Sunday 7 September 2014

Off to Ireland

You're not off again ...?

Yes, this afternoon I'm heading for the airport, and flying out to Ireland tomorrow.

Why Ireland? I visited for the first time when I was 19, and have been back from time to time every since. And when I had to get my head round the fact I couldn't spend this September in Madagascar (I blogged about that decision here), the most obvious place to go to lick my disappointed wounds was Ireland. Now that I'm so close to leaving, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather go. For the music. For the Guinness. For the gentle people and glorious scenery.

So today I have a dilemma: I want summer to go on forever. Which means I want to pack summer skirts and floaty tops and maybe little light cardi in case it's chilly in the evening.

And then there's reality. I'm going to Ireland and it's September. Common sense says I should pack vests and waterproofs. Sturdy shoes and woollies.

I travel light - I learned, on the long trip, just how little I need. Filling a suitcase for all weathers doesn't sit easily. So much to squash in. So much to lug about. So little room for books!! (I've got my kindle, of course, and a couple of print books because I love them.)

Will I blog while I'm away?

We'll see - it depends on the weather. If the sun shines on me I'll be outside, in my skirts and floaty tops, enjoying the last rays of summer. If it rains, I shall read and maybe visit the blog.

But now for the packing. What would you take? Optimistic summer stuff? Or vests and waterproofs and good strong shoes?

8 comments:

  1. You are SUCH an adventurer! I know the south best..... friends in Kerry ..memories of trekking along completely empty roads on a big piebald horse and a crowd of mums/babies, bikes etc. in tow Love the craic. Have a great trip

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    1. Thank you, Carol. I've a week or so in Killarney - bliss! And you get extra thanks for spelling 'craic' correctly! (Being a bit of a pedant I foam at the mouth when people spell it 'crack'!)

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  2. Hi Jo, I'm a newbie to your blog. I'm in Tipperary and the weather's lovely. I think it's the same all over Ireland. Have a great time in beautiful Killarney.

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    1. Welcome - I hear Tipperary is lovely - let's hope the sun shines on both of us!

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  3. Wonderful, Jo! I so want to go back to Ireland! I went in September a few years ago and had both lovely warm weather and cool, blustery wet days too. I'd prepare for layers in your shoes…and good walkers. Have a lovely, lovely time!

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  4. Thank you, Ros. I love Ireland too - and have no doubt I'll have a wonderful time!

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  5. I'm the world's lousiest packer. I excelled myself in my last trip away and had to go out and buy some clothes in a charity shop - yet my suitcase was stuffed with other clothes that I couldn't use!

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  6. I blink and you're off again. I'm just jealous. Have a great time.

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