Dublin Heights!

After Trumpets we were invited to stay with one of the brethren who lives close to Dublin city. We enjoyed some great fellowship in a relaxed environment. It's amazing that where ever you go in the world and meet brethren we have an instant connection as spiritual family.
 

 

It's always fun looking at people's old photos

Fresh mint tea from the garden.

 Peter suggested a trip to Croke Park where we could see the Hurling museum (Irish national sport) and take a tour of on top of the stadium. Croke has the only stadium top walking tour with panoramic views of the city. I wasn't too keen on the ride due to a slight acrophobia but with encouragement from Kenny I went ahead, with the caveat that I could back out!

Getting safety instructions

Safety harness on

 

Practicing clipping the harness to the rail that we will use.

After a an elevator ride and a steep climb up 100 stadium steps we arrived at the top and clipped ourselves to the railing which runs between each viewing station.Then we enjoyed an hour's walk around getting spectacular views of Dublin along with narrated history on portable devices and live information from our guide.

Trinity College in the distance

I felt safe being harnessed in!

 

 

Private box area

 

$500,000 for a 10 year lease on a box!

 

 Afterwards we learnt a bit about Hurling and Irish history in the GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association) museum.

 

 

Model of the stadium

Afterwards we drove through downtown Dublin, pretty much a similar city to any other with some very narrow streets :)

First few days in Ireland and Trumpets (click for more pics)

We arrived in Ireland a few days ago. The flight was only 6.5hrs from Charlotte, NC with Aer Lingus. Be aware of the luggage amount and weight limits for your carrier as an extra checked bag cost us $100 (vs $60 as shown on their website).

Currency exchange is available at Dublin airport plus there are ATMs everywhere to get cash. Be sure to let your card issuer know that you will be traveling so they don't block your card and check if they will charge you extra atm fees for cash withdrawals and if they charge foreign exchange fees. Our bank gives us a refund on cash withdrawals.  Prices are about the same as the US - so this means you should plan to spend a third more than if you were in the USA due to the exchange rate. 

We have been enjoying some rest and relaxation amongst Gaelic and some lovely weather. We kept the Feast of Trumpets with a small band of faithful brethren.

Very nice hotel we stayed in for the first couple of days and where

View from the hotel

Golf course at the hotel

Saggart Village

Local pub - we went in just to look but didn't stay - too smokey

Local restaurant - good food

Nice tree-lined walk back from village

Getting ready for services to begin

The full complement of the Irish family

The Odingos will have their first Feast this year.

PCG Then and Now

I was up early this morning and still thinking about the 23rd Anniversary of the PCG on December 7. I have been attending since 1993 so have seen a lot of the progress.  Here are some before and after pictures from the early 90s to now.