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O Ireland! I have been waiting for you my whole life. Literally I have. My birthday is St. Patrick's day. I have always dreamed of spending my birthday in Ireland. Finally! After 30 years I made it!  After a flight that left JFK at 10:30pm to arrive at 8:40 am you would think that is perfect. You get to sleep and be ready to hit the pavement. I hit the pavement alright. I cannot sleep on planes. My body is so finicky! It can only sleep if I am laying down, it's dark, and complete silence. Yea...I don't have that first class money. Therefore I was sitting in the way back by the toilets. You wanna know what's worse?! When we were checking in my friend Kim was pulled aside by one of the agents. Now we were all scared. Were our bags too big? As she is talking to him she looks over at us and shakes her head. What the hell is goin on!? She comes back and tells us the agent wanted to upgrade us to first class. Hell yay! BUT...We would have to be wearing anything else besides jeans and leggings. What?!?! That's the only way to fly. Lol We were devastated. My body yearned for a seat that could fully layout. Tear...Lesson learned. From now on we will always travel with dress pants! Alright! We are off the plane and heading through customs, which seems like the quickest of all time. The car rental was the exact opposite. We landed at 8:40 am and didn't leave with our car till 12pm! Now for this trip we found a good deal on Groupon. It was 6 nights at different bed and breakfast places of your choosing. It also came with a car and airfare. It was only $699. We jumped on that so quick. My birthday is on St. Patrick's day, which is smack in the middle of spring break season. We surely thought it would be beyond expensive to go at that time frame. So we couldn't pass this by. Now this groupon did not cover insurance. Which ended up being $188US, plus a $80US fuel charge, and taxes! The $80 would be refunded if you brought the car back with a full tank of gas. Geez! There is also a $1,900 plus tax hold place on your card untill they make sure there is not a scratch on the car after you return it. What the &!&!^!^$*@&^@£!!!!!! Good God! That's not all! If you want an extra driver it is an extra $10 euro a day. If you go through any tolls the cost varies but you have until 8pm the next day to pay it or I guess you get a ticket. Anything else!?!??! You better believe I will be driving like a grandma to get my $2,000 dollars back! I couldn't wait to get out of there. Have yall ever driven on the other side of the road? That wasn't the nerve racking part. This car was huge! It was like driving a boat. I have a small little car. I haven't driven anything else in years. So I had to be more cautious then I originally planned. Our first stop was Kilkenny. Which is about an hour and a half from the airport. The drive was majestic! The rolling green pastures, there are sheep and cows everywhere, and did I mention all the green! I was falling in love.  We made it safely to our destination. Ah...yea! I got skills ;-) We were starving and what was in the parking lot in front of the hotel...KFC. Welp...KFC it is lol. Of course this tasted nothing like KFC in America. There sides included gravy and curry sauce as one of the sides. So...if you got a two piece with two sides mash potatoes and gravy would be it. Huh? How is gravy a side?! Sides are vegetables! !!! I digress... The first night was included. It was at the Aspect Hotel. It was a very nice and modest hotel. I have no complaints about, and would recommend a stay there. We were beyond tired at this point and decided to take a two hour nap. Dang that alarm went off too fast. The others can sleep on planes and yet I was the only one up after two hours. Smh... We really should have got up and went exploring. That did not happen. I couldn't go back to sleep so I looked up places to have our first authentic Irish meal. I gave them another hour or so and then it was time to move it along. I was hungry!  Loved having the streets to ourselves. So by the time everyone got up and ready it was 9pm. We get to downtown and park and all the restaurants are closed. Apparently, all the restaurants close at 9pm. Grr...that's not was Google told me. Darn google. We were told by a bartender that the only places open was a pizza shop and a gyro place. The gyro place won because it was closest. It was called Abrakebabra. So if you find yourself out past 9 head on over. I had the chicken kabob and it was pretty tasty.  We ended up going to Matt The Miller Bar for the first Irish beer of the trip. Now I hate beer with a passion. It's the nasty stuff I've ever tasted. I know there are so many die hard fans, but I cannot force it down my throat. So I just watched my friends enjoy. They had the local Kilkenny beer. They wanted to save the Guinness for when we got to Dublin. They thought it was tasty. The bartender was super nice. He came out to chat with us at our table. I asked what time they closed. He said 11:30pm. It was midnight. We apologized to death, but he was really cool. He told us there was another place not to far that played music and was open to 2am. So they downed those drinks and off we went. The place was called Langston's Hotel. They were playing Rihanna when we got there so we knew it would be a good time.
It was like we were celebrities or something. Everyone was curious who we were and what we were doing there. I have never had so many random people come up to me and ask me where I was from. It was kind of overwhelming. Once we started dancing everybody and their mom wanted to dance with us. We were like a rare species that they have never seen before. Everyone was super nice. We danced and talked to locals (and people from Oregon) the whole night. You also have to try that cider that is pictured above. It's called Kopparberg with strawberry and lime. Yum! We closed the place down. I never expected a Tuesday night in Kilkenny to be so much fun. You have got to check it out if you are ever in town.
Time to hit the hay and get ready for the next day's adventure.
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Okie Dokie. If you have been following along thus far you have seen that I have been to Cartagena, Iceland, Cuba, and Puerto Vallarta already this year. There are still 9 more months left in the year. I thought I share what’s on my wishlist.
Cliffs of Moher
1. Ireland. My birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day. So as far as I can remember I’ve wanted to go for my birthday. I was waiting to go so I could make it a big sha bang for my 30th. Well I fell of a bike last year going too fast down a hill and factored my elbow. I got banged up pretty bad. I was out of commission for two months. Of course that two months was right in the middle of my birthday. I mean another year I am alive is still pretty epic. So...the plan is to do it this year.
2. Aruba. Like most people I can’t get enough of a good beach vacation. In fact, I would like to do one every month if I could. Maybe I can work that out since I am already three for three this year...Humm…I have also been to alot of the caribbean and just have a few more to cross of my list.
3. Slovenia. I was reading National Geographic and there was an ad for Slovenia. Ads do work. This one got me hooked. I honestly have never heard of Slovenia. What caught my eye was that castle in the middle of the lake. The city surrounding it makes it look something out of a fairy tell. It looks beautiful in the summer or winter, but the ad featured it in the winter. This gave it an extra magical appeal. We generally try to avoid the cold at all costs. I just might have to make an exception for Slovenia.
Wat Rong Khun or White Temple
4. Thailand. We went to Phuket two years ago, but it was only for two days. It rained the first night. We really loved what we did see and do. Everything is so cheap, the food is amazing, and of course the beach is warm/beautiful. This definitely calls for a do over. I would love to go to Bangkok as well. I’ve gotta check out the city, the food, and of course the floating markets.
Banaue Rice Terraces
5. Philippines. Didn’t I say I love beaches? Well they definitely have more than a few here. If there is pretty tranquil water I am there. Of course there is more to offer here. There is the Chocolate Mountains, the Mayon Volcano, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and the Banaue Rice Terraces.
6. Lake Havasu Falls, Arizona. I am not sure where I saw a picture of the falls, but after seeing it I have got to be there now. There are so many wonders right in our own backyard. Now I am not a camping person. Never have and thought I could get away from never doing it. Well unless I want to hike 20 miles there and back all in one day I will ultimately have to camp. This sadden me a bit. But, one of my mottos is- if you want to see the world you will have to make some sacrifices.
7. New York. I know. I know. I’ve been to Italy and haven’t been a tourist in NY. I have been to time square but nothing else. I wanna see the statue of liberty, central park, and all the other cool things about this city. Somehow this city keeps escaping me. Not this year!
Sensōji Temple
8. Tokyo. What’s not to love about Japan in general. I have always had a love affair with the Asian culture. I get it from my mama. The clothes, the culture, and the gardens. There is just too much greatness to view in a lifetime. I really wish I could spend months there exploring as much as I can. A girl can wish.
9. Napa Valley, California. I’ve been on a quest for wine that I will love. There is only one wine I have found thus far that is tasty. Plus, the ambiance is not that bad at all. I would love to stay in a little cottage and just tour wineries all day. I would also like to do a train through the vineyards. That would be amazing!
10. Bali. Ah….Ah….Ah….I stumbled upon the Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay. I definitely need to start saving my pennies! As I looked at the pictures on the website, I think my mouth just stayed opened. It looks beyond amazing! What’s the point of leaving this resort? We have never stayed at anything along these lines. I was hoping I could renew my wedding vows here. This would definitely make my year.
There you guys! Some of these destinations may be more ambitions than others. It is my wish list. Let’s see if all my wishes come true :) What’s yalls wish list for this year?
There was a tour guide that spoke English and he tried to explain the situation. It didn't work. He assured us all would be right in the world if we went on his tour. He was going to Yelapa. He said it was even better than the Marietas Islands. We wouldn't have to pay more and it would be a bigger boat. Deal! Oh...I never introduced you to my husband. My bad! Here he is lol 
So off we went on the slowest cruise of my life. It was like we weren't even moving. Yes you get to see the shoreline and take in the scenery.....but geez!!!  So after what seems like hours we finally arrive at the beach. Now we were both feeling like crap. I am gonna blame it on the coffee. Something was messing our stomachs up. The boat ride only fueled the fire. We felt terrible! But, as soon as we hit the beach we felt miraculously better. We were able to venture away from the touristy spot to our own little oasis.
The temperature was just right. We were able to lay out the whole time. I usually cannot do that because the sun usually is blazing. The humidity really helped out. The sand was more like granules. No soft powdery sand here. At least it was easy to shake off. The water was very rough. I got in for just a bit. The water felt amazing though. There is never enough time at the beach. Sadly, we had to leave to yet another long boat ride. I don't think I would have complained if it wasn't for that food poisoning. Since we weren't in tip top shape we decided to call it a night. Our Last Day Our flight did not leave till 6:45pm. So we decided to walk around and really take in the city. After another coffee we needed to make a stop for tums. When will I ever learn. No more coffee in Mexico! This was the first time I have ever had to take something on my travels. You got me Mexico...smh...  
After endless walking we decided to eat something other than Mexican food. Why not hamburgers? We stopped at Cafe San Angel. The burger defiently tasted way different from home. Maybe it didn't have pesticides or hormones.
Well that was Puerto Vallarta from my view. If you are gonna come I would highly recommend this time of year. It was not overly crowed. Everything was reasonably priced, and it is just beautiful to walk around. If you have any questions, then let me know.
Next was a taste of some fresh fruit from a local roadside stand. I have never tried yaka fruta (jackfruit) before. I've seen it plenty from the exterior and passed. Goes to show you about just taking face value. I loved it. It tastes like a cross of banana and maybe peach. Not really sure. Let me know what y'all think it tastes like.
Now something had started to go terribly wrong. My stomach was starting to churn. Which one was it!? Was it the coffee or was it that fruit!? Did those flies lay babies on my fruit, or was it the milk or water in the coffee! ?!? Why!?!?!? I wasn't totally out of the game. My stomach is usually made of steel. So it was fighting back. It wasn't gonna stop me from sampling tequila at the local family owned distillery.
Such a cute and quaint little distillery. Great landscaping as well. I'm not a big drinker (except for my Piña Coladas as of late,) but I like to try everything. The tequila was very smooth. The grandson did promise no hangovers. It's supposed to be the good stuff. I highly recommend the walnut creme, or the chocolate cherry version. Yummy! If you haven't noticed I love sweet stuff.
Another stop along the trip was to a bakery and restaurant where they made fresh home made tortillas. There was also some incredible views. 
There was one last quick stop to Cafe La Quinta Mary. Where you get to see a family owned coffee plantation. Recognize these? This is what coffee looks like before they take the shell off. We got to see a small peek at how coffee beans become the beans and grounds that we enjoy.
Alright! We finally arrived at San Sebastian. I just love the white and burnt orange walls. One of many reasons I love traveling. You get so much color, great doors, and ambiance. 
I absolutely loved this town. It was so peaceful. The locals (how few there were) were so nice and welcoming. We ate at a little restaurant where everything was served family style on the table. This was also the first time I had chicken mole and I am from Texas. Smh... It wasn't bad at all. It is crazy how peaceful it was. You wanted to know what everyone was doing. No locals are walking the streets. Maybe they know what time the tourists are coming. You feel like you are in a ghost town. There are a few shops, a couple restaurants, a galleria, and a town would not be complete without a jail. I am pretty sure they have not locked anyone up since the 1800s'. So if you are looking for a nice relaxing day trip, then this is the place to be. It was just nice to wander around, take in the stillness, and embrace the beauty.
 Hola Amigos! That's all I got. I wish I could carry on, but I blame my friends. The majority of my friends speak Spanish, and I've got nothing to show for it. I'm looking at you Mia, since we live in the same town for the last 4 years 😒 Anywho.... I am in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. My other half decided he wanted to come and relax at an all-inclusive resort for his birthday. We usually do an airbnb when we travel, but decided to give all-inclusive a try. We stayed at Hotel san Marino right in middle of the romantic zone. O....
Now Hotel San Marino is not the Ritz, but I am only semi bougie lol. The rooms are nice enough. A bit older, beds very firm, but have an incredible view of the ocean. It's literally right out the back door. The food reminds me of food you get on a cruise. I didn't mind it at all. Perhaps because I have been on a lot of cruises. The other half didn't love it as much. Just know that everything is pretty decent, but if you are looking for 5 stars this is not it. We got in on a pretty late flight. So after dinner and this amazing sunset.  We called it a night. Brandon got sick from some bad tacos the night before. So he was knocked out till about noon the next day. Geez Day 2 After that late start we were of course hungry. We ate and started roaming around the city.  There are a ton of restaurants, little shops, and markets. Of course this is a very touristy area. I would say now is a good time to come. It didn't seem like there are many people out in about. Our flight to Puerto Vallarta only had 22 people on it.
We spent most of the day on a hunt for an atm that one had money, and two dispensed pesos. The dollar again is pretty weak. You will get a better deal if you pay in pesos. Everything is pretty cheap anyways. We decided to book two tours. A trip up to an old silver mining town, and the Marietas Island. For both it was a total of 4,400 pesos. Which is only about $230 for the both of us. Not bad at all.
After all that walking around we decided to get massages. I looove massages. If I could have one everyday of the week, that would make my heart happy. We went to Two Full Relaxing Massage (that is the actual name of the place). It is right up the street from the hotel. They offered us a deal of $700 instead of $800 for the two of us. That's about $40US for the both of us. Now I must warn you. He will ask what kind of pressure that you like. I do not like that gentle, barely-there massage. I want you to get in there. Put your back into it. Well...I think he took it to mean kill my back with your elbow. He racked that elbow so hard over my back I thought I was gonna pass out from the pain. I was gonna tell him to go softer. But, I was afraid that it would become that light touch massage that I hate. So I just exhaled through all the pain. I figured women go through child-birth, I could certainly endure this. Lol! All-in-all he did a really good job. I would definitely recommend it, just say mild pressure! lol We decided to head back to the resort and kick back and watch the sunset. I am not sure if I never paid attention, or we are indoors when the sunsets. This gets my vote for best sunset of all time! The gradual change of orange is magnificent. Never seen anything like it.  As we made our way back to our room, we could hear music from the streets. We go and look out our balcony and there is a parade. Well I wish we would have known that so we could have got prime seating. Grr... I surely didn't know it was Mardi Gras either. Mardi Gras in Mexico is very interesting. It was a mix of men in underwear, kids not dressed up and just randomly on floats, drag queens, and girls in dresses made of newspapers. It was a very confusing parade. We ran out the hotel so quick that we didn't have a camera. Boo...Sorry guys!
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AuthorTraveling makes my heart happy. My mission is to use words and pictures to inspire you to get out there and take in the beauty of our world. Archives
December 2019
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