Ireland in Retrospect: Milwaukee to Dublin
Milwaukee to Dublin (September 13)
We climbed into Justin's Jeep, and drove to the downtown post office, which happens to be where he works, and it's right next door to the Amtrak station. We parked the vehicle, walked next door, and almost immediately got on the Hiawatha train to Chicago. It was finally starting to feel real that we were actually on our way to Ireland!
We got to Union Station Chicago about an hour and a half later, and since we had some time to spare, and it was lunchtime, we decided to walk to a nearby diner. I got a club sandwich that I really had no idea how to eat politely.
When we finished eating, we walked back to Union Station, and bought tickets for the CTA rail to O'Hare Airport. That was a long (okay only an hour plus) and bumpy ride! I was glad when we arrived at the airport!
Justin and I decided not to check any bags, but instead only have a carry-on and a personal item. That made check in a bit quicker. We still had to go through security and customs, but since we had plenty of time, it didn't feel stressful or rushed at all. We eventually made our way to our gate, found a couple seats, and relaxed. I ended up buying us (enormous) smoothies that cost nearly $20! Plus we snacked on some of our goodies while we waited.
There ended up being a slight delay due to waiting for the plane to arrive. While waiting in line to board, we talked with a couple of nice ladies who were in a large tour group. Although, it drove us a little mad the way they were so slow moving up in the line. We also overhead a young lady talk about 90 some people going to a destination wedding. Needless to say, our flight was packed.
And of course I got stuck in between a large man (my husband) and a larger man (not my husband). I was definitely not comfortable squished like I was. But, I put my earbuds in and listened to some podcasts, and made futile attempts to sleep.
*** Flying over the Atlantic....(((The time "magically" moves forward six hours)))... It is now September 14th.***
When we were pretty much in the middle of flying over the Atlantic Ocean (and it was the middle of the night basically), the flight attendants asked for a doctor or nurse to help with a medical emergency. I figured it was an older person, but it turned out to be a younger man. We don't know what happened to him, but we were told he was stabilized. But it must have been relatively serious, because they called the paramedics (or whatever they're called in Ireland), and we were moved to the front of the line when we got to Dublin. Plus, they decided to keep the cabin lights on the whole time, so that made sleep very improbable.
Finally, after about eight hours of a brightly lit, uncomfortable, and sleepless flight, we arrived in Dublin around 8ish. We made our way out of the plane, and went to the main area where we expected our ride (Rory) to be picking us up and shuttling us to our studio apartment. Because of the delay, he ended up being a little late to get us.
Rory drove us in his taxi from Dublin airport, which is quite a bit north of the city to our apartment, which is on the not as far north west side of the city. It was my first time being in a vehicle that traveled on the left side of the road, so that was a bit exciting.
We talked with Rory about the upcoming All-Ireland Gaelic Football final, the weather, and other bits and pieces about Dublin and Ireland as we drove.
This morning Justin and I took the kids to school, gave them big hugs and kisses, and said our "good-byes." As it turned out, they weren't too broken up about us leaving. After that, we stopped at Walgreens for some snacks and cough/cold medicine for me. We then went back home to do last minute packing and answer any questions my parents had.
(My parents arrived yesterday, and they will be taking care of the kids until next Thursday. Then Justin's mom, Judy and his aunt, Bonnie will be watching them until we get back.)
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Packed and ready to go!
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We got to Union Station Chicago about an hour and a half later, and since we had some time to spare, and it was lunchtime, we decided to walk to a nearby diner. I got a club sandwich that I really had no idea how to eat politely.
Justin and I decided not to check any bags, but instead only have a carry-on and a personal item. That made check in a bit quicker. We still had to go through security and customs, but since we had plenty of time, it didn't feel stressful or rushed at all. We eventually made our way to our gate, found a couple seats, and relaxed. I ended up buying us (enormous) smoothies that cost nearly $20! Plus we snacked on some of our goodies while we waited.
There ended up being a slight delay due to waiting for the plane to arrive. While waiting in line to board, we talked with a couple of nice ladies who were in a large tour group. Although, it drove us a little mad the way they were so slow moving up in the line. We also overhead a young lady talk about 90 some people going to a destination wedding. Needless to say, our flight was packed.
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| Dublin or Bust! |
And of course I got stuck in between a large man (my husband) and a larger man (not my husband). I was definitely not comfortable squished like I was. But, I put my earbuds in and listened to some podcasts, and made futile attempts to sleep.
*** Flying over the Atlantic....(((The time "magically" moves forward six hours)))... It is now September 14th.***
When we were pretty much in the middle of flying over the Atlantic Ocean (and it was the middle of the night basically), the flight attendants asked for a doctor or nurse to help with a medical emergency. I figured it was an older person, but it turned out to be a younger man. We don't know what happened to him, but we were told he was stabilized. But it must have been relatively serious, because they called the paramedics (or whatever they're called in Ireland), and we were moved to the front of the line when we got to Dublin. Plus, they decided to keep the cabin lights on the whole time, so that made sleep very improbable.
Finally, after about eight hours of a brightly lit, uncomfortable, and sleepless flight, we arrived in Dublin around 8ish. We made our way out of the plane, and went to the main area where we expected our ride (Rory) to be picking us up and shuttling us to our studio apartment. Because of the delay, he ended up being a little late to get us.
Rory drove us in his taxi from Dublin airport, which is quite a bit north of the city to our apartment, which is on the not as far north west side of the city. It was my first time being in a vehicle that traveled on the left side of the road, so that was a bit exciting.
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| It was a little weird at first. |
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