The Last Pint

We are now back, having landed in S.F. around nine last night.
Was in bed and asleep by 12:30. The Jet Lag subsiding for a while and allowing my 24 hour sleep deprived body some respit. But come 6:57 this morning, my little peepers decided they were not going to stay closed any longer....
Luckily Andrea was able to sleep in to 9:50 and I being the envious one.
I sat back and reflected on the last few days:
Our last day in Rome we climbed to the top of St. Peters Basilica to look over the whole of the city. Oh my, aside from tight tunnels and stairs to boot - it was so worth it. We then went out for food, took a nap back at the hostel when the rain came down. Some time later we took a bus to the Piazza Navona where we relaxed into our final meal in Italy... watching the street performers and listening to the musician who sounded quite a bit like Bono from U2. Filled to the brim, we walked to the Trevi fountain - and - yup - still crowded. I wanted to see the Collusseum by night and we sat in the shadows reflecting on Italy, the wonderful time it had been.
The next day was reserved for traveling... a slight mishap concerining baggage at the airport left us frazzled... but had a good flight back to Dublin no less. Upon our arrival back in Dublin, Andrea mention that she felt like she had returned home, I could not have agreed more.
The final day in Dublin found us waking and leaving the room by 12. We were staying in a B&B, not wanting to share the one bathroom with 8 other people anymore. Dublin was great, blue sky, a woman asked if we need help finding our location as we struggled with a map. Just grand.
We went to Jameson Distillery on Bow street. I was chosen as a "taster" and was able to live out a 3 year dream of mine. I even have the paper to prove it. Andrea was a good sport with putting up with my whims of the day... For both of us it was nice and mellow. A good way to end it.
That evening, after dinner, we went to Mulligan's Pub. An out of the way place that is nothing fancy - an old world pub, James Joyce had once leaned on the counter and ordred a drink - little has changed since then.
We toasted the last pint, drank quietly listening to those around us. Thinking back on an amazing adventure, happily looking forward to what lay ahead...

driving ammendment...

hi there! andrea here...after reading devin's latest blog...i would just like to clarify...as we were driving through florence (fierenze to the locals) the drivers were not honking at ME...they are just fond of the horn. i like to say...they drive like they've just robbed a bank...and the horn is just their friendly nudge to get out of the way\driving around a bend warning\hello...we're not comletely sure...i did fairly well...not sure what that says about my driving....but...

in any case...we are having a great time...no matter what we do!

A Whole Lot of Nakedness

Yup.. you read this correctly... we were in Florence not to long ago. I wonder how many people in the days of old wandered the streets naked... Really, as we went to see the David and all the other works of art in the Accademia, I wondered to myself - Didn't they get cold at night? Men laying out naked... women drape themselves wearing next to nothing. My, I sure felt sorry for them...
Andrea pointed out that it is nice and warm here so... really... you can. I think I will keep my pants on instead. I thought you might appreciate that Steve...
So... today, we left our place of solitude and peace. No more castle, we are back among the throngs of thousands in the city of Rome, sharing a room with more strangers - strange I know!
I know you wonder what we have done in the meantime... so here it is...
Since the last blog we have been to Florence where everyplace you turn you are greeted by art. Andrea decided that she was cool with driving in and I said that I could try to navigate us through the streets. She is an amazing Italian Driver! Did not flinch once... Meanwhile I was freaking out and yelling at all the drivers honking... I was able to help her out and we parked next to the bus station. Saw Boboli gardens... never knew the creaters of the prebaked pizza dough had a garden but I guess you learn something new everyday...
The next day we went to Arezzo - our car got keyed... that did not stop our four hour drive through the Toscan hills. Backroads all the way! We witnessed rolling fields of sunflowers, wheat, grapes, really old houses - all the things that make up a really good tourist calendar. We wound up at San Gimignano, an old town surrounded by a wall... strictly a walking endevour. it was a page out of a history book, only not as boring. We were in a Toscan Heaven... Beyond all expectations.
On Friday - our final day we went to Pisa. I'll be darned - there really is a leaning tower! With that confirmed we left for the town of Lucca - way cooler! Another walled city, we ate ice cream and walked on the wall. This place was one I could have explored longer... but....
NO TIME! We met some folks from California and had helped them out when they were in a predicament on our initial arrival. Over the course of the week we hung out and on this night we were having a final dinner together.Simply amazing... the owner of the resturant waited on us and then pulled up a chair afterwards and talked with us for an hour. Our day ended at 1:30 in the morning.
I must go.... but for Jamie, before I sign off.... The food is - well - food. I have no problem eating it. One night, Andrea and I ordered the cheese platter - they gave us every cheese known to cause constipation coupled with honey and jam. OH MY GOD - IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! Who knew that Blue Cheese and honey could be so good??? It is all so simple but each bit so complex! What can I say, I have eaten some of the best food of my life... though as far as lasagna goes, my mother's still reigns champ.
We will be thinking of you all tonight as our drunken roommates stumble in at 3 in th morning. Ah... Rome!
Ciao

The Rolling Hills Of Toscana

Before we begin the next entry I just have to say:
Jamie - I think you have the wrong Ninja Turtle! I don't know much about Leonardo and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican - BUT we did see Michelangelo's depiction of the creation...

Steve - Saw a fish jump in the Tiber River as we walked past - that's about it... Other that that Ireland would be the place for fly fishing - they have towns dedicated to the sport!

So folks, we are back again after a few days of no phones, no internet, no worries. The castle we are staying in is actually an ancient farm village surrounding a castle. The property dates back to the late 900's. We are satying in one of the farm houses... with a view that could bring tears to the eyes. I can't express to you the experience of standing on the threshold of our little house and overlooking the hills of Tuscany. No picture book bought at Barnes and Noble, no movie about a woman who buys a house here, no postcard can do this place justice.
The property itself has a pool that sides up to the edge of the hill and we can swim with the whole of the countryside before our eyes.
We really have yet to leave.
Our first day there we walked into the town of Bargino - a place so small it is not found on our map. The walk was maybe a mile down and then up one of the steepest hills I have seen. We ate a classic dinner in this town, which was REALLY good!
Yesterday, we visited Greve in Chianti, a beautful drive down a one lane road through the heart of this majestic region. We sampled some wine, bought some fruit, drove back home.
I am now sitting in an Internet spot in San Casciano, a small town just north of us and about 35 Kilometers south of Florence - if that much. While the town is not located on any tourist map, it is beautiful. I think we are the only tourists here right now... probably not, but it is fun to pretend.
Andrea is doing great driving, I am doing ok navigating. We now have the experience between the two of us - I drove on the left and she can't understand what the signs say. Quite the team.
We continue to have an amazing time.
We will toast to our family and friends tonight as we pour ourselves a glass of wine and stare out across a star filled Tuscan sky.
Ciao!

Of stone and marble

And the Big Mac! We counted four MacDonald's today, one sitting directly in front of the Pantheon. Yes folks, it is true... you can eat your Big Mac and stare history in the eye. A real example of two worlds colliding. Oh and just so you know - the place was packed.
So down to more important matters - what have Andrea and I been up to? Rome is gigantic, everything about it. From the art to the architecture to size of portions for every meal. My body has given up telling me I am full and has just accepted the fact that, at any given point, during the day, I am going to be eating some kind of food. Because of the heat we have been downing LOTS of gilato, sampling as many flavors as humanly possible. Both of us are also fond of the pizza back home and thus have been muching on the pizza here. The tastes are something that have yet to meet an adjective to describe their awesomeness!
It seems as if along each side street there is some outdoor seating with elegantly dressed waiters wanting (and eagerly 'waiting') to serve you. Those side streets are everywhere you turn, each so picturesqe in their own right. To photo all of them would be to dispose of an entire memory card, yet the desire is so readily available. How else does one show that down every nook and cranny is that quaint Itallian cobbled roadway, hidden amongst the tourist infested and scooter populated roadway?
Everything is just enormous. What haven't we seen? It is all of stone and marble. Human creation is beyond belief... We are still trying to wrap our minds around what we are seeing. It is - in a litteral sense - mind numbing. It feels as if a dream. Turn a corner and there is an old building...
Where?
You know, the one right next to the picture perfect side street.
Oh, you mean that old building (points)
No, I mean the one behind that one - the one with the dome
Oh my, that is cool....

With that said... We are having an amazing time. TONS of pictures... And stories to boot.
To add them all would to be going on to long and I have come to the end...
Ciao!

Everywhere you turn!

Arrived in Italy!
In just the ride over, we knew not which window to peer out of. So much to see....
The driver did point out the Colloseum... (spelling help please)
We are at the hostel and my eyes are burning and my body needs some water. More later... for tomorrow is ROME!
Ciao!

Pudding and Pals

Before you go much further.... please make note I have found a new breakfast love. Rashers are nice but Black Pudding is where the flavor lies. Now go do some research as I will divulge no more glorious details until you know what is entailed....
Just ponder the "after-steak".......

The Curse of Benbulben

A 4 DAY SAGA.....
Soooo....
Andrea wanted to see a castle - and rightly so. Not only are they littered throughout the country, she was reading a book where a castle was one of the main fixtures. We decided to hop a ride with Bronagh to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for a day of "Old Ireland". The Castle itself was rebuilt and decorated with the proper attire of the time... Tiny steps and suits of armor led us to believe that not only were the people of old, midgets, being attacked by one would not invoke the kind of fear depicted in such movies as Robin Hood.
It was a castle. And it was cool - and still weather tight as it did not let in the blasts of rain coming down.
The folk park was a village that dated back to the late 1800's and on into the the mid 60's (now that is some quality architecture). The day was amazing, I set off an alarm trying to go where tourists should not. I dare say that it was impressive, a fun filled adventure.
We came back for the night, staying at the Keys house. Bronagh had friends over and we found that Jack and Coke is enjoyed world wide. The party went till 2 in the morning, and we were tired the morning after.
The following day Keith picked us up - I think I am now caught up with the last blog entered - and we 3 drove to Donegal. Stopping by Benbulben to see if the weather would allow us a chance to climb. It was a no go and we drove on to our hostel, checked in, piled back into the car to drive County Donegal. We found ourselves at the Slieve League Cliffs - boasting tallest cliffs in Europe - hiking to the ridge of the (dare I say?) mountain.
From there, our drive led us to the Glenveigh Nat'l Park. Picture in your mind the quintessential scenes of Ireland and chances are you are visiting this park. I have yet to see anything quite as beautiful here - awe struck seems to be the right words, but so cliche. That nights dinner consisted of seafood. Good eats, to the point we had to take a picture of the plates.... We decided the food was a great way to end the day
So we did, after a pint (of course!)
Day three we awoke determined to climb Benbulben. We made a quick stop to the Donegal Castle before driving south to Bundoran for a quick look at the waves.... This town is the Irish version of Santa Cruz.But the mountain called... and the Universe was telling us no.... We were not meant to go...
Let me explain:
There was an accident, our fist detour led us to a dead end road where we were blocked in by at least thirty cars.
There was the getting lost on back roads once we got out of the jam.
There was a fence across the road that forced us to walk the road to Benbulben. Keith had a wedding to lay that night and we began walking - taking 30 minutes away from crucial timing...
There was the realization that we could move the fence. And walked back to get the car
Then there was Devin - Falling thigh deep into an Irish Bog and crawling back onto dry land.
Oh yeah - and as he changed he lost the journal with ALL the information about the trip and money tucked away inside. This elicited some panic on my part and caused Keith to drop us off at the airport in Galway where Andrea and I rented a car and began driving back.There was getting lost in the town of Sligo, but managed to find a B&B where all other lodgings were booked.So here we are - TODAY - able to find the road back to Benbulben but unable to find the journal - thus ending the curse of Benbulben.
Though ... We saw W.B. Yeats grave and then toured an old Abby in a state of disrepair.
I have a new journal and am waiting in the Internet lounge waiting for the washing machine to clear up... Despite all of this we chalk it up to adventure and are having the time of our lives. We would not trade this for the world (ok, it would be nice to not have lost the journal but... )
Ah... and more to come soon!
Cheers!

And here we ... go!

Day 2 warrented a some gold stars for poor Andrea - a 3 1/2 hour bus ride from Dublin to Galway first thing in the morning. Our Hostel was was amazing because the morning we woke we had a large Irish Fry - otherwise known as a traditional breakfast. Sausage, Rashers, Baked Tomatoes, Pototatoes, and ... yes... you might have guessed it ... Tea. Andrea made the comment that the Irish know how to do it right - a little bit of food goes a very long way. So with a hearty meal under out belts, the bus ride.
The bus stopped a grand total of four times - the fourth being the final destination. However, Ireland is not know for their wide and well maintained roads, that and there are so many round-abouts, coupled with how jerky the overall ride is... yeah I think you get the picture.
Arriving in Galway, we found a hostel, booked a night and I said to myself - This time, I will not get trapped here for days on end. We walked the city and then had dinner... after that, it was another bus ride to Oranmore to visit the Keys. My wonderful sense of direction left us at the wrong bus stop and we had to walk the rest of the way to the house. After 3 years I could still find the way. Which proves the point - feed a person and they will follow you home.
The comapny was grand and we all laughed quite a bit. Halfway though the night it was decided that we would go to Bunratty Castle and Folkpark the next day.
Plans had changed and we were on for another day in Galway. Bronagh drove us back to the hostel. We went out and watched Keith's band play and finally went to bed around 3 in the morning.

Day 3 brought with it two very tired people. Because it does not get dark here until around 11:00 pm, we are having trouble with getting to sleep. Which means we are having trouble getting up. Breakfast was quite good but, again, stuck to our bones.
Ah... but we are off again. I will update in a bit... We are off to Donegal with Keith and I think he has just pulled up! More to come because the day is not yet done.

Hit The Ground Running

Arrived safe in Dublin. With a delayed flight to Newark, we boarded the plane almost as soon as we landed. I popped two Dramamine and turned into the drooling boy - sure that if there was a person on that flight who wanted to sell my liver on the black market they missed thier prime opportunity.
Good news - Both Andrea and Myself had luggage that stowed nicely in the overhead compartment! This being a huge relief.
When we landed it was off to the hostel to drop our stuff off, pay up, maybe get our bunk. However, as one would have it in hostel land - our beds were not ready -as planned. We Left gear ina large room and hit the city around 11:00. First we ate - Fish and Chips while sitting on the lawn at a a nearby cathedral, then off to Guinness storehouse for a tour and a beer, and finally to see the old Dublin (The Castle and College).
Needless to say, arriving to get our beds at 7:30 pm was a much needed rest. Andrea is now asleep and both of us still contemplating whether or not we go out on the town tonight or stay it off inside. Both sound so tempting that it looks like we will be trying to decide what to do tonight all the way till morning.
So untill morning....
We are safe and well... and already drinking beer -
CHEERS!

The Idea for now...

For those of you who are wondering what we are doing or where we are, I am posting a rough itinerary... I am suspecting that we will not be posting as often as what some would like or as often as we would like... Keep in mind the majority of the posts to come will be written in the cities... as far as I can tell anyways.
The date today is July 1, 2008. 6 more days...

The Month of July
7 - Leave for SFO, Flight leaves at 11:20
8 - Arrive in Dublin @ 9:30 am
9 - Leave for Donegal
10 - Somewhere on the west coast
11 - Somewhere on the west coast
12 - Arrive in Galway
13 - Find a B&B somewhere on the west coast
14 - Head back to Dublin
15 - Leave for Rome
16 - Rome
17 - Rome
18 - Rome
19 - Rent a Car and drive to the Tuscan countryside. Check into the Castle
20 - Tuscany
21 - Tuscany
22 - Tuscany
23 - Tuscany (Officially in Florence - Gonna visit David)
24 - Tuscany
25 - Last Night in the "Castle"
26 - Back towards Rome
27 - Final night in Rome
28 - Fly back to Dublin
29 - Dublin
30 - Fly back to USA, arrive @ 9:30 pm