Luxurious Langoustine

Last night I watched a cooking program where the chef prepared a lovely langoustine dish.  I have only had this delicate crustacean once and it was on my trip to New Zealand.

I had taken the Coastal Pacific rail from Picton to Christchurch, the journey through the countryside and along the coast was so beautiful.  

It was late when I checked into my hotel, and I went downstairs for a bite to eat.  There were 2 restaurants, one casual and bustling with people.  The other, elegant with a peaceful atmosphere, that was the one for me.

As I looked over the menu, I realized that this would be beyond my budget, but I wanted to stay so I decided to have a starter and thought that would be sufficient.  I ordered the langoustine with cream sauce and a nice glass of local red wine.  

I'm not sure if it was the food, the atmosphere or just the entire experience but it felt so luxurious and tasted like the best thing I had ever eaten.   

For me, that is one of the great joys of traveling.  I can savor those precious moments and relive them again and again, just like they were yesterday.

Sentimental Journey

After a very strange and stressful week at work I was finally heading to the airport to go home.

When I arrived, it was buzzing with activity, mostly sports fans and students on spring break so it was very loud and hectic.  

It was a lovely young mother, her grandmother and 6-month-old daughter.  I immediately began to relax and knew this would be a wonderful flight.  

I found the quietest location possible and tried to focus on what would make my flight more pleasant, so I decided to think about where I wanted to sit on the plane.  

The airline does not assign seats which can be a blessing or a curse and with today's crowd I thought I better put all of my energy toward positive thoughts so I could try to relax on my way home.  

My request was simple - a seat on the aisle with room for my small bag overhead and a pleasant seatmate preferably between rows 5 - 20 on the plane. 

It may sound silly, but where I sit can make all the difference between an easy, comfortable flight and an uncomfortable one.

As I boarded the plane, I could see it was already more than half full.  I scanned the rows looking for my seat.  

Finally, row 17 on the aisle, with plenty of overhead space - perfect!  As I sat down, I realized it was 2 women with a small baby and that may have been why the seat was available.  

I was thrilled, I was a new grandmother, and it made me very happy to be around young children. 

I chatted briefly with the women and played with the beautiful little girl until she fell asleep in her great-grandmother's arms.  Then it occurred to me - that could be me someday!  

A tidal wave of emotion came over me as I thought about my grandchildren having children of their own and how I might have my own great-grandchild sleeping in my arms.  

What a beautiful and sentimental journey and one of the best trips I have ever had.

What I Didn't Know About Ireland

                                   

As an Irish American, I grew up thinking that I knew certain things about Ireland.   Of course, I had always heard how beautiful it was and how friendly the people were, but I was surprised to discover that there are so many things that as Americans we don't really know about Ireland.

Here are just some of the things that surprised and delighted me during my travels to the lovely green isle.

Top o' the Mornin 

I've never heard an Irish person say this in over 20 years of traveling there.

Corned Beef and Cabbage is not the national dish

The most common or traditional meal I found all through the country is boiled back bacon (pork), potatoes, cabbage and a lovely parsley cream sauce, it's just like the country boiled dinner my grandmother made when I was growing up.  Corned beef and cabbage developed in America due to the cost of food and immigrants living in the same communities with some who did not eat pork.  

Irish Bacon is not the same as Canadian Bacon 

It a gorgeous slice of pork loin (rashers) that I adore!

St. Patrick's Day began as a religious holiday to honor their patron Saint

Until 1970 pubs were required by law to close for the day.  Irish immigrants in America began celebrating in remembrance of their homeland and it has evolved into the green madness we know today. 

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are separate countries

Although they share a border with the South, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

Pubs in Ireland are truly Public Houses

They are a place to meet, gather and conduct business.  You are as likely to find a hardware store or linen shop in the same building.  I even found one that had a mortuary on the other side.  Many have become more of a drinking establishment, but you'll still find many true pubs throughout the country.

To say that the Irish are heavy drinkers, is not a fair reflection of the culture

I found drinking to be more of a social activity, and many prefer tea or soft drinks over alcohol when they are out.  My favorite was black currant juice mixed with water, very refreshing.

Having said that, there is a very healthy respect for the black stuff

During my travels I would often see Guinness mini coupes driving through the country to inspect and service the tiny pubs in the towns and villages.  As a woman you are more likely to be offered a glass instead of a pint when you order a beer, just tell them you want a pint, and you'll get a smile and a wink.

We've all heard of Irish Wakes 

I was very moved to hear the story about families having American Wakes for their loved ones who were emigrating to the US - they knew they would probably never see them again.  

Christian - Pagan - Ancient Celts

As I trekked up the Hill of Tara, I was surprised to see a very modest statue of St. Patrick and all of the surrounding monuments and symbols to honor their ancient pagan history as well.

Cherish the History

That is something very unique about Ireland - they don't remove something just because it is old or seems out of date.  A lovely caretaker I met at the Kylemore Abbey gardens explained to me that anything that thrives there stays there. 

Taxi drivers are more like professional tour operators 

They will give you great information about the local area.  It will also be the most interesting conversation you will ever have.  The Irish are very well informed about news and world events and love to chat with travelers about all of it.

How lovely and social they are is not a myth 

If they ask you about yourself, it isn't simply to be polite - they really want to know.  When I lived there, I was told early on, to allow extra time when you go out so you can chat with the people you meet along the way.  

The Irish have an incredible, irrepressible, independent spirit

That is perfectly displayed on the Painted Doors of Dublin.  At the same time, they have a deep love and loyalty to their country, like singing the national anthem at the end of the night after drinking and dancing.  That is something you would never see at an American bar.

They are the warmest, kindest most generous people I have ever met, and the countryside is absolutely stunning.  

If you've been there, then you know what I'm talking about.  If you haven't, then you must see it for yourself to understand the true beauty of this very special place.

To say I was charmed by Ireland would be a tremendous understatement.  It's not only the home of my ancestors but has become the homeplace of my heart. 

Traveling Solo in Ireland

As much as I enjoy traveling with family and friends, there is something very special about traveling solo.  You have complete freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want with no restrictions.

On my first trip to Ireland, I had planned on a group tour, but it was cancelled so I decided to take the trip and just go on my own.  It was such a fantastic experience that I couldn’t wait to do it again.

Not only is it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been but the people are so warm and welcoming, I immediately felt right at home.

Planning was much easier than I expected, I booked my flight and hotels online and rented a car after I arrived.  I followed the original itinerary of the tour but going alone gave me the opportunity to explore areas that the tour would not have taken me.

Most of the hotels I stayed at offered food and live music on-site or nearby, so I could enjoy a great evening out without having to drive. 

Driving through the countryside, I loved being able to stop along the way for lunch or a cup of tea and not worry about following any set schedule.  Your time really is your own when you travel solo, but you don’t have to be alone unless you want to. 

People are always very interested to hear about your adventure and talk to you about your travels.  They are happy to share information about great things to see and do in the area.  I have met so many wonderful people on my trips and still stay in touch with many of them.

The joy truly is in the journey when you travel solo! 

Published - MyFlightSearch.com I dream of travel