Category Archives: Jane Beyond Spain

Another great cook graces the kitchen! Susan took over breakfast duty this morning, whipping up a delicious start to our day. We’re getting pretty spoiled around here! We’re off to tour Skellig Six18 Distillery, in nearby Cahersiveen on the Wild Atlantic Way. Named for the 618 ancient steps climbed by the monks of Skellig Michael,Continue reading “From Skellig Spirits to Derrynane Shores”

A good start with breakfast whipped up by John who knows his way around any kitchen. And before long we were all gathered around the table, lingering over good food and conversation. No one was in a hurry — just an easy, relaxed start to another day in Ireland. We strolled our botanical pathway downContinue reading “Waterville Wanderings: Bees, Brews and a Walk Through Time”

We wasted no time introducing John and Bridget to life on the road in Ireland. On their first full day with us, we piled into the car and headed for Cobh (pronounced Cove) the colorful harbor town on Cork Harbor with an interesting maritime history. The drive took us along part of the Ring ofContinue reading “Winding Roads and Titanic Tales”

Today we’re following the ring of Kerry from Waterville to Killarney train station to pick up my brother John and his daughter Bridget, who had just flown to Dublin and headed our way by train. But first, there was one important stop to make — the Kerry Woollen Mills. Because in Ireland, even a tripContinue reading “Wool, Warm Welcome & Waterville”

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most breathtaking sights, stretching for nearly five miles … sweeping views of crashing waves, soaring seabirds and endless shades of green and blue. The Visitor Center is built right into the hillside, with a grass-covered roof that blends almost invisibly into the landscape. Inside are exhibits aboutContinue reading “The Road to Waterville — Time to Live Ireland”

Our next stop was Knock, one of Ireland’s most important pilgrimage sites. In 1879, fifteen villagers reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist beside the parish church. Today, the peaceful shrine draws pilgrims from around the world — a place of faith, hope and quiet reflection. TheContinue reading “Knock to Doolin — Irish Traditions at Every Turn”

We started the day with a late breakfast/lunch in Carnlough, at a cozy little spot overlooking the picturesque harbor. With the quiet charm of this seaside village all around us, it was the perfect place to fuel up for another day of exploring Northern Ireland. Good food, a lovely view and a little taste ofContinue reading “Rocks, Ruins and the Road to Derry”

Today we’re heading north to Belfast, but first we wanted to make one very special stop along the way — Brú na Bóinne, just north of Dublin. This remarkable ancient landscape is home to some of Ireland’s most extraordinary prehistoric monuments, built thousands of years before the pyramids of Egypt. Brú na Bóinne is homeContinue reading “Traveling Through History: Tombs, Troubles & a Slemish Night”

A Hundred Thousand Welcomes! After planes, airports and far too many hours of travel, we’ve officially landed in Dublin — where the Guinness is dark, the accents are delightful, the double-decker buses are everywhere and apparently driving on the other side of the road is now part of the adventure. Even our airplane was unmistakablyContinue reading “Céad míle fáilte! ☘️”

Back to Ireland: Where Every Road Feels Like Coming Home Some journeys are about discovering someplace new. Others are about returning to a place that has quietly claimed a piece of your heart. Today, my friend Theresa and I are crossing the Atlantic, bound for Ireland for a month of winding coastal roads, lively pubs,Continue reading “Jane In Spain: Taking a Detour to Ireland”

The final day of our Paris adventure arrived — and so did the hottest temperatures of the trip. The air was heavy with heat and everyone knew it would be another day of seeking shade, sipping cold drinks and moving a little more slowly. Our local Minnetonka Chorale Society — the choir my late husband,Continue reading “Le Colonel and Le Concert”

Monday morning in Paris is when half the city seems to have taken the day off. Shop shutters stayed firmly closed, museums took a breather and even some cafés appeared to be sleeping in. One thing that definitely didn’t take the day off was the relentless heat. While Arne was busy with choir rehearsal, SusanContinue reading “Monday in Paris, the Calm before the Concert”

We thought our first evening beneath the Eiffel Tower was hot. It was. But we had no idea we had arrived at the beginning of a historic heat wave. Each day the mercury climbed higher. Sunday morning welcomed us with 95 degrees. The four of us hopped on the Metro and made our way toContinue reading “The Heat, The Beat and The Streets of Paris”

At last, we rolled into Paris and pulled up to our home for the next few days — the Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe. This was where the choir group was staying, and in many ways, the reason this entire trip had come together. The highlight ahead would be hearing our Minnetonka Choral SocietyContinue reading “Paris Nights & Eiffel Lights”

Before we could leave Bayeux, there was one final challenge: packing the Bigster. Somehow, four adults, all of our luggage and a growing collection of French treasures had to fit. With a little strategic stacking, some creative rearranging everything found its place. Once the hatch finally closed, we pointed the Bigster toward Rouen, ready forContinue reading “Rouen: Where Gothic Meets Lego”

We eased into the morning the French way — settling into a sidewalk café with flaky, buttery croissants and rich coffee while the town slowly came to life around us. There was no rush, just the simple pleasure of lingering over breakfast, watching locals greet one another. Over breakfast, we all came to the sameContinue reading “Normandy: From Cliffs to Caramels”

Wednesday morning is market day in Bayeux, and the pedestrian Rue Saint-Jean comes alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of Normandy. Locals browse stalls piled high with cheeses, fresh produce, breads, flowers and regional specialties while visitors mingle among them. It’s more than a market — it’s a glimpse into everyday life in NormandyContinue reading “Normandy Coast: Blue Water, Golden Sand and Stories of Courage”

Bayeux even has its own little tourist train that rattles through medieval streets, past the cathedral, historic landmarks and reminders of the city’s wartime past. We took a 45-minute spin through town and learned that Bayeux was the first French city liberated after D-Day. Unlike many Norman towns, it escaped major bombing and destruction, leavingContinue reading “Honfluer: Pere Magliore & Croque Madame”

The train ride from Pontorson to Bayeux was a relaxing change of pace after the crowds and steep streets of Mont-Saint-Michel. The route wound through the Norman countryside, passing rolling green fields, grazing cattle, and picturesque villages that seemed untouched by time. Arriving in Bayeux felt like stepping into a postcard. With its half-timbered buildings,Continue reading “Bayeux and the Art of Slowing Down”

From Saint-Malo, our bus dropped us in a sprawling parking area, where Mont-Saint-Michel rose dramatically in the distance, looking every bit like a medieval fairy tale. It was a Thursday morning, and hundreds of visitors were already queued for Le Passeur, the shuttle that carries travelers across the causeway to the mount itself. Getting toContinue reading “The Magic of Mont-Saint-Michel: Tides, Tourists, and Timeless Wonder”