“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
My world view got a little wider with a trip to the British Isles. My sister Geri and I boarded the Regal Princess (formerly known as the Love Boat) in Southampton England. 🏴 Our trip was coordinated and made possible with Katelyn O’Brien of Modern Family Travel. We highly recommend Katelyn. ❤️
Cruise ships definitely have a business model designed to pamper, spoil, and indulge their passengers. We barely stepped aboard and the champagne was already flowing. 🍾
The cruise was a ten-day, seven port, four country trip. Like life, ship happens, and plans change. Storm Amy, an extratropical cyclone, required the Captain to reroute our ship. Once in safer waters, non-planned stops in LaHavre France and Cobh Ireland were on the itinerary.
But it was no ordinary cruise. It was a celebration of my sister who celebrated a milestone birthday during the trip. We started each day with Honey Lavender Lattes and big expectations. Our days were spent exploring cathedrals, museums, book stores, and cafes. We ate like queens and drank like sailors. We danced till our hips hurt and laughed till our face ached. We pampered ourselves with hot stone massages and spa soaks. Yes, we indulged in all of it!
The ship was huge! The interior of the ship was classy and a wee bit pretentious. The passengers, mostly seniors, were from all over the world. We met several retired folks who cruise for weeks or months at a time.
We spent time in the Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪 with a stop in Dun Laoghaire, just south of Dublin. This pedestrian-friendly waterfront village had the small town charm, colorful characters, and local culture we were hoping to experience. We hit a few charity shops, which was fun and educational. Then to Walters Pub for a phenomenal seafood chowder we will remember the rest of our days.
Our second stop was Cobh, Ireland, the last stop of the Titanic before it fatal journey. We explored the cathedrals, shops, and pubs. We had an authentic Irish stew accompanied by a couple of Guinness’s at a lovely place called Azure Harbour Bistro.
These small Irish towns were big on personality. We walked at least eight miles each day exploring each town from top to bottom. We absorbed as much culture as possible with local food, drinks, and interactions with local folks.
Then to Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the Titanic was built. Did you know, Northern Ireland is a separate country from the Republic of Ireland? It is considered part of the United Kingdom but not Great Britain. I know, a wee bit confusing. Here we met our cousin Joy for a day exploring our ancestral roots. We set foot on ground where our great grandparents lived, worked and worshiped. Our ancestral roots run deep in Northern Ireland. See our Sister Roots Reveal blog.
Glasgow Scotland 🏴 was a kilted thoroughfare. An ancient city with plenty of old architecture and cobbled streets. The shop windows were filled with the finest kilts and all things Scottish. This was the only city in Scotland we were safe to visit due to the proximity of Storm Amy. We missed out on Edinburgh, Inverness, and Orkney Islands. Darn it!
The Le Havre port near Normandy France 🇫🇷 was a great french experience. We found the local brew pub and treated ourselves to a fine charcuterie lunch with tasty libations along the waterfront.
We strolled along high end storefronts with impressive displays of fine garments, hats, and scarves. Indeed, window shopping at its finest. Many residential apartments had dressed mannequins on the balcony. Not sure why, but it was fun.
On a more somber side, there are monuments and evidence of World War II everywhere. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Havre was heavily bombed during the World War II. After the war, the area was rebuilt by the direction of Auguste Perret. A place so beautiful painter Claude Monet painted “Impression, Sunrise” and Impressionism was born.
Even with the weather detours, the trip was smooth sailing all the way. With a few sprinkles here and there, the sunshine found its way to greet us each day. We also experienced the full Harvest Moon on the Irish Sea,
The trip is best described as a sister sleep-over with room service and constant entertainment! As it should be…
Until next time…
Republic of Ireland
HUMBLEWEEDS 