Travelling with a light heart!
Having family split over 3 countries can lead to a bit of chaos, especially when a baby's due date is part of the planning. New jobs and the ability to finally have our belongings sent from Italy, plus the travel blogging, meant that we've taken more than one flight over the last few months. Still, …
Outside of the US Dear Universe, Sometimes I need to know that the door which just closed did so because another, much better one, is opening. You have my number. Thanks. Sincerely, Rantypants Every bed of roses has its thorn. That smells. Or something. Usually my blog is my happy place. Aside from …
Today's post is written by Dario! He's been promising me a guest post for some time, so when Silvia from Trippando told me about a contest she and Travel – Moments in Time were having for writing about beaches, I thought this would be the perfect moment to nudge him into action. Having nearly …
Once upon a time, the CouchSurfing community in Cork was very active. There was a group outing at least once each week. This week was no different. I didn’t go as often as I should have, but since I’d convinced a new member to come down and meet all the lovely, friendly people, I made …
Cork, Ireland The cool weather and tendency to dump water on the head of anyone walking under Irish skies may not dispose this lovely island toward warm beaches and piña coladas, but hot drinks and delicious sweets are definitely on the menu! I have a few things that are on my regular schedule of indulgences. …
From the archives – and freshly updated! – comes a little piece comparing the 3 countries in which I've lived. Seemed fitting in light of the fact that we are soon leaving Ireland to head back to Italy for a while. WARNING: the word "awesome" is used to excess. I have been meaning to …
Strange, is it not? That of the myriads who Before us pass'd the door of Darkness through, Not one returns to tell us of the Road Which to discover we must travel too. ~ Edward Fitzgerald Derreenataggart stone circle. In my head I keep rolling the R's with a Scottish accent. I've …
Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough. ~ Mark Twain Jameson whiskey — size HUGE! — outside The Old Distillery. This was just going to be a quote and a photo that I conveniently had in the wings, but I couldn't resist giving a tiny …
Cork, Ireland What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words "Ireland" and "November" together in the same sentence? Whatever it is, I doubt it is anything along the lines of, "glorious sunny day," "bathing suits," or "a good time to go kayaking!" The closest I planned to come to the …
Cork, Ireland Just a quick reminder to anyone who is lucky enough to be in Ireland this Halloween — the Dragon of Shandon is coming on Monday! A very toothy smile from the 2010 parade. Here's the scoop on this year's parade: Join Cork Community Art Link in the historic heart of Shandon, Monday October …
Ballingcollig, Ireland This video was shot at a Tweetup in local pub here in Co. Cork. Unbeknownst to me and Dario is that there was live music scheduled along with the chat, pints, and general good craic. The music is what's called a "trad session": an informal gathering of musicians at a local pub, …
Kealkill, Ireland With such an alliterative name, you just know that wacky things are bound to take place. Seriously, try it on for size: "Kealkill. …Kealkill. KEALKILL!" (not to be confused will Killkeel in Co. Down!). Ok, got it? Now add "castle" to the mix. That's right. "Kealkill castle." And guess what there are lots …
Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland Today I met Dalene and Pete Heck of Hecktic Travels in Tralee. Dario and I had not yet visited the Dingle Peninsula, so the additional enticement of meeting up with some really cool bloggers finally nudged us into action. Unfortunately, or so we thought, the Rose of Tralee International Festival …
Beara Peninsula, Ireland I have to say, I think the Ring of Beara kicks the pants off the Ring of Kerry, which is no small feat! It's not nearly as touristy and the driving is trickier (no bus tours, I believe), with much narrower, windier roads — and it is totally worth it! Dario …
The Free Dictionary defines ethics in the following manner: eth·ic (thk) n. 1. a. A set of principles of right conduct. 1. b. A theory or a system of moral values: “An ethic of service is at war with a craving for gain” (Gregg Easterbrook). 2. ethics (used with a sing. verb) The study of …
Cork, Ireland A bit of an update from TourAbsurd-land… The Cork Cycling Festival has been taking place this week. Since one of Dario's consuming passions is his upcoming website about community-powered bike sharing, we have both been a bit overwhelmed. Dario with programming and hiring graphic designers, module coders, and server security gurus; me …
Slideshow of a summer visit to Blarney Castle gardens in Ireland.
Photo of the gorgeous Europa in the Tall Ships race at Waterford, Ireland.