Cash's Holiday

Monday 19th Hi, Well this is it……the last post!
Currently we are based in Kilkenny (Dublin’s about 2 hours drive north). We leave here mid-day tomorrow to comfortably make the airport drop off for the car. Our Etihad flight doesn’t leave till 9.00pm (Tuesday) from Dublin…..stops over at Abu Dhabi then on to Sydney……another wait before we continue on to Auckland………and home sweet home Thursday p.m……and sleep !!!!! hopefully.

Glad I decided to do this blog (thanks to Anna) She has one for little Ellie…..(It’s called `Ellie’s Journey’ and can be found on the blogtown site). At times it was frustrating fitting the time in when so much was happening but pleased to give you at home, a chance to experience things along with us……and to be honest, in doing so, made NZ for me, not seem so far away.

Wonderful to have had a home away from home stay with Bevan in Singapore (and catching up with Britta as she juggled work commitments), Jo Morrison in London, Phil and Olivia up in Lancashire, Maeve and Henry and Dominic in Devon, and to have the generous use of Sam and Deidre’s house in Galway……That family touch, being shown around, travel advice….so much. All helped to make this holiday go beyond expectations.

Have found Ireland just as rewarding as everywhere else….in spite of the weather. Couldn’t help but notice throughout though, the boom and bust situation here…..(at least in the building industry). Evidence of projects – individual homes to housing estates started and left half finished. But one thing stands out with the Irish, from our many historical delvings, they bounce back no matter what happens…..the `lonely planet’ publication says….when visiting Ireland, always – take an umbrella, wear layers and stop to talk……the people being its greatest asset. How true we have found that. (:) G
Hi,
Dave here for a short and final contribution. Well we off home tomorrow, just does not seem real. With the length of travel I seem to have become detached from our everyday life at home and despite the pleasure of the travelling through such interesting countries it will be great to be back. The trip certainly has been well worthwhile. Each country had amazing beauty spots, variations in affluence and the culture. The cultural issues are sometimes quite subtle, but there regardless! Visiting, interacting and observing certainly allows you to absorb and consider the lifestyles these people enjoy.
Thanks to family and friends for such generous hospitality. You all know how welcoming we will be in returning that generosity.
NZ had better turn on the weather for us!
Bye, Dave