Dublin: Quest for a Pint

A three hour layover from Aer Lingus in Dublin. Hubby and I decided to head to the city center to make the most of our time and add another country on our European trip. This being Ireland, we figured a pint of Guinness was in order, and preferably a Bono sighting as well. (Hubby is a big U2 fan).

We soon realized that at 8 am, pubs were not open anywhere, and our mission was a failure. Bono was only to be found in the many tourist shops that catered to similar Joshua Tree fans.

I settled for a cup of tea and a proper Irish scone. It had just been pulled out of the oven and was studded in currants. So worth the bus trip.

Dejected Guinness-deprived Hubby.
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Montauk: Kite Boarding, Beach, Lobster Rolls

Montauk used to be the anti-Hamptons.  In the past two years, it has evolved into an extension.  Cynthia Rowley holds regular events at her Montauk boutique.  The Montauk Yacht Club and the Surf Lodge are now trendy destinations for mobile Manhattanites...sigh.

What happened to the days of rundown old condos?  They're still there, but no under the age of 40 are staying there.  Oh well, my favorite spots are holding their ground.  

If you're not following the Hamptons old-guard to Della Famina and Citarella, chow down at my favorites:  They happen to all be in Wainscott, NY on the way out to the End...Lobster rolls at the Seafood Shop, giant cookies at Levain Bakery and heart-stopping ribs at Townline BBQ.

The beaches are all but deserted (yes!).  Kite-boarders rule the waves in the ocean.  Hubby took a few lessons (at a much quieter inlet).  He'll join the big boys soon...

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Pawling: Rainbow's End Butterfly Farm

When you drive away from Manhattan, you are trying to experience the country correct? If you’re a city gal like me, you appreciate nature, but probably still like it controlled… I also like things pretty, not messy. The Rainbow’s End Butterfly Farm is the perfect agricultural experience for urbanites and families. The educational complex is set up with a tented sanctuary for butterflies. Lots and lots of butterflies. The staff on hand loves their work and is happy to answer any questions. You learn about their favorite plants, food and how they “get it on”. If you’re bringing the kids, they have activities for them to explore and learn about these mystical winged creatures. Fly on little friends, fly on.

Los Cabos: Back to Nature

Sunset horseback riding along the Los Cabos beach. You could always have your hotel concierge arrange for you, or just stroll out towards the sand. You can choose your favorite horse and charming caballero to lead your ride for much less than the hotel charges. Negotiate for time, price, destinations.

On our ride, Hubby and I enjoyed breaching whales on the ocean, watching black ducks with white beaks hopping alongside us.

I had not anticipated seeing too much wildlife on this resort stretch, but fortunately, the land next to the hotel had not yet been developed.

Even seated next to the pool, exotic birds such as the hummingbird above would visit.

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Fes: Leather Tanning to Spice Market

Shopping and haggling in Morocco is a high-energy activity. Everyone is good-natured, mostly everything is hand-crafted. Leather goods in all colors can be purchased throughout the markets. Many of them were tanned and dyed in Fes. The labor-intensive process starts right at the animal hyde, then is processed with pigeon poop, then pigments, then hand-sewn.

Another coveted specialty for fashionistas in Morocco would be Argan Oil. It is said to be the liquid fountain of youth, cures diseases or a high-priced culinary treat. The fair-trade industry here has been able to employ Berber women with fair wages to hand-press the oil from the argan nut. The real thing costs a pretty penny, even in Morocco. Many diluted versions can be found in tourist shops though. Shady or charming characters are happy to sell you either.

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Marrakech: Shopping, Shopping, Eating

http://riadw.com/

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Atlas Mountains: Berber Country

We did a road trip through the Atlas Mountains.  Dad wanted to see the Berber people.  Camels and monkeys made up the wildlife in the area.  Plenty of waterfalls down the side of the mountain, often gushing over the roads.  If not for the 4-wheel drive of the car service, it would have been quite sketchy to travel.  I was amazed at the little cottages that were built in the crevices of the mountains.  Many connected to the only paved road via rope bridges like the one above.
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