The grounds at Blarney Castle

Wednesday 13 August 2008 in Ireland

Tourists at Blarney Castle

Wednesday 13 August 2008 in Ireland

Back at John and Ollie's

Saturday 16 August 2008 in London
Long time no see, John, Barb, Deanna and Ray photographed by Ollie/Aelwen

Going for a Pub Meal in Tonbridge

Saturday 16 August 2008 in London
Alan Mankelow mentioned his hobby of photographing Pubs, before they disappear forever and yes, he does go inside to check things out. We asked if he could recommended a nearby Pub, so that is where Ray, John and Deanna headed for a pint and a meal. We all choose Pan fried Gammon, Ray with pineapple, John & Deanna going for the egg option. Going outside for a cigarette, Deanna got chatting to the Landlord who used to work with Alliance Meats in New Zealand.

John & Deanna then took Ray back to Aelwen and John's and were treated to a night cap, for John the brandy sounded good he said, if he could have it with a coffee chaser. No problem! Gosh it was great that John & Deanna could take time off work to travel up to Gatwick to meet us, do all this travelling around and then head home for an morning shift for John the next day.

Visiting the Mankelows in Tonbridge

Saturday 16 August 2008 in London
At Shannon airport we were charged €180 for overweight baggage (Rayan Air allow only 15kg) and Barb noticed other passengers were carrying two bags whereas, according to Ryan Air instructions with the ticket, she had packed her handbag into the carry on bag. We could have saved some Euros if Barb had carried her hand bag on her shoulder. Oh well things you learn. We changed departure gates three times yesterday, Gate 2 to 5 and finally to 4. When we finally walked out to the plane, I'm sure we were walking past Gate 2.

When we finally got on the plane, the Captain said there had been an ATC (Air Traffic Control) problem and if we didn't get the doors closed and rolling within 5 minutes, ATC would impose a delay of 1 and half hours!

People we were chatting to whilst waiting at Gate 4 said Ryan Air were normally on time. However the woman in the aisle seat in our row said, Ryan Air were notorious for being late.

Walking through Arrivals at Gatwick we found John and Deanna (my old school friend) and our host Aelwen was watching and wondering if it might be us and went up to John and Deanna, tapped them on the shoulder and asked if that was Ray and Barb.

We all went back to Aelwen's place and John and Deanna (with their Tom Tom GPS) took Ray to Tonbridge to meet Alan and Yvonne Mankelow.

Then Sunday 30 November 2014, daughter Sarah Bennett posted on the George & Sarah Mankelow Group page "It is with great sadness from your distant relatives in England that i tell you my lovely Dad ... Alan Edward Mankelow passed away suddenly last Tuesday at the respectable age of 78 ... Bless him xx"

Summer rain in Ireland

Friday 15 August 2008 in Ballina, Ireland
Working from Jim Watkin's computer having been out in the morning climbing heather clad hills (in Jim's car) to look back at Killaloe and what a cold wind up there. Then to check out the 12th Century Cathedral in the town. To lunch at Molly's and dinner at Crotty's.

In Cork, Ireland

Wednesday 13 August 2008 in Ireland
At Nick and Ita Martin's place and I was unable to get my laptop past being on their wireless network to connect to the internet. I thought for a moment that I had managed to upload a photo, of Barb, Nick and Ita from our little walk into Crosshaven. Having similar problems with Aelwen and John's wireless network but managed to upload a photo from their 'puter. Must mention too, that at Crosshaven we stopped for a coffee and I got my first 'flat white', as I know it. Normally it is recommended you ask for a cappuccino, and that is what we got with the other excellent coffee in Barcomi's in Berlin. Check out their webcam