Update

In Salzburg, Austria at the moment. It only took one transfer train, an overnite train and an early arrival of 4:10 am to get here. we are tired but excited to explore the city! I have a feeling the we are going to love it here, the air is crisp (like michaels morning train breath), the streets are clean and when you step outside of any building, you have a panoramic view of beautiful green mountains. Did i mention that the sound of music was filmed here...no wonder!

Florence

first things first, we literally threw our bags in our quaint little hotel room and headed straight for the Duomo. It was even more MASSIVE AND enchanting than i remembered. THE WEATHER WAS WARM BUT IT WAS SLIGHTLY DRIZZLING, luckily it actually shortened some of the rather lengthy lines to get into the building. our feet were tired form all the traveling but it didn't stop us from climbing the 462 stairs up to the top of the duomo to view the entire city of Florence. poor Michael's legs were a little shaky looking over the railing. a treacherous journey such as that deserved a break at JJ's Cathedral Pub in the middle of the Duomo Square. once refreshed we made our way to the top of Piazza Michelangelo to snap a few pictures and get a more peaceful feel for the tourist crowded city. Florence never fails to amaze! Parmesan cheese, delicious wine and food, fashionable shopping, and of course some of the most famous artwork in the world. one could get lost wondering the streets for weeks. Unfortunately our time was cut short, but we made the most of our time and had a great visit. we were able to accomplish a lot; take a tour of the Ufizzi, the Duomo, walked till our feet were numb, flooded our hotel bathroom, got michael probed in the arse by an old man's umbrella and eve made a few pub stops ;).

Time is just flying by and before i know it we will be back telling our stories in person.

miss and love you all...

WISH YOU WERE HERE MEG!

Venice!

Venice Pictures

Venezia!!!

After a long travel day of hopping plains and buses, michael, molly and i made our way to our destination in Venice. we stayed in a great little campsite just outside the main city. it seems as though everybody thought that was the way to go because the campsite was pretty full. The site included a restaurant, Internet, pub, pool and market...not to shabby ehhh? We were craving a good Italian pizza and wine, so after settling down we headed to the pizzeria and had a long leisure dinner outside, then it was off to bed in our sardine can of a room, where i needed a boost to get up to the top bunk (i felt like a kid again ;).
The next morning we took the bus to venice and walked around all day. I will say, the blistering sun felt so nice after the week of rain in ireland. We saw a ton, San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Doges Apt. to name a few. There were lots of people but you just have know that the end result is well worth the crowds. The next day we lounged by the poolside in our campsite and headed to venice for dinner on the town. We accomplished so much the previous day that we were able to relax and just meander through the alleyways eating gelato. Venice, with all of its history and architectural beauty was a great way to start off the 3 week backpacking journey ahead.
Molly and michael are loving every second (they told me to let everyone know).

Next stop, Firenze (my old stomping ground)!

Tis True (Ireland)

ok, so it is about tiem I put down my book and pick up a pen (or err i guess keyboard) and finally document my experiences on my european family escapade. after begining the trip with a few wrong turns, driving on the opposite side around county claire, we finally made it to Balleyhannen (sp) castle in Quin. I guess you could say that we were offto a rocky start for ireland. hey, travelling hours without sleep is enough to make you cranky to your best friend, let alone, your family. the mood soon changed once everyone was settled, showered and had a little food/guinness in ther tummies ;). Our castle was, dare i say the word, awesome! Decorated in your average castel motif; suits of armor, heavy drapery, candles, cobwebs and mice, it felt as though we were truly living and experiencing life in the castle days ("roughing it" to keep it short...only joking).
We began the trip with a medevil family dinner at Bunratty castle. All 16 of us crowded around a single table and listened to irish folk music and stories from a little man in tights. After, what i would guestimate to be about 100 glasses of mead (irish honey wine) the family was having a rip-roaring, jolly good time. Michael even participated in a little skit the included him leading a song for the audience.
the fam took plenty of day trips as well. We went to Blarney castel in cork and kissed the blarney stone (even though we found out that the locals like to "piss" on it as night, hey, a little sacrifice for some good luck never hurt....mmm delicious). We headed to Cong village and walked around, even took a tour of where the Quiet Man was filmed. Do i even need to anounce that my dad was in "Duke Pattyfingers" heaven (sorry inside joke).
Next destination, the Aran islands. We biked around the main islands all day in spite of the horendeous downpour. Neddless to say, a hot bowl of soup and an irish coffe was a must.
Galway came next, a fantastically bohemian city nestled along the bay. Lots of shopping and eating was done here along with some run-ins with some very intersting locals.
Dublin was last on the list, I love Dublin! St. Patricks cathedral, Trinity college, temple bar, and the Guinness factory, there was so much to occupy yoursefl with.
The last day in ireland was spent hanging around the castle and just letting everything sink in. A family dinner was in order, along with a bit of mischeif from the kids...by "kids" i mean those aged from 17-26 ;). Overall, I had a great time in Ireland! I would have to say though, that calling the Irish alcoholics would be a bit of an understatement, they can sure drink. But, I would also have to point out that this trip made me even more proud of my irish heritage. The irish are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered, willing to give you their own jacket or umbrella if need be (both of those instances actually happened).
Yeah for Ireland...
off to italy

ireland

Just a few of the Ireland Pics. Michael, Molly and myself are currently in Venice and the weather is so nice (a big change from ireland, let me tell you). we are still having a great time just running around with all the energy in the world. Italy is beautiful...those pictures will come next. until then

Ciao Ciao (i am so happy i can use that again)

Ireland Pics