IRELAND

Well, we just came back from the Emerald Isle and I have to say the grass is literally greener there. There are areas where it is so unrealistically green that it is magic and I was suitably dressed in green as well like kermit the frog. I love Ireland (the republic), their people are so warm, friendly and with a great sense of humour that is infectious. Anyone who happens to be depressed, go to Ireland; they will restore your will to live. I certainly recommend it as one of the places you must see before you die. If you haven't gone to Ireland you haven't lived a full and happy existence. The pubs have live and cheerful music and there is dance every day. On this working trip we first arrived in Dublin by ferry. We disembarked with our landrover straight into the capital for a few days then we headed south to Cork, afterwards to Ennis a lovely town full of life and then we went north to Donegal where we stayed at the Jackson Hotel. Our room there was a really pleasant surprise, it had a marvellous view of the river from the balcony; the room was lovely with red petals spread over the bed and it even had a massage chair! the bath had a jacouzi too. Really nice. Peter and I must be related to Marco Polo whose voyages over China, Siam and Persia lasted 15 years and were recorded by a writer who was fascinated with his travels. This book has never been out of print since it was published 800 years ago and Christopher Columbus took it with him when he discovered the American Continent. It has been a great inspiration for all of those who like to travel and see the world.