Get ready...Get set....Ireland!

Ah, Ireland here we come.

To my surprise, Reader's Digest had made the decision, toward the end of 2011, to exit the travel business of World Wide Country Tours. That news was very disappointing and Jim and I thought it would be a tedious search for another tour that would equal the past experience with WWCT. Maybe some of you remembered, I had represented RDA in a 2006 international tour for Germany, Switzerland * Austria. We Traveled to many beautiful nooks and crannies to experience the true hardworking German culture foods and shopping views of amazing mountain and the Alpine Swiss valley. Well, with great relief we learned of the NEW Country Travel Discoveries quickly took root in Elm Grove, WI. After their departure from RDA it was business as usual. Continuing to design international and domestic destinations off-the-beaten pathways and among unparalleled scenery. We were most happy to sign-up in March, 2012.

I never seem to get tired of looking at my photos of Switzerland. These are of the horse farm and family cottage nested in the hills and valley.

So this year it's Ireland and experience traditional Irish food, music and to learn to dance the Irish Jig! HA! 11 days of magnificent scenery along the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the 60 million-year-old "lunar landscape of the Giant's Causeway, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" Travel to Northern Ireland, take an historic tour of Belfast, the capital city, which we're told offers inspiring views of the Lagan River Valley and famous Falls Shankill Rod regions. This map below maps the itinerary.

First things first. Jim needed a passport as he has never traveled abroad and I was a few months past due of the renew date on my passport--Simple...you'd think? I mean; after all, these passports will expire again in the year 2022 and a new picture would be welcomed and BTW, lets see IF that previous picture on mine would look any different than 2001. HA!! I went to Walgreens to the photo department and she took my picture...let me assure you it had! WHAT HAPPEN?...So okay, I thought I could probably take a BETTER picture with my smart phone...better lighting...so I did...and I did...and I did some more. Smile, no Smile, hair to the left, hair to the right...no shadows...different top...different top...more make-up, less make-up...WHY is this so difficult? I'll remind you...it expires in 2022!

Among other things...we'll have to reconsider luggage. Security TSA is a lot tighter than when I last traveled. Staying within #50 will be a challenge...Well, for me anyway! Our trip is exactly one month from today. I have bought headrests/blankets for the plane ride and just started to think about clothing and proper shoes for what will probably be a lot of walking. We bought fresh batteries for our cameras and will have to check the outlet volt regulator for Europe travel....now where did I see that last??