Sunday, April 30, 2017

Our Picture Postcard Life.....Of Adventures

For the past few years our life has become a picture postcard life of stunning images etched in our minds. Almost like a coffee table book of colorful photos just waiting to be shared with others. It occurred to me one day that we no longer have the material things perched on a shelf waiting to be dusted off, but instead a catalog of images and experiences in our brains. I remember when I had a house full of things how precious some of them were. How I would pick up that special piece of pottery or knick knack to dust it off and recall the when's and where's that made it mine.

Picture Postcard Life

Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life

But now that Clyde and I are homeless by choice with just some clothes and personal belongings all of our things are tucked away in the closets of our minds. Just like a picture postcard that one would pick up from a tourist shop while on vacation, our brains hold an unending supply of images, experiences and feelings that we are creating for ourselves as we travel the world.

Picture Postcard Life

While I admit to never being much of an outdoorsy person our travels have taught me to appreciate nature and all that it has to offer. Today while out walking the dogs we are caring for while house sitting I realized just how much nature changes things. Just a simple move around a hillside or mountain changes the image to something new. Whether the tide is high or low changes the coastline as does the reflection of the sun on its horizon.

Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Yesterday as we walked the lovely cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea the tide was high and the water tranquil. It created a relaxing mix of beaches and coastline that gently ticked the edge of the rugged cliffs. Today the tide was out, the winds were excessive and the sea looked fierce as it smacked hard against the tall cliffs. The billowy white sea foam was caught in the wild breezes and flew through the air creating a foamy wonderland.

Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Picture Postcard Life
Isla in the surf
Picture Postcard Life
Kobe
Raul
Like so many times in our travels we stopped and looked in awe at the stunning scenery that lie before us. It was truly like living within a picture postcard, a travel brochure or a coffee table book of gorgeous images that came to life right before our eyes.
Picture Postcard Life
Isla


While house sitting around the world has been full of fun adventures and amazing experiences it's also a job. We do have responsibilities of taking care of pets like dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, fish, alpacas or chickens. With animals come poop that must be picked up, litter trays that need cleaning, dog walking, house cleaning and more. So while it's not always glamorous it certainly does have its perks. We are living rent free anywhere we choose to go in other people's houses. Some houses are simple while others have been extravagant and cost way more than we could ever afford. But certainly our good experiences have far outweighed the bad ones. From waterfront homes on the coast of Ireland to restored farmhouses on vineyards in Tuscany, Italy; lavish city dwellings; row houses in London and many more that have all been unique. Isla

Picture Postcard Life View from back of house

Picture Postcard Life Passing Ship

On the front of each postcard in our life is a new image and the reverse side offers a story. The story is ongoing with new adventures around every corner. Life is an adventure just waiting to be enjoyed and now is the time to live it. Someday our journey will end and our adventures will be no more but until then it's onward to the next one....along the gringo trail.
Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting"  and so can you!  We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting.    Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter. The New Website                          -->  CLICK HERE

How to Get Your First House Sit -->  CLICK HERE

How to find a house sitter          ---->  CLICK HERE

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Settling In Near Dublin, Ireland.....

Settling In Near Dublin Ireland

After a week of life on the road touring around Ireland as purely tourists, we have settled into our next temporary home for our latest house sit. Located just a short commute from Dublin Ireland sits the sleepy little fishing village of Howth (hoe-th, not how). Our views from just about every window in the house is that of the tranquil Irish Sea. We can sit and watch ships, ferry boats an fisherman passing by in the distance. Add to that the shamrock green garden and pasture that lies before us which comes alive with plants, flowers and grazing horses. A pure paradise to the eyes that truly fills the senses with an overload of beauty.

Dublin Ireland
Back of the house
Dublin Ireland



















Dublin Ireland
Beautiful Yard!

After a week of life on the road touring around Ireland as purely tourists, we have settled into our next temporary home for our latest house sit.
Ship from the back yard

After a week of life on the road touring around Ireland as purely tourists, we have settled into our next temporary home for our latest house sit.
Ship from the Back Yard



Our job during this sit is to take care of two laid-back dogs and one cat while the owners are away on holiday. We literally have a wing of the house to ourselves in our own, "granny flat." Along with a bedroom and bath it comes complete with our own kitchen, living room, home gym, laundry and dining room.

Dublin Ireland
Isla loves her ball!

Dublin Ireland Laid Back Kobe

Dublin Ireland Raul

Yesterday we parked our car near the train station and took the DART train (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) into the city center. First we explored Dublin Castle which served as the seat of the United Kingdom government in Ireland until 1922. The original castle was destroyed in a fire and later rebuilt as a palace that now serves as a major government complex. Our tour included a glimpse into the Medieval section, the Chapel Royal and State apartments.

Dublin Ireland Tower next to Dublin Chapel

Dublin Ireland Entry into the Palace

Dublin Ireland Dublin Chapel

Dublin Castle once had a clerk working there by the name of Bram Stalker. A writer in his spare time and best known for his 1897 gothic novel, Dracula. During his lifetime he also worked as personal assistant to actor Henry Irving who gave him inspiration for the Dracula character. The city of Dublin today has several tourist attractions based on Dracula as an entertainment venue.  Next we headed over to another must-see in Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Dublin Ireland Saint Patrick's Cathedral


Dublin Ireland



 

Legend has it that somewhere near where the cathedral sits now is where St. Patrick himself first baptized early settlers to the area into Christianity. Although the records are a bit fuzzy, it is believed that St. Patrick passed through Dublin in the 5th-century converting many that he met along the way.   Today St. Patrick's Cathedral is an Anglican church, Church of Ireland denomination with a small congregation of just 125 people.

An interesting fact about the shamrock or clover, the official symbol of Ireland, is it is used to represent the Trinity in churches.



One of the former preachers of St. Patrick's Cathedral is Jonathan Swift who also served as dean of the cathedral. Known to the rest of the world for his writings such as:  Gulliver's Travels, A Tale Of A Tub, An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity, and A Modest Proposal just to name a few. Our guide explained how Swift would preach for three to four hours at times using it as his platform to vent about various issues. He even had wheels added to the pulpit so he could be wheeled around the church keeping people awake and listening to what he had to say. While some considered him to be a madman he left a notable mark on Ireland and the world. He is buried in the cathedral next to his wife who died first.

Dublin Ireland Jonathan Swift's Grave

Dublin Ireland One of Jonathan Swift's Books

Dublin Ireland

Music is a big part of St. Patrick's Cathedral and even has its own Choir School. Our guide explained a bit about the school to us.  A select group of just 25 students from third through sixth grade, spend much of their day singing choir songs preparing for two performances per day. Along with a strong focus on music the children are taught a regular school curriculum by a staff of only two teachers in a mixed age classroom. One teacher has 3rd an 4th graders while the other has 5th and 6th. While hundreds of students each year apply for entrance to the prestigious school, just ONE out of every HUNDRED makes the cut and is accepted into the school. The choir performs TWO services per day at the cathedral along with performances at other venues around Ireland and throughout the world. A note about schooling in Ireland is that Irish is the FIRST language taught to all children here. It begins at home and extends into their first years of school. We were told by some locals me met along the way that English is NOT taught until children are about 5 or 6 years of age. Some areas of Ireland still use the language among themselves although all speak English as well. Signs everywhere are in Irish FIRST and then English is written beneath.

Dublin Ireland Ha' Penny Bridge Built in 1816


Dublin Ireland





Dublin Ireland


Dublin Ireland

Our fascinating travels are giving us much knowledge of other cultures and what life is like there. Today we are taking it easy to catch up on much needed chores like laundry and grocery shopping besides taking long walks with the dogs. Tomorrow surely we will be out exploring this beautiful country once again as we take in all that Ireland has to offer.....along the gringo trail.

Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting"  and so can you!  We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting.    Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter. The New Website                          -->  CLICK HERE

How to Get Your First House Sit -->  CLICK HERE

How to find a house sitter          ---->  CLICK HERE

Life In Portugal....At A Snails Pace....

Yesterday was just another day in Portugal when my dear husband Clyde said he was going to run to the pharmacy for a few things. Time passed...