing tricks on me. I didn't tell Kelly or Bev this, but I was in a daze and I swear, it sounded like Bob had the thickest Irish accent. Bob lives in Ottawa and has about as thick an Irish accent as I do. And, while coming in and our of my fog I was wondering why Bev was driving now because Bob was driving when we left Montreal. I momentarily forgot we were back to drivers on the left side.

Today, I feel a bit sluggish and am missing Ireland and Belfast hard. This morning, I woke up at my normal time. My body thinks it's going to work. Think again, body. I wonder how I'll function at work tomorrow. After spending a minimum of 7 hours a day walking, I wouldn't be suprised to find myself doing laps around my office every hour.

I'm going to ring Kelly and see if she wants to go to a pub later and walk ten miles in the rain.

Belfast rocks.

This city is wicked. We did the city centre/shopping district walkabout as we do in every city. Strictly for research purposes - need to ensure merchandise mix in all Topshop locations are consistent. Following that, we went to Mourne Seafood Bar and had the best meal since Market Lane in Cork. On our way back to the hotel, we popped into a tattoo shop so Kelly could kick around some ideas for a new tattoo. We're going back there now to see what they came up with for her. We have to go back to Zara, though. We have some stuff on hold.

The weather is mental today - viciously windy. We took a video of us being attacked by the wind and bitch-slapped by my umbrella...pretty funny. We did the Black Cab tour (in a blue car that didn't really look like a traditional black taxi) and it was really neat. Housing here is 80% segregated (Catholics, Protestant) and the schools are 95% segregated.

Belfast is in the midst of major development right now, it's really buzzing and very tourist-friendly. In five years, this city will be absolutely phenomal. They want to prepare this city for the 2012 Olympics in London and it looks like great progress is being made.

I can't wait to come back.

Ohhh Galway....

I'm not sure if it was the weather, the lack of steam in me or what?!? I'm a bit sick as well.. Maybe I'll have a different perspective later on? None the less, it was a beautiful city. Wish we would of had the chance to see Aran Islands, but due to bad weather conditions, the ferry wasn't running...another time? absolutely. I have plans of coming back to my motherland in the near future.

We just arrived in Belfast today by train, what a beautiful scenic ride, words can't explain the vibrant green rolling hills and the large mountains that hug this Country. Itook some pictures and some video's, but it doesn't do it justice...

Tonight, Tanialasvegas and I are hitting-up some nightlife to get back on track with our real lives, I think we need it..actually, I know we need it. We have a few lounges/clubs in mind and possibly a nice seafood dinner will be in the works. Ahh back on track it is..

Can't wait to see you all!! We'll be back Sunday night, Mom & Bobby will be picking us up at the airport in Montreal and then back to the grind Tuesday.

I love you all xoxox

Big blast in Belfast

We just got here, so nothing is really happening, but that title makes it sound promising, yes?

Train ride here was amazing - best scenery I've seen on all trains we've done. This city is gritty and friendly and so far, I love it.

Our original plan was to see Giant's Causeway tomorrow, but we really want to check out this city, so we may forgo that. Within the city, we'll probably do the touristy Black Cab tour and a walkabout of the Titanic shipyards.

Enjoy your day - we will.

Mother Nature has spoken

and she gave us a big middle finger and threw a monsoon down on us. The wind is out of control, although the rain has subsided a bit. We were supposed to leave at 8 am and our front desk informed us that they will check on the weather after noon and the ferry out to the islands will make the call on whether it's they will go out. We are numbing our pain with shopping. It's not the best remedy, but it will work.

Yesterday's walk through Galway was so lovely. In each city we've been in, shopping districts are lined along pedestrian walkways and Galway is no exception. It's nice to not have to battle with cars when you've zig-zagging from store to store. Crossing the street is another issue all it's own. 5 out of 10 times, it's like crossing a death trap. To reward ourselves with a successful street-cross, we popped in to an old pub by Eyre Square that once was a shop and small bar. The bartender told us that the counter we were sitting at is an original part of the shop, and it was where ladies would purchase goods while the men drank in the pub (ladies were not permitted in pubs at one time). In 1927, the wall separating the two was torn down. That's all I remember. I tuned out because he gave us his laptop to research how to get to Belfast and I had work to do.

It's unfortunate that it's been raining most of the time here and we really haven't been able to see a lot of the city, although I have seen the inside of many pubs.

I miss Dublin now. I take back what I said earlier.

P.S. Kelly's Timberland's and my Air Force 1's have been severely assaulted by the weather here. We are pressing charges.

All the way in Galway...

Wow what a journey! We left Cork yesterday morning, a bit saddened that we had to leave such a beautiful city and such great hosts Avril and Toni at Fernroyd's B&B. I will see you again soon!
Both T'Nasty (her new MC name) wished that we would of have had one more day in Cork and one day less in Dublin...tis' what it is.

Monday we ventured up to Blarney so I can finally see what 'the gift of the gab' was all about.
As we stepped off the bus the rain just poured down on us, luckily there was a pub right in front of us (go figure) so we decided to grab a Guinness and sit while the rain passed us by. As we were sipping this delicious nectar, we didn't realize that we were among the winners of the Blarney Hurling team, all of the sudden a man tapped his glass and started to sing an ol' Irish ballod, my eyes just swelled, this was finally what I was looking for!!! Thoughts of my Dad came pouring through, it was amazing. After our lunch, we headed up to the Blarney Stone, absolutely breath taking, we went all of the way up to the top of the castle's narrow staircase where I would have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, hilarious. Then I saw the old Irish man that was going to hold me while I was bentover backwards..as I lay down and started my descent he said " Ah, lets see how she kisses in the afternoon!!" SAY WHAT! no you didn't! and, yes he did..what could I say? i was at his mercy, I slapped his arm when I got up, cheeky man. Love it.
That night, T'Nasty and I decided that this was the night to venture out and possibly have a bender..it was Monday, and not much goes down in Cork on Monday nights..we did however manage to finally meet a guy, not a Irish, but a Belgium, lets just call him M'Nasty (this was the day we made up MC names, obviously). We went to this young University Bar, not our steez, then we went to a place called 'Havana's',weird, we left promptly. Then M'Nasty had the idea to go back to center town and hit a afterhours bar/pub, we were absolutley down as T'Nasty & I haven't had a night out in awhile. It ended up being a Hendrix cover band and a blues band, simply amazing. Good memories.

Lets just say we had a 'grand' time in Cork, it's surely missed. I already can't wait to visit this city again.

Yesterday we traveled across Ireland to get from Cork to Galway, took us all day by train, it very scenic, rolling hills, sheep farms, a old ruin of a castle and once again too late to take a picture, did I tell you that I'm kicking myself for not buying a new camera?!? silly Irish girl.

Today is a whole new day in a new city! First thing is first, coffee and a internet cafe, but I saw a Claddagh jewlery store..must stop in and purchase a ring, maybe it will finally bring me luck? I have everything going towards good luck now, a Claddagh ring, I kissed the Blarney Stone and oh ya, I bit into a pearl last night that was in one of my mussels (at least that's what the chef said as we returned the mussels, back to the kitchen). I kept the 'pearl' just in case, I'll be getting it appraised later this afternoon.

I think that's it for now,
This is KillerK reporting to you from Galway.
xo

Live from Galway, Tania reporting

Your favourite terrible twosome have arrived in Galway. We pulled in yesterday after what seemed like a ten hour train ride (was four in total). We had to go to Dublin to catch a connection from Cork to Galway, so it seemed longer. And after two days with no internet, finding an internet cafe was our top mission this morning.

Our stay in Cork was really great - such a cute little spot. The BnB was excellent and our hosts were so sweet (and funny!). Kelly was offered a job washing dishes, should Canada not work out. Last time we posted, we were on our way to Blarney Castle. Truly stunning in person and the grounds are outstanding. The castle itself is intimidating - the stairs to the top were sooo narrow and I was sure I'd go sliding down them. A darling local we met at the bus stop was our pseudo tour guide and I'm sure he thought I was cracked as he dealt with my one-liners as I scaled the walls in an effort to not go rolling down. At the very top is the Blarney Stone. I thought it was a giant rock (much like the Cavar one, for family members), but it's actually just part of the castle wall. I wasn't about to touch it without proof of it being scrubbed so I supervised Kelly laying back and kissing this stone upside down. I couldn't really enjoy the top because I was so nervous that I'd fall out of any opening I passed (with my vise grip on the railing and all).

That night, our mission was to find some semblance of nightlife in Cork (pop. 125K)...on a Monday night. We met a lovely Belgian lad on the street with the same agenda. Our first stop was this cheesy bar where there was a DJ spinning (I win) mediocre music (everyone loses), but it was alright. Our Belgium friend, M, is a huge Cork fan and knows where the hot spots are, so he took us to this after hours joint (after hours in Cork is anything after midnight). It seemed questionable until we scooted to the back where the bar opened up to this venue type room where a Jimi Hendrix Experience cover band was playing. That was a gem of a find. Shout out to M-Nasty for being in-the-know.

We lost most of yesterday to travelling and unfortunatley, never made it to Kinsale. We're excited about seeing Galway today. I've 86'ed any hope of shopping and have focused on more important things, like finding the good restaurants and pubs. Today, we will organize ourselves for our trek out to the Aran Islands in the morning - Kelly K especially has been looking forward to this.

P.S. Some have enquired - no, there have been no U2 sightings. Mission aborted.

Hallelujiah!!!!

Wow, what a difference!! Tania and I went out for our first well balanced meal last night! It was the most amazing feeling..I think I fell in love with food all over again. We had to pinch ourselves a few times to make sure it wasn't a dream. Tony, our host at the B&B we're staying at (absolutely beautiful and very welcoming) suggested that we give this restaurant called Market lane a try and boy what a fab recommendation!

Today, we're heading to Blarney where the Blarney Stone lives, apparently if we kiss this ruin backwards we're supposed to get the gift of the gab and have some kind of luck..we'll see..maybe I'll come with and Irish man..pray for me.

That's it for now..

ps Juhee - I had a crazy & funny dream about you lastnight!!

Killer K ~ out!

Greetings from Cork!

What a cute little town! It's quaint and appears to have a thriving indie/arty scene. And that meal we were en route to when we posted yesterday - amazing. It was at Market Lane that we went to, following a recommendation from our innkeeper and the food was sooo good. And this morning - a traditional Irish breakfast with proper coffee straight from a french press. Thank goodness.

It barely misted in Dublin, but it's been raining and dreary here in Cork since we arrived. Finally getting some use out of that umbrella. Not getting any use is my hairdryer - the adapter I purchased here apparently isn't compatible. Trying to find solace in the one pound Remmington hair dryer supplied.

Our plan today was to go to Kinsale, but we think we'll push that off until tomorrow and visit Blarney Castle today. Kelly is looking up train/bus schedules as we speak, so it's not really settled at this moment. She just told me it's very far and we may have to take the city bus. Right on! It's a nice change from walking which we do for HOURS on end. Seriously. I may start walking to work when I return home.

xoxo

Peace out, Dublin

We've reached a consensus - not feeling Dublin all that much. The rose-coloured glasses came off and turns out the shopping isn't great and neither were the meals we had. And why can't I catch some good coffee? I always think I've asked for a cup of coffee and end up with a latte in my hand. I will say, the weather was great there. Very much like home.

Yesterday, we went to Dublin Castle. Well, we spent ten minutes in line at Dublin Castle. It was 21 euros to get in, so we bounced and went down the street to Christ Church. Phenomenal medieval cathedral. I'd give you some history on it, but truth be told, I didn't pay attention to the literature because I was snapping flicks. Following that, we headed north of the Liffey River to explore yet another shopping district. Similar to Grafton in that Sparks Street-on-steroids quality, Abbey and Henry Street appeared to be more like Sparks Street with a hangover. Back south, please. That night, as expected, another pub and more Guinness. See a trend? Oh, and I saw a live Irish singer! Very exciting, as my musical tastes are limited to well...you know. Kelly K was all about it.

This morning, we packed up and arrived here in Cork a few hours ago. Already, it's left a far lasting (favourable) impression than our previous host city. The two people we've met so far (taxi driver and innkeeper) are exceedingly friendly and full of great information about the city. I suppose they should be! The innkeeper used a lot of those buzzwords that I love 'organic', 'local produce', 'fresh fish'. Right now, we just stopped in to this internet cafe en route to a restaurant and a mini-tour of the area. Tomorrow, we eat like Queens in Kinsale (medieval town west of here), as it's the gourmet capital of Ireland and their food festival on. I'm so excited to have good food!!!

As for the absence of photographs, we've used Kelly's camera mostly, but she doesn't have the cord necessary to upload them onto the computer. And I don't have a memory card, so I can take a maximum of 15 pics at a time. This is what our table in the PM often looks like:

See ya Dublin...

so Dublin was ok, I was told from a few people who have been there that it was an okay city, and that it was. I found it pretty expensive, couldn't find a decent meal under 20euro or a normal cup of coffee. I found the people weren't as nice as I expected them to be either. Ah well, I'm glad I had the chance to see it for myself.

We just arrived in Cork and so far the people are very friendly and the town looks beautiful. It's raining today, but that won't let me and miss LasVegas and I down! We are Irish & Croatian troopers...we walk all day and all night, you would think we would be loosing weight right??!? Nope! Due to the lack of nutrition that Dublin has to offer, and the food cost, we've been eating fish & chips, bagels, sandwiches and junk food. BUT NOT IN CORK! looks as though we'll be eating fresh fish, oysters, and a ton of fresh seafood!

We're heading to Kinsale tomorrow for their Gourmet Food Festival aahhh yyeeaahh!! Can't wait..

Until next time my loved ones xoxox

Day 1.5

We've finished out first full day/night here. Last night we went to Temple Bar and hit up a few places. No one is spinning hip hop in these parts, let me tell you. I failed yet again as Direction Supervisor and sent us walking far off into the night in an area that didn't exactly scream 'Safe'. I admitted defeat and hailed a cab. Why do I always think I know where I'm going? I convince myself that I've memorized the map and Kelly is starting to figure out she can't trust me when I say "it's this way...".

We went to Kilmainham Jail this afternoon. Decent tour - pretty grungy, as one would expect. They made reference to the gallows but we didn't see it. I think it was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it type of thing. We took pictures, but we don't have the usb for the computer. Tomorrow we'll remember.

No sightings of U2, yet. Yet.

Here's a travel tip:

Stay away from Heathrow Airport, if you can. We're arrived safe and sound, after a 24 hour trek. Of what we've seen so far, it's quite lovely. Beautiful greenery (as one would expect) and Georgian architecture. Last night after arriving, we planted out bottoms in a pub for pint then travelled up a ways to some place for fish and chips (so typical, I know). I'm adjusting to the food prices - I'm a little stunned.

We were a mess this morning, but finally got it together and head out for a b-fast at this franchise called The Bagel Company. As we were sitting and eating, we watched as the employees (4 for a tiny little place) cleaned the counters, food displays, microwaves, everything. Busy little bees cleaning even the mayonnaise squeeze bottle. I'm all about hygiene and cleanliness, so I'm all about The Bagel Company now.

Right now, we're sitting in an internet cafe on Grafton Street. It's full of shops and throngs of people. Think Spark Streets on steroids. I'd take a flick, but I still haven't purchased a memory card for my camera. I can't resign myself to paying the 40-60€ price tag. That'll teach me for not being prepared.

Today is shopping mode (for those interested, great style here). Tomorrow, we're going to Kilmainham Jail.

Signing off...TV

The eagles have landed...

First things first, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! I love you very much xoxox I know Bobby will make your day /night special...better be.


Well, what an adventure. It only took us about 24hrs to get here with all of the connections. Note to self, never route through Heathrow again, it was a nightmare.


Dublin is beautiful, the weather is much like Ottawa, today is beautiful, sun is shinning with a cool breeze. Perfect for shopping...oh yes, the shopping is banana's..Dawn you would die. The fashion is wicked, conservative, tailored, baggy sweaters with skinny jeans or tights with knee high leather boots..scarfs, striped shirts, basically Ottawa x 20 , but not as pretentious as Montreal.

Last night we went to our first pub, Mulligans, had my first Guinness mmmm so good! Then we carried on to another pub for some classic fish & chips, then back to the hotel where we crashed hard at 9pm. It was a late wake-up this morning, it took us some time to get sorted with the time change. Basically my body gave me the middle finger when I finally woke up at 11am.

Today we decided to shop, good idea? always. Expensive? absolutely. I'm being careful though, I have Tania the conversion doctor always on hand to let me know if I'm in way over my head.

I think that's it for now. Miss you all..

Happy Birthday again mom xoxox

Military times and expired passports

let this be a lesson to us all! they say when your a travel agent, you are your worst agent. All I have to say is check your times twice especially if they're in military times. Lets just say, I thought we were landing back into Canada at 930pm from London, we'll after thanking my beautiful family, friends and the turkey I was about to devour, Tania called, to my fault, we are meant to land at 630pm. Idiot. Slightly disappointed in myself. I'm over it..and just happy that Bob & Bevy will be picking us up upon our arrival.

Now lets talk about 24hrs ago when I felt my throat close in along with the walls. Yes, Tanialasvegas calls..I thought it was a simple courtesy call saying 'OMG WE'RE GOING TO IRELAND!!!" and it wasn't. Poor Tania, mon petite amour. She was convinced that her passport was expired..Needless to say, it all worked out, thanks to the guy at the passport office who quickly showed her that in fact her passport is valid until 2012.

Amy, you and I should of had her read the passport aloud and realized that the MAY 12 did not mean May 12th 2008, but May 2012.

Until next time...

Finally,

we're getting somewhere. We're relaxing at Dorval after a harrowing 24 hours. Harrowing for me, as I thought my passport expired yesterday. I'd really like to relive it and tell the story, but it's too embarrassing. Let me get a vodka on ice from the bar first.

Kelly is next to me writing a post, tickled silly. We are neophytes with this whole first-class scene, but I feel as though I belong here. It's champagne and caviar from now on for me.

Our flight takes off at 9.40pm and lands five or six hours later at Heathrow and my dear cousin is meeting me there for a hug and gab fest. From there we sit around four or five hours and take off to Dublin. I have to admit, it's crossed my mind that it's entirely possible that we'll meet one or more members of U2 at a pub.

I may get a record deal.

Bye bye

And we're off!

Today is the big day

for purchases. The rain jacket, footwear and bag required should be mine by the end of the day . The other three shopping trips this week were practice runs. I think I'll be able to fit it in between Thanksgiving brunch (I call it brunch because Croatians have holiday dinners at one in the afternoon) and finishing some things for work. Today, I will wear my High Hopes Cloak.

If by some stroke of bad luck (aka bad planning) and time is not on my side, I will finish up my shopping on Tuesday. I'll bet Kelly is reading this and has rolled her eyes so far back in her head that they're stuck. I'm confident that I'll be locked and loaded come Tuesday afternoon.

Shout out to cousins E-squared who came through with luggage + locks.

Planning out the daily itinerary

is not recommended. Most people that I've talked to about making a plan say not to make one because everything will change when you get there. It makes sense and puts less pressure on us while we try to get everything else in order. Like buying the shoes, jacket, bag and umbrella.

That being said, there are some things I definitely want to check out:

• Kilmainham Goal in Dublin. Prison built in the 18th century.
• Neolithic necropolis of Brú na Bóinne. 5000 year old Word Heritage Site.
  
• Gallery of Photography in Dublin
  
• Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast
  
• Cliffs of Moher
• Giant's Causeway
• Aran Islands
  
• The good clothing boutiques in each city

I don't know much about the televsion there. I hope they have some good programs on the tube.

Safety Tips

A co-worker lent me one of those travel books (for Ireland) that give you the run down on where to stay, what to see, and what to avoid.

This book made reference to the petty crime of pick-pocketing and purse-snatching being a nuisance in Ireland. I read between the lines and translated this to "do not carry anything of value and travel in packs; consider arming yourself". Kelly and I planned on purchasing money belts to wear under our clothes or some sort of bag we can wear under our jackets. Kelly asked some friends of hers that have been to Ireland and they laughed at us.

Turns out, that's the least of it. Ireland has a huge drug problem and my cousin's husband warned that it isn't uncommon to be approached by addicted teens attempting to lure you into alleys. During his time there, he was told to look them right in the eye and say with authority "f#ck off!". Good to know because I would've relied on my standard issue scowl/blank look.

If you have useful tips on staying safe in Ireland, do share.

ETA: Received another safety tip from same cousin's husband Saturday night - do not give these drug-addicted teens the finger.

Finally

all booked! Kelly finished the last of the reservations. She ended up calling the innkeeper from that BnB in Cork who never replied to my email(s) after I sent her my credit card information. The kind lady said her email wasn't working, but I know better. Hotmail doesn't lose emails, it just reroutes them to the junk folder. In any case, I was relieved to hear she didn't flee the countryside with my Visa number. Still have to wait for my statement, though.

Not much left to do, just buy new walking shoes/boots, a jacket, umbrella, a new bag and locks for my luggage. Speaking of luggage, I don't have any of that either so I'll be borrowing from my darling cousin.

Travel Agent Discounts, is there such a thing?

After emailing and calling the hotels that Miss Las Vegas & I will be staying in, my agent status is not what I had hoped for. Disappointing. I didn't get into this business for the high perks that everyone had spoke of, but throw me a bone! Oh wait, we're going first class!
Either way, I thought a hotel would open their arms in hopes that a travel agent would stay at their hotel and possibly 'put them up' to impress the agent. If this was the case, I would rush back to my agency, talk about it, sell the property with confidence and make everyone happy.

In the end, lets be honest, I will still flash my IATA card and drop my profession down in hopes that we get some kind of 'hook-up', with pride.

The last of the reservations are coming together

in my head. Nothing has actually changed since yesterday, but we have agreed on the hotels and just have to book them. On Sunday, I gave my credit card information to a BnB in Cork to secure the room, but never heard back. Not sure if I should be alarmed as of yet. Until I hear it's confirmed, I consider us hotel-less in Cork.

I am wondering about the grocery store scene in Ireland. I hope the produce is on point.

A quick thank you

I think my first post should go to the lady who paid it forward to me and has given myself and Tania this opportunity to go on such a wonderful trip.

She's a pretty special person, one who I admire and look up to. A lot like me, she had a hard time taking vacation or time off for herself..but she came to a point in her life where she knew it was time to explore and get to know the world that she speaks so highly of in her career.

I think it's my time Leah, I thank you for this opportunity to change my life.

Kelly

T minus 7

means 7 days to go before we leave, if it wasn't obvious. The plan is as follows:

Fly from Montreal to London, ClubWorld style, then Aer Lingus-it from London to Ireland.
Spend four days in Dublin, move on to Cork for two, Galway for three and Belfast for two. Aer Lingus-it back to London and enjoy ClubWorld again to Montreal.

Everything is booked except for transpo to and from Montreal and accomodations in Dublin, Cork and Belfast....oh, but we're so close. I drum up a vision of us sitting in an internet cafe in each said city, researching accomodations. Cross-referencing sites and prices endlessly until we wind up in a 20-bed hostel room with a shared bathroom wondering what went wrong.