Departing for Ireland soon...

Maggie117 · Guru

Departing for Ireland soon...

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

You are very welcome! I know you are counting down the days now. Alas, the Red Door is now history. A victim of the economy. It was delicious while it lasted.

On this trip you can sit back and let someone else do the driving. It will be a very relaxing vacation for you and your mother.

Have you started your packing yet?

Michele

Maggie117 · Guru

Michele,

HAHA...started packing yet...no...I'm a highly functional procrastinator. Hopefully I'll be fully packed before the night before... doubt it though... My mom on the other hand has begun packing!!!

This vacation will be extremely relaxing. We just got our travel documents from C.I.E. today...we're just waiting on the travel bag. Even though we can bring our own carry on they provide one.

I'm thinking I may pack theirs in my suitcase and fill it up with goodies to carry home... I really, really will try to travel light. It's just so hard! I may need that extra shirt or shoes... last time I practically wore the same pair of jeans for the entire trip and it was boring! I want variety...we'll see what I can jam into my suitcase...but I know light is the way to go...

On another note, a while back it was posted that Aerlingus isn't always on time and we should check before leaving for the airport. We didn't do that and fortunately there were no delays. Is this something we should do or not worry?

Thanks!
Maggie

Rich207 · Veteran Member

Wow, it's happening already. We still have 4 weeks from today. I wish ours was right now. As for packing, we've already started. No procrastination here.

Maggie, I see you are in CT. Are you flying out of JFK or Logan. I'm curious about the departing and arrival lines and times. I've flown domestically, but not internationally through BOS.

Have a great trip.

-- Edited by Rich207 on Monday 20th of September 2010 07:59:57 PM

Maggie117 · Guru

Hi, We're flying out of Logan. Last time it was seamless. Even though I'm a procrastinator (again a successful one) ;) I'm not a fan of being late...so when they say show up early...I'm really early!!!

Enjoy the four weeks! The pre-trip/planning phase is just as much fun as the actual trip!

Are you taking a C.I.E. tour?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

You're like me. Although I lay out what I need for the trip I don't "pack" till just before I leave. Then whatever does not fit gets left behind.

I try to take mix-and-match clothes. My favorites are a denim big shirt and black slacks. They go with anything.

Michele

Maggie117 · Guru

Michele,

I had points on my Discover Card and was able to get $200 for LL Bean and they have these fabulous pants called The Perfect Fit (Slim Fit, Boot Cut etc.)...I'm serious, they're amazing! I will be wearing those this time. I started getting ready by washing them and folding them...They should take up much less room than jeans.

I can't sleep at night because I think I'm getting too excited. Sort of like a young child on Christmas Eve...

I'm a foodie and since we're heading to The Tea Room at the Clarence in Dublin I read they have a risotto and it probably amazing!!! :)

Maggie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

Eating your way through Ireland. A woman after my own heart. Have you tried sticky toffee pudding yet? You will have to keep a food journal and let us know where the best food your find is. Be sure to get anything with the name Thornton's on it in No. Ireland. They make chocolates, cakes, etc. They also have proper clotted cream in No. Ireland. Try a "cream tea".

Michele

clark219 · Veteran Member

mmmmmm, sticky toffee pudding! Just reading those words makes my mouth water. I think if there was nothing else I liked about Ireland I would still go back for the sticky toffee pudding.

@maggie- I hope you have a great trip!

Maggie117 · Guru

Michele,

Both my mom and I will be keeping journals this time. I want to be able to share as much from the trip with the group, as possible. I will add Sticky toffee pudding, which I haven't tried yet, Thorton's and "cream tea" to my list of must do/see... :) Very exciting!!!

Clark219, Thanks!

Woo hoo!!! So close!!! Less than 2 weeks!!! :)

Maggie

Rich207 · Veteran Member

This discussion on food is getting me very hungry. For me, eating is one of best parts of a trip. I am anxious to try the seafood in Ireland. Would love to compare their's to ours. Boy, the stick toffee pudding sounds good.

Maggie, the Perfect Fit pants from Bean's are just what my wife bought for our trip. You two are thinking alike (lol). She tried them on at the flagship store and was sold immediately. Also bought some lightweight luggage from them. All diets will be officially suspended between the last two weeks of October.
We are touring Ireland on our own. Based on our research and the help of Michele and friends on this and other web sites, we feel very confident with our plans. We looked into a tour, but could not find one that visited the places we intend to see.

Maggie117 · Guru

Rich, The seafood in Ireland is fabulous. My mom ate Mussels over 10 times and didn't even get bored with them when we were their in October 08 for 16 days. I read somewhere that mussels are in season that time of year...And I googled sticky toffee pudding and absolutely cannot wait to try it!!!

Those pants are fabulous! I really don't wear jeans anymore and live in them...I guess your wife and I are thinking alike!!! :)

October is wonderful! Well, any month is... :)

Have a safe and wonderful trip.

Maggie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

Be sure to get ice cream and whipped cream with your sticky toffee pudding. The contrast of hot and cold works perfectly together.

I could eat seafood every night in Ireland. Hey, I had salmon for breakfast on my last trip.

Michele

Maggie117 · Guru

Michele, Oh, that sounds yummy!! I'll fix my notes and make sure to add the the ice cream and whipped cream! I'll forget it if I don't write it down!!! :).

I just can't wait to sit back and relax and see the sites and then spend four nights in Dublin.

Maggie