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May 23, 2024

Arrival in Dublin Ireland Sunday May 19th 2024

I arrived in Dublin Ireland to bright sunshine and collected my luggage - 3 large, checked bags and 2 carry-ons and cleared customs all by 7:30 a.m. I had reserved a private driver to take me and handle all the bags, up to Belfast from the Airport. The driver was a lovely Romanian immigrant, father of 5, who had been there, with his wife since 2005. He enlightened me on economy and state of immigrants in the UK & EU. We also talked at length on his observations about the Ukraine/ Russian War, from the prospective of Romanians, his family and friends, many of whom lived within Ukraine. It made the 1.5 hour drive go very quickly. I then tried to check in to my hotel, the Ibis Belfast Centre, but no rooms were ready for early check in at 9 a.m. I chilled in hotel lobby for a little over an hour and then thankfully they were able to get me into a room and I could nap for a few hours, prior to my dry dock tour of the ship at 4pm.

The Dry dock tour was limited to 10 of us for safety reasons and it was AMAZING! Such a unique perspective to see the ship from for the first time. So fortunate to be invited to participate. Last photo of me with our intrepid leader of Villa Vie Residences, Mike Petterson.

By Patricia Patrick March 4, 2025
OFF THE COAST OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
By Patricia Patrick March 4, 2025
ILHA GRANDE, BRAZIL
By Patricia Patrick March 2, 2025
Today we spent on the water. We had signed up for a beach and snorkel trip yesterday and had to move to today because we had tender issues into the port and missed the start time. Today was also looking bleak but the charter waited for us and even sent their tender over to our delayed shuttle and rescued us off so we could join the group waiting for us! It was a fun day, swimming and snorkeling over 4 different beach locations. The water, drinks and sunshine were all great fun!
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