Why did I label this website as "Dancing in the Rain"? Because during our tour of the Irish countryside, we encountered rain, rain showers, drizzle, schizophrenic weather patterns, wind, rain drops, flooding rain, blinding rain, sprinkling rain, misting rain, foggy rain, clouds, cloud bursts, sheets of rain, spitting rain, downpours, torrential rain, and an occasional ray of sunshine.
My Irish friend, Danny C, advised me to bring a "jumper" because Ireland was experiencing a Juneuary.
I was worried that my fellow travelers, who were not from the Pacific Northwest and not used to a damp changeable summer climate, would let the weather dampen their spirits and we would not be able to fully experience the delights that Ireland has to offer.
I am happy to report that this group of travelers was one of the best spirited groups I have ever traveled with. . . .No grumps!*
We even joked that we could have packed fewer items of clothing because we rarely saw each other's clothing - just the rain coats!
The rain made for some interesting moments and this group worked right through them, for instance, the moment we got off the bus to view the famine memorial and to make a St. Brigid's cross, a torrential downpour started. Barry, our intrepid guide simply picked some rushes, brought them on the bus and we made the cross on the bus. From the eye of my camera, the rain made for some fascinating photographs - especially at the famine ship. We had a fantastic time because . . .
Rather than waiting for the rain to pass, we danced in the rain!
My Irish friend, Danny C, advised me to bring a "jumper" because Ireland was experiencing a Juneuary.
I was worried that my fellow travelers, who were not from the Pacific Northwest and not used to a damp changeable summer climate, would let the weather dampen their spirits and we would not be able to fully experience the delights that Ireland has to offer.
I am happy to report that this group of travelers was one of the best spirited groups I have ever traveled with. . . .No grumps!*
We even joked that we could have packed fewer items of clothing because we rarely saw each other's clothing - just the rain coats!
The rain made for some interesting moments and this group worked right through them, for instance, the moment we got off the bus to view the famine memorial and to make a St. Brigid's cross, a torrential downpour started. Barry, our intrepid guide simply picked some rushes, brought them on the bus and we made the cross on the bus. From the eye of my camera, the rain made for some fascinating photographs - especially at the famine ship. We had a fantastic time because . . .
Rather than waiting for the rain to pass, we danced in the rain!
* As Advertised
My first Rick Steves trip was the Best of Italy back in 2003. I signed up because I wanted to travel, but my boyfriend and I did not travel well together. I wanted to be able to share the day's travel adventures with other like-minded travelers, and I did not want to pay a costly single supplement. I also love learning history, meeting local people, trying and eating local foods, sampling local wines and spirits, architecture, music, dancing, walking, visiting markets, learning a few words in a new language, picnics, boating, art and learning about local politics. Rick Steves tours fit the bill. In addition to all these activities which were as advertised, the tour was an active tour with lots of walking, stairs, standing, etc., you were expected to schlep your own bags (you learn quickly to pack only what you can comfortably schlep), we weren't packed like sardines on a bus with a huge group, all tips were included, in addition to your amazing trip guide, they use excellent local guides (who don't make you wear an idiotic name tag which makes you a prime target for pick pockets, don't walk around with an umbrella or lollipop sign or some other stupid way to make sure you are following) and no grumps are allowed.
The trip was As Advertised - I had a great time, met great people, saw great sights and wanted to do it again. So, I'm kind of a Rick Steves Tour "hoe" - this was my ninth trip.
With just a few exceptions, (mostly people who do not read the Rick Steves information and expect to have door to door luggage service, do not understand that charming European family run hotel rooms are small, and bathrooms, air conditioning, outside noise may differ from expectations, and do not understand that these are active tours), I have had great fellow tour members and fellow roommates. I have made life long friends. No Grumps - as advertised! This group was no exception!
The trip was As Advertised - I had a great time, met great people, saw great sights and wanted to do it again. So, I'm kind of a Rick Steves Tour "hoe" - this was my ninth trip.
With just a few exceptions, (mostly people who do not read the Rick Steves information and expect to have door to door luggage service, do not understand that charming European family run hotel rooms are small, and bathrooms, air conditioning, outside noise may differ from expectations, and do not understand that these are active tours), I have had great fellow tour members and fellow roommates. I have made life long friends. No Grumps - as advertised! This group was no exception!