I’ve arrived! I can’t believe a week ago today I left on a long and bumpy flight with a terrifying landing but I made it. I arrived Thursday morning in Dublin. Immigration and customs were a breeze. The immigration woman said had I brought her some food (she knew I was going to cooking school) she would have allowed me to stay the full 112-days (versus the 90-days permitted). She was joking of course. (More on that 112-days situation later). My first few weeks were wonderful!
I walked straight out of customs where my dear old friend Sheila waving frantically and her guy, Eric (I think he was pretending not to know us! 🙂 were waiting to collect me (pick me up). Such a nice greeting of smiling faces. They helped my delirious self lug my three giant suitcases (Eric not allowing me to help a bit, so sweet) to the car in the car park (parking lot). We drove to their house and chatted for a bit, then knew I needed a nap. I didn’t want to sleep too long, and by noon I was back up, and ready to go. Haha.
We took a drive to Malahide to see the castle and to have a bite to eat at the Avoca Cafe. Sheila and I split a lovely piece of quiche which came with three, count ’em, three side salads. Needless to say, neither of us finished, but it was quite tasty. A walk around the castle and the grounds was nice.
I convinced them to stop at a cute pub for a Guinness, unfortunately, I was the only one imbibing, Eric was driving and Sheila had an awful cold. It was fun to have a beer by the fire.
A really nice light dinner of fantastic bread, lovely meat/cheese board and some nice condiments. Early to bed, it was such a great first day.
Friday I slept in a bit, which was wonderful. Then after Eric made us a proper Irish breakfast sans the black and white pudding (sausages, eggs, mushrooms, bacon, and more lovely toast, sooooo good) they drove me to my accommodation for the next 3-months.
My Airbnb is a very nice large house. My room is much bigger than I had anticipated. I have a small bathroom, a comfy chair, and an even more comfy bed with plenty of room for my things. I’m on the top floor, and out the window on a nice day, you can see the sea. That wasn’t even in the room description, what a bonus! The place is clean as can be and has a great kitchen. Plenty of food in the fridge and my host (Declan, and everyone calls him Dec) cooks dinner for anyone around pretty much every night. I had another wonderful greeting from Dec when he got home. Super nice guy, he’s lived in this area (my town is called Stillorgan) his whole life. He has three grown boys, all of who live in the States. He and his wife manage/run the ban Celtic Thunder. She lives part-time in New York and he manages the house and their online store for the band.
Currently, there are two lodgers at the house. Myself and a young guy from Brazil who does IT contract work in Dubin, he’s been here or over a year. Dec’s son is also here waiting for his visa to be renewed. So it’s me and 3 guys, they couldn’t be nicer.
It’s been incredible being here in Ireland, the people are so nice. There’s a bit of formality to their manner, but at the same time fun-loving and happy.
Okay, I’ve got to get to bed. I will continue this soon, and tell you all about school. I’ll be back soon.
Sláinte,
Shelagh
WOW! great first week Shelagh! LOVE hearing about your adventures! Erin go braugh!!! xoxoxokt
It sounds like things are off to a great start! I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!
I love reading about your adventure, Shelagh. Living vicariously. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!!
Awww Shelagh..so love hearing about all your adventures across the pond!
You are with our people..you have come full circle my dear!☘️
Now, get cooking!💚💚💚
Keep those blogs a coming!
Love hearing about ur adventure thus far!
LOVE the chance to follow you along on your adventure. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I look forward to you next post!
Your adventure sounds lovely, Shelagh. I’m only a little bit jealous. Looking forward to reading about your adventures. Lots of love from Minnesota.
I have not taken a class lately from Nordic ware. Miss them. Heading south to Mesa, AZ. Looking forward to leaving this snowy landscape. Hope to find some good Mexican food down there. Have fun in Ireland!
God bless you Shelagh!
I am a little jealous but happy to enjoy through your experiences. Have a great time!!!
Thanks for a wonderful first report Shelagh!! Sounds like the perfect set-up. Rest well this weekend, we are looking forward to hearing about all of your adventures!
I feel like I’m there! Can’t wait for the next chapter. Everything looks perfect. Lucy
Ireland is on the bucket list for me, Shelagh, so I’ll be hitting you up for lots of suggestions when you finally return. Enjoy every minute of this great adventure!
Please keep the blog posts coming. We can all live vicariously through your amazing adventures.
Mary Beth S.
Keep these coming. I am loving hearing all about it and am dying to know more.
How fun!! I never had food like your 3 salads and a quiche in Ireland. Has the cuisine changed? Sounds like a awesome start to a great trip. Also, I am surprised Shelia doesn’t know Guinness is good for a cold- basically good for everything.
Sounds like you’re off to a great start! Love the pics and hearing all about your travels – keep ’em coming!
OMG this is fabulous!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! Have the time of your life! Love you!!!!
What a wonderful start to your adventure!
She She feels like we are right with you. Sounds wonderful & very idyllic. Have lotsa fun with our peeps and learn how our ancestors cook. Lotsa love ❤️
I love reading this! Enjoy every minute ❤️