Ireland \ A Wee Vacation, Part 1

Ireland. Ireland in late December, early January. Green. Glorious. The perfect time to be visiting–brisk, clear, stormy, rainbow-filled, hailing one moment, sun bursting out the next, fog rolling in the second afterwards–weather that keeps you on your toes and makes you feel alive.

And, I can’t forget the Christmas decorations.  Everywhere.  A sight to behold.  Christmas trees growing from the sides of buildings, leaning out over the street.  Trees in the pubs, sprouted miraculously from the walls or perched coyly behind the Guinness tap.  Strands of lights careening between buildings.  Chandeliers or garland or stars strung across pedestrian thoroughfares.

Oh oh, please don’t remind me of the Irish breakfasts.  The clotted cream that smothered my scones every morning.  The perfectly battered fish-n-chips.  The steam drifting off the bowls of beef & guinness stew.  The lamb sausage.  My mouth waters.

Ireland.  Adventures with the husband.  New friends met & loved.  Old friendships strengthened. A trip to remember.