We have touchdown (safe and sound in Dublin, Ireland)

Sitting in my first internet cafe at 12:47 Ireland time. They really are prevalent and cheap thus far....we found this one by the information bureau....costs 1 euro (approx. 1.25 USD) for 30 mins. So, I'll type until I get close....then end abruptly.

The flight was as good as a flight can be.....I hate to fly..makes me feel light-headed...gives me a headache (a good walk in the brisk weather has helped). We started by taxi-ing for about 2 hours in Chicago. I was excited enough about leaving to not notice. The flight itself was about 7 hours. I got very ansy at about hour 5. Dave was sleeping, and my muscles were not too happy about being still for that long....so....I took a few laps around the plane (the seatbelt sign was off) to stretch out. In-flight food was pretty good.....had my traditional in-flight ginger ale (I always have ginger ale on flights...and really nowhere else).

We met up with Kevin and Cory at baggage claim. We then found the one ATM that was working in the airport along with a nice line.....and...after taking out 100 euros (approx. 125 dollars) we realized we had received 2, 50s. So, then we had to hunt down an exchange booth to get smaller bills. Then, on the bus into Dublin (about a 30 min ride). We stopped at the Temple Bar portion of town....very big for touristy stuff and clubs. We walked to the information bureau and then hit this cafe.....you're all caught up to speed.

We found out that the closest campsite is about 45 mins. away via bus and a little more expensive than planned.....20 euro per site.....2 per site....so...10 per person unless we can all fit on one and pay an extra person type charge.

My pack is nice and heavy...I'm playing with different strap arrangements to get it sitting just right on my hips....instead of my shoulders...which will be nice and sore by days-end.

The next stop will probably be a pub to grab a pint of the local brew.... We met a nice gentleman from Grand Rapids waiting on our plane....he said that the young person drink is Baulmer's, which is a type of cider. He said it is a little different (not a lot) to see younger folks drinking Guiness (it has become an old man's drink)....fairly odd to see a younger girl with a Guinness....said it happens, but.....might get a different look There is also Carlsberg....a traditional ale....

Our tentative plan for Ireland is Killarney and Ring of Kerry....possibly Tralee....all have said that these are great must-sees.......Cliffs of Mohr also. Our Grand Rapids pal said that Dublin is city-like expensive...and that all of Ireland is pricey (recent economic growth has increased prices by about 25% just in the last 3 years or so). He had backpacked around 5 years ago and recommended Eastern Europe....said it is very cheap.....hostels are only around 8 USD/night....and that food and drink are a few bucks. The tentative hope is to get as far in Germany as possible (where our passes are good)....then pay to get into say...Warsaw.....Prague...Budapest.

Well.....I was looking at the wrong meter.....I am getting close to 30 mins., and I didn't realize it.

So.....much love to all back in the states. I have landed safe and sound......I'll let you know how the camping goes.