Ok, so i haven't written in such a long time...we've had a huge month.
Austin and Carl visited from Austin, and we had so much fun with them. They made Dublin seem very unique again when seen from their perspective. We went to London, my first trip there to see U2 at Wembley Stadium...it was incredible. We went a bit early so Josh could work a bit out of the London office and I got to wander around the city, which is probably the biggest city i have ever seen. It's sprawling, and bustling with fantastic food and shopping. And it's cheaper than Dublin, imagine that. I spent the first day wandering Oxford Circus and Bond Street, went to Regents Park and Hyde Park, and then Notting Hill. The next day was Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliament, then Josh got off work a bit early and we hit Notting Hill again. We met up with Ryan Jussel, a friend from high school who i hadn't seen in over a decade, and hit the pubs properly in the neighborhood. We ate Greek food, German food, and even Mexican. I got everything i was craving except sushi. Saturday we met up with Sarah Jane and Ciaran and their friends John and Caroline, got ready to hit the concert. We met up at the Globe, as old bar that was absolutely packed with people heading to the show. We had the access to the pre-show hospitality party, so we were all ready to go, hopped in a cab and told the driver where we wanted to go. We were having a lovely time until we realized the cabbie was pretty much lost, then he decided he couldn't get us any closer and dropped us off, telling us to walk the last 2 miles. Much consternation and frustration later, as everyone who was int he cab behind us was already at the party in the stadium, we started walking towards the stadium we could see in the distance. Of course, the London police stopped us as there was a suspicious car parked under a bridge, so they told us to backtrack and directed us to walk up a damn freeway to get to the next ramp and cross over there. Because that is safer than allowing us to skirt the neighborhood and an abandoned car. So we did, ruined my hair and we walked a good 2 miles in heels thru a ghetto to get there. But eventually we did get there, just in time for the show to start, and we had access to what was called the Red Zone, right next to the huge contraption that is their stage for this tour...it's overwhelming. Josh got me a good 3 flutes of champagne somewhere that immediately improved my mood, and we had such a good time at the show.
My mom and dad are in Ireland right now for their 40th anniversary tour of the island. We saw them Monday and Tuesday as they arrived and had their Dublin portion...I know they were both super excited to get out into the country. It was so good to see them!!! I hope they love every minute of their trip.
Josh just had his birthday, and we had all the boys over for American ribs, potato salad, baked beans and beers. 33 in Ireland is a good place to be.
September is huge...we have mom and dad on the back end of their trip, the 4th thru the 7th. The 8th we leave for NYC and are there til the 12th, where i will be shopping like mad and kicking myself that my life now ranks NYC as a cheap and affordable place to shop and stock up on all the little things we need but hate to buy over here in Dublin. Anyway, so excited to see Kelley and Zach and the kids while we are there, also Mike and Laura and everyone else we love there. Laura is working away on the US Open, but she is fitting us in and i am thrilled to see them. The Carters arrive, preggers and all to Dublin on the 14th, and will be here til the 20th. Steph and i will lounge and thank jesus she is bringing copies of all the Project Runway i will have missed. Jon and Sandy arrive on the 17th and will be here til the 29th, so we have a bit of overlap with Josh and Steph, so i think we're going down to the south for a quick overnighter to Kinsale. Then on the 23rd, Oktoberfest in Munich with the Hittmans! We're there til the 27th, Jon and Sandy go home the 29th. Non-stop.
My hard drive crashed Saturday, which meant there was a damn long beginning to this week as i am incredibly isolated up here in my glass tower without an Internet connection. Josh saved the day with a temp computer, and Sandy has fed-exed the hard drive so i think it gets here tomorrow, but all my pics and everything else from U2 are inaccessible at the moment. Once i get them, i'll edit the post to get them out so everyone knows exactly how close i was to Bono...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
SS
We had the best time in San Sebastian with Jake and Jeno; i had only ever met them briefly years ago in SF, we both missed each other's weddings and every other time we've tried to get together, so i was happily surprised to thoroughly enjoy traveling with both of them. It's so damn hard to find couples where both josh and i actually like both members, but then to compound that by actually spending 5 full days together and have to be able to travel together is really challenging. I admit, a large chunk of that difficulty lies with me as i typically don't care for many girls, so i was thrilled to find both Jake and Jeno were a lot of fun.
SS is gorgeous, north coast of Spain with incredible beaches in the mountains. And oh my god, the food. Pintxos is Basque for tapas and they have the greatest food ever. A large majority of the pics are either of some grouping of the four of us drunk, or of the tiny plates of food we plowed thru ungracefully. The Basque culture is really interesting, so different than the Catalans in the south, yet still so fiercely independent from the idea of having much to do with Spain. The beaches were beautiful, and we made the most of them; the churches and tiny little winding towns were lovely, but hands down, the best food ever.
It's a funny place, even though Jeno and i would declare that after the craziness last night, tonight we are taking it easy by god, it never happened that we made it back to the hotel before 2. And that is 5 nights in a row, which is unheard of for me on several levels. We found this little bar, called Bar Nestor, owned by two brothers who were nothing short of fabulous. We found the place the first night when Jeno and i got diverted away from the guys by these little old Spanish men who took us in the bar and fed us dinner and bought us all these drinks. We loved the place so much, we went back every night except the last night we were there, and we weren't there Monday only because the bar was closed. Amazingly simple food, just plates of heirloom tomatoes cut up with huge salt flakes, roasted gindilla peppers, and these slabs of steak with an inch of fat still on them that is barely seared, then served to you on a griddle, all of which are covered in the salt flakes. Got to figure out where to get that. We adored that place, and by god, Jeno and i will end up on their wall of fame. Nestor gave each couple an apron to take home.
Great trip, we'll definitely be back; leave it to Josh and me to have a few places we continue to go back to over and over when we should have all of Europe to explore...
Everything else is going really well here! Nothing new, the dreary weather hasn't gone anywhere and it's raining yet again, but Harp and i are hoping for a bit of sun to hit the park this afternoon. We're laying low for the rest of the month, Spain took it out of us. Pics are below!
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/SanSebastian?feat=directlink
SS is gorgeous, north coast of Spain with incredible beaches in the mountains. And oh my god, the food. Pintxos is Basque for tapas and they have the greatest food ever. A large majority of the pics are either of some grouping of the four of us drunk, or of the tiny plates of food we plowed thru ungracefully. The Basque culture is really interesting, so different than the Catalans in the south, yet still so fiercely independent from the idea of having much to do with Spain. The beaches were beautiful, and we made the most of them; the churches and tiny little winding towns were lovely, but hands down, the best food ever.
It's a funny place, even though Jeno and i would declare that after the craziness last night, tonight we are taking it easy by god, it never happened that we made it back to the hotel before 2. And that is 5 nights in a row, which is unheard of for me on several levels. We found this little bar, called Bar Nestor, owned by two brothers who were nothing short of fabulous. We found the place the first night when Jeno and i got diverted away from the guys by these little old Spanish men who took us in the bar and fed us dinner and bought us all these drinks. We loved the place so much, we went back every night except the last night we were there, and we weren't there Monday only because the bar was closed. Amazingly simple food, just plates of heirloom tomatoes cut up with huge salt flakes, roasted gindilla peppers, and these slabs of steak with an inch of fat still on them that is barely seared, then served to you on a griddle, all of which are covered in the salt flakes. Got to figure out where to get that. We adored that place, and by god, Jeno and i will end up on their wall of fame. Nestor gave each couple an apron to take home.
Great trip, we'll definitely be back; leave it to Josh and me to have a few places we continue to go back to over and over when we should have all of Europe to explore...
Everything else is going really well here! Nothing new, the dreary weather hasn't gone anywhere and it's raining yet again, but Harp and i are hoping for a bit of sun to hit the park this afternoon. We're laying low for the rest of the month, Spain took it out of us. Pics are below!
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/SanSebastian?feat=directlink
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Can't wait to get the hell out of Dublin
Here are pics of the Dressendorfer's visit at the bottom of the page! We had a fantastic time out on the west coast and just for a short while in Dublin. They are great friends.
Josh and i are so ready to get to San Sebastian for 6 days on Thursday. It looks like it will be mediocre weather the whole time we are there, of course, but it has to be more summer like than what i've had in Dublin for July. Christ. I'm adamently packing nothing but bikinis and sundresses and it's just going to have to work. We're meeting Jake and Jeno there, they are friends of Josh's from Atlanta that i have only ever met once in SF years ago, but i am sure will be fun. We're going to Pamplona to run with the bulls, which should be interesting, and the boys will go to a bull fight but i'm opting out of that. My goal is to eat nothing but tapas, and to come away with a great set of tan lines.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Dressendorfers?feat=directlink
Monday, June 22, 2009
Duwes in Dublin
We had a great time with Sam and Brian this past week! So sorry to see them leave after 5 days. We went out to Bundoran again, and there was no surf but the weather was lovely. The Duwes got to see the countryside and some great old pubs, and we got some time with family. It's just so nice to have family around from time to time, and it was lovely to have Brian and Sam here.
Harp fell in love with Sam immediately, we went to the Book of Kells and the Long Library at Trinity, spent a lot of time in Lush, averted disaster when Josh found my lost engagement ring, and the Duwes took a tour of Wicklow. We spent a lot of time in the pubs, and it was just really nice to have the time to spend with them.
June is a busy month, the Dressendorfers get here tomorrow, and the Hassels are leaving Ireland to head back home this week. This is just too bad, we were becoming good friends, but we're in for a trip over my birthday, we just need to book it.
I've got to get Harp confirmed with his pet sitter and clean up to get ready for the Dressendorfers, try to Skype with my mom and Kelley and D, work in a yoga class and replenish the beer stocks for another solid week. We're heading out to Dingle and the Galway area, then back to Dublin for the weekend.
Harp fell in love with Sam immediately, we went to the Book of Kells and the Long Library at Trinity, spent a lot of time in Lush, averted disaster when Josh found my lost engagement ring, and the Duwes took a tour of Wicklow. We spent a lot of time in the pubs, and it was just really nice to have the time to spend with them.
June is a busy month, the Dressendorfers get here tomorrow, and the Hassels are leaving Ireland to head back home this week. This is just too bad, we were becoming good friends, but we're in for a trip over my birthday, we just need to book it.
I've got to get Harp confirmed with his pet sitter and clean up to get ready for the Dressendorfers, try to Skype with my mom and Kelley and D, work in a yoga class and replenish the beer stocks for another solid week. We're heading out to Dingle and the Galway area, then back to Dublin for the weekend.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
2 years
Nothing is really new this week, we had a lovely anniversary, and it's cool to have spent it here. First anniversary was in Santorini, second was here in Dublin, so I've got no complaints! We went to Bentley's, a posh little oyster bar by the Green that was lovely, with local Irish oysters that are really very good. I'm a lucky wife.
We're excited that Sam and Brian are coming out Saturday. We'll head back out to the northwest Saturday with Harp, even though the weather will be the predictable shit. They can see the coastline, maybe attempt to surf if there is any activity in the water, and see the countryside. The boys will golf Monday, Sam and I can hit my yoga class, she can take Harp out on a run, or she can just hang out if she prefers. I'll take them anywhere they want to go in Dublin, Guinness, Jamison, Kilmainham, the museums, Christchurch and or St. Patrick's, Howth, the Green and Grafton...whatever they feel like.
Josh is in London for a couple of days, of course there is the tube strike there right now, his luck, but he'll be back late tonight. Harp and i are getting ready to have guests! We did find the British version of Project Runway, called Project Catwalk, ha, Kelley Osborne is the sad and chubby host. It's worse than a poorman's version of PR, it's just horrible and they try so hard to stage bitchiness, i am in love with it right now in small doses. I cannot watch a full show, it's too tedious, but i can drift in and out and mock them out loud to Harp. He's my stand in for Steph, who would be disgusted with this cheap imitation. But she'd watch it anyway, given the black hole i have for any other option. So every single weekday at 1, i am pathetically addicted.
We're excited that Sam and Brian are coming out Saturday. We'll head back out to the northwest Saturday with Harp, even though the weather will be the predictable shit. They can see the coastline, maybe attempt to surf if there is any activity in the water, and see the countryside. The boys will golf Monday, Sam and I can hit my yoga class, she can take Harp out on a run, or she can just hang out if she prefers. I'll take them anywhere they want to go in Dublin, Guinness, Jamison, Kilmainham, the museums, Christchurch and or St. Patrick's, Howth, the Green and Grafton...whatever they feel like.
Josh is in London for a couple of days, of course there is the tube strike there right now, his luck, but he'll be back late tonight. Harp and i are getting ready to have guests! We did find the British version of Project Runway, called Project Catwalk, ha, Kelley Osborne is the sad and chubby host. It's worse than a poorman's version of PR, it's just horrible and they try so hard to stage bitchiness, i am in love with it right now in small doses. I cannot watch a full show, it's too tedious, but i can drift in and out and mock them out loud to Harp. He's my stand in for Steph, who would be disgusted with this cheap imitation. But she'd watch it anyway, given the black hole i have for any other option. So every single weekday at 1, i am pathetically addicted.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Bank Holiday Weekend!
This past Monday concluded a 3 day weekend that has had amazing weather. Almost 70 degrees, for like the past 5 days, we've spent every single day outside. We rented a car and got up early to head to the west coast for a surf trip.We had an awesome time, after finding no waves in Streedagh, the boys' usual spot, we headed up to Bundoran, and found a brilliant day with 9 ft waves, tons of sunshine, and fairly empty water. Harp adored getting into actual waves and was exhausted by the time we were done as he spent hours leaping over each wave that would break. There are some great cliffs right beside the water, which were a bit dangerous as they are riddled with what are called the Fairy Bridges...literally sinkholes that have fallen thru the hillside down to the ocean crashing below. But anyway, if you are careful, you can head right out along the edge of the cliff and really get an incredible view of the surfers, literally right out below you. So after Harp and i were finished throwing his ball into the waves, we'd head up to the top of the cliffs with my camera and the long distance lens...the reason there are so many damn photos you'll have to sort thru if you check out the link below is because i could actually see Josh's face thru that lens from the to of the cliffs. It was awesome to have such a powerful camera! Of course, by the time i get up there, Josh has been surfing for at least 90 minutes and is still riding a few waves but i missed the chance to get most of his good rides when he was fresh and not exhausted. Next time we're out there, i'll have to figure out a way to placate Harp on the cliffs for a while before we head down to the beach.
We went to Yeat's grave which was in an incredible Irish cemetary, all old celtic crosses and the church sports a carved cross from a monastary that dates back to 500 ad, had fresh crab claws for dinner, and didn't crash the rental car. It was totally a victory. We got back in Sunday evening, hung out with Ciaran and Sarah Jane on our roof deck for the evening, then on Monday we went hiking in Wicklow. We managed to find a sheep trail we followed thru the bogs til we got to a mountain (of the Irish sorts), that we climbed. Harp loved it, was climbing around like a mountain goat and leaping into bog pools--we all had a good day and were completely exhausted when we made it home.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/BankHolidayJune09?feat=directlink
Monday, May 18, 2009
Home!
We made it back to Dublin, safely and with no drama. Truly, by the time i had my bags from baggage claim, and made it out to meet Mick and Josh, we called and Harp was ready to be claimed. After all of those papers, those appointments, on and on...there was no trouble and the people at Lissenhall released him immediately.
Harp had had no adverse reactions to the trip, we got him home and he checked out the place, and on Sunday we took him up to North Bull Island so he could run the beach. He loved it, i think he like the dunes best of all, and he barked at the kite surfers. We had a lovely day. He's been for runs with Josh in the mornings already, and it's great to have him round the house while i am here in the day, we're checking out the parks, and he dislikes the rain, so he figured out quickly that the umbrella works for him too if he sticks close to me.
I've got an appt with the SPCA here tomorrow abt some volunteer work and their Safe Haven grant, but nothing else is new, we're settling back into life here! Pics from the visit to the States and Harp's first day at an Irish beach are below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/StatesAndHarpSFirstIrishBeachOuting?feat=directlink
Harp had had no adverse reactions to the trip, we got him home and he checked out the place, and on Sunday we took him up to North Bull Island so he could run the beach. He loved it, i think he like the dunes best of all, and he barked at the kite surfers. We had a lovely day. He's been for runs with Josh in the mornings already, and it's great to have him round the house while i am here in the day, we're checking out the parks, and he dislikes the rain, so he figured out quickly that the umbrella works for him too if he sticks close to me.
I've got an appt with the SPCA here tomorrow abt some volunteer work and their Safe Haven grant, but nothing else is new, we're settling back into life here! Pics from the visit to the States and Harp's first day at an Irish beach are below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/StatesAndHarpSFirstIrishBeachOuting?feat=directlink
Thursday, May 14, 2009
On my way back home
Alright, I am in OHare, Harp has been loaded into his kennel and i had to leave him with the cargo loading people, Sandy and i dropped off the rental car and made it to our terminals, i talked the people at the check in counter into allowing the shock collar and receiver to travel in my checked bags by demonstrating how it worked, and i am finally in the gate waiting for the flight in about 3 hours. Harp is officially out of my hands til we can pick him up tomorrow morning at Lissenhal...
Had great visits with Kelley and the kids--D loved Mary Poppins on Broadway and it was just so good to have a chance to hang out and re-acquaint myself with those kids. I really miss them, and simply don't get to see them enough. Also a really good time to be home with mom and dad--they took amazing care of Harp for 5 months for us, and he's definitely going to miss them. I bet he is missing them right now while he's stowed in his kennel, waiting for them to load him up. I got to see Sam and Brian's new house, which looks incredible, and they get to move in soon. And then Sandy and i got to drive cross country, all with a nasty head cold. We actually had a good time, it was a pleasure to spend the time with her, we stayed with the Macek's in Davenport for a few nights, and i enjoyed myself. They all graciously made the trip very easy on Harp and on me, and i appreciate that immensely. Mick and Josh will pick me up at the airport in the morning, then we'll all head over to Lissenhall to wait on the process of release for the baby...
Ok, so I am watching them load the plane with food and everything else, but haven't seen Harp's kennel yet...I am going to check in with my husband, call my momma to update her and my dad, decompress with some trashy mags and junk food at the airport, then get on the plane and hopefully sleep the majority of the flight. I'll update on how it all went from Ireland!
Had great visits with Kelley and the kids--D loved Mary Poppins on Broadway and it was just so good to have a chance to hang out and re-acquaint myself with those kids. I really miss them, and simply don't get to see them enough. Also a really good time to be home with mom and dad--they took amazing care of Harp for 5 months for us, and he's definitely going to miss them. I bet he is missing them right now while he's stowed in his kennel, waiting for them to load him up. I got to see Sam and Brian's new house, which looks incredible, and they get to move in soon. And then Sandy and i got to drive cross country, all with a nasty head cold. We actually had a good time, it was a pleasure to spend the time with her, we stayed with the Macek's in Davenport for a few nights, and i enjoyed myself. They all graciously made the trip very easy on Harp and on me, and i appreciate that immensely. Mick and Josh will pick me up at the airport in the morning, then we'll all head over to Lissenhall to wait on the process of release for the baby...
Ok, so I am watching them load the plane with food and everything else, but haven't seen Harp's kennel yet...I am going to check in with my husband, call my momma to update her and my dad, decompress with some trashy mags and junk food at the airport, then get on the plane and hopefully sleep the majority of the flight. I'll update on how it all went from Ireland!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
In the States
Josh and i were back in the States, he was only in Austin for a couple of days for Ab's wedding, which was beautiful, but then had to get back to work in Dublin. I stuck around Austin for a few more days with Steph and the girls. We stayed with Hanna and Eddie, who were wonderful to put us up for so long. Of course Steph had such big news! And we got to see most everyone, and eat most everywhere, that we wanted to get to. We checked on the house, which appears to be doing pretty well, got to see all the renovations the Carters have going to their house, and generally enjoyed Austin despite the shitty weather. After Austin i went to visit my family, and Harp, for about a week which has been so great. Harp is same as always, and it was so good to have him back! Managed to see good friends from high school, and even got to see Boyle for a bit, and she is doing so well.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Travels and Plans
Such a slacker with my postings. We've been to Amsterdam and Spain lately, both incredible.
Amsterdam was great, it's a really beautiful little city, and so unique. The canals and the bridges, the age of the city and how well preserved it is, then just how laid back it all was. Amsterdam struck me because they seem to have taken two vices that every community faces, that of drugs and of prostitution, and rather than react puritanically, they actually took the time to make a different approach. Obviously, "soft" drugs are legal there, and prostitution is legal in the red light district. As we walked thru the District, I was struck by several factors. First was the enormous police presence. This is one of the safest areas of the city, as police turn out in heavy density. The district is also the major bar scene in the city, it's their Bourbon Street, Temple Bar, or 6th Street region, so they have quite smartly corraled a large percentage of the people who are there on holiday and out to get a little crazy. The women, and the men actually, who are working the windows and the sex shows are so much safer in a regulated and protected environment than the women who turn out to street corners. Prices are listed, customers know what to expect, there are significant health and safety regulations at play, and if anyone gets violent or tries to cheat anyone else, the police are there to step in.
I remember being in Stockton and a decent percentage of the women in my shelter worked the streets. I saw one who I knew to be quite pregnant working one evening, I noticed her as she had creatively altered some of the clothes she got from our donation basket to make them work out on her corner. She showed up at my shelter again after she got absolutely savagely beaten by a man who had solicited her, then raped and beat her, then left without paying. She had no recourse really, she could report the assault, but would have encountered a significant amount of trouble after multiple prior arrests as a prostitute, so in her eyes, it was just an aspect of her job and life. She was more vulnerable than most of the women who came thru my doors, and that's really saying something.
This system actually provides health care, regulation and safety checks, the prostitutes pay taxes...it just makes so much more sense than ignoring that it happens everywhere. Same with drug use.
Amsterdam itself was gorgeous, the city centre is pretty purely the ancient canal houses with few modern structures. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Amrath, in an old shipping and customs house that was spectacular. Also went to the Van Gogh museum, the Ann Frank House, and toured the canals. Amsterdam is a whole lot cheaper than Dublin is just for day to day expenses. We really liked it and will be going back once warmer weather permits.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Amsterdam?feat=directlink
Spain...Josh loves Spain and now I can easily see why. Our main goal was to get out of the rain and soak up some sun, but of course we brought the Irish weather down with us; it rained and was pretty cold the whole time we were there. Despite the weather, Spain is remarkable. We flew into Girona, rented a car and drove all up and down the Costa Brava, then down to Barcelona for a couple of days. Barcelona was lovely, nice and old, and everything is highly decorated. We intended to spend three days there, but decided to head back to the coast a day early...we found a spot called Begur, a tiny town on the beach that has an incredible hotel, El Convent. It really is an old convent, built in 1730. It has a natural spring that the nuns felt had healing properties, they built natural spring pools for people to soak in in order to be healed of whatever ailments. Josh and i both got in, we'll let you know how that goes. We just bummed from beach to beach, stopping in the cafes and seaside bars, and we managed to get some sunshine on the last day. It was a great trip.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Spain?feat=directlink
We're heading back to Austin this week for a quick trip back for both of us; Josh comes back after the weekend and I'll stick around with Steph for a bit. Then I'll head up to Colorado for a week, then out to NJ to see Kelley and her family for a little bit, then back to CO. Sandy and i will then drive Harp to Chicago from Denver, he and i will fly back to Dublin together from O'Hare in mid-May. I'm Harp-proofing the house now, and there is a high hope our stuff may get here this week, and then we need not continue to live out of suitcases for a 5th month, and sleeping in separate double beds.
I'll post sooner than later!
Amsterdam was great, it's a really beautiful little city, and so unique. The canals and the bridges, the age of the city and how well preserved it is, then just how laid back it all was. Amsterdam struck me because they seem to have taken two vices that every community faces, that of drugs and of prostitution, and rather than react puritanically, they actually took the time to make a different approach. Obviously, "soft" drugs are legal there, and prostitution is legal in the red light district. As we walked thru the District, I was struck by several factors. First was the enormous police presence. This is one of the safest areas of the city, as police turn out in heavy density. The district is also the major bar scene in the city, it's their Bourbon Street, Temple Bar, or 6th Street region, so they have quite smartly corraled a large percentage of the people who are there on holiday and out to get a little crazy. The women, and the men actually, who are working the windows and the sex shows are so much safer in a regulated and protected environment than the women who turn out to street corners. Prices are listed, customers know what to expect, there are significant health and safety regulations at play, and if anyone gets violent or tries to cheat anyone else, the police are there to step in.
I remember being in Stockton and a decent percentage of the women in my shelter worked the streets. I saw one who I knew to be quite pregnant working one evening, I noticed her as she had creatively altered some of the clothes she got from our donation basket to make them work out on her corner. She showed up at my shelter again after she got absolutely savagely beaten by a man who had solicited her, then raped and beat her, then left without paying. She had no recourse really, she could report the assault, but would have encountered a significant amount of trouble after multiple prior arrests as a prostitute, so in her eyes, it was just an aspect of her job and life. She was more vulnerable than most of the women who came thru my doors, and that's really saying something.
This system actually provides health care, regulation and safety checks, the prostitutes pay taxes...it just makes so much more sense than ignoring that it happens everywhere. Same with drug use.
Amsterdam itself was gorgeous, the city centre is pretty purely the ancient canal houses with few modern structures. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Amrath, in an old shipping and customs house that was spectacular. Also went to the Van Gogh museum, the Ann Frank House, and toured the canals. Amsterdam is a whole lot cheaper than Dublin is just for day to day expenses. We really liked it and will be going back once warmer weather permits.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Amsterdam?feat=directlink
Spain...Josh loves Spain and now I can easily see why. Our main goal was to get out of the rain and soak up some sun, but of course we brought the Irish weather down with us; it rained and was pretty cold the whole time we were there. Despite the weather, Spain is remarkable. We flew into Girona, rented a car and drove all up and down the Costa Brava, then down to Barcelona for a couple of days. Barcelona was lovely, nice and old, and everything is highly decorated. We intended to spend three days there, but decided to head back to the coast a day early...we found a spot called Begur, a tiny town on the beach that has an incredible hotel, El Convent. It really is an old convent, built in 1730. It has a natural spring that the nuns felt had healing properties, they built natural spring pools for people to soak in in order to be healed of whatever ailments. Josh and i both got in, we'll let you know how that goes. We just bummed from beach to beach, stopping in the cafes and seaside bars, and we managed to get some sunshine on the last day. It was a great trip.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Spain?feat=directlink
We're heading back to Austin this week for a quick trip back for both of us; Josh comes back after the weekend and I'll stick around with Steph for a bit. Then I'll head up to Colorado for a week, then out to NJ to see Kelley and her family for a little bit, then back to CO. Sandy and i will then drive Harp to Chicago from Denver, he and i will fly back to Dublin together from O'Hare in mid-May. I'm Harp-proofing the house now, and there is a high hope our stuff may get here this week, and then we need not continue to live out of suitcases for a 5th month, and sleeping in separate double beds.
I'll post sooner than later!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
So we had Laura for a few days that i thoroughly enjoyed. She got to witness the first Irish Grand Slam in rugby in 61 years, then the ensuing party that Dublin erupted into. We watched the match at the Air Corps officer's club, which was such a great venue for it rather than the jammed bars, then we went out downtown and it was right back into the way things have always been when she is around. It really is a lovely thing to have those friends who you just pick back up with, even if it's months between when you actually get to see each other. Anyway, we spent Sunday wandering around Dublin recovering over a few pubs, then the next 2 days we went to Kilmainham Gaol, which was really bleak and awful; the tour of the place is impressive and certianly relates the historic significance. You walk out thankful to have gotten out of there. After that we went to the Guinness Storehouse, which we both loved. I have heard from several Irish that the tour isn't worth going to but i soundly disagree, i think it was very well done and really interesting, we spent a few good hours there. We wandered all over Dublin and had a lovely time. I owe her a trip to NYC, which i will certainly make good on this summer.
As promised, Laura, here are your 3 items to remember and take home with you:
1. Familio Zuccardi, the 2006 reserve Banarda Mendoza from Argentina is what we liked.
2. The Amazing Race is casting again in June. Get your filming ideas together, and we'll make the tape.
3. http://www.irishrugby.ie/images/news/RobKeaney_LeinsterPlayerofhtemonth_award.jpg
...enjoy...
We're off to Amsterdam this weekend, which i am so looking forward to! Pictures from the Grand Slam week are below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/GrandSlamWeek?feat=directlink
As promised, Laura, here are your 3 items to remember and take home with you:
1. Familio Zuccardi, the 2006 reserve Banarda Mendoza from Argentina is what we liked.
2. The Amazing Race is casting again in June. Get your filming ideas together, and we'll make the tape.
3. http://www.irishrugby.ie/images/news/RobKeaney_LeinsterPlayerofhtemonth_award.jpg
...enjoy...
We're off to Amsterdam this weekend, which i am so looking forward to! Pictures from the Grand Slam week are below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/GrandSlamWeek?feat=directlink
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Sligo and Dublin
I have been more than derelict in posting, for which i have no excuse, it's not like i haven't had the time, or that we have had nothing to post about! We've booked trips to Oktoberfest in late September, which Josh apparently regards as heaven, and the Dressendorfers booked a trip for June, right after the Duwes leave, and my mom and dad booked their trip to all of Ireland in late August, so we are thrilled to have so many visits to look forward to! Harp will get here in 2 more months...
We went to Sligo with new friends Ciaran and Sarah Jane; Sarah Jane is the lead singer of a band called Dirty Epics who was playing out there and the boys wanted to surf as well, so it was a quick, but eventful trip. I hadn't heard her band before, but they were really good, and we had a great time. They are playing at SXSW in Austin in a couple of weeks, so i hope our friends in Austin get a chance to see them play, they kept me out til 330 in the morning which takes a lot of entertaining. I have a lot more pics that i will add to the album as soon as i can get them uploaded, but here are a few for now:
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Sligo?feat=directlink
We've continued to expand our experience of Dublin, I found a fabulous grocery store on a tip form Sarah Jane that is about a mile from the house, but since we have actually had some sun and temps at abt 55 lately, the walk is a pleasure. It's like the Whole Foods i miss so much in Austin, just smaller, a bit fancier. Pastas from Italy, spices and teas from all over Asia, a beautiful fruit and veg section, and a butcher/cheese shop to die for. Beautiful little bakery as well. It's off the Grafton St pedestrian mall which is always bustling, so i am very happy with my little find.
Also made it over to Christchurch Cathedral, the oldest building in Dublin. It's lovely, built on the ruins of an old viking church. Tons of history, lots of charm...it's older than Notre Dame, nowhere near as grand, but far more accessible. I have this addiction to old churches and cemeteries that i can't explain other than to shrug it off as part of being raised Catholic. Anyway, I never pass one up, and always light a candle for my mom. Josh humors me, but it's really better for me to do this on my own if possible because i spent a good 3 hours in Chirstchurch just exploring and listening to the organist practice. It was beautiful. I will be going to St. Patricks Cathedral in the next week, and i think i will head back to Christchurch with the camera, so i'll get those both up soon.
We have a quieter weekend planned, the Irish play the Scots this week in 6 Nations, and then next week they will hopefully play for the championship against the Welsh. Laura will be here and we'll be with our friends at the Officer's club for the match, then downtown afterwards. It's definitely a local's experience of Dublin,rather than a tourist's, and i am excited for her to come along, she'll impress them and i think we will all have a lot of fun.
We went to Sligo with new friends Ciaran and Sarah Jane; Sarah Jane is the lead singer of a band called Dirty Epics who was playing out there and the boys wanted to surf as well, so it was a quick, but eventful trip. I hadn't heard her band before, but they were really good, and we had a great time. They are playing at SXSW in Austin in a couple of weeks, so i hope our friends in Austin get a chance to see them play, they kept me out til 330 in the morning which takes a lot of entertaining. I have a lot more pics that i will add to the album as soon as i can get them uploaded, but here are a few for now:
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/Sligo?feat=directlink
We've continued to expand our experience of Dublin, I found a fabulous grocery store on a tip form Sarah Jane that is about a mile from the house, but since we have actually had some sun and temps at abt 55 lately, the walk is a pleasure. It's like the Whole Foods i miss so much in Austin, just smaller, a bit fancier. Pastas from Italy, spices and teas from all over Asia, a beautiful fruit and veg section, and a butcher/cheese shop to die for. Beautiful little bakery as well. It's off the Grafton St pedestrian mall which is always bustling, so i am very happy with my little find.
Also made it over to Christchurch Cathedral, the oldest building in Dublin. It's lovely, built on the ruins of an old viking church. Tons of history, lots of charm...it's older than Notre Dame, nowhere near as grand, but far more accessible. I have this addiction to old churches and cemeteries that i can't explain other than to shrug it off as part of being raised Catholic. Anyway, I never pass one up, and always light a candle for my mom. Josh humors me, but it's really better for me to do this on my own if possible because i spent a good 3 hours in Chirstchurch just exploring and listening to the organist practice. It was beautiful. I will be going to St. Patricks Cathedral in the next week, and i think i will head back to Christchurch with the camera, so i'll get those both up soon.
We have a quieter weekend planned, the Irish play the Scots this week in 6 Nations, and then next week they will hopefully play for the championship against the Welsh. Laura will be here and we'll be with our friends at the Officer's club for the match, then downtown afterwards. It's definitely a local's experience of Dublin,rather than a tourist's, and i am excited for her to come along, she'll impress them and i think we will all have a lot of fun.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Paris, and back in Ireland
So we had an incredible weekend in Paris, it had been a long time since either Josh or I had been there and it was really cool to be able to be there together. The pictures are below. Loved it, and loved the ability to just pop over there for the weekend and then be back to start up a normal week. The travel options here are truly the best part of being in Dublin.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/ParisFebruary2009?feat=directlink
We've moved upstairs...our building has 2 penthouses, one of which is a bit larger and nicer than the other. We've been promised the best one, but it's not available quite yet. There isn't anything wrong with the other, it's quite nice and large with tons of natural light and a better configured living space than where we were before, so we are quite happy living here until the other one opens up, hopefully soon. It's not like we have a lot to move, only the stuff we brought over which is the equivalent of abt 5 suitcases, so I'm happy to move us like gypsies to get the best possible place. I'll put pics of the place up soon. Our shipment should arrive by the end of March, and things will start to feel like home then. More than anything else we are looking forward to obtaining our bed. Obviously we are quite large, and the two of us attempting to sleep in these tiny double beds is ridiculous.
We made the first steps toward completing our legal status in Ireland. We got the green card, and had to register yesterday with the Gardas, the Irish police. We spent the better part of about 5 hours standing in line, waiting, and finally getting Garda cards, which aren't residency cards or even identification cards, just proof we complied with the basic requirements of registration. So we have to register with the Office of Social Welfare to try for a PPS#, the equivalent of a SSN in the States that we need to get anything done here, and what that will accomplish i have no idea, but we'll play along later this week. It's frustrating as hell, and honestly i understand why people enter countries illegally, this is wildly inefficient, time consuming and expensive. At one point yesterday, with about 250 people waiting to be seen, the 12 service desks that were available had 3 people working, and each person takes 15-20 minutes. The most efficient they got was to have 8 of the 12 open. There were people from Russia, Nigeria, China, India, all trying to get this card, and we were among the few lucky ones who managed to walk out of there with the card we set out to obtain.
This week is pretty standard, we've got the English/Irish match Saturday that we are trying to get tickets to, and Mick is helping us look too, so if they can be found, we'll find them but if we can't we'll head to a pub. Mom is sending me a package that includes Kraft macaroni and cheese...it's funny the things you miss when you can't get your hands on them. I am craving chips and salsa and that mac and cheese. The food here has been rough to adjust to, overall it's just not good, but we are sorting thru the bad restaurants and have found a few we really do like so we can hit them regularly and continue to explore.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/ParisFebruary2009?feat=directlink
We've moved upstairs...our building has 2 penthouses, one of which is a bit larger and nicer than the other. We've been promised the best one, but it's not available quite yet. There isn't anything wrong with the other, it's quite nice and large with tons of natural light and a better configured living space than where we were before, so we are quite happy living here until the other one opens up, hopefully soon. It's not like we have a lot to move, only the stuff we brought over which is the equivalent of abt 5 suitcases, so I'm happy to move us like gypsies to get the best possible place. I'll put pics of the place up soon. Our shipment should arrive by the end of March, and things will start to feel like home then. More than anything else we are looking forward to obtaining our bed. Obviously we are quite large, and the two of us attempting to sleep in these tiny double beds is ridiculous.
We made the first steps toward completing our legal status in Ireland. We got the green card, and had to register yesterday with the Gardas, the Irish police. We spent the better part of about 5 hours standing in line, waiting, and finally getting Garda cards, which aren't residency cards or even identification cards, just proof we complied with the basic requirements of registration. So we have to register with the Office of Social Welfare to try for a PPS#, the equivalent of a SSN in the States that we need to get anything done here, and what that will accomplish i have no idea, but we'll play along later this week. It's frustrating as hell, and honestly i understand why people enter countries illegally, this is wildly inefficient, time consuming and expensive. At one point yesterday, with about 250 people waiting to be seen, the 12 service desks that were available had 3 people working, and each person takes 15-20 minutes. The most efficient they got was to have 8 of the 12 open. There were people from Russia, Nigeria, China, India, all trying to get this card, and we were among the few lucky ones who managed to walk out of there with the card we set out to obtain.
This week is pretty standard, we've got the English/Irish match Saturday that we are trying to get tickets to, and Mick is helping us look too, so if they can be found, we'll find them but if we can't we'll head to a pub. Mom is sending me a package that includes Kraft macaroni and cheese...it's funny the things you miss when you can't get your hands on them. I am craving chips and salsa and that mac and cheese. The food here has been rough to adjust to, overall it's just not good, but we are sorting thru the bad restaurants and have found a few we really do like so we can hit them regularly and continue to explore.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dingle
Josh and i went to Dingle, a coastal town on the western coast of Ireland for Valentine's Day weekend. We'd been wanting to go for awhile; before we left the states we saw that Dingle had been named the singular most beautiful place on the planet by National Geographic http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/12/17/dingle.ireland/index.html#cnnSTCText
Then it turned out that Josh had a rugby connection to a guy whose family has a bed and breakfast right in Dingle, so we had to make it our first trip. It was incredible. We already are planning our next trip out which we think will include surfing and as soon as we get Harp out, we are definitely going hiking on the pass that seperates Dingle from Tralee. There are some people who we absolutely must take out there...
The Heatons were incredible, their place was lovely and they were so hospitable. Their son David and his girlfriend Eileen took us all over the town and gave us the local experience, and we hired out a tour guide to take us on to some of the archeological sites that are scattered over the area; our two hour trip just scratched the surface. The scenery is truly amazing, and the history and culture are palpable. The link to the pictures are below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/DingleIreland?feat=directlink
Then it turned out that Josh had a rugby connection to a guy whose family has a bed and breakfast right in Dingle, so we had to make it our first trip. It was incredible. We already are planning our next trip out which we think will include surfing and as soon as we get Harp out, we are definitely going hiking on the pass that seperates Dingle from Tralee. There are some people who we absolutely must take out there...
The Heatons were incredible, their place was lovely and they were so hospitable. Their son David and his girlfriend Eileen took us all over the town and gave us the local experience, and we hired out a tour guide to take us on to some of the archeological sites that are scattered over the area; our two hour trip just scratched the surface. The scenery is truly amazing, and the history and culture are palpable. The link to the pictures are below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/DingleIreland?feat=directlink
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Photos
These are just some random pictures of what we have been doing and of the areas that Josh and i walk pretty much every day. If you look at a map of Dublin, the Liffey is the river that essentially bisects the city into a northern and southern half. Apparently it's like taking your life in your hands to venture into the northern side, so we stick safely on the southern side for now. Looking back at a map, squarely in the middle of what would logically be downtown Dublin is a park called St. Stephen's Green, and that is sort of home base for us to figure out where things are in the city, it's about a 10 minute walk from our apartment and from Josh's permanent office space. It's really pretty.
Saturday we watched the 6 Nations Ireland v. France game at a really cool little old pub called Mulligan's, which was unequivocally different than any sportsbar i have ever been in...We met a friend of Alex Rau's from Argentina who is newly in Dublin as well, and she introduced us to a beer called Kilkenny which i really like. Ireland won the match, i met a bunch of the people Josh has been making friends with here, it was a good night.
Sunday we ventured out this past weekend to the beach that runs down the southern half of Dublin's Bay called Sandymount, all the way down to Booterstown. All very interesting.
This weekend we are taking the train out to the west coast to Tralee, then onto a tiny town called Dingle where we are going to spend the weekend at a bed and breakfast run by the fmaily of someone connected to Josh's rugby team back in Austin. I can't wait to see the countryside, but Dingle is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet in the wintertime, plus Josh is hoping to surf, so i'll come back with lots of photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/HittmansInDublin?authkey=rhur_l3D9_k&feat=directlink
Saturday we watched the 6 Nations Ireland v. France game at a really cool little old pub called Mulligan's, which was unequivocally different than any sportsbar i have ever been in...We met a friend of Alex Rau's from Argentina who is newly in Dublin as well, and she introduced us to a beer called Kilkenny which i really like. Ireland won the match, i met a bunch of the people Josh has been making friends with here, it was a good night.
Sunday we ventured out this past weekend to the beach that runs down the southern half of Dublin's Bay called Sandymount, all the way down to Booterstown. All very interesting.
This weekend we are taking the train out to the west coast to Tralee, then onto a tiny town called Dingle where we are going to spend the weekend at a bed and breakfast run by the fmaily of someone connected to Josh's rugby team back in Austin. I can't wait to see the countryside, but Dingle is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet in the wintertime, plus Josh is hoping to surf, so i'll come back with lots of photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/erinhittman/HittmansInDublin?authkey=rhur_l3D9_k&feat=directlink
Friday, February 6, 2009
First 2 Weeks
So we are settling into Dublin...it's great. Kind of cool how easily we both have been able to adjust to all the funny little differences that make living abroad worth while. It's been snowing here lately, which i am assured is a freak weather pattern that hasn't been this entrenched over Ireland for 30 some years, but that has been an interesting twist to the daily routine of walking everywhere to get everthing we need. Seriously, these old cobblestone and brick sidewalks are really not conducive to my heels in the slush and ice, i finally gave up last night and wore crosstrainers with a dress and tights to meet Josh and one of his council members for a really lovely dinner...walkedin and met them at the bar and tried to gracefully exit to the ladies room to put on my boots, but better that than falling on my ass on the way to get there in the white coat.
Got internet in the house, which is a supremely important improvement. Now i can actually map where i am trying to get to, find a yoga studio, research what the hell i have to do to try to talk my way into a bank account (i pretty much don't exist as far as the govmnt here is concerned. No job/no visa equals no way to obtain a legal address, which means i can't get an account or even get authorized on Josh's. My status as his wife, which is why i don't have those other items, apparently doesn't matter to them, and there isn't exactly shining opportunity for a work permit right now, so no jobs either. Can't win.). It's sunny today, we have dinner plans with a New Yorker who is married to an Irish girl, then tomorrow it's our first rugby match. The country is literally fired up abt these 6 Nations games, more so than any Olympic/SuperBowl/March Madness I have ever experienced in the States. They mobilize. We are going to try really hard to get tix to the Ireland/England match at the end of February, there is such history at Croak Park, and they are so damn passionate about the sport, the team, and the history, that we have to find a way to experience it while we're here.
The other most exciting development so far is the opportunity to travel...we're going to Dingle next weekend for Valentines, and we're taking the train to have that experience. I will put up pics as soon as i can. Then Paris the next week, which i am thrilled for. We've bot Amsterdam booked in March, and Prague booked in April, plus lots of people have started booking time to come and stay with us, which will be great.
It's sunny today, for the first time in many days although still cold, so i am going to take advantage to get out, get some fresh flowers for the house, get some groceries, explore a couple new streets and see what i find. I miss Harp; he's going to be so good at wandering around this city with me and i am sure they've never seen anything like him over here, i certainly haven't.
Got internet in the house, which is a supremely important improvement. Now i can actually map where i am trying to get to, find a yoga studio, research what the hell i have to do to try to talk my way into a bank account (i pretty much don't exist as far as the govmnt here is concerned. No job/no visa equals no way to obtain a legal address, which means i can't get an account or even get authorized on Josh's. My status as his wife, which is why i don't have those other items, apparently doesn't matter to them, and there isn't exactly shining opportunity for a work permit right now, so no jobs either. Can't win.). It's sunny today, we have dinner plans with a New Yorker who is married to an Irish girl, then tomorrow it's our first rugby match. The country is literally fired up abt these 6 Nations games, more so than any Olympic/SuperBowl/March Madness I have ever experienced in the States. They mobilize. We are going to try really hard to get tix to the Ireland/England match at the end of February, there is such history at Croak Park, and they are so damn passionate about the sport, the team, and the history, that we have to find a way to experience it while we're here.
The other most exciting development so far is the opportunity to travel...we're going to Dingle next weekend for Valentines, and we're taking the train to have that experience. I will put up pics as soon as i can. Then Paris the next week, which i am thrilled for. We've bot Amsterdam booked in March, and Prague booked in April, plus lots of people have started booking time to come and stay with us, which will be great.
It's sunny today, for the first time in many days although still cold, so i am going to take advantage to get out, get some fresh flowers for the house, get some groceries, explore a couple new streets and see what i find. I miss Harp; he's going to be so good at wandering around this city with me and i am sure they've never seen anything like him over here, i certainly haven't.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Leaving Austin
Josh is already in Dublin and says he loves it. He says it's pretty cold, but that the people are fantastic and that it's beautiful. He's working really hard, and thinks he may have found us a house! We'll know more soon...
I'm in my final days in Austin, the movers come Friday and Saturday, then Harp and i will take off for the drive to Colorado after we have everything packed up. We will spend the week with my parents, getting Harp situated for his extended stay with the McElderry's until he can make his own trip over in May.
Getting an animal over to Dublin is an enormous process that takes a really long time and is fairly intricate. The very short version is that they don't care about my immaculate records on the dog, we either jump thru the many hoops they put out or they quarantine him in their public facility for 6 months over there at our expense. The many hoops consist of getting him chipped with an int'l chip, re-vaccinating after the chip is in, then having blood tests conducted at an EU approved lab after the vaccination. 6 months AFTER the date of the blood work that came back the way you want it, he can enter the country on an approved airline and accompanied by a Veterinary Certificate that will include USDA health vouchers, a certificate of acclimation, flea and tick meds administered and signed off on within 48 hours of travel...on and on. He has to fly Aer Lingus, who requires you use a pet move service, and that is a very expensive production. It's not a pleasant process, but Harp can come over May 13th, so his grandparents are graciously allowing him to visit for a few months, which is immensely appreciated by Josh and me. Sandy will be taking him to Chicago in May so he can catch a direct flight which will hopefully minimize his trauma, then he'll go into the Lissenhall facility there for 2 days, then, in theory, i should have my baby back.
We're putting up a calender so that all of our visitors can figure out when the spare bedroom will be available. It's going to be embedded in this blog, so as soon as i get that done, you'll see it. Laura is our first guest, and i can't think of anyone more fun to explore Dublin with.
So i am wrapping up my last days at work, then will handle the movers! I will miss Austin, we have such good friends here, we loved this city and had a great 3 years here, but i am so excited to get to Dublin...
I'm in my final days in Austin, the movers come Friday and Saturday, then Harp and i will take off for the drive to Colorado after we have everything packed up. We will spend the week with my parents, getting Harp situated for his extended stay with the McElderry's until he can make his own trip over in May.
Getting an animal over to Dublin is an enormous process that takes a really long time and is fairly intricate. The very short version is that they don't care about my immaculate records on the dog, we either jump thru the many hoops they put out or they quarantine him in their public facility for 6 months over there at our expense. The many hoops consist of getting him chipped with an int'l chip, re-vaccinating after the chip is in, then having blood tests conducted at an EU approved lab after the vaccination. 6 months AFTER the date of the blood work that came back the way you want it, he can enter the country on an approved airline and accompanied by a Veterinary Certificate that will include USDA health vouchers, a certificate of acclimation, flea and tick meds administered and signed off on within 48 hours of travel...on and on. He has to fly Aer Lingus, who requires you use a pet move service, and that is a very expensive production. It's not a pleasant process, but Harp can come over May 13th, so his grandparents are graciously allowing him to visit for a few months, which is immensely appreciated by Josh and me. Sandy will be taking him to Chicago in May so he can catch a direct flight which will hopefully minimize his trauma, then he'll go into the Lissenhall facility there for 2 days, then, in theory, i should have my baby back.
We're putting up a calender so that all of our visitors can figure out when the spare bedroom will be available. It's going to be embedded in this blog, so as soon as i get that done, you'll see it. Laura is our first guest, and i can't think of anyone more fun to explore Dublin with.
So i am wrapping up my last days at work, then will handle the movers! I will miss Austin, we have such good friends here, we loved this city and had a great 3 years here, but i am so excited to get to Dublin...
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