Hey you're on my side of the road

Well I’ve been driving on the on the left for a few days now I am happy to report it is going well. For the most part I haven’t had any issues to speak of although if I am paying very close attention it’s still easy to drift. The one weird thing is when I veer slightly over into the right lane to pass a stopped bus or bicycle I can’t do it without checking over my shoulder first (of course since I am driving on the left there is no one back there)

The GPS continues to be my best friend driving – without it I would not even be able to make it to work. The city is so old that there is really no understandable layout to the streets and the signs are very difficult to read if you can even find them. We were out looking at new apartments I was just happily turning this way and that as I was told. Now of course I never have any idea where I am but I always seem to get where I am going ;) My routes have taken me through the heart of the city and traffic can be quite bad and I’ve made a couple people angry as I realize I’m in the turning lane or have otherwise made some other blunder. One time we came face to face with a double decker bus on a two way street with only enough room for one car to pass since cars were parked on both sides, luckily the bus driver was paying attention so he let me pass first – that’s a game of chicken I would have surely lost. All the streets are quite narrow here regardless of how many lanes there are – I am currently renting a small car (just a little bigger that a Ford Focus) and a few times I have had to come to a near stop as I squeeze between buildings on either side of me. So far so good, I’ve made it everytime…….

Dublin City Center

Had a chance to take the Luas (train) to Dublin City Center today. We ended up at St. Stephens Green which is a beautiful park in the middle of town. We walked through the park and then down Grafton Street (see left) which is a one of the main shopping districts.

We also walked over to Trinity College to see the book of kells. The books of kells is one of the oldest known Bibles. ...but the display was closed (next time we will check the guide book and plan ahead)

Arrived Safely

Well the flight was long but uneventful. The kids actual did fine, even on the long flight. The fun started when we landed in London. First on the walking between terminals my new crown fell off as I was chewing gum in an attempt to clear my blocked head from the flight. I’ll let you know how Irish Dentistry is soon. When we got to immigration the officer thought is was strange anyone would take there kids out of school for three months to come to Europe – so he detained us for some time but finally let us into the UK. Then we got to Ireland (everyone was completely zonked on the flight), again it took awhile to get through immigration but we got 30 day visas. They took our pictures and directed us to the local Garda (Police) immigration department where I have to present further evidence that I am not going to get a job with an Irish company nor request state assistance (i.e. welfare). Picked up the luggage and headed to the minivan we rented and everything just fit in the minivan we reserved – whew!. Ok so then it was time to drive, drive on the left that is. Well I’m happy to report that I didn’t hit anything but did take more that a few years off Yvette’s life. With narrow roads and a big car it seemed like many close calls. Good thing I didn’t rent a ¾ ton Ram Pickup. I did ok mostly but did you know the blinker switch is on the opposite side as well? I didn’t so most of the time I turned there was no signal to other drivers but had there been a freak cloud burst my windshield wipers were safely on.

Anyhow, took a nap found a shopping center and bought the basics (that was an adventure in and of itself that we'll write about later).

Last post from the States....

Well how much luggage does it take to get the family to Ireland for 4 months -- the answer quite a bit. Even with everyone sticking to just one bag for clothes by the time you add all the other things you need (school books, a couple toys, computers, cameras.....) it gets a little overwhelming.

The really funny part is I was "out packed" by my wife. Yep she got everything in one bag -- I needed an extra because I needed space for work clothes (at least that's what I told my self). Next post from across the pond.

-Daryle

One week and counting......

Well one week to go. we are checking things off our todo list everyday. Most important is I found a place to live for the first two weeks we are there today. We are staying at Heather court on the south side of Dublin. We will add a couple real picts when we get there -Daryle

Getting ready to go

Well, we are leaving for Ireland in two weeks. There a alot of things still to get ready. We need to find a place to live, find a car (as well as learn to drive on the wrong side of the road) and work out my work visa.

We have created all the lists of things to pack, and to do but I am sure we will forget something. We bought a laptop for the kids so they can keep in touch with email and IM and so we can watch our favorite TV shows back here in the States using a sling box (also new). We also purchased a GPS with a language translator on it to help us out. This is all getting rather expensive ;)

Well still lots to do but at last one piece of good news. Our passports came in in 8 days after the post office told us it could take 4 weeks (even expedited). This is a rellief since we leave in 13 days)

-Daryle