11.25.13-11.29.13: L.A. to Ireland
Originally published at The Journal of Thomas Rymour. You can comment here or there.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Los Angeles, California
Exhausted, we slept soundly allowing our bodies rest and recovery. We proceeded with unpacking our gear from the American Southwest tour and began to condense our bags for the Green Isle, where Tir na nOg used to exist, the Land of the Blessed Youth. I headed down to the vardo-Explorer and cleaned it out. I disconnected the solar panels from the roof, moved us into the back area, and began condensing gear that We would leave behind in Los Angeles, for tomorrow We would be boarding a plane early in the morning. I disassembled the hitch rack and stored the items elsewhere. We then headed into town for sundries and supplies for our journey. That evening, Julie and Cimcie met up and headed off for a fine dinner of Ethiopian as a holiday farewell … back at John’s manor, We wrapped up chores, packing, and headed off to sleep.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Los Angeles, California - Newark, New Jersey - Atlantic Ocean
Off We headed to the airport, as Julie shuttled us off to the airport where We would board the plane for a 7:20 am flight. Checking in luggage, We discovered that Cian did not get extra bags to check - and we had to pay $100 for the extra bag. Security check through was not smooth sailing as the baby food containers We packed (that the web site said was permitted) triggered a pat down and search of the bags of mine. They had to do powder testing on my clothes and bags to make sure there were no powder explosives I was wearing to mix with the baby food. I was like “W.T.F.” (What the Frack!) I could not grok the meaning of it all. Security check-thru took awhile, then the team headed to our terminal to await the plane ‘s departure. The United Airlines
plane arrived and on board We went. It was a smooth sailing 6+ hour flight from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey. Cian did not cry or make a peep - He was quiet the journey surprising the passengers around him. A four and a half hour layover awaited the adventurers when We set down in Newark. We grabbed some grub, Starbucks chai, and enjoyed WiFi while waiting for the journey over the Great Pond. Young Cian became a bit restless and playful, but wound down a bit before boarding the United plane to Shannon. On board We went, settled into our crammed uncomfortable economy seats, watching movies and awaiting the 6+ hour flight to Eire. Cian as well, was good this flight, though got a little loud with his excitement and laughs as I flew through the skies. The team got a little bit of sleep for our journey 8 hours into the future as We crossed time zones, and 20-22 hours later halfway across the world.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Shannon, Ireland - Cork, Ireland (Eire)
We awoke with a few hours left for our 8 am arrival in Shannon. Jet lag was already setting in deep. Customs was no issue as We entered Irish borders and wove our way off the plane. The stroller however was not waiting for us at the gate, I got a bit frantic, and concerned it had gone missing. The stewardess affirmed that it was fine, it was probably in the luggage belt … and she headed to the belt before us to retrieve it and get it set up for them, so that when We made it to the belt, it was waiting for them. That was very kind I felt. We made our way to the gate and met our Mother and Father who were awaiting our arrival. Trick was getting all the luggage into a tiny compact car … playing tetris with the bags, I and the King made it work in the carriage. Onwards We went for a sleepy journey and drive from Shannon to Cork. Back at the manor, we weary travelers unpacked and settled in for some dinner and tea. Jet lag getting the best of them, We slept, waking later to meet up with Cian’s cousins Liam and Owen, the brothers and sisters as well. Stories shared, catching up was had, and the explorers went back to bed.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Cork, Ireland
Just as the delvers thought We had conquered jet lag, it took its toll on us throughout the day and night. Especially Cian , He could not move on to Irish time tables - staying energetic and bouncy through midnight to 5 am, then wanting to sleep during the day. He was still on Pacific Northwest clock scheduling. It was a bit frustrating for us, but We managed. Awaking on and off through the day and night, meeting up with family, having tea, dinner, and lots of brown bread and Taytos. We were back in Ireland. Etain initiated me into my first “crisp” sandwich, which all along I thought the concept of which was horrid. I however enjoyed it and thought it wasn’t that bad. I spent most of the day recovering from Jet lag while sending orders for The Tree Leaves’ Oracle to his colleague Athonwy to ship out, catching up on blogs, and photo processing from the American Southwest trip.
Friday, 29 November 2013
Cork, Ireland
I was getting restless to go do some exploring in the land of Eire even though Jet lag was getting the best of both of them. We were still struggling with the baby who refused to move from Oregon time to Irish time. The day was spent at the parent’s homestead, I writing and processing photos, Cian and Etain catching up on shut-eye, and socializing with family. We were able to escape to the Drive In movie theater in Cork for a late night showing of “Hunger Games II” - the first flick out We took the young prince of Endurance to since I left the belly. I was spectacularly good and even if I hadn’t been, would have been fine since We were at a drive-in. The car was a bit cold and the drive-in experienced a momentary power loss, other than that the crew had a great time. Back at home, We struggled with Cian and his time settings … still awake in the middle of the night.