The sky had been playing games with us all day, constantly morphing from ominous grey to dazzling blue. It was December and this is Northern Ireland, so I can’t say that I expected perfect conditions. All I was merely hoping for was a few clear hours, as I had just dragged my wife clear across … Continued
Sitting in The Harp in Sligo, my husband and I consult a map. We want to go to the farthest-north point on the Irish Atlantic coast: Malin Head. “Next stop, Greenland,” says an old gentleman who overhears our choice. We down our pints and head for the car. Arriving in Malin Head, we book into … Continued
There is a theory of “primitive affluence” that suggests that when a society has its primary needs met by Nature — food, shelter, clothing — then it will turn to creativity. Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia where the rich volcanic soil produces an abundance of food and materials for fabrics and building, is held … Continued
Whenever and wherever I travel, I’m inspired not only by the places I visit but by the people I meet along the way. As our family historian, I love spending time in the British Isles doing genealogy research. They’re a great place for those who may be hesitant to visit a “foreign” country. After all, … Continued
“You can’t do that, it’s blocked off.” My friend protested. “I can hop that.” I answered. “You’ll get in trouble.” He said sternly. “Watch the door.” I said with a smirk on my face. If I never got to travel again, I wanted to make the most of it, even if that meant getting myself … Continued
Too Unspoiled? Beauty Spots and Bank Machines in Clare, Ireland Facing the Atlantic coast, Ballyvaughan in west Clare was a long trek from Dublin. Driving on the narrow, twisty roads is not for the faint-hearted – I was just a passenger, and I still fancied a drink afterwards – but like much of rural Ireland, … Continued
Ireland: More than meets the Eye The gravestones appeared to have the best view on the island. Comfortably nestled in the long, wild grass, they overlooked the ever-changing sea. It seemed a grand spot to while away eternity, at least from the perspective of a landlocked girl from Illinois. I gave in to a soulful … Continued
Finding My Way Along the Causeway Take-off is something I always look forward to when traveling. I love when the plane finishes taxiing, does an about-face on the runway, and suddenly starts to gain momentum. I am riding rolling thunder and my obligations are officially behind me the moment those tires leave the earth! This … Continued
Unbridled Freedom in the Hills of Connaught I journeyed to Ireland to explore the Land of the Horse from the saddle. I have spent every day of my life with horses; nothing compares to the joy of riding. It is a euphoric experience that offers a freedom all its own. Traveling through Galway towards my … Continued
Very few places I have traveled have felt like home. I’ve lived in several states in the US, and visited different countries in my limited time here on earth. Needless to say, I am American through and through, apple-pie, red, white and blue. Few places capture my heart and make me feel free, as does … Continued