Category: Ireland

Baking with Kate – an Airbnb experience

Airbnb has been my got-to for accommodations abroad for the last 4 or 5 years, I’d say. Basically, if I’m going to spend more than two nights somewhere, I want to have the amenities that make a stay feel more like a home - kitchen facilities, perhaps or lounging space when I’m traveling with friends … Continue reading Baking with Kate – an Airbnb experience →

First impressions – Galway town

I’ve only visited Galway once before and it was very brief, maybe an afternoon at best. For all intents and purposes, this is my first time here and everything is new. Except, of course, for the friends who are also here on holiday from Albany, that I got share a meal with last night. Small … Continue reading First impressions – Galway town →

First impressions – Dublin, 2019

Yesterday was the first time I’ve visited Dublin since 2013. Here’s what struck me... I heard an amazing array of languages and saw numerous ethnic markets as I walked the streets for hours. The 3-day visitor’s trip transit pass is a great deal at 19.50 It’s dirtier than I remember it being. There seems to … Continue reading First impressions – Dublin, 2019 →

Headed to Ireland’s half light with a full heart

After a nearly six year absence, I’m visiting Ireland this month. It would take some effort, and both hands, to count the number of times I’ve traveled to the country where my father was born, yet I’m about as excited as I was on that first trip to the Emerald Isle. Back then, all flights … Continue reading Headed to Ireland’s half light with a full heart →

Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father

I’m finally sobering up after a night that was intoxicatingly special. Friday night I was one of 6 storytellers at a public event held at the Linda Auditorium. The occasion was a celebration of the 8th anniversary of our local take on the Moth Story Hour, The Front Parlor Series, which occurs monthly in two … Continue reading Telling the story of A Fire, a Phonebook Page and Finding My Father →

23 and me – yes, me!

As a Christmas gift to myself, I bought a 23 and Me kit. I grew up not knowing any biological family members and I was curious to see how much of the limited family lore might be confirmed - or disproven. For years I had considered my heritage to be pretty cut and dry (50% … Continue reading 23 and me – yes, me! →