Shades of Ireland

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 -- Ireland -- the Emerald Isle -- land of lush rolling hills, rugged coastlines, cottages and castles. I've dreamed of visiting Ireland since I was a little girl and learned of my Irish roots. Now we are in route to that very destination.

Our trip, however, is not off to an auspicious start. Yesterday, Jim woke up with some bothersome poison ivy. By noon, his hands were red and swollen. With a little encouragement, he visited the doctor and was given some steroids. Today, he was a little better but we headed for the airport and arrive around noon.

We waited a couple of hours to check in, then headed to Chickie & Pete's for some lunch. While eating lunch, Jim's son called and we learned that a severe hail storm had passed through our home town and damaged both of our vehicles, our camper and our house. Jim called our insurance company but couldn't get through to claims because so many others in our area had experienced the same thing. So he gave them his son's phone number and left the matter until we return home. I'm amazed by his calm approach -- others would have let that spoil the trip, but Jim rightfully put it in perspective -- it will be there when we return. And with so many people filing claims, they might not get to us until next week anyway.

We board our flight and are immediately pleased that we opted for a seat upgrade -- premium economy got us much wider seats, additional leg room, and an upgraded level of service. We were give a glass of water or juice to enjoy while others board the plane. The stewards brought us a comfort bag containing a sleep mask, earplugs, slipper socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and a pen. Once in flight we were offered beverages and a snack before dinner. After dinner we tried to sleep.

Jim's allergic reaction keeps spreading -- his lips are quite swollen and he's very itchy. He's taken benadryl, the steroids, and keeps applying cortisone cream but nothing seems to help. I'm very concerned.

Thursday, May 31, 2019 -- Out of the window of the plane, we see a beautiful blue sky. We've traveled over 3300 miles and will travel another 300 more to get to London. After a brief layover we'll head to Dublin.

There is no sign of the storms which delayed our departure yesterday. It's hard to believe that we flew out of the rain, lightning and hail, and yet felt no turbulence on the plane. These big 747's are amazing.

We arrived in London on-time, despite our delayed departure but had no time there because our connecting flight was already boarding by the time we completed the one-mile walk between gates. We settled in for the 50-minute flight to Dublin. We drank some Sprite and water. Our bodies were reminding us that it was 2:00 am in our home location, and we felt no desire for coffee.

And then, through sleepy eyes, we saw it -- the first glimpse of a shore-line, dotted with windmills, gently revealed to us as we dipped below the clouds. As we continued our approach, we got a closer look at the rocky cliffs and green fields, and the ocean waves crashing on black boulders.

We arrived at Dublin airport and refreshed ourselves with delicious coffee and muffins. More walking, always more walking and we finally met up with our driver who took us to the Gresham Dublin -- a beautiful grand hotel in the heart of Dublin. Although quiite taken by its beauty, we are most charmed by the thought of a bed in which to sleep. We left our home around 11:00 am yesterday morning and it's now 12 noon in Dublin but only 7:30 at home. So we've basically traveled all night, walked 2.5 miles since midnight and slept less than 3 hours. Yes, a nap is definitely in order. Tonight, our Irish adventure begins.