Who’s that travelling couple… us!

Part 8

It’s Saturday & we have a busy day & night planned!

On the road again, we’re off driving through Sally Gap. Getting into the countryside, it’s very foggy today & I love fog! We’re on a quiet, mountainous road & I think hey everyone… let’s just stop, get out & enjoy the fresh crips air!

Everyone’s keen & soon we’re all having fun again. Taking photos in the middle of the road, being silly, a couple of cyclists pass us & give us a friendly wave.

Another bit of driving, another spot to stop and this time Newton attempted to fly his drone, but suddenly the wind picked up & “Dronie” was struggling (yes, I have a pet name for the Drone😉)

More winding roads, more countryside, more stops to make, pictures to take, memories to make.

And then we arrive at… Guinness Lake! Wow!

Imagine a body of water, lake/dam/river completely black. If you can’t imagine, take a look at some of the pics, I hope I did it justice! 😉

Nestled between the sweeping mountains of Wicklow, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

Nicknamed by the former owners of Guinness estate. Not named because its actual Guinness beer flowing through haha!

It’s official name is Lough Tay, or correctly Irish; Loch Té meaning “tea lake”.

Another opportunity for flying Dronie, this time with much more success. We explored the downward hill (carefully) and when I sat down, I felt so many emotions.

Gratitude, awe, personal achievement, etc. When Carmen came to sit with me, I was explaining to her how I was feeling & suddenly I was crying. Too many emotions to handle at once I guess. I remember thanking her for inviting & welcoming us, affording me this opportunity to experience this beautiful part of the world. How special is this?! Imagine how special this friendship feels to me, now more than ever.

Next stop? A bakery! You may remember I confessed we’re carb addicts? Well, this bakery we saw on Paul Hollywood’s City Bakes. Firehouse Bakery. A cosy yet buzzing little café in the quaint little town of Delgany, Wicklow

Known for their award-winning Batch bread, by the time we arrived, they were sold out! Newton & I struck up a conversation about where we’re from, how we knew about their bakery, giggling about how the ladies were star struck by Paul Hollywood visiting. And it must have been our genuine love of bakes (and friendliness 😉) that made this kind lady offer up her own bread – the actual last of the “batch of the day”! Such a warm & fond memory of Irish kindness.

They have a window seat looking into their baking prep area. We could have sat & watched them for hours (with plenty coffees & probably too many pastries) but we had more places to be! Instead, we bought some goodies to take home.

We needed time to freshen up & dress up for an evening out!

And make time for antics, of course 😉

Dinner and a show, we had no idea what was waiting for us 😀 Another little road trip, this time at night to Johnnie Fox’s

A traditional pub up in the Dublin mountains of Glencullen. Some narrow, winding, uphill roads, which made us nervous about coming back after midnight… haha we’re probably getting old 😉

Couple different spots inside & a covered outdoor area with outdoor heaters.

Our spot… was the main dining hall where we’d get to watch some traditional Irish dancing! It’s called the Hooley Show.

There was a band playing live Irish music, interacting with the crowd.

We were graced with the exceptionally talented performer – Aimee Farrell Courtney, one of the world’s leading female Bodhran players. Google that, trust me it’s worth it. Or wait, just click on this LINK 😉 You’re welcome!

The service was great, attentive & friendly. Drinks flowed easily, my starter arrived & I nearly died! It was the biggest portion of fresh mussels I’ve ever received… and as a starter! But, mussels was a must while in Ireland & boy did I polish them off… long after everyone else 😐

In fact, mains were arriving & I had to make space for my second course while finishing my first! And I call myself a foodie… shame. But I was distracted. The ambience, the sounds, chatter, hustle & bustle from the bar, the laughter, the accents. Which leads me to another highlight of this night.

Carmen & I decide to visit the ladies room & I get up from the table, I motion to Newton to watch my bag I was leaving on my seat.

To our surprise, a guest at the table next to us pipes up in Afrikaans, our 2^nd language back home …

“Julle hoef nie dit hier te doen nie” And it had us all in stitches because we all knew what he meant.

Translated; You don’t have to do that here!

Back home, we worry about leaving our personal belongings unattended & always ask someone to “watch our stuff”.

We broke into a fun conversation, exchanging pleasing familiarity, laughing about how different life is in Ireland, discussing how we all ended up in the same space. It was a special surprise.

Oh… spotted in the bathroom… haha…

But the best was up next.

The dancers have arrived & the lights are being dimmed. As I sat watching & cheering, I again felt that overwhelming sense of gratitude & joy. To be here, to be experiencing this beautiful culture and to be doing so with people I love 😊

The young girl dancing with the adults was simply adorable, her little attitude on stage was hugely entertaining. Everyone knew she was the star!

The adults though, were just as impressive. Phew, the amount of stamina they have… talent, grace, energy all rolled into a package to entertain us with traditional feet kicking, knee bending, spinning, twirling dancing! What a hoot!

Plenty of good ‘aul’ Irish craic 😀

The boys!

The crew! The end of a very memorable night out ❤

Who’s that travelling couple… us!

Part 7

Hot off the heels of Cliffs of Moher…

We’re back in the car heading to Tombs of Burren.

Did you know, both Burren & Cliffs of Moher were declared UNESCO Geoparks in 2011?

We drove into the parking area, a light drizzle falling.

As we started off on the rocks, drizzle turned to rain haha! Still, undeterred, we explored the rocks, the Poulnabrone Dolmen – an Irish icon of archaeology! We started playing in the rain trying not to slip & fall on the rocks. We were taking landscape & landmark photos, being silly, making faces, striking poses, taking group selfies. Oh, how we laughed.

We all just let our hair down & it felt fantastic. How often do we do this? Why don’t we do it more often if it feels so good? We were so carefree & only once back in the car, did we realise we were half soaked 😀

Look at that beautiful landmark!

Such happy faces, I remember these moments so clearly.

More driving, we passed a tractor for which we needed to get onto the shoulder of the road to let it pass. And a lady was driving, passing with a polite wave of thanks. Ok, now we’re in deep country. Roads so narrow we’re almost in the bush when “traffic” comes your way! So far away from city hustle, at home & here in Ireland (Dublin city). Properly off the beaten track.

Now remember, we’re big fans of old architecture.

We spotted an abandoned brick structure in ruin – in the middle of a field (slightly creepy). Stop the car! We have to know what’s out there, what’s inside even. Out of the car, back out in the light drizzle, a perfect spot for Newton to fly his drone! Being curious, I needed to know what this place was! Google told me it is a historical landmark called Carron Church – Teampall a Chairn.

Ah, such beauty in ruins forgotten by many. There’s an eerie peace about this spot.

Beautiful Drone shot by Newton

By now, three quarter of the day had passed – time really flies when you’re having fun. We all agreed it was time to head back home.

After Carmen had been driving all day, hubby Warren offered to drive back.

**OK… Warren, if you’re reading this, it’s your time to shine haha 😀

Just thinking about it, has me giggling. Carmen was in front, & Newton & I were at the back. Warren was navigating with GPS, however, we all dozed off and left Warren driving on his own. Carmen & I woke to hear him & Newton deciding if we’d been down this road before… “oh that looks familiar, I think we came through here already” Yup! We were lost hahaha!!

After laughing my A$$ off making everyone else laugh, we slowly got back on track. We, including our driver, were all pooped after the day’s activities.

But we had the energy for one last stop! A petrol station with food!! Newton was excited to see Subway! He wanted to try this here. To our disappointment, they were closed 😦 So we opted for loaded fries from Burger King. Grabbed a couple snacks and about 3.5hours later we arrived home.

(I may have dozed off again on the ride back.) Thanks Warren, for getting us back safely & entertaining us out of sleep hahaha! A fun ending to a genuinely fun day 😀

Who’s that travelling couple… us!

Part 6

We’re heading to the Irish countryside 😊

Today is the road trip to the Cliffs of Moher! Buckle up, I have lots to share!

Snacks packed – check! Water bottles for days – check! Let’s go!! Yes, I was really that excited. I called shotgun, we shoved the boys in the back seats 😉

New lesson: every petrol/gas station has their own petrol/gas price. So, we drove around a bit before stopping to fill up. Newton gets a chance to use the self-service pump & go inside the store to pay. After a tussle between him & Carmen about who’s paying (he won!), we hit the road again.

Well… now I am seeing the Ireland I imagined for so long. The lush, green rolling hills. Mountainsides. Valleys. Winding roads. A little cloudy, cool but lovely. I’m already grateful for being chauffeured by Carmen, my eyes are absorbing so much natural beauty I don’t think my brain could keep up!

We stopped at a pier & I remember this pitstop because of the cute border collie following me as we walked, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name of this quaint fishing pier.

Newton & I jumped up onto a rock wall, wowed by the breath-taking view of ocean.

Back on the road, passing cows and sheep grazing peacefully. They’re everywhere.

We drive up to the entrance of the Cliffs of Moher. People everywhere. Lots of tour busses.

I remember seeing the steep uphill to the walls of the Cliffs & thinking… “hmmm, am I ready for this?” But there was adrenalin rushing through every vessel of my being. (I had no idea what was ahead of me!) Up steps to the right, passing a delightful gentleman playing tunes on his accordion, we reached a point where we had a full view of the Cliffs. It’s breathtaking!!

Up more steps, we saw a Tower we could enter & explore. This is O’Brien’s Tower, the highest point of the Cliffs. It’s named after a descendant of the first High King of Ireland; Cornelius O’Brien was the landlord in the locality. How fascinating.

O’Brien’s Tower (right), Cliffs of Moher

Going up inside the Tower… and outside at the top of the Tower

Time for a trail walk. (Carmen, if you’re reading… contain yourself haha!) A dusty path with views of the ocean to the left & green pastures to the right. Along the fence I stopped to watch a cow graze (I know, lame) & heard the loudest chewing from an animal! Sounded like it was ripping the grass from the ground. Of all the things/sights/sounds that stay with us, mine had to be of a cow chewing!

Further down, we were taking photos of the amazing views and while everyone was facing the ocean, I turned to take pictures of the fields. Stretching over the fence suddenly my life flashed before my eyes!!

The fence was electrified & I shrieked & freaked! Pretty sure I freaked out the entire bunch of tourists around me! After a quick check of my vitals (thanks my darling nursie friend Carmen), everyone burst out laughing! Guys, I could have died over here! Nope, hysterical laughter all round is what I got… until I laughed along! From this moment, this day would be remembered as a … “shocking experience”! You’re welcome, I aim to please 😀

We made our way back to where we started, by now Carmen & Warren were leaving us on our own. We wanted to explore the other side of the Cliffs… they said, “see you in 2hours!” what!?

Off we went, for a gruelling uphill most of the way, but oh boy was it worth it!

Hard work pays, once at the top… you’ll see!

Honestly the most magnificent views of nature. A couple times, I told Newton to slow down & just look around. Ok maybe to rest a little too 😉

You don’t realise how quickly time passes & before you know it, you’re leaving a place and all you have are memories. So, while in the experience, I always try to remind myself… this may never happen again. Be fully in it.

Pausing to take in the softer natural beauty, often just passed by or forgotten ❤

We had some lovely selfie spots, sat on rocks overlooking the Cliffs, Newton found edge-of-the-mountain photo ops… while I sat watching 😐 But I admired him so much, loved that he was getting his fill of this experience too. There’s one candid photo I took of him (not sharing 😉), which is just a picture of joy & relaxation.

This visit to Cliffs of Moher is part one of today because there’s too much for one post! We grabbed sandwiches & drinks from the cafe, before jumping in the car for more road trip fun!

Next week, I’ll bring you some more stories & pictures from the Irish countryside.

A truly special place ❤

Who’s that travelling couple… us!

Hello Ireland!

(Part2)

Ok, flight number 2… just 5.5hours more to Dublin! Little butterflies of excitement fluttering, I’m thinking of all the things I want to see & do. So much talk has finally become reality!

Touchdown in Dublin… through customs check fairly quickly. The customs official was probably annoyed with my friendly disposition at 7am! And that was my 1^st time hearing the distinctive Irish accent – “Welcome to Ireland”. We turn the corner to our baggage carousel & witnessed first-hand all the lost baggage we’ve been reading about & seeing on socials! Bags everywhere, on top of each other, upside down, unclaimed. It must have been luck of the Irish, but it didn’t take 2 minutes for our bags to roll through. Yay!

Lost luggage at Dublin airport

Through the doors and there she is, Carmen – my friend since high school! Big, bright smile shuffling closer to come give me the tightest hug 😊 After squashing our suitcases into her car, we exit the airport & I felt like I was in a movie. Staring out the window, appreciating all things different. Holy cow, we’re in another country whoo-hoo! Different environment, break in routine, adventure awaits!

Fresh as daisies off the plane

Approx. 20 minutes later, we arrive in the picturesque Ashbourne, County Meath. Streets neat as a pin! Flowers blooming on the sidewalks and in planters on balconies. I finally get to experience my friend’s new life, after she immigrated 4 years ago. After all the hugs, laughs & enjoying the surprise care package on our bed… I couldn’t keep up any longer & excused myself for a nap. You may think this was rude, but not as rude as Newton dozing off mid conversation with her hahaha! He’ll never live that down 😉

First impression of Ashbourne, picturesque!

Carmen’s sweet care package waiting for us ❤

Her hubby (Warren) arrived home from work, very excited to have us! They took us to Donabate beach (the ocean; our happy place!) and we had such a lovely stroll in the fresh, crisp air. On a long, sandy beach the tide was so far out, allowing us to explore some rocks. I just wanted to put my hands in the Irish Sea.

Donabate beach, with a perfect view of Lambay Island

The gang! Left-Newton, middle Warren, right Carmen

The smiles of a 26 year friendship ❤

On a winding walking path adjacent to the beach, Warren gave us some insight to life in Ireland when he picked up a pair of spectacles, we saw laying in the grass & he put it on a wall. Apparently, if someone dropped something it was usual to leave it to the side (of the street or path) in case they returned looking for it. Our first experience of a different kind of “normal”! We saw this numerous times on our solo adventures too. Is this what community means?

Us parking off along the path adjacent to the beach, taking it all in.

Along the walk back, we were in awe of the naturally black rocks! Some smooth, some jutting out showing us just how majestic nature is. And how different, in a different part of the world.

Beautiful black rocks at Donabate beach!

After a gorgeous, tranquil drive home through winding, tree-lined roads, our next stop was at a Tesco store, where we needed to pay to use a trolley. Super weird… we did it just for the experience, not because we had to do grocery shopping. In SA, trolleys are free for all… including for the homeless 😐

While planning the trip, Carmen asked me if we had any food and drink preferences. And I had to confess, Newton & I are big coffee snobs… the kind of snobs that won’t finish a cup of coffee we paid for, if it tastes like shit. So, they bought a Nespresso machine for us to enjoy coffee as much as we liked. Unbelievably kind & too adorable!!

That evening, they cooked us a fabulous dinner, we ate, we chatted, we laughed, we all squished onto the couch… it was the start of what would be a really fun trip!

Tomorrow Carmen will take us on our first bus trip, into Dublin city (here we come!!!) to show us the ropes. How do I sleep with this excitement?

Oh wait… here’s the formula; long journey + broken sleep – nap = will sleep more!

Stay tuned… next up, is another first of many for us – first day in Dublin city!

* Carmen and Warren, if either of you are reading this, thank you for your warm & excited welcome, it’s a lasting memory for us both!

** To anyone else reading, are you also a “coffee snob”? Do you also enjoy a Nespresso, if so which kind? Tell me in comments.

Lockdown Day10 – 05 April 2020

To me, autumn in Cape Town means spectacular sunsets, foggy mornings, nature’s colors changing, lots of bird noises and crisp, cool air.

This morning, I sat at my window with my favorite cup of coffee, while most of my neighborhood was still sleeping. Sliding windows wide open, overlooking a valley covered in fog. A cold front seemed to be creeping in. I enjoyed the peaceful quiet of early morning, the sounds of the Egyptian geese in the distance, probably in the park I’d normally be walking through on a morning like this. But also hearing sounds of other birds chirping. So pleasant, calming and… new. I’ve noticed birds before, but with our new normal quiet, seems there’s loads more out there having conversations.

A glorious autumn morning
Images taken by myself

Another picture from my window
#stayathome

As the area woke up, their beautiful melodies started giving way to rubber meeting tar, wheels swooshing by. Feathered voices were replaced with distant human chatter. I still enjoyed the view, so thankful I don’t have a brick wall next to my window. I can still see some of my world from where I sit. But this also means I can see how disgusting some neighbors are. Always got to take the good with the bad I guess.

In the afternoon, we decided to bake! For the first time since a mandatory bake in high school, I made cookies! Peanut Butter cookies! Such a treat!! Mary Berry would be so proud (she’s my spirit Gran) I certainly felt proud of my accomplishment, even after I forgot to cream the butter and sugar! I threw away the mistake batch of dry ingredients, laughed it off & started over. We are nothing if we cannot learn from our mistakes and I’m way too hard on myself most of the time, so I thought… fuck it, try again. And super glad I did… yum! My partner was inspired, he made carrot muffins, and what a treat they were! Light and fluffy and we really should stop getting busy in the kitchen before we need to roll out after lockdown is lifted 😂 (then I also have opinions about whether that will happen or not…for another time😏)

My first attempt at Peanut Butter cookies (top) and his delicious carrot muffins (bottom)

That cold front did eventually arrive, bringing some much needed moisture from the sky. More like a heavy mist or fine drizzle than rain. All of the above welcomed, in case you didn’t know by now, this is my favorite season 😉

Until next time… 👋

#21days #day10 #flattenthecurve #lockdown #isolation #lockdown_capetown #lockdown_southafrica #covid_19 #coronavirus #capetown #southafrica #staysafe #socialdistancing #physicaldistancing #stayathome #nature #missingoutside #autumn #outdoors #fog #trees #baking #cookies #muffins

Lockdown Day8 – 03 April 2020

Our 2nd Friday in #lockdown and TGIF! Been a busy work-from-home week. I work in manufacturing & import goods from Europe, so you can only imagine all the hiccups, from flight delays / cancellations, newly imposed import restrictions to customs stops… everything is upside down, yet we need to carry on. Our economy depends on it.

Unprecedented times indeed.

This morning was garbage collection & we were so relieved that ours was collected as usual. Some neighborhoods were waiting days for trucks to come around because of skeleton staff and a couple trucks broke down. On my way back in to the complex, I had to take a pic of this notice in our foyer.

Notice in our complex foyer
Image taken by myself

So, after waiting all day to see what would happen at 8pm, the time finally arrived. There we are, my partner & I, peeking out our windows overlooking the street. It was so expected, it was hilarious. If there were 4 people cheering, that was a lot. I did hear some bagpipes in the distance🤷‍♀️ And someone was playing the Gloria Gaynor song “I will survive” The air is beautifully crisp and clear, it’s so quiet that it’s loud. I hear things in the distance more. Like those bagpipes 😂

But on a more serious note, I have the utmost respect & gratitude for all those serving us on the frontlines. My sister is a medical receptionist / physician assistant, she had to take some time off while treating symptoms. Luckily, like me, it was the other strain of flu and not covid-19!!! I also have a very good friend nursing in Ireland, currently finishing her quarantine period after traveling back from Cape Town last minute, before Ireland closed their borders. I didn’t get to see her while she was here, but we keep in touch and I’m so glad she’s ok. But I still have concern, knowing she’ll be stepping into the frontlines in Monday, while my sister returns tomorrow. They’ll happily put on their masks & still keep smiling behind it as they serve.

Across the road, in the garden of a neighboring complex, I saw an older gent sitting under a tree, on a garden chair, topless, wearing a sun hat and reading a book. It was a beautiful 32°C day, blue skies. The kind of day I’d drive to the beach after work. Go for a walk to shake off the week.

Those are two things on my #postlockdownlist of things to do. A long, mountain drive to nowhere in particular and a long walk on the beach, maybe even a dip in a tidal pool if it isn’t freezing by then yet.

Lots to look forward to. Keep positive and stay safe. If you can, stay home!

#21days #day8 #flattenthecurve #lockdown #isolation #lockdown_capetown #lockdown_southafrica #covid_19 #coronavirus #capetown #southafrica #staysafe #socialdistancing #physicaldistancing #stayathome #workfromhome #nature #missingoutside #autumn

Lockdown Day6 – 01 April 2020

The new norm? No April Fools jokes today! Days are becoming blurred. This morning’s coffee conversation went something like this: Him – hun, are you still having your early morning meeting tomorrow? Me – no, that’s usually on WednesdaysHim – so, tomorrow is Wednesday Me – no hun, today is WednesdayHim – no man, are you sure?Hahaha… yup! 6days in 😅

Autumn is my favorite time of year🍁 Watching nature change. Trees turning beautiful colors. Cool, crispy mornings. Warm, sunny days. Then the nighttime chill creeps in. If I’m lucky, a misty morning – especially on a week end when I can go for an early morning walk. Usually these fellas keep me entertained on nature/park walks this time of year as I go stomping through drying leaves🍂 Now, I hear them making a noise in the skies and miss them up close. It’s a beautiful, louder noise when the air is so much quieter.

Egyptian goose in the Company Gardens, Cape Town Image taken by myself

See you soon friends… human & feathered 🦆

#21days #day6 #flattenthecurve #lockdown #isolation #lockdown_capetown #lockdown_southafrica #covid_19 #coronavirus #capetown #southafrica #staysafe #socialdistancing #physicaldistancing #stayathome #workfromhome #nature #missingoutside #autumn #outdoors