This too shall pass

Be well, my friends.

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Ye travels

Back home safe and sound.

Dreaming of magnificent green pastures from days past, beaming to be reunited with my son, and scheming of future travel already.

The Emerald Isle is a beautiful, magical, ancient place aye.

It boasts of grassy-green, rolling meadows, exquisite literature, majestic castles, journeying wonders, and picture-perfect postcard views as far as the eyes can see.

It's a country peppered with charming villages, picturesque fishing towns, and spectacular views of jaw dropping scenery from coast to coast. 

Until now, I honestly believed that much of the colors of Ireland's vibrant countryside were photoshopped.

but they're not.

How I love the Irish culture, so rich and varied.

Its people, kind with smiling eyes.

Its history of weak political leadership, colonialism, absentee landlordism, and the pain and suffering of religious wars brings weepy tears to my eyes and breaks my very heart.

Then there's the Irish food *bites palm*

slow cooked Guinness beef stew

shepards pie

Boxty potato pancakes

Bailey's cheesecake

And the Irish certainly love their drink.

The ubiquitous, deep roasted Guinness, the single malt whiskeys, the reds, the ales, the Irish coffees, the cider, the meads and the poitin, oh my.

What a gift it has been to witness and experience three weeks of the Irish culture, its charming people, its traditional foods, the fierce, deadly Irish slang, the singing, and the happyfooted dancing on cobblestone streets that pave the way to warm inviting pubs.

The lush green land smells of freedom indeed.

Fun Fact:
Did you know that St. Patrick was not Irish?

He was actually Welsh.
I dare say you Google it, if you don't believe me.

With a deep sigh and a heavy heart, I now am done with doing the Dub, fully rejuvenated and ready to begin the next chapter of this wondrous life.

Looking forward to resting on my very own lilypad.

Éirinn go Brách

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Hoop la-la on the Majestic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

 

Veni Vidi Vici  

I came. I saw. I conquered the craggy Cliffs of Moher on this fine (and quite blustery) Irish day of days. One less thing to do on the bucket life list now.

         

Methinks I'll be startin' a hooplaround the world's greatest city landmarks challenge.

Yes... I believe I'll get to hooping at the following locales:

The Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
The Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California
The Hollywood sign - Hollywood, California
The Statue of Liberty - New York, New York
The Jesus Statue - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
The Roman Colloseum - Rome, Italy
The Great Wall of China - Northern China, China
The Kremlin Square - Moscow, Russia

etc. etc. etc.

Oh, I've delicious ideas...



This lush, greenish emerald country has done nothing but inspire me.

I do hope yer doing all that makes ye happyfaced.

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Dublin by day, by night

How I adore the thriving metropolis of Dublin by day...

...and its enchantment by night

Time to Dublin up.

x

        

A Fallon and Byrne Cheese and Wine Break

Comte St. Antoine (France)

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (Vermont)

Ardrahan (Ireland)

Life changing cheeses.

Covet them.

x

         

Lovely Day for a Guinness... in a Gravity Bar

There we stood today at the gates of heaven (or my kind of heaven anyways).

The majestic, entryway to the St. James Gate Brewery, at the Storehouse located in Dublin, Ireland. Home of the perfectly-roasted, barley-malted, brewer's yeast of a creamy dream in the very land of all that is Guinness.

Please enjoy this vintage advertisement indicating that the smooth stout is suitable for all species.

The building sits amidst an industrialized region of Dublin, and this castle of sorts shines like a diamond in its very postcard worthy setting.

The number one city tourist attraction is certain to remain an Irish mainstay, so please don't fret if you haven't had the opportunity to pay a visit to the historical storehouse as of yet.

 

You see, that safely encased beneath a glass atrium lies a 9000 year old lease that won't be up until the year 10,759. You've plenty of time.

 

The "high point" of the Guinness Storehouse tour wraps with a trip up to the top-topper. This includes a complimentary Guinness and a 360 degree view of the city of Dublin. 

And of course no tour is complete without an involuntary exit through the gift shop. Although, in this case its said name is simply "The Store".

 

 

Personally, I believe there is entirely too much pressure for any given store (Guinness or not), to assume the name "The Store", but I didn't name the shop so I do wish it the very best in keeping up with its namesake.

I did support the Irish economy with a purchase of two tiny Guinness rugby balls for dear son and dear nephling.

 

Additionally, I threw down for a stripedy pair of just over the knee toucan socks for yours truly.

Tomorrow we venture out West.
The ancient, majestic, and rugged West Coast of Ireland, that is.

I've an empty yoga mat bag suited for a traveling yogi, but tonight I've replaced the contents of the tote with my collapsible hoop and a few personal items for the journey.

The carrier lies perfectly diagonal across my back, and I am now fitted with my trusty armor in tow, fully prepared for the grand trek that lies ahead as a mountain, warrior, hoop goddess should.

Again, please excuse me as I take to the blue skies for a little cloud fluffing, the emerald green hills for an adventurous frolic, and a skeedaddle off for a coastal giggle.

I do hope you are fantastic and well my friends. I welcome you to enjoy a small handful of the very classic, and very nostalgic Guinness posters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed

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