Slainte!

That's Gaelic for cheers!


Dublin is the perfect city for a quick weekend get away....from London that is!
We stayed at the Shelbourne Hotel, a landmark in the heart of the city over looking St. Stephen's Green. It was just a few blocks away from shopping on Grafton Street and Trinity College where the major attractions are the Old Library and The Book of Kells, richly decorated manuscripts of the four Gospels in Latin.





Our first stop, not surprising, was the Guinness Storehouse and St. James's Gate Brewery. It is a self-guided tour through six floors of the brewing process and popular advertising campaigns of the past. It ends with a generous tasting of draught Guinness at the rooftop Gravity Bar with a 360 degree fabulous view of Dublin. Normally, I'm not a fan of the dark brown beer but once you get past the thick foam and the first few sips.....well it's all about the experience!
And for lunch....Steak and Guinness Pie of course!



We had no idea until we arrived that on Saturday night Ireland was playing France in football for a place in the championships and Sunday was the big rugby match between Ireland and Australia. It was a great weekend to be in the Temple Bar area in Dublin!

What to pack???

Or should I say, "What NOT to pack!"
Instead of taking photo's of London sights I thought it might be helpful for my Sister and her son, who have started the "thinking about packing" stage of their travels here for Thanksgiving, to actually take photos of some of the tourists...taking photos of some of the sights. Weird, I know but interesting none the less!

Boots and jeans, raincoats and scarves, cameras, backpacks.....huge silver bag?

I see a lot more people using their phones for a quick memory shot.


What happens to Ugg's when they get water-logged?




















Don't even think about it...the sandals that is!





Bright red hair seems to popular...easy to spot in a crowd!

Can you spot the American?

We plan to do A LOT of walking, go to the American Thanksgiving ceremony at St. Paul's, enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with good friends, see a show, and hit a few Pubs. The Oyster cards are topped off and ready! Start packing!

The Wizard of OZ

On Thursday, the 29th of OCTOBER, Dannii Minoque (Judge on X Factor) magically transformed Harrods in to the Emerald City. The green glow (usually blue lights!) of the building can be seen for miles and the windows invite young and old into Munchkin Land, the Corn Field, the Apple Orchard, the Scary Forest and .....

THE WIZARD OF OZ lies inside...as only Harrods can do it!







I will have to post another blog on my trip down the Yellow Brick Road to the Ruby Red Slipper Boudoir!


My neighborhood is decorated for Christmas, is yours?

The Kensington Wine Rooms

Since the sports car was covered with leaves and tucked into it's parking spot in front of the flat....Rick and I decided to take the bus to Kensington.......
(I didn't say it was OUR sports car!)





One of our new favorite restaurants in London is the Kensington Wine Rooms on Kensington Church Street. Friends met us there for a quiet birthday celebration, it was the perfect spot on a brisk autumn Sunday afternoon for a glass of wine and a hearty meal. The bar area has self-serve wine dispensing machines where you can purchase a taste or a glass of wine from all over the world. I didn't get a picture of my meal but when you read this your mouth will water....

Mint, Beet & Warm Breaded English Goat's Cheese Salad £5.95
Suggested wine: Pouilly Fume' Les Cornets, Loire 2007 125ml £6.95

Filet Steak, Fresh Horseradish Sauce, Green Beans, and Chips £19.50
Suggested wine: Argiano Brunello Di Montalcino, Tuscany 2004 125ml £10.75
(I included the prices for all my "foodie' friends back home!)

I especially liked the Isabel, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 from Marlborough, New Zealand.....thanks Steve, I'm saving it for another special occasion!