Ich Liebe Wien

One last quick trip to Vienna to finish my season off right.

I ate amazing food.  Actually to be more precise I ate Knödel, Topfen, Struddel, Musli, Pumpkin everything, Schnitzel, Würst, Sauerkraut and Xocolat. And I had amazing company.  Martina and John in Vienna. Family of the best kind in Kindberg. Wunderschön!

So great I only took a few pictures. Lol. Just like me. Taking everything in via the eyes.

And look I made mitts! These are cozy thrum handwarmers of Canadian caliber. Thanks Fleece Artist!

Life's an Exciting Place at 18

I feel as though I'd like to live my last ten years over again and better with more of the positive energy force my cousin and her boyfriend have.  It's natural for the shine to dull a little over time, but their 'we can do absolutely anything' attitude added some gloss to my stride. What great people to be around! Maybe I can go back to school? Well maybe! Lol.

We visited the Crumlin Road Gaol (yes this says jail) and also watched a movie called "Belfast City" which were both quite interesting especially from our outside point of view.

We found out there were 17 death sentences carried out at this jail over about 100 years. I am actually surprised there were so few. Then we argued about capital punishment. Oh how quickly tainted adults become! Not sure I really want to be one. Then again it's all about attitude, and figuring out how to live your life keeping outside of confinement. And a noose. Yikes!

Best wishes to Imke at university and Tom in his civil service, until next year! Xox

 Minds open, faces to the sunshine!

My Wee Dotes

It's not that they're per say old, but if I am getting older they must be too. They joined me over here for three weeks. Aren't they cute? I think so.

In the Republic, near Letterkenny. If you look closely its in the distance on the left. Picnicking. Well eating out of the back of the car. We ate very well - Thanks Mama!

We did a lot of driving. Well I did most of it. So this photo sums up a great deal of time spent.

Evidence trees did exist, though there aren't many any more!

We stayed for two nights in Ardara, Donegal in this converted barn. It was fantastic and cozy during the cold wet nights. This area is particularly beautiful. My favourite spot was the beach, and more caves and a giant waterfall near Ardara. 

A hike in the Mournes, up from Bloody Bridge.

Dunluce Castle

This is my favourite Northern Ireland castle. It has a weathered appeal. 

You can pay to go inside or just walk down to the right and check out the cave. Because rules are made to be broken, right? Caves are intriguing, I must say. Just don't tell anyone we were there ;)

Edinburgh is Beautiful

This was a quick but grand tour of Edinburgh. Thanks to my fantastic host, friends of his, and the offerings of Scotland I saw and did a lot in a short time. It was pretty much the best city I've been to, but don't tell my colleagues that or they'll be bidding ahead of me for next year!!!

Day 1: The City

This lovely old bank, converted bar and restaurant is called the Dome. I was expecting James Bond to arrive for his reservation at any moment. This would be the place for a date, if I ever had a decent one. 

Day 2: The Highlands

Photos to come... All on memory stick and without a computer. 

Day 3: The City by Bicycle

I'd live here if I lived in Edinburgh. It's a gorgeous area... Sigh!

Famous living clock:

Only on the West Coast

Do we have floating concerts. I know what Torontonians are thinking, and also the rest of the civilized world, but until you've tried it you've really got no idea how much fun our afternoon was listening to live music while boating! I also had the chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in a long time. 

       

It was a sprint of a trip home and I am amazed at how much I was able to fit in. It tired me out before I even got jet legged on the two day return and began my visit with Martina. More on that next! 

I wish I took photos both on Salt Spring and in Toronto...  I keep saying things like this. I need to remember my phone has a camera already!!!

A Friendship Made in Heaven - Northern Ireland

Perhaps the best part of my life is knowing and spending time with the one person who always wants to do what I want to do to. Who is the smartest, kindest, most interesting person ever. Lucky me, I've got a best friend like that! Unfortunately we rarely get enough time together. Once a year is doing well.

                            

Our visit mostly included hiking and walks and food. And chatting all the way.

In the cave tunnel just north of Whitehead. A fun little walk. Sorry, though the town isn't much...

A pasta dish. It was ... delicious  :)

Made In Belfast was one of our restaurant outings. The food was great and interesting, the decor eclectic, indie, outrageous, awesome. I'd recommend it to anyone fun.

And like all good things, our visit sadly came to an end.

Escape to Canada

Where the west coast does things right. Concert at Sidney Spit - great music, great friends, great atmosphere. There may not have been a lot of sunshine and associated activities in my summer, but this certainly made my summer!

Interestingly, Toronto's comment was: looks like a third world country. They've never really understood us have they? But those who've joined us, are always welcome. It's just who we are. And I sure like they way we do things. :)

Tour Coming to a Close

Somehow, it's almost time to go back to Canada. Life gets busy when you either have company or are company for two months straight. It has been fun albeit a whirlwind adventure and the overall experience here leaves me torn about departing. Gypsy that I am though, I will surely become excited about the next phase and city! The question is: "Do I return to Belfast, or try another base?" We will see...

I know I'll miss the city and all its live music, the mild temperatures, the quality of the produce and Harry's. I may even miss driving on the left. I'll miss my fellow knitters and I'll undoubtedly miss the craic. Mostly though I'm going to miss my best friend I've made here, but maybe we will be reunited in May wherever we end up deployed.

To embrace the winter I'll be returning to I'm planning cross country skiing and skating.  With more time spent indoors I should have more time for studying various non-aviation related topics as well and that is a never ending list. Life is just so interesting!

I know I'm going to enjoy having my computer back, a room mate, my dryer and the library. Oh and did I mention, my ever so comfy bed!

The next few posts should serve as a kind of speedy review of the past month or so...