Dublin to Amsterdam

Day 2 Grand Tour

In Dublin, we went through immigration and had to wait 6 hours for our flight to Amsterdam.
Our impression of the airport. Friendly staff. Freezing cold temps in our waiting area. When we arrived in Amsterdam, we took the train from Schiphol Airport to Centraal Station. We waited 90 minutes for our turn to make reservations for our train to Paris. We didn't realize how expensive reservations were despite our Eurail passes. Extra cost was 62 Euros!

Mom and I then took the tram to Westmaarkt, then walked to the Galerij Hotel. The hotel was a bit questionable for our standards. mom and I walked up 72 winding narrow stairs to our room. Whilte the sheets and towels smelled of fabric softener, there were holes in them. The bathroom was clean, toilet was out in the hallway. There was no clock, no window screens and it was very warm. We have to catch a tram back to Centraal Station so we can catch the train to Brussels at 7:54am. I didn't sleep much. Jet lag plus no alarm clock and worrying about how to carry mom's and my luggage down the winding stairs without us falling down them. I think about these things and tend to let my imagination run wild. What can I say.

Irish Butter

Day 1 Grand Tour

Aer Lingus supper
Baked chicken
steamed vegetables
Roll
coffee/tea/water

Our flight from Chicago to Dublin was uneventful.

The Grand Tour

I am about to embark on a trip that may make or break me. After the death of our dad, I promised myself that I would fulfill my parents' dream of going to Lourdes and Rome to visit the many holy sites my parents always dreamed of visiting.On Sunday, the 4th, mom and I leave for Europe to do just that. I am mindboggled by flights, train schedules, hotel reservations and the thought of spending money that at the moment Steve and I don't have. Our daughter, Allyson was married last Saturday. While our friends in Galena came through with housing relatives, arranging flowers,and lending a dance floor,musical talent donated by our gracious band teacher by playing the trumpet, and our equally talented music teacher from my school singing lovely songs in operatic style, the reality of the other expenses are at the moment weighing heavily on my mind. The day turned out to be a lovely summer day, rainfree and sunny. Needless to say, weddings cost. By no means do Steve and I regret any part of it, but this trip really should have waited. But, time is not on our side. Mom is healthy enough to walk and enjoy the sights and I want her to be happy and live her dream. The holy sights will make her happy. I just have to figure out how I can manage baggage, Metros, important documents, and Mom by myself. I know Dad will be there in spirit to help me.