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Showing posts from June, 2024

Thursday June 20- London

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  Wednesday evening Cleo and Anto took me for a pint to the Red Lion Pub overlooking the river Thames and in the far distance is the Hammersmith bridge. (No longer in service).  A few rowing teams were out training and just flew by. Below- Thursday morning Cleo took me to the Victoria and Albert museum to see the Naomi Campbell exhibit.   I just loved it and learning all about her story and the close relationships she forged w the top designers around the world.  I know how much Carol loves fashion and I wished I could have beamed her up to be with us - just like on startrek! Thanks Cleo for suggesting this outing and for sharing your pass w me. A photo of Cleo’s summer pudding which tasted as good as it looks.  She made it for our lunch w Fritha and  Doug which we enjoyed in her garden. Thursday afternoon I headed out to meet Kate at the other Red Lion near Piccadilly St.  It was so lovely to have a short visit w her and hear about her and Tom’s movin...

Tues, Wed June 18,19 London

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Above photo is of the cousin we just found…Fritha, whose grandmother was Colonel Shaw’s second daughter from his first marriage. Cleo, and us Watt siblings are Colonel Shaw’s grandchildren from his second marriage.  Cleo and I were quite amazed at how much she looked like mom. Those Shaw genes must be strong.  Cleo made a lovely lunch for us all “Coronation chicken”, so good…I’ll bring the recipe home.  It was nice out so we ate in the garden. Anto, Cleo,Fritha and her husband Doug.  Tuesday morning I drove back to Cork airport, returned the car and hopped on a short Ryanair flight to London.  One train took me from Gatwick to London Victoria station where I caught the district line to Stamford Brook- Anto was there to pick me up.  I made it! So nice to be here again w Cleo and Anto - they are such easy going, welcoming, fun hosts.  Love them both to bits.    Jemima and Serena came over for dinner last night and we had great fun catching up. ...

Monday June 17 Kinsale

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The photos below are of Charles Fort, near my air bnb.  It was a 45 minute walk to town - past two pubs and a very cute residential area with narrow windy streets along the sea wall. From Charles Fort Looking towards Kinsale. One of the pubs on my walk to Kinsale. The battle of Kinsale in 1601 was the most historic battle in this area when Ireland and Spain joined forces against the British. 3 photos above are of Fishy fishy restaurant. I was instructed to visit here by quite a few people.  Great branding - service was so so and food was great. This bar has the best sea food chowder I’ve tasted - period.  They also have live trad music every night.  I met Rose and Jim here last night up at the bar and Rose and I hit it off - they dropped me home on their way home a bit too early for my liking but it was sweet of them to offer, so I accepted.   I’ll head back there tonight for dinner and music for my last night in Ireland. Below is a photo of the west side of my ...

Sunday - Cork

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 I had an early night at an Airbnb just outside of Cork w Shauna and her husband and 3 adorable children 5,7,9.  Her husband was from Uruguay and they met at uni.  He encouraged me to upgrade my rental to an automatic so I had one less thing to worry about.  So happy I did.  I picked up the car from the airport and then parked it and had a walk about cork.  It is a beautiful town of about 120,000 pop.  I then headed out in the car for Kinsale.    This photo is for Tate and Moo Below is photo of Rooftop farm where Ingrid Johnston suggested I visit.

Saturday June 15 leaving Dingle for Cork

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 Well I had so much fun in Dingle last night I was sad to say goodbye.  No photos of that sorry!  My bus didn’t leave until 11:45 so I had another nice walk around the town - up to the gardens behind the monastery and to the local artisan cheese shop and of course back to my fav store Crinkles. A must visit in Dingle “the cheese shop”.  The nuns from the old monastery  resting in peace under the most beautiful tree you could imagine. This is a photo of the bnb where I stayed.  I just loved it- best location and owners were so kind and helpful. Two bars downstairs and one had the best live trad music…so fun.

Day 10 &11 off to Dingle

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 Thursday morning Barb and I headed out after breakfast- her to Dublin to fly home on Friday and I caught a bus to Dingle.  I am staying at Murphys guest house and it is perfect location and in a really cute old building and the owners are super helpful.  Highly recommend it. I went for dinner to the Fish Box last night, a local fishing family owns it and the food is so scrumptious.  Early night last night and booked air bnb in cork and Kinsale for the next 3 nights. I hiked to Dunn Quinn today - it was a bit of a tough one as I am missing the Macs adventure map telling me where I am against the trail so the dingle way sign posts lead me in a huge circle and back to my starting pt.  🤪  anyways I finally turned on my data and used google maps like a smart person would.  28.5 km and only 60 floors but it seemed like more elevation than that. The town of Dingle is so darned cute and has the nicest local artisan shops.  More pubs than population appa...