Ciao Italia!

That’s right – “Ciao Italia!” We landed this morning at Malpensa Airport, just outside of Milan. Our plan was to rent a car, find our way to the town of Bellagio on beautiful Lake Como, and check into a hotel there. Bellagio is only 90 km (56 miles) from Malpensa airport. What could possibly go wrong? Continue reading “Ciao Italia!”

Last Day in Dublin

It’s our last day in Dublin. Aye, ’tis a sad thing. If I was a young lad without a care in the world, I’d probably say, “I’ll leave when I’m ready, and I’m not even close to ready yet!” But I’m not a young lad without a care in the world, and our plane leaves tomorrow. But we haven’t left yet! Continue reading “Last Day in Dublin”

Dublin’s EPIC Museum – It’s Epic!

The plan for today is to visit Dublin’s EPIC Museum… It’s a museum about everything Irish. But it’s mostly about the ten million people who’ve emigrated from Ireland, where they went, and what they’ve done. Continue reading “Dublin’s EPIC Museum – It’s Epic!”

Ireland’s 20th Century

If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been winding our way through Ireland’s history. We’ve almost made it to the 20th century. This island is beautiful, but its history, not so much. Ireland’s 20th century would be rough going too, but at least there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Continue reading “Ireland’s 20th Century”

On the Loose in Dublin

We’re on the loose in Dublin. Our visit to the Chester Beatty Museum didn’t take long, so we have the rest of the afternoon free. Dublin is a great walking town, so we could just stroll around and take in the sights. On the other hand, with an enticing-looking pub on every corner, (or so it seems), maybe we should save our legs for tomorrow! Continue reading “On the Loose in Dublin”

Thirsty in Dublin – And a Wee Bit More History

We’re thirsty in Dublin. This morning we toured the Guinness Storehouse. If that doesn’t make a lad thirsty, nothing will. Now we’re on our own, wandering the streets. And fine streets for wandering, they are. There’s something interesting on every block. Continue reading “Thirsty in Dublin – And a Wee Bit More History”

A Visit to the Guinness Storehouse and a Wee Bit of History

We’re in Dublin, Ireland – the Fair City, as it’s called. Based on our time spent here so far, Dublin is a fair city, indeed. I’ve always liked Guinness, so today we’re going to take the tour of the brewery, known as the Guinness Storehouse. We’ll take the “Hop-On, Hop-Off” bus to get there. After the tour, we’ll hop on again and hop off at the next place that looks interesting. Continue reading “A Visit to the Guinness Storehouse and a Wee Bit of History”

Muckalee and the Semi-Finals!

Continuing from last time, we’re going back in time to our first visit to Ireland, when I played in the Handball World Championship Tournament. Unbelievably, (at least to me), I had made it to the 4th round. The next match would be in a place called Muckalee, so Muckalee here we come! Continue reading “Muckalee and the Semi-Finals!”

Handball in Ballymore Eustace

We’re in Dublin, but for the moment, let’s go back in time to our first trip to Ireland. I was in Ireland to compete in the Handball World Championship Tournament, hosted by the Gaelic Athletic Association and held in Kilkenny. We’re into the third round now, and I’m still alive. The next match is in a place called “Ballymore Eustace.” Continue reading “Handball in Ballymore Eustace”