Ireland & London - May 2016
Paul had a teaching commitment at the University of Liverpool's London campus, so we decided to go over together and visit friends in Cork, Ireland on the way. We left JFK on time about 11:00pm Thursday night and got to Shannon, Ireland about 10:30 a.m. yesterday. No problems except we couldn't sleep on the plane.
We rented a car and visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Village on our way to our friends' home outside Cork. First, we ate lunch at a restaurant called Durty Nelly's that's right next to the place. Very old - original parts from the 1600's.
Bunratty is just like Sturbridge Village, except with the addition of a castle.
Then we drove the two hours to Cork. Hooboy. Driving on the left took some getting used to. When we were in areas with typical roads and traffic it was easier. But when we were out in the country for over an hour and the roads were winding and narrow, it was downright terrifying. The countryside is gorgeous and just what you envision Ireland to look like. When we got here we took a walk all over the beautiful 40 acres of gardens and woodland on the property. We had fish pie and sour berry cake for dinner. It was all very nice.
The first communion service on Saturday was delightful. There were 27 of the most beautiful Irish boys and girls, all looking and acting as angelic as could be.
Then we had a great afternoon luncheon at our hosts' home. Peter-Carlo is seated on my left, and his wife Belinda is standing at the far end of the table facing the window ... wonderful hosts and friends!
On Sunday, after those who wanted went to Mass, we drove out to Limerick on the coast for lunch at a seaside restaurant.
Then we visited a golf course, Old Head Golf Club, which was right on the coast. We walked the course a bit, met the owner (a friend of Peter-Carlo), had a drink in the bar, and relaxed while Paul got an impromptu tour of the course in a golf cart.
To cap a very busy day, we returned home to go to a fundraising Garden Tour at our hosts' neighbors. Beautiful gardens and woodlands. On Monday morning, Belinda took us for a hike in a National Forest and then we headed to London that afternoon.
We're enjoying staying at the Carlton Club in London. It's a members-only club (only 24 rooms) which has reciprocity with the Army and Navy Club in Washington DC that Paul belongs to. It's elegant and quiet (no children allowed) with a strict dress code but very friendly staff.
On our first full day in London, we went on a bus tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. Unfortunately, I left my purse in a cab that night after a late dinner so I lost all those photos (also my phone and wallet with 2 credit cards, license and all insurance cards). Ugh. What a dope and what a pain. Otherwise, everything was great.
The next day, Paul didn't have to leave until after lunch so we were able to go to the Kenwood House together where I wanted to see the Vermeer that they have. I've now seen 19 of 34 of his paintings. We especially enjoyed the docents who were in each of the rooms who happily shared lots of information about the art, furniture, architecture, history, etc. of each of the rooms.
Kenwood House also has many acres of gardens and park-like grounds surrounding it. These two photos show a few of the rhododendron 'shrubs'. They're more like trees -- about 25 feet high. Can you find Paul in the second photo?
The next day, I was on my own. Belinda had recommended visiting the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, so that's what I set out to do. After breakfast I got a Google map and directions from the concierge. It should have been about a half hour walk but it took me about twice that since I had to stop and ponder the map and/or ask directions several times. Turns out that not all the small side streets are on the Google map nor are all the streets marked and some can twist and turn in ways that one minute you think you're on a particular street and then a few corners later you find you're not on that street anymore. Anyway, it's not an easy city to navigate, but I always had some sense of which direction I needed to be going, so I eventually got there. (This photo is one of my 'where the heck am I?' pauses). One might think I would have less trouble getting back, but the experience was just the same as getting there. Oi vey. But it was really no problem. It was a nice day and the museum was fantastic. I spent 4 and a half hours there. A few of my favorites:
I think we all need an ice cream cooler like the two on each end as well as the wine cooler in the middle (mid-eighteenth century).
I loved this 17th century pocket sundial and compass.
An exquisite Rembrandt painting of his son.
On our final day, I was on my own again and did much better with a city map rather than a Google map. I decided to go on a sightseeing boat cruise so I walked down to the Thames River, passing Trafalgar Square on the way. While waiting for my boat I was able to walk around and take some photos. Here's the Big Eye Ferris wheel (I didn't go on it!).
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Westminster Abbey.
Tower Bridge (from the boat).
... and a random big building with big statues (there are LOTS of these). It was a gray day, but it didn't rain. It was all good. A fine visit with great people and to a great city!
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