We Have Arrived!

After a relatively easy travel day where we got no sleep, we arrived in Dublin to a little bit of rain and a little bit of blue skies. We got our rental car (which is being used as our second home and extra storage for the month) and headed west!

I was up far too late the night before (last Thursday) putting the finishing touches on my packing. Having never been for a month before, I found myself throwing things in like a pillow, slippers, and my hair towel knowing creature comforts like this would be very helpful for a month long stay. It wasn't my finest packing job, but so far I haven't regretted anything I've brought. But I will admit that we packed more than I have before. Luckily I don't have to pay for luggage, so we ended up with two backpacks, two carry-on suitcases (checked one) and two regular size suitcases. There's plenty of things being left behind, so we'll have an empty carry-on for the return trip home next month and can take things like Barry's tea, Cadbury Dairy Milk & Snacks and whatever other goodies we feel like picking up along the way. 

The drive to Dublin was not the greatest with the rain lashing down and visibility not the best. But in about two hours, we made it to our destination: Mary & Alo's farm just outside of Elphin where we were welcomed by the cows, said our hellos, and then got into bed for more than four hours. 

We went for a beautiful walk in the country before dinner. It was exactly what I needed and I was delighted that Mary suggested it and John wanted to come along. It filled me right up.

Our post-dinner and walk showers felt great and helped us get ready to go into town for a couple of pints at Cathal's (Central Bar) in Elphin before continuing onto The Thatch. You never know what you're going to walk into, but we were delighted to hear music from the car park and to be greeted with a happy Gene and a lively pub. 

It was great to get caught up with friends over too many pints. And it feels so good to be home!