Our Eire Experience

The 3rd weekend in May found Meg and I in beautiful old Dublin. A fabulous place filled with kind, inviting people very happy to show you a jolly time. While Greg immersed himself in Irish revolutionary history, Meg partook of the literary sightseeing opportunities and walked in the footsteps of Joyce, Wilde and Yates. The weather was beautiful and warm and the locals noted on many occasions that this was a once in a season type of happening - just for the lucky Canucks we supposed. Greg wasted little time getting into his first pint of local brewed Guinness and didn't stop sampling until it was time to leave. We both very much enjoyed the hearty Irish fare after many months of croissants, cheese and other French classics (poor us indeed).

We toured Trinity College and heard many tipbits of quirky fact from the tour guide, a student at the university. His comment about the "insufferable nature" of those that proudly hold to their overly patriotic protection of the Gaellic language gave us both a chuckle. Greg's other favourite was the military history museum and the Gaol while Meg preferred the natural history museum and the excellent shopping. We were both very drawn to the music, played by many musicians young and old, using various unique instruments on almost every street corner and inside every pub.

All in all, a wonderful albeit too short weekend that will go down in the anals of fantastic get-aways.

The Sun Shines From Her Eyes

Guest Blogger: Angela

I have had the pleasure over the last couple of weeks of being able to spend some time with Megan and Greg. Megan has not lost her delegation skills and has requested that I be a 'guest' blogger. I am wise enough to know never to say no to Megan.

We have managed to hit a variety of sites and share some wonderful moments that will be warm memories for a long time. Time was spent in awe at Rodin's sculptures, marveling at many wonderful paintings, and taking in a string ensemble at Sainte Chapelle (incredible!).

We also managed to relax grand style. Which included sleeping in on a daily basis, eating pastries, dinner at the park, biking to Giverny to absorb the beauty of Monet's garden and watching matinee movies at a theatre on the Champs Elysee with tea after at La Duree.

What struck me most about the visit was how incredibly responsive people are to Megan. Her warm nature and beauty shines through and she is able to strike up incredible conversations with artists and waiters. She makes people on the Metro feel at ease with her reasuring smile and comments. This is no small feat in a city like Paris. My favorite moment of all was the garbage man telling us that he could not be sad when the sun shone from her eyes like it was as we left a restaurant one day. Her radiance and incredible personality will leave their mark on Paris and will make Parisians appreciate this Canadian beauty. I miss her and Greg already and I will be back.