Thursday - Welcome to Wolverhampton, UK

It was hard to tell that I was waking up in Liverpool since the fog at 8:30am was pretty thick. I could make out the buildings directly in front of ours but that was it for awhile. It's fairly warm almost 50 degrees and for winter that's warm.

After another wonderful breakfast at the hotel we had to leave the bustle of the city to head out to the serene countryside. Before leaving I took a picture of mom next to the typical British taxi with it's large passenger area. Mom was holding her little stuff sheep that Jean Marie had got for her. We love the sheep in the British Isles with their little black face and feet so now she can take Timmy, that's the sheep's name, out for pictures as we travel the country.

It was a 2 and half hour drive through the beautifully green fields of the UK's Western Midlands. We saw lots more sheep, cows and horses as well as charming cottages and varied vegetation along the roadsides.

We made it to Wolverhampton, a small town about 11 miles from Birmingham. We came through town on the residential side so it was all housing developments and a few blocks of Indian restaurants, groceries and clothing shops. I'm looking forward to Indian food tonight since I understand some of the best of the cuisine can be found in this country.

We arrived to an old building up a hill and I started to get excited. It was just what I was looking for, a quintessentially British hotel experience. Well the Ramada Park Hall Hotel and Sap is set in five acres of beautiful grounds. (This next section comes from their web site including ht two pictures as I'd forgotten to take my camera out when we went to the spa building just a few feet away from the main building and down and charming stone path.) Formerly the Dudly hotel, it is steeped in history. This beautiful Georgian mansion was the original home of the noble family of Dudley and Ward until 1757. It then became a school in 1761, founded by Bishop Challoner for Catholic schoolboys, before the Earl of Dudley took up residence in 1947. Park Hall finally became a hotel in 1981 when Grigg and Brettell Brewery bought the building.

I love it here and the spa was incredible. It's in a seperate building as I mentioned above and must ahve been a guest house to the main building when it was original built. Mom and I spent a few hours paddling around in the warm pool and the hot jacuzzi. Their steam room and sauna were fantastically hot as well.

The evening includes dinner at Kavi, an Indian restaurant in the hotel and then some relaxation time in the comfortable hotel lounge reading, working on some writing and doing some people watching.

Wednesday - Liverpool

A very warm winter day here in the UK but still overcast and foggy in the harbor. There were some tiny showers here and there throughout the day but overall it was a great for walking through such an interesting city. There is much more to this place than I expected.

Besides being the hometown of the Beatles it also boasts some really tremendous architecture both old and new, formal/conservative and ultra modern. We started our day with a lovely breakfast at the hotel and then a nice walk into the center of town. Jean Marie was really looking forward to shopping and she hit the jackpot with this city. There were malls, boutiques, fun discount stores and even some dollar stores (or 1 pound stores.) Mom and I even shopped a bit with her before heading off to do some sightseeing by foot. We walked about ten minutes through the city center and came into Liverpool's Chinatown. It's a rather small section of the town but this is a somewhat small city so that's only to be expected. I took a picture of mom under the Chinatown Arch which certainly stands out from the rest of the neighborhood.
We then walked up to the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral which is one of the largest in Europe and has some of the most impressive stained class windows I've ever seen. There's also a charming cafe in one of the naves of the cathedral where mom and I enjoyed a snack while marveling at the splendor of this incredible structure. There was also a pretty large park (part cemetery) that surrounds much of the cathedral and right above the front massive front door is a statue that looks anything but religious but it certainly catches the eye.

We then walked across town to the Roman Catholic cathedral which is the total opposite of the traditional one we'd just visited. It's so modern and was completed in the late 1960's. Mom was very pleased that she, somewhat easily, bopped up all the steps that lead to the main entrance of the Christ the Kind Cathedral. It's a massive structure with the alter in the center of the building with all the pews in a circle around it. We didn't actually know it was a Catholic church until we were leaving and saw there was a statue of a saint (I think Saint Martin) and I didn't think the Protestant religion believed in saints. And then I saw the holy water font and the sign saying Roman Catholic church was really the clincher.

It was just about time to meet Jean Marie in the center of the shopping area so we headed downtown. We stopped once again at this unique foot spa we had passed earlier in the day. Now you may be thinking what could possibly be "unique" about a foot spa. Well much to my excitement this newly opened (only two weeks now) foot spa features pools of water with garra ruffa fish in them (95 in each take.) These little fish eat all the dead skin off your feet. Now with my warped sense of what is an exciting spa treatment I got really excited about doing it so mom totally indulged my craziness. She wouldn't do it herself but for 10 pounds I got 15 delightful minutes of the fishes noshing on my feet. The fish don't have any teeth so it's more like they're giving you little bitty kisses all over your toes and feet. I love the whole experience and did get mom to put her hand in one of the tanks so she could see what it feels like. She didn't love it but she was a good sport. It was so much fun and when I sat down there was a 6 year old girl and her sightly older sister sitting next to me. They were enjoying it as well like all the other crazy people in the place. Although a young lady came in with her friend and after placing her feet in the water a second or two she just couldn't go through with it and her friend, who was not eligible for the foot treatment because she had spray tan on her feet (deadly for the fish), put her hands in the tank and got a nice little manicure so to speak.

When we met Jean Marie she seemed interested in the whole fishy thing so she did 15 minutes as well. She wasn't as impressed as me but this is really my kind of thing no hers. The young man behind the counter is the son of the women who opened the spa and he now wants to bring it to New York City. I think it would do very well in the city because I know there are more spa freaks like me.

We walked back the hotel and had a little dinner and then relaxed in the room. I really like this city and would recommend a one or two day visit to anyone who happened to be in this area some day.

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Tuesday - Welcome to Liverpool

Foggy, foggy, foggy, foggy!!! That's the only word to describe today Foggy!!!!!

We had a quickly breakfast at the Shamrock Restaurant in our hotel and made our way to the dock to catch the ferry to Liverpool. It wasn't a luxury ferry but rather a rather bare bones kind of ship. But it turned out to be very comfortable and Jean Marie even fell asleep for a few hours as did half of the other passengers.

I couldn't believe how the fog just enveloped us but from time to time I was able to see some things in the distance like a tiny little wooden lighthouse that was oddly placed about 500 feet from the Dublin shoreline.

We also saw an oil rig out in the middle of the ocean which was oddly mesmerizing. As we approached it looked like some kind of science fiction pod with a flame coming out of the large smoke stack and the closer we got the more it intrigued me and mom. There's something about a large structure looming out of the ocean to keep you watching especially when a helicopter came out of nowhere and landed gracefully on the edge of the rig. In the picture if you look in the sky over to the left of the rig you'll see the red helicopter coming in for a landing.

We surprisingly had a fantastic lunch at the ferry's restaurant and the staff were all so accommodating.

When we were about two hours from Liverpool the mountains along the Wales shoreline showed themselves and they were dressed in snow. Also about a half hour later mom and I were so excited to see, once again in rising from the open ocean, tons of those fabulous metal environmental windmills. The Sea Zone Wind Farms as they are called are in several places near Liverpool. I love them and to see them just appear through the fog was so fabulous.

We arrived in Liverpool around 5:00pm and it was already dark so this picture of the skyline is a bit dark but I was surprised at how much the skyline reminded me of the view of Jersey City from the Manhattan side of the river. After a bit of time getting to our hotel we manged to check ourselves into the Radisson Blu and were out for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood within a half hour.

We then spent the rest of the evening relaxing in our very modern, very lovely room. I really like this hotel and the staff, especially Katie at the front desk are so friendly and have gone out of their way to make us happy. Katie interestingly was just in New York City, before the storm hit fortunately, and her boyfriend proposed to her in Central Park. I'm such a hopeless romantic and I loved her story about how he had planned the whole thing even asking her parents right before they flew out if he had their permission to marry her.

Bank Holiday - Monday (Week XII)

Today is a bank holiday in Ireland. I'm not sure what the holiday is for except that it's the Monday after Christmas but I suppose that can be reason enough.

It's another relatively warm day about 60 degrees but it's dreary as can be. I'm trying not to be disappointed by the weather since I'm at least not freezing every moment of the day but it's still a bit depressing especially since Jean Marie said either wish for warmth or wish for sun but you're not going to get both so don't bother even giving it a moments thoughts. I am still going to think good thoughts that we'll be fortunate enough to have the unexpected happen and the clouds will break and the sun will grace us with it's presence.

We had a lovely trip to Dublin passing many pastures filled with cows, horses and my favorites, the sheep. They're just adorable little white cotton balls with precious little black faces and feet.

Dublin greeted us with very little snow but what is left is dark and dirty and is reminiscent of the streets in New York after a snow storm. I suppose it's a good thing we don't have to trek around town much tonight although there were lots of people out especially walking along the Liffey River and there were a few walking over the Ha'Penny Bridge. There is some folk lore about being kissed this bridge but I don't recall what it is but the women in the this picture does look like she's waiting for something or perhaps she's waiting for her true love to meet her for a special Ha' Penny rendezvous.

We are staying in a charming old hotel in the center of town, Ripley's Court and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. They made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. The hotel isn't far off from the ferry port where we pick up the boat tomorrow morning for our 7 hours ride over to Liverpool, UK. I'm looking forward to the boat ride as I always enjoying being on the open water.

We will just relax the rest of the day which is always a nice treat.

Happy St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day UK)

Yes, a very happy St. Stephen's Day or as they call it in England, Boxing Day. Apparently many years ago Boxing Day was established by the Queen of England as a day when she and the other Royal Family members would serve their staff thanking them for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Mom wanted to know if Queen Elizabeth in fact served her staff today but no one in Ireland knew or really cared all that much about the Queen's habits. She's not a local favorite as you can imagine.

As for the St. Stephen's Day weather it was warm but completely overcast. It was odd to go to bed last night with pretty much all the city and country side covered in snow and wake up to it all gone and greenery everywhere. I'm happy to know the cold weather has departed but sad to know that with warmer winter weather comes a rainy, dreary sky day after day.

We spent a bit of time shopping in the city center where I got a nice picture of how the city looks without the snow. Now you can see the brightly painted homes that are very characteristic of this country. Then mom and I enjoyed one last turn in the jacuzzi at the gym. I had thought it was my last visit the night before but surprise, surprise there was time for just one more. Mom had me take a picture of the dolphin fountain in the jacuzzi but it may be hard to see the details since it was so dark in their today. I think they were trying out some new mood lighting.

Jean Marie picked us up and we went to Ellen and Frank's restaurant, the COOP in Moycullen, Galway. It's an old meatpacking building that Frank converted into a trendy restaurant/pub. There was live music and we enjoyed a nice conversation with Frank's brother, Joe.

It was a lovely day and time for me to make my final goodbye to the city center before going home to Jean Marie's. I will miss my Salt Hill neighborhood very much especially the walk into town via the ocean.

We had a nice quiet night at her house and we packed for our trip to Dublin in the morning. We didn't see the beautiful little butterfly that had taken up residence with us just a few days ago. Mom and I named him St. Nick and I think he took refuge from the cold but as soon as the weather broke he decided it was time to make his way in the world once more.

I leave Galway happy to be going on a trip to the UK but sad that my wonderful language adventure has met it's end at least as it relates to Ireland.

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas

We had a delightfully sunny Irish Christmas. We pretty much spent the day at Jean Marie's home and then off to dinner at Ellen and Frank's. We enjoyed opening gifts from each other as well as gifts that Dad and Rita had sent from America and gifts from my Uncle Pat in Florida who had sent them to my mother before she left Boston. We enjoyed Jean Marie's Christmas tree which is a glowing blue at night and a traditionally decorated tree in the daylight.

We've had a very lovely Christmas and are all very thankful for our wonderful family and friends.

Dinner was delightful and we truly enjoyed Ellen's cooking. She made delicious pumpkin soup, spinach salad, grilled chicken with veggies and apple tart for dessert. Along with mom's homemade raviolis it was a festive meal.

We sat and talked for hours with Ellen and Frank's sons as well as with Joe, Frank's brother. It was very nice to have a quite holiday in such a loving home.

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Eve

What a beautiful, beautiful day. We woke up to a magnificent fog that cleared by early afternoon allowing the sun to smile her shining smile all over Ireland. The snow is starting to melt and we can even see some green grass showing. Very exciting.

I went to the gym this morning since it would be my last time to go and Jean Marie had errands to run and mom was at Jean's house making tons of home made raviolis. Mom had decided when Ellen and Frank had invited us for Christmas dinner that she would make raviolis. Also, my sister had brought my grandmother's old pasta maker to Ireland years ago so I think it was nice for mom to make part of the Christmas dinner on something Nonnie used herself for many, many years.

The gym was very busy with people trying to get some exercise before they over eat for the next week. I've been so lucky to have had the pleasure of being a member her for the past two months. The staff is so helpful and gracious and the jacuzzi has been a life saver through all this cold weather.

I took a very long walk through town which was jam packed with shoppers making their last run at Christmas shopping. I can't believe how many people wait until the last moment to get things done but I think also there is that excitement that comes for some people when they are rushing around on Christmas Eve day running in and out of shops.

I took a few pictures of Eyre Square now that German Market closed and you can see the sculpture depicting sails on a boat.

I also found this tiny, tiny lane (Blake's Lane) where the homes were little cottages where the doors were only as high as my shoulders.

My long walk continued all the way back to the neighborhood right before Jean Marie's. It was so foggy but that made it an even more interesting walk. It was good for me to have this time just be quiet and think about the last year and all that has happened and about life in general as well as get some exercise and fresh air.

I walked past this very old cemetery where the fog had almost completely enveloped the grounds but through the misty clouds I could see the outlines of the large old Celtic Cross tombstones. There was something very peaceful about the place as well as feeling like old Ireland was somehow wishing everyone a happy Christmas. I'm just feeling nostalgic which I usually do this time of year no matter where I am.

I walked about another 20 minutes to the Mervue Holy Family church for Christmas Eve mass. Mom and Jean Marie met me there and the church was standing room only. This particular service was for the Children so their was an adorable all girls folk group who sang Christmas carols.

I found it very interesting that tonight just about everywhere I looked I saw someone I thought I recognized. I knew these people where not in Ireland like our dear friend Sue Cronin but I think at Christmas you just feel like your loved ones are around even when they're not. I also think that what makes mass important for people is that it brings people together to celebrate joy and love. I looked around at one point thinking if only we could all understand in this world that it's not about what language you speak, what nationality you are, what race you are, what sexual orientation you are or what religion you practice it's about just coming together as often as possible, in small or large groups to simply enjoy one another and celebrate all our differences. And if these gatherings can include singing, dancing, laughter, great food and drink and other wonderful things even better.

May peace be with everyone and may be always be grateful for all that we have.

Thursday - Week XI

I'm happy to report it was a very sunny day today. I wouldn't say I'm getting used to the cold because I'm not but I really am so appreciative of the sun now that it seems to make most things better including a winter day.

The trees were still covered in the beautiful blanket of glistening snow so I of course took more pictures of the ones I passed by on my walk into town. I'm kind of getting used to this long walk each morning but I'm also kind of happy I don't have to do it anymore.

I met Diego and Nuria at Kelly's cafe for our last lesson. I have enjoyed all my time with them more than I can say. They are individually both incredible but as a couple they are perfect. Nuria admitted today that after the first time she saw him she had told her mother that he was the man she was going to marry and as you know that's exactly what she did. They're funny and kind and both very intelligent and I'm so blessed to have had them as my students. They, along with all my other students have taught me more than words can express and our time together over the last month and half has been inspiring and energizing.

Nuria and Diego bought me the loveliest gift, a leather bound notebook and an adorable tiger bookmark (see picture below.) I've already begun to use the book mark as I am reading my favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice again this holiday season. I love to read it whenever I travel and it will be so nice to be reading it when we travel through the UK, especially Bath.

Today they also helped me formulate the basic plot for a new short play I am writing to submit to two play competitions. It was so helpful to have their input and I look forward to writing it.

I sadly left them and did a few errands before meeting mom and Jean Marie for the gym. The jacuzzi was so warm and I'll miss it terribly but I know my wonderful gym in New York City awaits so I take comfort in that.

Wednesday - Week XI

It was another wonderfully sunny yet terribly, bitterly cold day. I almost didn't want to take the walk into town but I had students this morning to meet with. I did pause to take an adorable picture of three of the children that Jean Marie takes care of Mauve, Lukas and Ben.

My hour and 10 minute walk into town certainly woke me up. It also helped that the overnight snow showers had left all the trees and homes glistening and sparkling in the sunlight. And I was delighted to see a winter snow rainbow in the distance or at least that's the best way I can think to describe what I saw.

I met with Nuria and Diego for three hours and we talked about lots of things including family, travel and the general state of things in the world. Diego also brought his laptop so I was able to see pictures of their family, their home in Barcelona and also the beautiful country village they hope to move to when they arrive back to Argentina. They're such a lovely couple and a pleasure to spend lots of time with. I truly enjoy their company and our conversations.

I then met with Hilal for our last class. We worked on finishing the description of what a typical day was like for him when he worked as a police officer in Iraq. We also spent some time working on verb tenses and sentences using adverbs and adjectives. It was sad to say goodbye to Hilal but I am very happy to know he'll be in good hands. Becky, who works at the cafe where we meet just finished the TEFL course has a wonderful energy and is so positive and upbeat and I am sure will be the perfect teacher for Hilal and he the perfect student for her. I've really learned so much working with him and am hopefully a better teacher because of our time together.

I then walked about a half hour to the Black Box Theatre outside of Wood Quay to meet Jean Marie and Mom for a play. Jean Marie's friend Noreen had her youngest children performing in this play/circus type event. The performers are students at the Galway Community Circus Fidget Feet school where they learn everything from gymnastics to trapeze works. It was very well done but the theater's heat was broken so for two and a half hours we froze or butts off and they made fun of me because I wore my scarf, mittens and all my layers while inside and mom even made fun of me by putting her scarf around her head before taking a picture with Norren.

I couldn't wait to get back to Jean Marie's to get into my warm pajamas and snuggle under some covers.