A Moment in Belfast

When I was born, the emerald green blanket of English, Scottish and Irish heritage

was placed on me lovingly by both of my parents. 

It's such an American thing to ask.  "So, what's your heritage?"

And something that will often cause the Brits to roll their eyes (discretely, of course.)

But I grew up thinking that I descended from a magical land of kings and queens,

of fairies and celts and manly men like Mel Gibson in a kilt.

I would proudly proclaim that I was Scotch-Irish, with some Cherokee thrown in for drama.

(Scotch-Irish means something different than I thought it did.

It's much more specific and might still be true but I'm not quite certain.)

I grew up on these romantic notions.  So you can understand why I cried when I thought

I saw the queen in England, felt instantly at home in Edinburgh in Scotland

and dreamed my whole life of visiting Ireland.

After the plane touched down in Ireland, I took my first step onto the 

green, green grass of home tarmac and declared thought

"This.  This is from whence I came!  My people, welcome your sister home!"

I realize that I'm a complete goof but it was so cool visiting Ireland for the first time.

We started our trip with just one short day in Belfast, Northern Ireland and loved it.

Matthew was really interested in visiting this city with its incredible history

which he will tell you more about in a post on Monday.

But I just want to tell you a quick little story about my first night in Ireland

that sums up my time there.  First I'll show you some photos of this interesting city.

I realize the combination of the two will make this a ridiculously long post,
but I just have to capture this and share it.  I hope you don't mind.  

 

After exploring the city all day, we were looking for someplace for dinner.  Like a child following the Pied Piper I was drawn into a pub just around the corner by the sounds of irresistible music.  The first thing I noticed was a group of musicians sitting around a few tables playing a variety of instruments, flutes, fiddles and drums.  Each musician with a pint in front of them at various levels of consumption.  

God, I love live music.  It's such a regular part of life in Texas that you take it for granted.  I didn't realized how much I had been missing it.  I sat down at the closest table that we could find with a huge smile on my face, not taking my eyes off of them.  There didn't seem to be any specific playlist.  One musician would start to play a melody on a flute.  Two others would quickly catch the rhythm.  Someone with a drum would then join in.  The fiddles would find their place in the mix.  The music would build up and you couldn't help but tap your feet. 

Every once in a while, one of the musicians would pack up his instrument, chug the rest of his beer and take his leave.  Another one would join the group in a constant rotation of instruments.  The door opened again and a young man entered with an older man.  Each of the musicians called out a a warm greeting to them.  The young man walked over to the tables to join in the session.  I noticed that he had Down Syndrome, but what really caught my eye was the beautiful Irish drum or bodhrán he removed carefully from the case.  It looked handmade with intricate ancient patterns on the hide.  The older man, maybe his father, set a half pint in front of the young drummer.  After a quick little sip, he tucked the drum under his arm and started playing.

As he played intently and with great skill, the young drummer caught my eye.  He gave me a beautiful smile, never missing a beat.  Talk about a travel moment.  I was completely enthralled with the whole thing, grinning from ear to ear and trying not to cry with pure delight.  With that one look he said to me with bit of cheek, "Welcome home, Sister, to the land from whence you came." 

I don't know if a place can be imprinted on your soul because once long ago

an ancestor was born, loved, lived and died there.

But Ireland is certainly imprinted on my soul now

because a young drummer smiled at me and played me an Irish tune.


Have you had a moment in Ireland?

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A weekend in North Devon

*We were the guests of Woolacombe Holiday Parks.


A few weeks ago, Matthew and I hopped in the car and headed out of London for a weekend break.  We headed straight to North Devon, a beautiful county in the southwest of England.  It was a quiet weekend of leisurely drives and stunning scenery.

The northern coast of Devon is known for it's natural beauty, rugged cliffs and coves, expansive beaches, and Exmoor National Park.  We visited the seaside resort of Woolacombe with it's sandy, three mile beach that has been named "Best British Beach."  In the summer, this area is packed with families, surfers, holidaymakers.  I was surprised to still see so many people even in October.

 

We spent a lot of time just driving along coastal roads, stopping along the way to take in the dramatic scenery.  I just can't get enough of it.  We stopped in the twin villages of Lynmouth and Lynton for lunch and a stroll.  

I was in a little shop and picked up a book.  It's called Pigs in Clover about a couple that gave up their London life and moved to Devon to live off the land.  The sign said that it was written by a local gentleman named Simon Dawson.  The shopkeeper asked me if I was going to buy the book and I responded with a yes.  "Oh, well, Simon is in the shop just across the way.  You should go say hello to him and he will be happy to sign it for you."   And that is exactly what we did.  He signed my book and we had a very pleasant chat.  I read the book all the way home and loved it.  Very funny and interesting.  

I love getting getting out of London and driving around England.  I cranked up the seat warmer (best invention ever) and put on some music.  We drove through Combe Martin and stopped just long enough for a few photos with the iPhone.  Then spent an hour or so exploring Ilfracombe. 

We were invited to stay at a popular family holiday park on the North Devon Coast in a caravan for the weekend.  Actually, I would call it a trailer or mobile home.  When Jess was young we had a little camper trailer and we had so much fun in that thing.   This one was much bigger than the little camper we used to have.  It was nice to settle into one for the weekend.  It was very clean and cozy.

I've never stayed in a holiday park before but they are pretty popular in the UK.  Woolacombe Bay had everything you need right on site, a pub, restaurant, spa, store, indoor pool, and much more.  I kept thinking that it would be the perfect place to bring your extended families during the summer.  It must be a blast for kids. 

It was the perfect little getaway for us.  These little breaks from London are invaluable.  I love the city but it can get a bit heavy at times.  It's good to get out into the beautiful country and take a breath.  

Have you ever experienced a UK Holiday Park?  What did you think?

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  *We were the guests of the Woolacombe Holiday Parks for the purposes of review. 
Accommodation for our stay was complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Tea Time for Bloggers!!

We've been talking about this for ages and I finally got around to doing something about it!!!

I can't even tell you how excited I am about this.

Please email me asap if you would like to join us for this fun event!

It's time to put a face to a blog name and socialize to our hearts content over tea (and Prosecco)

Thanks so much to AfternoonTea.co.uk for helping me find the perfect venue. 



(There is still a day or two left for voting in the Avis A-List Travel Blog Awards.
I'd so appreciate your vote! )

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Picking the Right Cruise

Time for the next post in my Series Cruising 101 with Selena!

Hopefully, I've convinced you that cruising is a great option

and Matthew has given you a British perspective 

Now it's time to take the next step and select the perfect cruise.

The options seem endless.  So many choices!

This step can certainly be the most overwhelming,

particularly if this is your first cruise. 

Not to mention the pressure to get it right.

You're spending hard earned dollars and valuable holiday time on this cruise.

This is a big decision.   So how do you pick the right cruise?  

This post will break it down to four easy variables that will help you

make this important and exciting decision. 

Who?  (Cruiseline)    What? (Ship)    When? (Season)    Where? (Itinerary)

Who shall we cruise with?

Consider the cruise line's niche, culture and price. Each cruise line is different.  The key is to pick the one that best matches your personality and interests.    What do you want?  Family Fun.  Gourmet Meals.  Great entertainment.  Laid back vibe or party atmosphere.  Each line has their own specialty.  It's also important to consider the culture of each  cruise line.  There is usually a different feel between a cruise line geared towards Americans versus Europeans.  Does this factor into your decision?   Your budget (which we will talk about in a future post) will also help you answer this question.  There is a very wide range of price points in cruising from budget to luxury.  

What ship do we want to spend our time on?

Each cruise line will have a range of ships.  They can vary greatly in age, size and amenities and each of these will lead to a very different experience on board.  What amenities are most important to you?  A stellar kid's program.  Modern spa and fitness center.   Adult's Only pool.   Each year another Mega Ship is launched with anything that you can imagine on board.   But a smaller ship can get into smaller and more interesting ports.  What is more important to you? 

When is the best time to go? 

This one can really trip you up if you don't do enough research.  Imagine taking your European family on a Caribbean Cruise to discover that you've gone during Spring Break Week when every US college student has headed south to get their drink on.   It's important to consider holidays, school schedules, and who else is likely to be on the cruise.   You should also consider weather and travel seasons.  Know that if you cruise the Med in July it's going to be frickin' hot. And if you cruise the Caribbean during Hurricane Season you might miss a port (or get two extra days in Puerto Rico.  Not that we complained.) 

Where do we want to explore?

I love this one!  Where shall we go?   Do we want to lounge on beaches in the Caribbean?  Shall we explore ancient ruins and drink wine in the Mediterranean?  So many options, so little time.  But selecting an itinerary isn't just about the ports.  Be sure to think about your departure point and consider any extra time and cost involved.  Don't forget to think about sea days vs. port days.  As well, as how much time you have.  Three nights?  Two weeks?  Three months?  Itinerary is an important one.   

It's a lot to consider, isn't it?  But don't let it discourage you.

Some of these may have been decided before you even start this process.  Your dates might be limited by school holidays or your itinerary may be something that you already have your heart set on.  It's also important to note that each of these variables may hold different weight in your decision.  You want a cruise line that caters to families no matter where it takes you. 

So start by writing down these four questions and filling in the answers that have already been decided.  Then place them in order of importance for you and your fellow cruiser(s).  This is where the real fun begins!   I hate to even call it research, because it is so much fun.

Recommended Resources  

Cruise Brochures  (Take note of who their target audience is.  Is it you?)
Blogs (That's a no brainer.)
Online Reviews and Forums
Cruise Magazines
Cruise and Travel Shows

 Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic is our number one resource when planning a cruise.  If you don't do anything else I've suggested, visit CruiseCritic.com for their reviews, cruise news, invaluable articles and the community forums.  I've spent countless hours there and not one minute was wasted.

Cruise Specialists

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help.  With the internet at our fingertips, many of us have started bypassing the experts.  (Don't tell me you haven't Googled your symptoms and completely skipped a trip to your GP.)  A Cruise Specialist might be a lifesaver, especially if this is your first cruise.  Find one that comes highly recommended and let them help you wade through all of the details. 
 
When I was planning my first cruise, I was so nervous.  Not only was it me but five other family members were trusting me with this decision.  I used both a Cruise Specialist and Cruise Critic while planning a week long Caribbean Cruise.   I will admit to one minor meltdown upon embarkation.  (Everyone was looking to me to have all of the answers and guide them through the logistics but I was as overwhelmed by it all as anyone.)  And we did miss a port because of high winds.  But, I we all had a blast  and I fell in love with cruising.  

Once you get that first one under your belt, it gets so much easier.  I promise.

And I highly recommend a Caribbean Cruise.

It's the perfect way to start your very own love affair with cruising.

Next in the series, we'll talk about booking that cruise once you've made your choice.


What's your top tip for picking the perfect cruise?

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Sunshine Awards

I'm so amazed at the calls, comments and emails from yesterday's post.
Here I was in my little cocoon, thinking I was the only one.

Of course, I'm not the only one.
Thank you for helping me put the ugly stepsisters in their place. 
I can't even tell you how much better I'm feeling wrapped in your support. 

After baring the dark corners of my soul yesterday,

I thought it best that we lighten things up around here.  Don't you think?

Have y'all met Jenn at A Country Girl's World?

She is absolutely adorable!  So smart, sweet and down to earth.

She is just one more reason why I so cherish the connections from this blogging world.

She recently nominated me for a Sunshine Award and absolutely made my day.

(On a side note... these grapes are in my back garden!  The vines are from the neighbors yard, but these are growing over the fence.
They make me very happy.)

Here are the questions that Jenn asked.

1. What is your favorite and least favorite place you have ever traveled to?

Least Favorite?  I haven't blogged about our week in Morocco yet.  (Bad Blogger)  I'm so glad that we were able to visit.  But I'm not in any hurry to return.  I struggled a bit during our time there and I'm still processing it.  

Favorite?  This one is really tough.  I loved Turkey, but we were there for such a short time.  Spain feels like home and I would love to live there someday.  But, Ireland.  Ireland was magical and I felt it in my soul.  I felt such a deep connection to the people, the music and the land.  I can't even explain it.  I can't wait to blog about my time there. 

2. What is one random fact about you that your readers may be interested to know?

I have a deep, deep aversion to mustard.  I can't stand to see it, smell it or even think about it.  I find it more disgusting than baby poop.  (Just wavin' my crazy flag for all to see.)

3.  If you were given the chance to go anywhere in the world (money is not an object), where would you go?

Right now there are two places at the top of my Money is No Object List.  Southeast Asia and African Safari.  I would love to spend about a month experiencing each of them in depth.  Third on the list would be Australia.  Matthew lived in Australia for 6 years and even has dual citizenship.  He absolutely loves Australia and would love to live there again someday.  I need to check it out. 

4.  What are a few of your favorite books that you have ever read?

This one is tough.  Gone with the Wind was a childhood favorite and the first book I really fell in love with.  I just love all books.  I love the way the smell and the way they feel.  

Right now I'm excited to read The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I joined two very dear girlfriends for a much-needed, healing day together this week.  Afternoon tea, bottle of wine at the pub and then we went to Hatchards Bloomsbury Book Club to hear Liz speak.   (We're now BFFs, so I can call her Liz.)  What a rockstar!  She is wicked funny, clever, smart and ballsy.  So comfortable in her own skin.  I was deeply inspired by her words and attitude to life.

5. What is one (or more if you'd like) TV show that you just can't miss?

This one is a bit embarrassing to answer.  It's not all great quality, but great for some mindless entertainment.  Emmerdale.  Great British Bake Off.  Downtown Abbey are all in the weekly TV rotation.  On Hulu, I watch the stuff that I don't want Matthew to know about or comment on.  America's Next Top Model.  So You Think You Can Dance.  Nashville.  The Real Housewives of Wherever.  Law & Order SVU.  

6.  What is one goal that you have for your life?

I've never been an athlete or terribly fit.  I've always struggled with my weight.  I've never like this about me.  I want to be fit and healthy.  I want to feel good in my own body, to know each muscle and how it moves.  I want to practice yoga.  I want to run.  I realize that I'm in complete control of this and I'm deeply frustrated that I haven't made it happen yet.  I am totally my worst enemy.  But, I want to go into my 50's comfortable in my skin.  I went for a run yesterday for the first time in ages.  I've signed up for a beginner's yoga class starting next week.  So, we'll see if it sticks this time.  

7.  What is your absolute favorite holiday?

Christmas is probably my favorite.  I love the festivities, food and decorations.  Last year, I went to the Christmas Markets in Germany for the first time.  It's like Christmas on steroids!  I love the family connections of Christmas.  And I love buying gifts for people.   

8. If you could pick one food for each meal that you had to live on forever, what would those be?

Let's see.  For Breakfast?  Yoghurt, fruit & granola.  For lunch?  Wendy's Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.  Damn, I miss that salad.  I ate it everyday for lunch for years.  For dinner?  Steak and Chips.  With A-1 steak sauce.  And a side salad.  And wine.  

9.  I really like this question so I am going to ask it, too.  Who is your celebrity crush?

See #4.  

10.  If you could become fluent in one language, which would you choose?

If I'm being practical, Spanish.  If I'm dreaming big, Irish.  When we were in Ireland we heard the most amazing band sing some great modern songs in Irish Gaelic.  I get goosebumps when I even think about it.  You have to take a look.

Magic, I tell you!  They performed at the TBex Welcome Party at the Guinness Storehouse

and blew everyone away!  I can't wait to go back to Ireland.

I had so much fun answering Jenn's questions that I'm going to use them, too.  

 1. What is your favorite and least favorite place you have ever traveled to?
2. What is one random fact about you that your readers may be interested to know?
3.  If you were given the chance to go anywhere in the world (money is not an object), where would you go?
4.  What are a few of your favorite books that you have ever read?
5. What is one (or more if you'd like) TV show that you just can't miss?
6.  What is one goal that you have for your life?
7.  What is your absolute favorite holiday?
8. If you could pick one food for each meal that you had to live on forever, what would those be?
9.  I really like this question so I am going to ask it, too.  Who is your celebrity crush?
10.  If you could become fluent in one language, which would you choose?

And my nominees for Sunshine Awards are anyone who has ever commented on this blog.

I love getting your comments and hearing your thoughts.

Blogging can feel so solitary sometimes with little immediate reward.

Your comments are definitely the most important part of this. 

So, if you've commented on Oh, the places we will go!

then I nominate you for a Sunshine Award!!

I can't wait to read your answers.

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On being an Expat

I must admit I've been feeling a bit down lately.   I'm sure being sick has a lot to do with it.

But, I also have to admit that there are a few other things swirling around in this brain of

mine that are contributing to the rut I'm in.

As bloggers, we're pretty comfortable presenting a positive face to our readers and friends.

But, you know as well as I do that there is a whole other side to life.

Sick days.  Bad hair days.  Lonely days.  Bra-less days.

 I'm certain you don't want to read a post about them.

(And you certainly don't want photographs!) 

But, today I'm going to bare a little bit of my expat soul to you.  

  Apparently, Expatria has three evil stepsisters.  They are called Fear, Guilt and Melancholy.  

I didn't realize this before, but now I'm very well acquainted with them.

And let me just be blunt.  They are major bitches. 

So, I'm just going to call them out and expose them for what they are

My hope is that it will not only benefit me to get it off my chest,

but that maybe you can relate and not feel so alone on your bad days.  

I'm afraid that when I go home, everything will have changed so much that some connections and comforts will be lost forever. 

I'm sad because I miss my family and friends so much every day.  Some days it's almost unbearable. 

I feel guilty because I moved so far away from my daughter.  Children are supposed to leave the nest, not parents. 

I'm afraid that when I go home, everyone will think that I've changed too much and they will feel like they don't know me.  Or like me.

I'm sad because I spend so much time alone now. 

I feel guilty because I don't work hard enough to keep the connections strong with people that  love but live far away from. 

I'm afraid people think I'm an obnoxious braggart when I talk about traveling and that they don't realize how thankful I am for this time in my life.

I feel sad that friends and family don't know how much I love them and that I think about them all the time. 

I feel guilty because I don't know if I ever want to live in the US again.

I'm afraid that I'm going to get a phone call that will stop my heart and I won't be able to be where I need to be fast enough.

I'm afraid that the price I will have to pay for becoming an expat will be much higher than I expected.

I'm afraid that in spite of a wonderful life and numerous opportunities, I will never become the woman that I've always wanted to be. 

See.  Aren't they awful?   Fear is definitely the ringleader.  (Such a bitch.)

But, I've decided to stop giving them so much leeway and control over my life.

I shall use their powers for good instead of evil. 

These feelings are all very real to me.  I feel guilt.  I'm afraid.  I'm sometimes sad.

But, I don't really want them to go away.  They help me to remember what is important in life.

I'm also grateful. Happy. Content.  And I'm so excited by what the future holds.

How about you?  Any evil stepsisters lurking about and whispering dark secrets in your ear?

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"I've been to..." with Matthew - Syria

Because I'm the best wife ever (it's true, just ask him.  On second thought, maybe don't ask.  Just take my word for it.)  Anyway.  I decided to give Matthew his very own series on
Oh, the places we will go!
 

 I even made him his own badge and you can now find him on my sidebar. I've also revamped the About Me page to include a little bit about the both of us who make up the "we" in
Oh, the places we will go!

Matthew has had some really amazing experiences throughout his travels.  I love listening to his stories (it helps that he tells them with an adorable British accent.)

I think you'll enjoy them also.

I've been to Syria. 

In 2004, I spent a week in Syria as part of a 3 week tour offered by Explore Worldwide through Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.  A great tour, which for obvious reasons is not currently available.

Syria was a great county to visit.  Sufficiently “funky” to deter casual tourists, but chock full of fascinating sights and experiences.  It is really painful to see what is happening to the country, and to think what might happen in the future.

Our tour started and ended in the capital Damascus, which is truly a city of history and contrasts.  The centre of the city is dominated by the Umayyad mosque, the fourth holiest mosque in Islam and the home of the Basilica of St John the Baptist, further evidence that the major religions have more in common than you think.  Next door is the tomb of Saladin (or Salah ad-Din if you prefer), who once ruled Jerusalem and Cairo, who was a good friend of Richard the Lionheart.

The Ummayad Mosque, the most tranquil and peaceful religious site I've ever visited.

We visited Aleppo, where we toured the ancient citadel and visited a hammam, where I received a brutal massage from the hairiest man I have ever seen.  We visited the amazing crusader fort of Krak-des-Chevaliers, built in the 12^th century by the crusaders (after the death of Saladin).

Krak-des-Chevaliers - as impressive to visit as you would expect from its location.

Phto

We travelled deep into the Syrian desert, at one point closing within 14 km of the Iraqi border, which was close enough back in 2004, let me tell you.  One of the highlights of the week was a visit to the Roman town of Palmyra.  The first settlement was built in the 2^nd century BC, and the desert conditions have preserved the city extremely well.  As with all Explore tours, a full and invigorating itinerary.

Palmyra - once a verdant oasis, now not so much.

We visited Hama, famous for its water wheels (norias), first built in the 11^th century BC, although the ones you see today are “only” from the 14^th century.  They were built to irrigate the land and to supply drinking water for domestic consumption.  Hama has been a centre for the opposition movement for many years, and 20,000 people were killed there in 1982 during an uprising against the Syrian regime.  Not surprisingly, not much was said about this by our guides, although we were warned that there was unrest in the area, and we were quickly bussed out of the town once we’d seen the wheels.

al-Na'urah al-Muhammadiyah, a 14th century waterwheel in Hama.

This is a travel blog, rather than a political blog, but you can’t talk about Syria without referencing the its current troubles.  One thing you might not know about the Syrian President, the ruthless dictator Bashar al-Assad, is that he’s actually an ophthalmologist from London.

Yes, you read that right.  He is an ophthalmologist from London.  Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, was a genuinely ruthless dictator.  A former general who became president after a bloodless coup in 1971, he suppressed dissent, ordered the mass murder of the protesters in Homs and even exiled his own brother from the country.

Hafez’s eldest son, Bassel al-Assad, was being groomed to be the next ruthless dictator, so as the second son, Bashar was not political, choosing to complete a medical degree in Syria after which he moved to London to study ophthalmology as a post-graduate in London.  In 1994 Bassel was killed in a car crash, so Bashar was recalled to the country to be groomed to take over from his father, who eventually died in 2000.  The rest, they say, is history.

We would never have thought that turning left would be safe than turning right. 

The Syrians were friendly, welcoming and genuinely pleased to see us in their country.  In the more remote corners of the country, tourists were a rarity, so much so that I was even interviewed by Syrian tv.  In one remote village, the name of which I’ll probably never know, we had one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had as a traveler.  It was September in the deep desert, so it was baking hot, so we had to stop in a small village to resupply the bus with water.

My Nokia 5210.  Five days battery life (are you listening, Apple?) and a thermometer!  Quite warm.

One of the ladies on the bus saw an old guy frying falafel, so she tried to buy a few from him.  He was offended, and a situation threatened to build, we assumed it was because a young, blonde woman had approached an older Syrian man.  The guide came over to translate, and it turned out that the old guy was offended that the traveller to his village had attempted to pay.  As a devout Muslim, it was his honour to host us as visitors to his village.  Even though each of us was probably carrying a camera worth more than this gentleman could earn in a year, he insisted on giving us every one of the falafel he’d cooked that morning.

We got back on the bus embarrassed to have so badly misinterpreted the man’s reaction, humbled by his generosity and educated on the true nature of Islam.  And the falafel were delicious. 

That’s why I travel.

Matthew

Please leave Matthew some comment love.

He reads and responds to every one of them.

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