Merry Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas!  Santa came to Scotland! (sort of)  The day broke and I made breakfast eggs and fruit for everyone before we headed out to our day's destination: The Zoo!  We had an appointment to see the Pandas promptly at 11:30.  Catch the bus (one of the only ones running today) down in St. Andrew's square and we're golden right?  Come on now kids, you know my stories aren't that easy...

So we trek off to the square, which is about a half mile's walk.  The entire city of Edinburgh was like a ghost town.  Not a car or another human in sight at 9:30 in the morning.  As we're searching the square for some sign of life (and Aunt CC had taken off for the bus station terminal, which she was convinced would be open- you can guess it was closed as we knew it would be), we hear a few voices calling us over.

We are greeted by a taller man, dressed in army green from head to toe and his face and hands covered in soot.  His hair is a little scraggly, could definitely use a wash, but smiling and welcomed us to the Occupy Edinburgh family...originally from LA, he and his buddy Jimmy an organic Scotsman.

They were happy to give us directions, but wanted to point out some festive decorations they had hung up on Christmas eve.  We turn around to see the World HQ for RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)...an elegant and massive building right beside the square.  Our eyes glaze over the front and slowly up to the top, where at the peak of the flagpole, right below the black and white RBS initials waved, flew a second black and white flag with a skull and cross bones.

The Jolly Roger pirate flag whistled in the wind!  A professional "climber" on the occupy team had shimmied up the side of the building, all the way to the top of the flagpole to hang the pirate colors.  Too funny!  What a great interview these guys gave us.  A boy (i believe he was the climber) in a Guy Faulkes mask swaggered his way over to me and Britty and I couldn't help but pull out the video camera and get everyone's pictures.  Great fun to the start of a not-so-wonderful day.

The following 2 hours can be chalked up to chasing down exactly where we should have been picking up the correct Bus 26 to the Zoo...yes, 2 hours.  We finally ended up getting on the bus at about 12...which caused us to miss our Panda viewing.  Luckily the zoo fit us in at 3:15, which left us time to go see the monkeys, the tigers, the birds, and even the Penguin Parade.  I have a love-hate feeling about zoos.  I try to have as much fun as possible while being there, but I can't help but feel so depressed for the captivity these guys are forced into.  Some of them may be safer and well taken care of compared to their natural habitats being destroyed - so that leads me to hate the poachers and people destroying the forests and trees...  Go read the Lorax.  That's all I am going to leave you with for anger thoughts.  It's Christmas, I won't dampen the mood.

We caught the bus right in time, after our short limited Panda viewing, and headed back to the apartment for a full blown meal with so much food for only 4 people.  Delicious veggies, and chicken and apple pie and ice cream...And of course a bit of Asti to cap off the evening.  I brought out the Christmas Crackers and Mom and Britty tried their very hardest to make them pop - poor Maja B had a bit of trouble and it was too funny watching her try several times before throwing in the towel....A very merry-different-Christmas was had by all!

The next day we were off and running early again.  Our cab arrived at 8:30 to take us to the airport.  We ended up feeding the staff at the front desk the next day, since we couldn't take it with us!  Mom and I were flying from Edinburgh back to Heathrow with Aunt CC and poor Britty had to wait for her flight back to Sweden solo because she flew Ryan Air.  Another day spent at the airport, which I didn't mind half as much because I was able to read a lot.  Finished the Hunger Games and halfway through book two.  Aunt CC parted her own way and Mom and I took off to go find a place to sit.  It was a bittersweet feeling to be going home, but blunted by the fact that I knew I would be back again soon.  I don't know when, but I know I will.

And so the countdown begins... another 4 years? another 4 months? another 4 days???  That might be pushing the envelope...but you never know ;)  I'm ready.

Cheers! x Krista  

Christmas Eve Festivities

Sandman Walking Tours are the best.  Too bad we didn't have 3 spare hours to stay for the whole thing.  Troy (an Ozzy not a Scotsman...) took us on a journey through Edinburgh and shared stories about the city every which way we went.  It was both a cultural and historical tour.  So cold though!  The winds were crazy.  Everyone had closed up shoppe, and there weren't many places open for a quick coffee even.  We left the tour early not because it was 3 hours long, but because we were too cold and trying to get home in time for Christmas Eve service at Greyfriars church.  This was actually one of our stopping points on the tour, where Troy led us to the Black Mosseleum, the most haunted place in the world...right around the corner and down another path was a grave marked Tom Riddle, and a second marked Mogonagul.  Yes, my friends, JK Rowling took many of her character names from walking through the graveyard here.  We passed by the Elephant Cafe on our way out, where she spent many days creating the Harry Potter we all know and love today.

I rushed over to Marks & Spencer hoping to find a chicken (pre-cooked) that would surfice for our Christmas dinner.  I was in luck!  Although many of the rows had been plucked over, there were still a few prime birds left on the shelf.  Now I faced the challenge of walking across town with this sucker, in addition to a pie, ice cream, Asti, and a few other essentials for the next morning.
Church was a great welcome!  The congregation was very welcoming, the minister very nice and the choir was so talented.  Their passion for singing the carols radiated on each of their faces.  Who would have ever thought we would be spending a Christmas Eve service in Scotland?
After church, it started to spitter rain - and apparently there was another carol service at 8pm that Aunt CC wanted to go to, so we passed up efforts of trying to make it to the German Christmas markets again.  Fail.  What a bummer, the other itineraries took precedence again.  So we popped into a pub for a drink, where we chatted briefly with the very nice bartender.  He made Britty a delicious Baileys Hot Chocolate.  A mulled cider for me, and mom grabbed a mulled wine.  We headed to St. Gile's Cathedral at quarter to 8, and unfortunately Aunt CC had gotten the wrong night...Oh well, what are you going to do, right?  C'est la vie.  Tomorrow is Christmas, so we won't let it rain on our parade!!

x Krista

Castles and Carrot Cake

Friday morning was kicked off by a trip to the grocery store.  Mom, Aunt CC and I took to the streets to go and purchase fillings for our cupboards the remainder of the week.  Even such a simple task felt like quite a production with conflicting personalities.  Britty slept in, but was remarkably awake, showered and dressed when we got back at 11.

Off to the castle!  It was frigid out, but we forced ourselves to take a walking tour with the guide...we ended with a high tea in the cafe.  Britt and Mom plunged at the carrot cake with real cream cheese frosting.  Hot Chocolate & Coffee to accompany...  Aunt CC went for an afternoon tea and ordered something similar to a date square, with mince pie filling instead.  For me?  Elderflower and Lemon tea - delicious.  The tea pot also brought my fingers back to life.  I wonder how many shades of white they can turn in one trip?
On our way out, Aunt CC took off somewhere, so Mom, Britty and I decided to go for a whiskey tasting - when in Rom--eh, Edinburgh :)

We walked down to what we thought was one of the Christmas Markets...it was more of a disappointment than anything.  Wrong one.  Oh well, more time for Britty to get to go to Primark!  If only we had more room in our suitcases...

Dinner consisted of carrots and hummus, crackers, cheese (my leftover mozererlla from dinner the night before) and soups for all.  I believe here even may have been a Ben's Cookie that made an appearance, which Aunt CC had been hiding away from the rest of the crew.  Then it was off to bed by 10...seriously, what a bust.  We're such a bunch of party animals.  Had I known, I would have been down the road earlier for the 12 Pubs of Christmas: Edinburgh Style with friends from our Shamrocker tour.  Ultimate Fail.  Oh well, there will be future return trips!

x Krista

Up-Chuck and Away...to Waverly Station

Well, today was the day from hell.  At least the start of it was.  Grumpy pants all around and getting our bags together and out the door seemed like a production in and of itself - we checked out and I wanted one last trip to the bathroom before we were on our way to Kings Cross.  To avoid having to get a new card for access to the second floor, I decided to just use the toilet right at the top of the stairs.  Problem was there was no lock on that door.  Mom was going to keep an eye out for me and it was 9:30AM with a desolate hostile...hardly anyone was going to just barge into that bathroom when there were plenty of others on all the other floors, right?  WRONG.  Just as I had gotten situated, the door flies open and I am puked on.  Yes.  Puked on.  Projectile vomited in the face and on my jacket and new boots.  It was like a horror movie in slow motion...I still am in shell-shock.  The hostel was appalled, and offered free laundry (if only we had the time.)  I just called my mom up to come and help me out.  Luckily it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  The hit-and-run vomiter fled the scene and up the stairs, but was courteous enough to try to hold back as much as possible when to his shock as well, he had barged into the wrong bathroom...Ugh.

On a lighter note, off we went to Kings Cross.  Unfortunately they have now closed off Platform 9 3/4 to the public...How can you do that?!  Britty and Mom tried to get their pictures, but unfortunately there were barricades blocking the way.  We caught our train at 12:00 on the button.  Mom made several buddies on the train, as usual.  The first gentleman rode the same train every week, commuting.  Wow.  I guess it is comparable to taking the train from Long Island or Stamford into the city everyday.  He learned quickly that my mom had a good sense of humor, and joked with her a lot - playing off of her naive gullibility.  He departed, and an older woman took his place.  She was such a gem.  She and mom made small talk about the different sights and towns we were passing through.  She was able to point out a town where she used to live, right on the water.  She now lives in a houseboat with her dog, since her husband passed on last year.  She was so friendly and bright spirited.  I hope both of them had wonderful Christmas festivities with their families.
We got into Edinburgh (it was much darker at 4:30pm than we anticipated) and stepped out to see a beautiful scene structured with the Christmas Festival lights, Edinburgh Castle and all of the city's marvelous architecture.  After our hazardous walk (mom still has those huge bags don't forget) across the streets and hills of coblestone - we finally reached our final resting spot for our adventures - The Holyrood ApartHotels = HEAVEN.  Queen Beds (yes one for me and britty and one for Aunt CC and Mom; No more snoring!) The Kitchen with its granite countertops, stove, oven, water heater, dishwasher...etc...Living room with tv, dvd, radio, a mini dining room and 2 full bathrooms.  It was clean, it was spacious and although it smelled like smoke and I had a creepy picture on the wall of my room (which I hung a piece of paper over, and am just realizing I forgot to remove...) - it was fabulous.
Unfortunately, the days had led up to a bit of a height in tempers.  Britt and I got in a scuff, where she was yelling and I didn't say a word, knowing I would be yelling/crying in response so I left and walked right out.  I blew off some steam and walked the Royal Mile, which was relatively deserted and quiet.  I ended up stumbling upon a few pretty, secluded Christmas trees and lights.  I also realized I should be taking more pictures, even if I have had the privilege of seeing this all again, I should be capturing my second adventure.
I went back to the apartment eventually and we all went out for dinner at Bella Italia - Mom couldn't stop raving that her pasta, veg and chicken dish was the best thing she had eaten in weeks.  Judging that she had been living off of triangle box sandwiches and toast for 2 weeks, I don't blame her.

We tottled back to our apartment for a snooze before our big day at Edinburgh Castle.  My goal is to make it to the German Christmas Markets at some point.  That is the one thing on my list.  Britty and I got in bed and apologized to one another, and pinky promised a truce to just let the hostility go and hope to enjoy the rest of the time we had together.  Hopefully this will lighten spirits for the days to come. :)

xKrista

There Are Places I Remember...

Wednesday was a day of exploration - flying solo.  The rest of the gang went to Stonehenge and Bath for the day - I took off, and I mean took off...8:30 and out the door down Gloucester Road to pick up a cup of coffee, and walk straight up to Kensington Gardens, past Kensington Palace through the park into Hyde Park.  It was a cloudy crisp morning, but I was energized by the freedom to do my own thing.  I took my old walking route to work, passed the cavalry barrocks and arrived across from the RTYC - had to pause a moment for reflection, but didn't dare go in - not sure my dingy boots specked with mud would be appropriate.  I walked down to Harvey Nichols to take a few photos of the window displays - so cool.  All of the snow scapes were built of recycled materials, stunning.  I truly felt back at home when a random Brit walked up and said "Excuse me miss, is that Harrod's?" (he was pointing across the street to the Mandrin Hotel...nice guess though...)  I gave him proper instructions to turn around and walk back toward Burberry and to the left...can't miss it.
Back into Hyde Park I went, setting out to walk around the perimeter and up to Speakers' Corner.  I stumbled into a few special surprises as well - Winter Wonderland and... THE HOGWART'S EXPRESS!  (at least I think I found it).  Be jealous.

 

Winter Wonderland reminded me of a creepy carnival from an RL Stine book...quiet but a few scant visitors beginning to show their faces and rides going through their test runs...I made my way to Speakers Corner where, as I anticipated, it was dead silent.  I crossed past Marble Arch and onto Oxford Street - Primark for tights!!  The long anticipated shopping day...I made quite the haul, and was proud of myself for holding back - not due to the credit card bill but for lack of space in the suitcase :(  I did however manage to grab a new pair of boots and some Christmas crackers to share with the family on Christmas day.  I traveled down the rest of the street just wandering, not having a plan or exact idea where I was going.  Just a hunch and idea of where I wanted to end up.  Made my way into a few shoppes, and found the Carnaby Street hideaway - where Johnny Cupcakes London was hiding!  Hemley's toystore also called for a visit, but was a madhouse so I quickly departed.  Down the way I found Whittard's of Chelsea!  Best little tea & hot drinking chocolate mixes and lots of free samples.  Dreamtime is a favorite.  Down into Picadilly Circus I walked where I went into Lillywhites, where you can find any sports apparel you may need.  I was on the search for Rugby - couldn't find it...seriously?!  Sorry Mike!
After 5-6 hours of strolling about I was a bit chilled and my shoulder was aching from that Primark bag of goodies.  I hopped on the Picadilly line back to the hostel for some sweet potato soup.  There was still more time to explore!  I went back to Harrod's for a second time to take a stroll through the food hall, just to gaze and gawk at the incredible displays. I made it back to the PC World store to exchange my mom's camera card (they gave me the incorrect size) and met a boy who graduated from Richmond same year as I did - small world.  To cap off the evening alone, I had to go to Whole Foods a second time for some snacks and a Firefly juice, so delicious.  I had to take a turn around the corner to Cafe Nero for Haley :) and grabbed a delicious caffe americano while I was there.
I met back up with Mom, Britty and Aunt CC at the hostel before we headed out to more carols at the Royal Albert Hall again - tonight was HOT, but the carols were so much fun.  There were sing-songs, dancing and laughter.  After the show I went to meet Shamrocker friends, Kim and Luke, at Builder's Arms, praying for Pimm's Winter Cup - those fibbers had it on their chalkboard menu, but unfortunately were no longer serving it.  We had a mulled cider, a mulled wine and a winter brew and then walked through Kensington admiring the Christmas lights in the resident windows along the way.  We said our goodbyes/see you soons and it was off to bed before Scotland in the AM!

x Krista

Christmas Caroling at the Royal Albert Hall

Tuesday was dedicated to the warm weather and sunshine!  Walking tour here we come!  We were greeted by our Sandman tour guide, Andrew, promptly at 11AM next to the Wellington Arch, over by Hyde Park Corner and Green Park.  We took a long 3 hour stroll through Green Park, and past Buckingham Palace.  The Royal Mounted Regiment (aka the Cavalry boys) passed just as we approached.  Everyone rushed to the foot of the road to take pictures.  I laughed, thinking about our nights at Kavanaugh's... (insert sad face here since they are closed now)

Over to Prince Charles residence to grab a few snapshots of the Royal Guards...then we made our way to Trafalgar Square to see the tree, and the four pillar statues - One of which is the home for a 6-month change for supporting the arts - this used to be home to Rooney (which looked absolutely out of place and ridiculously controversial 4 years ago) now is the place where a ship in a bottle sits, representing James Cook's ship in the Spanish Armada.  It reminded me of Peter Pan... I'm a fan.
We proceeded to Westminster and Parliament, where we got our Guy Faulkes lesson before the conclusion of the tour.  We were cold and hungry, but instead of heading back to a more restaurant friendly area, it was decided we go back to the tourist central hub of the London Eye to an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet...No Comment.
Finally, we made our way back to the hostel for coffee and a little internet access, time to warm-up and they indulged in Ben's Cookies again.  We all put on our finest (which consisted of a clean shirt and pair of leggings for me at this point) and headed off for our evening in Knightsbridge and first Christmas concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

We went to Harrod's to look at the Christmas lights and headed down Knightsbridge Road/High Street Kensington to see the Kings College Choir, courtesy of Aunt CC.
Unfortunately, Mom's camera was filled to the brim - so I had to rocket over to PC World in hopes to find her a new one.  Lost the family by the time I got back because of a miss communication of where we were going to meet but I ran around to each window and stall gate until I finally found the crew.  The choir was wonderful.  Unfortunately, I was overcome with a sleepy bewilderment.  The perfect lullaby.

After the concert, we took down Exeter Road to see the museums and their sparkle radiating the cap to a great first evening with my family during the holiday season! :)

Pleasant Surprises on the Thames

Monday morning came and my aunt was set on seeing Westminster Abbey and riding the London Eye.  I passed on visiting the eye (maybe I'm jaded - call me cynical, but I have no interest to spend nearly $30 to ride the ferris wheel in the rain...) I decided to make my own agenda and go walk the Thames to the Tate Modern and The Globe.  Lo 'n Behold, I found a wonderful little Christmas Market that stretched the length of the river.  Adorable little gingerbread shaped houses filled with sweets, crafts, music and games...and mulled wine & cider ;)

I proceeded down the walk and stumbled on a skateboarders park, the jamaican man who sits inside the tunnel, where the acoustics ring out, playing the digerydoo...a littler farther down was a boy on the sidewalk strumming his ukulele - These little things like street performers and simple surprise finds are what make London exploring so wonderful to me. As I drew closer to the Tate, wouldn't you know it, Unilever tracked me down and was sponsoring the leading exhibit.  I had to go and check it out (although I was running short on time)...Unfortunately it was an abstract film that I didn't quite care for...
It had started to rain as I was leaving - that spitting misty rain I had grown so accustomed to.  For some reason it doesn't bother me as much over here...I popped into EAT, where I grabbed a delicious coffee to defrost my frozen fingers, and turned back to go meet up with my mom and aunt back at the eye.  I had to stop at a sweets vendor and snag my mom a Fizzy Apricot licorice rope - and Roasted Chestnuts to share!  Mmm...roasted chestnuts on a cold winters day - the first one I gingerly opened with my white little hands (which were shaking), and nibbled on it like it was the best thing I had ever tasted...Let me tell you, I'm simple to please.  Warm, smokey, roasted chestnuts from a street vendor = heaven on this brisk day!
Our next stop was Westminster Abbey, which was really beautiful inside.  We took a tour with our guide who actually participated in the Royal Wedding.  The structure and architecture inside is just phenomenal.  On our way home, we went to Whole Foods to gather the rest of our food supply for the remainder of our stay in London - Aunt CC was thrilled - 3 stories of amazingness.  Danielle, I couldn't help but miss you and our Sunday dinners together.  We hopped on the High Street tube, but not before I introduced Mom and Aunt CC to Ben's Cookies.

To say they were tickled is an understatement - they bought 8.  Again, the Gluten Free thing prevents me from having them even if I wanted to, so that left 8 cookies and 2 days they were gone between my mom and aunt - and BRITTY!  As we were cooking down in the basement kitchen of our hostel, Britty came in :)  We had some dinner, and then went up to the common room where we met a few guys in the midst of traveling from all over (Australian, Poland, USA study abroad who had been living in France all semester and another guy from London originally, but had been in Australia harvesting watermelons...)
Another action packed day - but don't want to miss a thing!  Tuesday is ready and waiting for our walking tour...

x Krista

Camden Town

Sunday, took Mom to Camden Market!  On our way to the station, I caved in and made my first purchase to a shop I previously avoided like the plague...but took the advice of Scott and brought her to Sandwich World for breakfast.  3 quid gets you 2 coffees and a 1.5 foot baguette with suagage egg and cheese.  I think she got onions too.  Now being GF I can't get a sandwich there even if I wanted to, but she enjoyed hers thoroughly.
We hopped on the Gloucester tube and off we went to the land of awesome food vendors throwing you samples and freebies left and right.  This is where my shopping impulses take full control.  Left with 2 new dresses, and handmade skirt, 2 necklaces and could not leave without a cup of mulled wine, and delicious white winter tea (which was brewed in a big old cauldron the size of a wash basin and sold by a guy who could have well used a good shower) - but delicious never the less!  That's what makes an adventure, not knowing if there is something else brewing in that tea...  Mom made friends with another vendor down the way, selling homemade veg soup - which was awesome.  I have decided that I am seriously going to consider looking into how much it costs to rent a stall and set up shoppe because I could totally live that life for a bit.  We got hot chocolate shot samples - pure cocoa - delicious.  Mom also gave me quite a laugh, when we were looking at some jewlery and the vendor approached simply saying "Y'Alirigh?"  Mom's response was a concerned, defensive "Yes, I'm fine...why? Is something wrong?" - Maja B forgot that this was a common greeting, like "Hi, how's it going?" - and not literally "are you okay..."  More translating to mediate between Maja B and the rest of the UK...haha
The market was filled with soaps and clocks, butons and bracelets, bags - just so many cool and creative ways to make a buck.  Lot's of recycled materials going into new innovations.  The Inspiral Cafe was amazing - I wish I had been hungrier to eat there - it was Raw Food/Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free and smelled delicious - hot spot for Live Music/Open Mics as well, right on the strip... Next Time :)
On our way out, we saw this amazing piano player - I didn't get his name I don't think, but have a video.

We walked back to Mornington Cresent and passed Club Koko, where more memories came back of the sticky floors, but great concert venue.

Back to the hostel we went, where we met my Aunt CC - and she was hungry so we went to a local pub.  Now, according to her, we had to go to a specific one she had seen (right outside the tube) that raved on it's sidewalk chalk sign that they had the best British food and was world famous.  I had to laugh because all of the pubs have literally the exact same menu, and boast of the same claims to world famous, best fish & chips, etc...but let her have her fun.  I got a fabulous Tomato Basil soup - Mom got her cider (she's addicted).  Aunt CC got a mulled wine, and again I had to laugh when she interrogated the waitress about where the pollock (for her fish & chips) was from.  Seriously?  In a generic pub in England they will more than likely 1) not know the specific body of water it came from and 2) no it is not organic.  Oh well, again - just let it go and put a smile on.  

The day was long, and dead tired - so back to the hostel and off to bed we went.

x KB 

London Is Calling...

Saturday - December 17th (I think...) We hopped on our hour long (such a blessing compared to 6 hrs) flight to London, Heathrow and jumped on the tube to Earls Court!  My excitement was bursting out of my exhausted seams.  Our YHA hostel was just down the road - but the Hostel Karma Gods decided to take another laugh at Maja B, as our room was on the 4th floor.  No lift.  And 4th floor in London means 3 sets of narrow staircases for each floor.  Plus that lovely 22.5 Kilo bag I helped her with once again.  Fabulous.  We had a 6-person (no heat until the 3rd night) room - thought this was a private??  Oh well.

After settling in, we took a long stroll up and around South Kensington, right passed the museums - particularly the National History Museum, where the ice skating rink was at its best with lights and music.  

We grabbed some dinner at The Giraffe, where I got a yummy roasted pumpkin and beet rocket salad.  Mom got a chicken club with chips.  On our stroll home, we passed through my old stomping grounds on St. Alban's Grove and Young Street - it was a ghost town, but beautiful at night time.  Some of the windows has Christmas trees twinkling.  We stopped into Sainsbury's for some groceries to get us through the morning and headed back down the street to our hostel for bed!

x Kabes

Galway Bay

Day Three and we're half-way through our exploration.  It already feels like we're such a family of misfits.  Sean took through county Clare - Tempest One Burial Ground, the stones were such a cool thing to look at - The Cliffs of Moher were even better the second time around.  Check them out in HP - I believe that you can see a peak in number 6.  We grabbed a bit of lunch in the surfer town of Linish(?) Picture Newport in February, a desolate Ghost town now, but HOPPIN' in the summer time.  The Corkscrew Hill was as twisted as ever.  Still love it.  And then we were welcomed into  Galway with a wonderful glow of Christmas lights warming the streets.  We stopped at The Burren, checked into the Kinlay House Galway.  12 Pubs of Christmas crawl, clad with the boys from Scottland in their ugly Christmas jumpers and kilts.  LOVE IT.  Best and worst idea ever.  Grabbed a pint of Hennsey at one of the pubs, and caught a footbal game on one of the tvs.  A girl asked what the deal was with the Guinness Toucan...why?  Simple.  The same reason for the pair of Tony the Tiger and Frosted Flakes.  A match made in heaven.
Day Four and we were out the door at 8:30 prompt and out on the road again.
Feeling not so fabulous :/  Who would have thought a single cider would do me in.  Irish coffees at a cute little pub on our way to the mountainside.  Mom got a Bailey's and unfortunately I passed.  Can't hold my alcohol.  Warmed us up to take on St. Patrick's Mountain (Caugh Mountain - Paramount Pictures logo ring a bell??) - breath taking - can't believe thousands hike it annually, and barefoot! took a few snap shots at the famine statue.  So sad.  We took off to take a gander at Kannaugh Abbey - so gorgeous.  We also took a drive through Westport, Ireland.  Such a quaint little town, and they are so lovely.  We stopped off for a group photo at Connemara - the statue with no purpose.  Kinda gave everyone a laugh, and made our way back to Galway for a spot of dinner and to take on the remaining pubs.  There was a pretty awesome dou at one of the pubs - a bit of rockabilly - but a fun catchy pair of boys witha  guitar and a banjo.  The King's Head was our last stop, and although nice and Christmasy from the outside - I walked into a bar full of sticky floors and girls in shorts and heels far too short for freezing temperatures.  Live rock band that wasn't so bad, but the day had worn on me so I took in my last bit of music and headed home for the night.

Oh, how could I have forgotten to mention the wonderful Christmas Markets we visited on Wednesday night.  MULLED WINE!  Score.  Oh how I missed your delicious warmth and spices.  Mom of course mingled with more of the stall sellers - and stumbled across a couple from Jersey/Boston selling Jewelry.  Of course, the States always seem to track us down.

Friday, and our final day of the tour kicked off with a bright and shiny morning walk.  We found a bead shoppe off the beaten path and picked up a few tokens to take home.  We then headed back to the hostel to meet up with the crew for a bit of a stroll around town.  No sooner did we head out the door and make it a half mile down the road then it started to rain on us all.  Ah well - so it goes. We dried off, packed up and back on the bus for Dublin.  Saying our goodbyes to new friends and our driver, Peter.  A bit depressing leaving such a grand time behind us...but looking forward to adventures in London and the day when I come back to Ireland once again :)  Jodie - get your things together!  Let's go see the Dublin you once (sorta) loved.

Off to Heathrow - and my second home...LONDON BOUND!

xx KB

My Pilgrimage to Dingle... 40 years (or 4) and back again!

Today we woke up in Neptunes hostel to a down pour of hail which then turned to rain. Many of the Aussie's had never seen hail before. A bit fun to see their reactions and excitement. Then we were off to a quick stop at the National park - beautiful sites, but as I ran back, in true Krista fashion, I took a total digger into the muddy snow - Just like Wells and Scott in when we went to Scotland years back. However, at least I had a pair of pants that fit properly to change into if need be. It's all good. I huddled by the bus heater and dried off a bit, just in time to get to Dingle!! My favorite place ever. We got hit with a bit of hail again, crazy...We drove around the Dingle Peninsula, where we stopped at the Western coast beach! Of course in 15 degrees I ran down barefoot to play in the water again. There wasn't a question in my mind. We hopped back on the bus, and drove back to the town of Dingle (the town without a name) and basically all decided to have lunch at the Marina bar. One bartender and probably only one chef...poor guy...I felt so bad for him. So what do I do? Of course I hopped behind the bar to help. I told him that if I ever do come back, I want a full time job. We finished the afternoon in Dingle with an ice cream - Christmas Pudding? Honeycomb? yum.

Off to Adhare then County Clare. The Nicest Hostel - went to a pub with music - danced a bit or rather was grabbed and was swung quite a bit...Mom was leaving early and I didn't want to have her walk home alone, so off to bed!

x Kabes

The 2 Day Haze and Kick Start to the Celtic Rocker

Well, I finally am able to have a bit of a sit down to write about the past amazing week I spent in my green, gorgeous hop over the pond - Ireland.  As I am now perched in the common room with a wide open bay window, a cup of tea sitting next to me, and I am gazing out onto Bolton Gardens from our Earl's Court Hostel, I can't help but think how lucky I am to be back again.

Our travel last Saturday consisted of an on-again-off-again relationship with cars, buses and planes.  Mrs. G took us to Springfield to catch the bus to South Station in Boston around 10:30 am.  Of course Mom had thought our flight was 3 hours earlier than it actually was...therefore when we arrived at Logan we had a plethora of 6 hrs waiting to board our first flight to London.  I think I was able to take about 45 laps of mindless wandering and Burberry perfume sampling by the time I decided to settle and try to take in some light reading.  Couldn't sleep on the plane at all.  I think I caught 1 hr of shut eye before the flight attendent came round with dinner... (at 11pm?! no thanks...)  However BA and Aer Lingus, I do commend you on having several adorable attendents I would gladly fly with again.  I digress...  Gordon Ramsey kept me company with a holiday Christmas special, which had me laughing outloud.  Then I finally got a chance to watch Crazy, Stupid, Love - another LOL'er.  Great flick.  Finally landed.  Flying into London was such an incredible view - saw the entire city from a birds eye for the first time - remarkable.  It was like a movie, seeing all of the "main sights" look like a miniature playset below me.

Upon arriving at Heathrow, it felt strange and familiar all at the same time.  I saw the WH Smith (basically a Hudson News) and immediately went in to see how much they would rob me for an Innocent fruit juice.  Sadly too much, and I moved along to the cafe for a coffee and a Life Water.  Wonderful comfy chairs in the corner called my name and I passed out cold for an hour - several hours later (yes, another 4 hour + layover) we were back on the plane to Ireland, finally slept. Coming into Ireland, my anticipation grew to a huge smile that swept all over my face.  I had just enough sense of direction once we got off the shuttle bus to make our way to the front of Kinlay House, where we hung our hats for the night.  I don't think I had eaten something relatively enough to call a meal in 48 hours...The girl at the desk suggested this awesome cafe called Cornucopia.  Laura Genese - you would love it.  Raw, Vegan, Veg, Gluten Free, Fresh, Local, Organic, Cheap.  AMAZING.  Mom and I shared a delicious 2 salads with sprouted beans and chickpeas rocket and vegs. Sweet potato soup and walnut bread.  (i did sneak a bite of bread here and there...when in Ireland you CANNOT pass up delicious brown bread, especially if it has walnuts in it!)  My stomach can hate me later.

We pathetically passed out by 7:30 and woke several times before midnight.  We looked at the clock that read 9:15pm thinking it had to have been 6:00am already.  Ugh.  In the am we brightly woke ourselves with a freezing cold shower - woke me up for sure next to a cup o' coffee and muesli!!! Definitely not gluten free, but I've missed unlimited muesli so much - cest la vie.

After breakfast, the group (soon to be known as the "Sexual Harrassmentt on Sesame Street - 12 Pubs of Christmas and Not Enough Sleep Tour") were kindly greeted by our adventure leader for the next week - Sean.  Looked slightly familiar - but much shorter hair, and didn't think it could possibly have been the same guy.  Carrying on - we all checked in, and on the bus we went!  Sean had us all do a round about in "the hot seat" introducing ourselves.  Mom was of course the most 'mature' (or you could just say oldest) on the trip.  But she stuck it out well and good with the best of them.  All you need is a desire for fun and you're welcome on the Shamrocker tour.  When it came my turn, I said hello to the crew and mentioned I'd been on a shorter Shamrocker 4 years ago...And then the connection was made - Yes indeed kids, Sean was my guide round 1 and now for my pilgrimage back - Awesome to be in his group again!  The rest of the gang consisted of mostly Australians, two boys from Scottland, a girl from Canada, England and another from New Zealand.  They were all so much fun.
We adventured to Cashel and then Blarney, where it poured and poured all over us.  But Mom and her ankle battled their way to the top of the castle to kiss the stone.  Obviously we all know how she already has the gift of gab - why not increase her capabilities with a hearty snog with the stone.  We shopped a bit, but Mom realized that despite her love for the wool sweaters on sale, there was no way in hell they would fit in her ridiculous stuffed bag.  Note: I will have to post a photo of this sucker...and I thought I overpacked.  Please.  Seriously over the top.  Our final destination for Day 1 would be Killarney, what I remember as the place to party.  Mom and I stumbled upon The Smokehouse, where we grabbed some coffee and shared a ciabatta app.  It was very Bob Marley inside, and really cool.  That night we went to go pay Pa a visit.  As I wrote in my previous entry of Ireland 4 years ago, Pa is an expert story teller and drinker extrodinaire.  The legend still stands and is just so fun to watch.  Both extremely awkward to have Mom sitting beside me when he's making dirty jokes, but hilarious all at the same time.  As one of the Scottish boys in our group said to me as we all left, "well-endured" and worth bringing her for sure.  Decided to pass up the Grand Hotel dancing this time around.  Been there, done that, and was swooped up by a sweaty boy I was not too fond of.  I'll pass this time around :)

Cheers kids
KB

London Is Calling...And Eire and Scotland are on the line!

The time has come, the walrus said... And I can hardly wait.

I decided to bring back the blog - I know, you can hardly contain yourself after I dropped this baby off the radar in 2007....tsk tsk.  However, Tomorrow I finally begin the journey back to my foreign affair with a city I desperately miss on a daily basis. Part of that is due to the incredible family of 12 I so luckily shared 5 months of my life with. Although they won't be with me this time around, the warmth of the memories we had will rush back walking down Gloucester Road or hopping on the circle line and teaching my sister how to tube surf. (Maja B might be hesitant to try and toss disproving glances our way)

I can't begin to describe the excitement I have to travel back to Ireland with my mom for a week. I can't imagine how much fun the two of us will have. She already has the gift of the gab, so the Irish will probably take her right under their wing! Then it's off to London, my love. I promise you, I will cry stepping out of Heathrow. I get all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it. I can't wait to create new memories in the city I love so much, with my family being able to share them. Our final adventure begins and ends in Edinburgh for Christmas. Talk about amazing. You've seen Harry Potter....just think of all the beautiful scenery covered in a light, non-overwhelming, blanket of snow set against a white lighted castle on the hillside.

I promise to do my best at updating, picture posting and happy Christmas wishing - but for now, it is back to that same feud long suitcase packing I dreaded 4 years ago...

x Krista