Monday may 16, final packing, kittens to vet for pedicures, Uber ordered, set up stereo and other things for the house sitter, Gary. It’s nice to be ale to leave town in such capable hands.
This is Brian’s first time on Are Lingus, not really impressed, but they got us here without any turmoil. [Re Aer Lingus: they’re not up to Delta/American standards for purchase/boarding/etc, but Irish to the core].
As usual the run through customs was the same, just walk thru……although had to remove mask 3 times so airplane employees could verify face with passport. Oh, and so much for TSA Pre-check. which we both have; Air Lingus does not participate so shoes off, electronics out, pockets empty for scanning and
But the authentic bad news was LAX has opened a new ‘wing’ to the international terminal accessed via 20 minute walk to the gate AFTER passing through security. Arrival revealed literally near third-word services, eg bathrooms, vending machines and overpriced water with nothing else available. Of course we were routed here, so no Bloody Marys to prep for our long flight, bah humbug. thankfully the plane had vodka and OJ [unlike American Airlines].
The 10 hour flight got us to the Emerald Isle, and after a 90 minute drive through serious rain we arrived at one of our absolute favorite places to stay, the Shamrock lodge in Athlone, our 4th time here. Great place to start our journey, great water pressure (something we Americans are very spoiled with), great pub/bar, and the best, it’s located in a residential neighborhood, with a 5 minute walk into the town. the locals frequent this place, so it’s a must for us.
Not sure what plans we have for tomorrow, maybe a day excursion, and we are here another night. Athlone is perfect as it is smack dab in the center of Ireland.
Politics now…since the Sinn Fein [the political branch of Irish Independence] is now the majority in Northern [occupied] Ireland, there is talk of kicking the brits out of the north,[!] can’t wait for some good conversations, as the Irish are very emotional regarding their country. Should be fun.
I’ll end with we know we’ll be attending EARLY [9;00 AM, nobody wakes early around here] morning mass tomorrow.
Welcome to 10 Angels 