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France, Belgium, Ireland 2018
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France, Belgium, Ireland 2018

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    inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    1These tulips were the size of softballs. Dublin.
    1I dunno, I just like the short but sweet message here. Trinity College, Dublin.My friend Aimee that lives/works in Paris took the train to Versailles to visit me! Versailles.1Look hard to see this guy in his two piece cat outfit, priceless! Bordeaux.1Another quote from Oscar Wilde. Dublin.1White you-know-whats. Dublin.

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    May 19, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    I didn't loose anything, break anything or get sick, so lucky!
    With the exception of the French rail strike, having to change only one segment, all of my transportation went without a hitch. I LOVED Bordeaux and Dublin, could easily live in either city. A lovely trip to celebrate my 60th birthday.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    Samuel Beckett Bridge
    My daily breakie included in my room rate, loved fueling up here for a day of sights.Famine sculpture.Dance performance from a group from Belfast. Great to see such talent.1He's out, not bothering anyone, doing something he believes in,One of the two Oregon Maples planted at Trinity College, chosen for their ability to soak up water.

    Dublin 2.0

    May 18, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Irish beer, that I tried:

    O'Hara's craft lager
    O'Hara's ale
    Hophouse 13 lager
    Smithwicks
    G
    Yankee White IPA
    Kilkenney lager
    (and at least two that I have forgotten the names of)
    Quote for the self-guided pub crawl day: "slow and steady wins the race".

    Ireland, like Belgium, has got to be tricky for bartenders/dishwashers. The breweries have a special glass for many of their beers, therefore, lot's of washing, drying and putting back in place. On a busy night at the bar, that must be challenging.    Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    Roasting barley temps
    1Cool display in an original copper vat.It's G time!Let's you see how immense this building is.1I dunno, something made me draw a smiley face in my beer.The Gravity Bar, floor to ceiling glass windows with a full panoramic view. Fab!

    Guinness!

    May 16, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    This might come as a shock but I really don't think I have even had a Guinness before, a Black and Tan, yes, but not a straight pint of the G. I visited the brewery today and I was completely blown away. Magnificent, educational, they did a fabulous job with all of it. Heaps of staff to help you through the beer journey. I even got emotional as I was watching vintage footage of a "cooper" (now I know what that is) making a barrel by hand, yes, you heard me right, emotional! Then came the taste test and learned how to drink this stuff! You first inhale and hold your breath, take a gulp of beer, hold it in your mouth a few seconds, then swallow it while you exhale. This allows you to taste the flavors in all of the different areas in your mouth, and it really worked! Then on to the finale, on the 7th floor, you were given your reward after the tour with a pint of the black stuff at the Gravity Bar, with a 360 degree view of the city. It was happening in the there!

    I then went from drinking, to church. St. Patrick's Cathedral (1192!) was having an Evensong, the members of the church chorus sing the mass, if you will. Got emotional there too, natch. Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels, 1726!) was dean there for 32 years and is buried there also. On his grave in the nave, his self-penned epitaph reads "He lies where furious indignation can no longer rend his heart". Heavy.    Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    I asked the lovely bookstore owner which Irish book I should bring back home with me...perfect!
    2Where I am staying, again, THE best location, close to all.2The lilac trees on this trip are knocking me out. Trinity College.1Oscar.2Words on Oscar Wilde's monument. Gasped when I read it, I thought Chrissie Hynde wrote it first!1Gnarly! Would love to credit the artist but I couldn't find a marker. Merrion Square.

    Dublin

    May 15, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    First full day in Dublin and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. So many green spaces, great city planning. Streets and parks are clean and tidy, people friendly. Not gonna lie, I don't hate it that this is an English speaking country, I don't have to try and fake the language like in Belgium or France. Visited Trinity College ( two Oregon maples are prominently planted on campus, seeds were obtained in 1827! ), alumni include Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker), Book of Kells, Temple Bar District, St. Stephens Green, Merrion Square where Oscar Wilde's monument is, surrounded by a large concentration of Georgian style houses.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    2Cafe umbrellas, floats and a Gothic 16th Century King's House.
    2Hergé's street art mural where a fire escape used to be, with Tintin, Capt. Haddock and Snowy.2The Manneken-Pis has over 900 costumes, this one made by Jean-Paul Gaultier for Pride Week.1His master was leaning on the wall playing the harmonica, not a bad gig.1Went for the Delirium Tremens Blonde Ale, 8.5 ABV. Belgians like their beer strong.2City Hall, 15th Century Gothic.

    Brussels

    May 13, 2018 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Just scratched the surface but glad that I visited Brussels. Hotel La Legend was perfect, location stupid close to the train station and the Grand Place a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Took a walking tour and would have never found the bar that was tucked away down an alley. It boasts a Guinness book record for most varieties of beer sold in a week, 2000 of them. They have since reduced that to 100, such restraint. Tried my first Belgian chocolate, Galler, a local confectioner that does not export, yum. I found the city to be easier to navigate than Bruges, I could not pull it together there, even with my handy dandy compass. Final word on Belgium, they like to celebrate!Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    I LOVE the egg carton hat that the woman in the skirt made.
    I'm thinking this is something about immigration.

    On the way into Brussels, this happened

    May 12, 2018 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Yet another parade when I enter a new city! This is starting to be a thing. Found out its called the Zinneke Parade and it went down the street where I am staying and continued to the Grand Place, where the floats and peeps hung out to continue the reveling. The parade theme was ILLEGAL. A cultural event that uses residents along with artists that work together to build bridges between all cultures. A very enthusiastic group!Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    Markt Square
    1I don't know if I noticed the MOM IS NOT AVAILABLE sign or the super cute shoes first.1I wouldn't have believed this until I saw it covertly in use, an al fresco urinal for men.1Postcard photo 1.1Local brewery in city center, where they make Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik.1Postcard picture 2.

    Bruges

    May 10, 2018 in Belgium ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    I do believe that Bruges IS "the cutest city in Europe".
    Just adorable with lots and lots of sights to see in a relatively small area, all walk-able. Of course I had to go to 't Zwart Huis (The Black House), where they filmed
    the bar scene in 'In Bruges' and I might have sat at or very near the location.
    I wanted to take a photo but this just wasn't that type of place and I didn't want to be rude. It was a COOL, hip vibe. Took the brewery tour at De Halve Maan ending with a lovely pint of my fav Brugse Zot. The guide mentioned that we would be drinking the unfiltered, fresh as fresh can be version since we were drinking it on-site. It was extra tasty and I could tell it was more flavorful than at the bars.    Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    I'm gonna call these guys the Crusader Knights.
    The girls in white look a little disappointed that they didn't get the queen part.1Adam and Eve?1They even brought in several camels!1Manny, Moe and Jack1Moses was there too!

    The Procession of the Holy Blood

    May 10, 2018 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    So I just happened to arrive to Bruges on Asencion Day. Bleachers in Markt Square and a bazillion peeps. I couldn't cross the street to find my hotel so I surrendered and looked upon this minor inconvenience as a bonus. Floats, animals, 1700 locals, body tan makeup, wigs, even proper period footwear! Pretty impressive.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    1No confusion here, all trains go to Paris!
    2Paris Nord Station, .70€ to pee, wash hands with soap, water and paper towels = worth it.2Paris Nord Station has a free piano for use while you are waiting for your train You gotta love it.1Bruges. Color coded recycling bins with matching liners!1My new favorite beer, for today anyway. Brugse Zot (meaning, Bruges fool) 6.0%ABV.Sought this place out. Pure me, a little rough around the edges, no frills. LOVED.

    In Bruges, literally

    May 10, 2018 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    This morning, I took the RER C train from Versailles to St. Michel.
    Transferred to RER B train to Paris Nord.
    Took the Thaylis High Speed train to Brussels.
    Connected to the Intercity train to Bruges.
    City bus into town and Voila, here!
    Nobody said independent travel is easy!
    Actually, it all went super smoothly.
    When I got on the train to Bruges, the woman across the aisle leaned over and said "This is 1st Class". I acknowledged that I was aware of that.
    Yes, I did look a little travel weary but lordy, attitude from this Euro
    Louis Vuitton wanna-be was uncalled for!

    Travel tip to live by: read and follow the very clearly posted signage
    in stations first, then if you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask anyone who will listen:)    Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    The Sun King, reigned for 72 years.
    1My adorable room, the hotel used to be a private residence in the 18th century.1Had a Hall of Mirrors monkey on my back. Made a beeline to get there so I could relax. Fab.Apollo's Fountain. Hit the castle on a Fountain Day. All 55 of them in full force.1Latona's Fountain. Castle in the background.8 hours later, battle weary, dogs barking, BEER!

    Versailles

    May 9, 2018 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Hall of Mirrors, just as promised, magnifique! Would have loved to rent one of the golf carts for an hour or two and push through the mega acres of gardens but, I couldn't be bothered. They had a tram too, but again, I was on a mission outside of the castle too. Grabbed some lunch at an outdoor food spot called Bosquet du Dauphin. Scored a table and chair even, in the shade. Then the crowds came and it was chockers. Timing is everything. Eight long, hot hours were spent there, on Day 1. Yes, I was a glutton for punishment and bought a two day passport for entry, thinking that I wouldn't be able to do it all in one, I was right! What I didn't cover the first day, I went back and got it the next. Simply popped the blister that I had grown day one, wrapped it up in a band-aid and went back for more. Brutal but worth it.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    Royal Chateau Amboise, my personal favorite of the Loire Valley.
    1Ahhhhh, view from the Royal Chateau Amboise.1Chateau Chambord, massive.Chateau Chenonceau 1513, the galleries behind span River Cher to the forest.Gravel in-between lawn, a gardeners nightmare.1Lunch at Clos Luce, Leonardo's chateau, given to him by King Francis l. They were tight.

    Chateau, Chateau, Chateau!

    May 6, 2018 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    I LOVED the Royal Chateau Amboise, A+. What I loved was that it was charming, spectacular chapel (they say that Leonardo da Vinci's bones are buried in the chapel but I guess there is some question about that) gardens, view of the city and river below, use of stone, curl·i·cue spires and chirping birds.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    2My best shot. The design resembles a wine decanter.
    1Lunch at Les Halles, chose the Iberian jambon and queso with an amber bier.Hip food hall, reminded me a lot of Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid.18th floor tasting room, ceiling of wine bottles.3Why did I choose this wine for my tasting? I liked the label:)2View from the 8th floor tasting room. Warehouse district north of the city.

    La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux

    May 5, 2018 in France ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Back to Bordeaux to dock for the end of the fabulous cruise. Free day in the city so I decided to hit as many sights that I missed earlier. Love, love, loved Cite du Vin (thanks Robin!). It is super high tech with all kinds of hands on exhibits, ALL ABOUT WINE. It is said that to do the entire museum takes 9 hours. I was limited for time, and was able to cover two of the eight floors. Well done and super sleek.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    Chillin on the sun deck with Cathedral St. Jean Baptist in the background
    3Wine tasting class on board with our fab sommelier, Nedko.1My favorite painting in the Musee De Beaux-Arts.Gonna have to check this artist out when I get home.1Random town cuteness.1River Royale1No words.

    Libourne, France

    May 4, 2018 in France ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Libourne, an adorable little town founded in 1270. It was market day so that is always a plus with the bustle of locals. A lovely gothic cathedral, St. Jean Baptist, the Musee des Beaux-Arts which is free to the public in the Hotel De Ville. All of this time, I thought that the hotel de ville was a real hotel and seeing this name over and over again was confusing. THEN I found out that hotel de ville translates to Town Hall, derp.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    1The Cognac color wheel.
    2Beautiful grounds.Cellar window.1Market Day in Blaye, white asparagus is king.

    Remy Martin, Cognac

    May 2, 2018 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Spent the afternoon in Cognac to visit the Remy Martin Maison. The city has a young, hip and chic feeling. Although I didn't think that I was a fan of Cognac, I went to learn and taste for myself. Visited the perfectly kept grounds, cellars and distillery. There were three tastings all paired with a lovely little bites of goat cheese, duck pate and chocolate cake.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    Too bad my initials aren't UW.
    Military ruins, Medoc, FR.On the grounds of Chateau La Tour, Medoc, FR.Wine tasting was a hit and not a miss.Yours for only €300 per night, breakfast and wifi included!Chateau La Tour, so many sizes!

    Slipper Time

    April 30, 2018 in France ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    This is the slipper portion of the trip, the one-off extravagant portion. Boarded the River Royale and today is the first day of wine tasting on the Dordogne and Gironde rivers. Today's winery visit was Chateau La Tour, beautiful grounds dating back to the Middle Ages. You can spend the night there for 300€ per night, book both of the bedrooms with friends and you get the entire chateau to yourself! Back to the ship, it's nice not having to think about your next move really. Biggest decisions of the day are what excursion to do and what to order for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Speaking of breakfast, the first one was lovely. They have an enormous menu and a few specials that changes daily. I couldn't understand the waiter (many are Eastern European), and after asking twice what it was, I decided not to ask a third time, entirely too excessive. Turns out it was crepes with cherry sauce and whipped creme. Decided on Eggs Benedict (soon to be my go to), french toast, roasted tomatoes, bacon, coffee. Going to love breakie. Gotten pretty good at my mercis, s'il vous plaîts and bonjours, but not much else. When I do use French on board, they always respond in English. Probably something that they are supposed to do. So happy that I decided to come in 2 nights early into Bordeaux. Just about jet lag free. Had a solid night sleep. Keeping to myself, for now. We'll see if I get chatty or not.
    GAHR-ron = Garonne, river
    CAD-ee-ak = Cadillac, city
    DOOR-don = Dordogne, river
    Bly = Blaye, city    Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler
    100% in French (imagine!) not great but you have to roll with it.
    Le Cor is a rock star.Was able to walk through one of the few remaining homes, fabulous!THE coolest public toilet ever. Fully automated, voice activated instructions in French and English.

    Le Corbusier in Pessac

    April 28, 2018 in France ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    So this cool architect (think Le Corbusier chaise lounge) decides to design and build a city. He took into account social and economic factors, and was determined to build the plan to provide people with low-cost, predetermined, homogeneous cubist structures. This began in 1920, a man thinking well ahead of his time with Henry Fruges, the philanthropist behind it.Read more

  • inga518France, Belgium, Ireland 2018Traveler

    Clubbin

    April 26, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Got a good start on the first leg of the trip. It was the UA gate agents last day. She got a gig with Air Force freakin One and was starting there the next week. Now that is exciting.

    Trip start
    April 27, 2018
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