Atlantaquaria and Corrib Village

We've been to Ireland three times already but never have the opportunity to explore it. This time we got the chance to visit Galway. We spent 3 days in this lovely place.It is around 3 and a half drive from Co.Meath (near Dublin City). As we arrived, the first stop we've got was the Atlantaquaria. It's an indoor aquarium, the place is not overwhelmingly fantastic but just enough to make the little ones enjoy it. What made it commendable is not the place itself but the guided tour for children. They were able to touch the star fishes and crabs in a way that these animals will not be hurt and of course safe enough for the children. They also participated in feeding the fishes which certainly was a fantastic experience for the kids. Here are some photos we had.

touching the star fish

having fun with the fishes

at sea promenade, super windy

corrib village

corrib village playground

We stayed in one of the university apartments in Corrib Village, a home to students of National University of Ireland in Galway. It's a budget accomodation situated in the heart of the city. The only thing that I find not so impressive is the room cleanliness. It's not dirty though but not impeccably clean,which for me, the most important. Its atmosphere compensates the whole thing. The environment is so relaxing and child-friendly. We ended the day strolling the place and enjoying the playground. The kids absolutely had fun, and for parents, seeing the kids having fun is certainly a whale of time.

The long week visit to my sister in Ireland

It has always been a dream of mine to be near with my family, but situation does not allow us to have it. And God is so good that He let me and my sister live in neighboring countries,such as Ireland and Germany, therefore seeing each other more often is something that is capable of happening. Ireland's weather is cool and damp. This is the summer where you can never hear me complaining of the heat, because heat doesn't beat too much. We always have our light jacket with us the whole time. It's not just me whose having a great time more so my little one. It's so rewarding to see him enjoying the company of his cousins. For the whole time that we were there, it's not just them who learned a lot, but just by looking at how children behave,we (I and my sister) also learned a lot from them. We would rather say they are certified "little people". It's really a lot of work but it's also lots of fun.

Our typical day there of course started with a "chaotic breakfast" where each of them(the kids of course) wanted something different, and always wanting to try what the other one is eating. Sounds peaceful right? If the weather looks lovely then playground is the next thing to go. If it's raining which is so often, then its either we stay home and play, go to indoor playground or just go to the mall. These may sound so ordinary and routine but it's definitely an occasion where you wanted not to end. Somehow making me wish that we could just be neighbors literally.

I would love to share some photos we had.

one lovely day in the nearby beach

Gormanston ground

laytowns playground

at my sister's place, after the little party for the 3 of them

at PJ'S an indoor playground

taken in front garden

We also went to National Aquatic Center, its located in Snugborough Road in Dublin, we had a superb time swimming. The kids were really enjoying, not just the kids but the the adults too. What was really memorable for all of us was when the alarm sounds, it means waves is activated. My little boy was so brave in facing the waves. I can't believe seeing him with no fear. What's unfortunate is that no camera's allowed, therefore I've nothing to show you here. We're not able to take some photos outside too because it rained just as we arrived and the rain was pouring when we're about to leave. No chance really.:(

It was a actually a 7 week long stay, we never did something extraordinary. What matters most to me are the moments that we're able to spend together.

Finally back in Germany again!

We arrived from Ireland last August 18. I feel it has been ages that I no longer have the enthusiasm to get back to blogging again. Well lazy me, I guess. Johann (my little boy) must have been so excited, I don't have any problem with him on the plane. He just let me buckle him up, book reading and just a little need of hugging everytime little turbulence occur.You're doing a great job that's what I told him with a smile. What was really funny when we landed and as the seatbelt sign was off, he stood up and looked outside, while looking outside, nodding his head and saying "ok..ok..ok". The lady beside us was actually laughing of Johann's reaction. It was indeed a pleasant flight. Thank God for bringing us home safely.

I'll be telling about my Ireland trip in my next entries.

On Vacation

As I am writing, I am also thinking of packing things for our trip to Ireland. We'll be there for about 7 weeks. I'm looking forward to see my nephew and niece, and of course my sister. I would probably slack from visiting other blogs then, but surely I will resume as I get back from vacation. I would surely have a lot of things to share as well. I just hope my little boy would behave during the flight and everything will go smoothly, or else I would surely feel so harass. Only the two of us will be travelling, the hubby will only follow at later date. May we'll have a safe and fun filled trip.