New York City - Here we come!

My sister Peggy and her daughter Colleen and I are going to New York City for March break. The countdown has started. It is only twenty-five days until we go. The last time I was in New York was when my older sister Frankie was a stewardess stationed there and living in Jackson Heights. I think that was about forty-eight years ago. I don’t remember much about it except riding the subway and going to the United Nations building. This will be just like it’s my first time there. I hope the weather is a bit warm while we are there as we don’t want to wear boots. We are staying out in Long Island City which is just across the Queensborough Bridge from Manhattan.


This is going to be quite the adventure. We are concentrating on Manhattan; we will have to look at the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island etc. next time we go. So far we have booked the airline, the hotel, 911-workshop, The City Pass, Central Park Tour, Madame Tussaud’s and a New York Rangers hockey game. We also have on our list – Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the MOMA, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Top of the Rock and the Empire State building.

We have food discounts for three restaurants and we found the perfect take out / delivery place (approved by Guy Fieri on The Food Network) close to our hotel. Also on the list are the famous Katz Delicatessen and the Olive Garden in Times Square, so we should be enjoying food all week. I also want to try some street food if we get the chance and it is not too cold to walk and eat.

At the hotel we are going to try for a view of Manhattan and I am bringing two camera cards in case we run out of space on the first one. We are also taking GPS’s with us and my netbook. There is free Wi-Fi at the hotel and it is not as easy to find internet cafes in North America as it is in Europe. I think every day is going to be an adventure and I can hardly wait for it to start.

Graduation is a magic word

Graduation is a magic word. This June at the age of sixty-five I am finally completing my lifelong dream. I am graduating from University with a Bachelor of Arts. I graduated from Grade 12 when I was sixteen and immediately entered the working world. There were six children in the family – my parents couldn’t afford to give even one of us a higher education. Over the years I have often wanted to return to school and get a university degree. I knew that I could hold my own in most conversations, write a good report, read at a high level, answer the Jeopardy questions and win most of the time at Trivial Pursuit, but I wanted that elusive piece of paper that said I was educated.


Most people told me I was foolish, that I didn’t need it. But for almost fifty years it has niggled at the back of my mind. When I had the chance to return to school, I chose College as the less expensive and shorter alternative that could help me find a new career path. I was fifty at the time and I had a son to support so taking at least three years out of the work force and going deeply in debt seemed a huge barrier to going to University. I didn’t realize that it still was an ambition of mine until my younger sister earned her B.A. in her forties taking courses part-time. After I turned sixty I discovered that Laurentian would let me take my university degree from home while I worked and give me a reduction in tuition fee because of my age. They also gave me credits towards my degree for the college diplomas that I had earned.

Now I was in my glory. I investigated programs that intrigued me. I took courses in music, anthropology, classical studies, philosophy and psychology. I had professors tell me that I saw things from a different point of view. I finally settled on religious studies, not as a step towards the ministry but as a way to broaden my mind and learn more about people and the current pluralism in religion. I took courses in nature based religions, eastern religions, the Old and New Testament, new wave religion and the paranormal. My journey wasn’t always smooth. I switched jobs and got so far behind that I failed two courses. Old age kicked in and I went to an exam two days late and failed the course. All I could do was pick myself up and start over. I paced myself and set a plan of action to make sure I stayed on track and completed all the assignments on time. I worked on getting myself off academic probation and closer to my degree.

Now as I write this note, I know that I am only four assignments and two exams from my goal. I will succeed and I will graduate this spring. I am old enough to be the grandmother of many in my graduating class but I feel young again and I am looking forward to that day and I am so proud of myself. This will be a day I hold in my heart for the rest of my life.

Cork and potatoes and the Irish

We took the bus to Cork. The Hotel is very close to the bus station and across the river and up the hill from the Train station. We went out to Blarney and climbed a million steps and kissed the blarney stone. I thought I was going to fall on my head. I should have worn a belt so the man could have held on to that as you are upside down when you do this. The gardens around the castle are very spacious but not much was blooming. We visited the Witches kitchen and the Druids rock(?) etc. and came back to town. Did some shopping the next day. Peggy keeps saying that my suitcase will burst, but it hasn't yet. I have bought a down filled vest, a scarf, an aran sweater, numerous knick knacks and souvenirs (mousepad, magnets, etc.). Cork has several pedestrian streets so we roamed around and found the English Market and the Merchants Quay which were the best things anyway. The English Market is a food market like Bousqueire in Barcelona or San Vincenne in Paris - covered farmers market. We had dinner at a very nice restaurant. I ordered the lamb and I had some beuatiful lamb served with 4 kinds of potatoes.

The view from our window at the hotel is great we can see the city as it rises from the river.  We also went to Cobh pronounced Cove where the people left for America during the famine. Very moving exposition of the various facets of the times and the hardship of the people.  Walked around town and saw the Cathedral and the Promenade and the Titanic memorial. 

In Malahide today - Saw the Castle - going to Dublin this afternoon.  Home tomorrow.

Lots of interesting things happening and tons of pictures but we are finding it hard to find internet access. Either it is an arm and a leg for cost or like the present (Library) has a ton of restrictions on it.  We found one the other day that was less then 6 € an hour and the place smelled of beer and cigarettes. Many are up huge sets of stairs to the second floor then back down another set to a back area. 

We are having a great time. Knock was interesting 5 churches in a town of about 500 people is always interesting. Souvenirs were rather junkie.  The B & B was on the way into town and the bus driver let us off at the driveway.  The only Bar in Knock was right beside the B & B and I think they owned it as they had the same last name.  The Bartender was their son Ierla (Jerald) who is heading to Dublin to University this year.

Galway was great we spent the first day (arrived at 11:00 am) seeing the city and as we were in the center of town that was rather easy. Next day going to the Cliffs of Moher was beautiful and we met a lady who lives 1/2 a mile away from Peggy's sister-in-law in Newfoundland. The Bus Driver Desmond Morris stopped at a ton of places and told jokes and entertained us the whole way.

Next day we took the bus to Killarney and met a young Italian lady on the bus who came to Ireland to practice and learn English but has a hard time understanding Irish people.

We arrived in Killarney to find the B & B a little out of the downtown but not too far.  Eileen makes up for it though.  She runs a well respected B & B - the tour buses stop automatically to see if anyone is coming.  Her breakfasts are delicious and she volunteers to throw a load of laundry in for you too.

We walked out to Ross castle that day and back through Killarney Park.  Saw Hind which is a form of deer in the park.

The Ring of Kerry yesterday.  The Driver wasn't as good as Des.  Told you what had gone past. The ring is a ring of Mountains. spectacular views. A bit of Sensory overload.  Stopped at Bog Museum, Dog and Sheep demonstration, Very high very very windy hill that overlooked the valley of the hidden treasure Coom A Ceistre, and Lady View - overlooks the Killarney lakes and was Queen Victoria's favorite spot.

On the last day in Killarney I lost my wallet. I didn't realise it for a couple of hours.  We walked back to the last shop I bought anything in and while we stood there the sales clerk realized that it had slipped down between the showcases.  Everything was intact. Thank you St. Anthony and Sheila from Christy's Store.

Donegal and on to Knock

Donegal is not very big. You can circle the town in half an hour and I believe we did several times. The first evening we went on the waterbus and the guide pointed out all the historical and funny points of interest. They use the islands to raise cows on because the grass is available the islands have pure spring water and when they want to go to market they walk the cattle off the islands at low tide.  Low tide here is like the bay of Fundy - the water goes out and leaves a huge mud flat area. The guide sang when he couldn't think of anything to say which luckily wasn't often as he wasn't Dennis Day. We walked around the shops and I looked into the window of McGinty's and Mr. McGinty came out and practically dragged us in so he could show us all the beautiful knits he had, we snuck out when another customer came in. Afterward we walked uptown and had a Sunday evening special at the Hotel (on Monday) I had Salmon and Peggy had roast Beef.  Both very good. We picked up a bottle of wine at the off-license and went back to the B & B by Taxi.

The next day we went and toured Donegal Castle. We also visited every shop in Donegal. The best one was Magees. We had seen a weavers exhibit out the back and when we asked the young man said he would demonstrate if we came back at half four.  We had lunch in a little cafeteria upstairs and went off to visit all the churches (there are four of them) - the Library was closed and we found the Napoleonic Anchor (it was in the middle of the sidewalk and we had past it several times already but didn't see it). We found Morna's Patch (quilting materials and patterns) and the Famine Graveyard.  It poured rain the moment we headed down hill to the graveyard - but as usual it stopped 5 minutes later. During the afternoon we also roamed through the Abbey ruins and the churchyard/graveyard.

At 4:30 we found Stephen from Magees and he took us out to the weavers exhibition. He told us the history of Magees weaving and showed us how the loom worked. They still wash the tweed in the river to soften it. Then he let me weave some cloth.  Peggy took a video which we will post later. He gave us a piece of Peat each to take home. We discovered that we could use the bakery computers if we bought coffee.  We went back to the B & B to get ready for the next day.

Last Day in Dublin

Sunday Morning we got up bright and early to go see the Book of Kells.  We got off at the wrong bus stop and an old lady told us it was only a short walk back to Trinity College.  A short block in Ireland is about a mile, a long block is two miles. We crossed the road and caught the Hop-on Hop-off and let him take us to Trinity College.  Just through the Archway into the square was a small stand and a sign saying tour including the Book of Kells was 10€ and two students were standing there.  Since the Book of Kells was 9€ we decided it was worth the tour.  Steven was our guide. This is his third year at Trinity and he was very knowledgeable about all the funny history of the school. Who got shot through his bedroom window etc. Interesting note Trinity had no heat and no running water until 1980. Brrrrrr. We went down to Temple Bar for lunch. Irish bacon is like peameal so a BLT is a little different. While we were walking back up to Dame street we ended up watching a gay rights Parade - equal rights Gay marriage etc. then we went to Dublin Castle and there was an eight hundred year anniversary of the date that King John gave freedom or Liberties to the city.  We got to watch the parade and the speeches.  We were going to tour Dublin Castle and City Hall but the Castle tours were backed up more then an hour and the City Hall was closed because of the reenactment.  Then we got lost and took the bus the wrong way and missed the last Liffey River Cruise.  We went off and found an ecobike to take us to the craft shops and had a good little wander about and then opted for a couple of pints to ease out upset at what we had missed that day.  There we were on Duke street - I knew a short cut. 

For Dinner we ate at the rooftop restaurant at Marks and Spence.  I took pictures of the pigeons bothering the patrons outside.  It was very funny.

Went back to Ariel House to pack and I think all the contents grew as there didn't seem to be enough room for anything. Finally got packed. We were reading things and discovered that Irish water only has a three day life.  That's what the bottles say - Please discard three days after opening.

Yesterday we took the train and the bus from Donegal to Sligo.  The Train in Dublin - DART has a terrible gap and I kept having trouble getting on and off.  The ride to Sligo was very nice but the bus to Donegal was hilarious.  Two old grannies who had been shopping and wanted to make sure they were on the right bus and couldn't make the arm rest work. etc.

The B & B is way out of town.   We went on the Waterbus. More later - bye for now.

2nd day in Ireland

We got up a little late for us and enjoyed a full Irish Breakfast. The coffee is too strong but the eggs were great. I forgot that Irish bacon is a cross between ham and Peameal bacon. I t was great. Headed back down town and took the full circle of the hop-on hop-off bus. e found the Temple Bar Market and bought Cheese and buns and strawberries for lunch along with some great icy cold water. We saw St. Stephens Green park - someone as having wedding photo's there and we wandered through and took some pictures. I read the map and took us as Peggy says through a lot of back alleys until we found St. Patrick's Park and Cathedral. Just a half a block up the street we found a TIM HORTON'S. It was an outlet with a machine but Tim's is Tim's. and I was happy to see they had some in Ireland.

We couldn't find a bus so we walked up to Christ Church Cathedral and Dublinia Exhibit.  It was just closing but they let us use the john which is always important.  Across the road there was a Viking Fest going on. That was the highlight of the day.  I got a picture of a 3 year old Viking with an axe in his belt shooting a bow and arrow.

We walked from there over to Duke Street and had some Smithfields Irish Ale at the Davy Byrne Tavern. Hopped on the number 7 bus and had Fish and Chip Dinner at the local Pub and some more Irish Ale. Back at the hotel we had a late snack of Strawberries, cheese, crackers and Australian wine.

I feel like all I talk about is food - but the sights are great as well.  Tomorrow I will write about the Book of Kells and the great tour we had there.