There's No Place Like Home

Yes, I said it. There is no place like home! As Hillary and I wereawaiting our drive to the airport on Monday morning, we were told, at a local coffeeshop in Charlotte, NC, that there was a tornado watch going on. We very calmly asked what we were supposed to do if a tornado came our way - the owner said that the bank had a "shelter" (he actually did air quotes ... that's very reassuring...) Hillary told me later that day, "You know, I'm okay with taking a bit more rain up in the Northwest - I'd rather have rain than tornadoes." - Yes please.

Turns out, the only thing we met was a big thunderstorm --- in the air. The turbulence of the flight from Charlotte to Philadelphia was unreal! Hillary is gripping my leg, there is a man across the aisle from me doing sudoku (how he could write is beyond me) and a women a row in front of us sharing the love of Jesus to a Canadian college kid ---needless to say, I was giggling at all the absurdity. And praying.

A few randoms at the airport: Hill and I splurged on some chips and salsa - who knows when the next time will be?, we chuckled with a TSA employee about how it was so hot in the airport because the people hadn't turned it down from the past week of cold, and Hill and I ended up running to our gate in Philly -- turns out that was a ridiculous move on our part. I think I lost a lung there...

The flight to Ireland was only five and a half hours to my surprise. Both Hill and I didn't sleep, so we've been up for days! We traveled to Killarney today by double decker city bus and train. Ireland is very beautiful - very scenic. Also, the people have been so nice - especially the old men. So many of them have helped us out today!

The dreaded "W" word was mentioned on accident at customs in the airport ... the man was hesitant to let us in the country, but then changed his mind. He said, "I don't want to spoil your ladies' holiday." And when he found out we worked in Alaska in the summers he said, "Well, I'll come over there when they start paying us proper wages here!".

When we arrived in Killarney, we were so tired and laughing about everything ... stumbling around the streets with laughter. This elderly man looked at me and I said, "We're having too much fun!" And he said, "That's what life is for!" Then another elderly man saw that we were trying to figure out where to go, and said he could help us - he walked us all the way to our hostel and told us a bit about the town and his life along the way. It's just been lovely.

Hillary and I just ate a delicious and cheap meal of chicken and fries. We just finished a LONG walk to Ross Castle in the National Park here. It is beautiful and on a lake. Hopefully I can post a picture...

Last... and perhaps least, you choose. Remember that one time Hillary and I took awhile getting through customs in Ireland? Well, while we were chatting with the nice official there, there was another official in the same boxed room chatting with a guy on the otherside. I looked at him through the windows - only took notice that he was quite a short guy. My height, maybe. Before we left, our official dude asked us if we knew who Bruno Mars was - we replied with a yes - and he said, "Well he was just right there a minute ago, apparently." WHAT?! ...Crazy! (Mom, Bruno Mars is a famous pop singer).

Anyways, keep you updated!