The hard part of the trip is over. Getting to OR Tambo was a bit of a challenge last night, as our esteemed clown leader saw fit to pay a visit to OR Tambo yesterday. Of course the duly bussed in praise singers added to the normal chaos, but this was further compounded by the hoardes of police, who actually blocked off most of the drop off points at the international departures for Terminal A and B. My inital thought was really, who is this clown afraid of? Then I realised wait, about 40 million South Africans would welcome his demise.!!! Luckily Morris from Aircare Carpark was very proactive, found a spot to jump into my moving vehicle….followed by another spot where I jumped out of my moving vehicle!

I had an awesome flight, with no one sitting next to me, so I could really spread out and relax. No eye contact was so easy. Had an awesome meal…my choice was sole on a pasta bed! We landed in London at 7am local time and I waited the 2.5 hours until my next flight in the Diners Club lounge. Really exceptional service in this lounge at Heathrow! Then the quick Aer Lingus flight to Dublin, which landed just before 12. A bit of a trip to get the car, was disappointed not to get my first choice of a Hyundai ix35! But this car is fine, also an suv – a Renault ‘something’…. Will check and let you know, it is a diesel, so fuel consumption will be good. Which is just as well, because the fully inclusive insurance cost me more than the actual car hire. If I was on a tight budget, I would be in serious trouble. I am sure there must be a gap in this insurance market for car rentals to make an impact. It is such a ripoff! But the risks are just to high, with a damage/theft excess of 1800€.

My first order of business was to find a Vodafone store, which thanks to Daniel (my Garmin), I located quickly. So have data card for Ipad and sim card for phone, and I am good to go for a month.

I then hit the road westwards to Athlone. The main attractions here that I want to see are Athlone Castle and Clonmacnoise. Clonmacnoise is an ancient monastic city on the banks of the River Shannon. Hopefully I will get to walk around and explore tomorrow morning, before heading to Sligo.

Walked in the pouring rain around the town of Athlone this afternoon, unfortunately castle was closed, but I will try again in the mornng. I then had dinner at Murphy’s Law a pub and Inn that I had originally booked into. Glad I changed venues, as it is in a quiet part of town. Am staying at the Sheraton tonight, easy to walk everywhere from here and has parking! It is amazing what your non negotiable become when you travel….this trip its wifi and parking!

I havent figured out tags/captions for my pics, but basically, it is my car, the pub where I ate, a church and the castle. Also my dinner which was a pulled pork roll. Also a pic of 2 ribeye steaks which cost about R220. Lamb chops are €16 per kg. A small chicken is €3.8 and chicken fillets €13 kg. Also just to show you that caulirice is here, as well as spiral marrows, carrots and beetroot.

Showered and ready for bed already….been a long 24 hours travel. Got to recharge the batteries and go full tilt tomorrow.
My car a renault

View of post office across the bridge in Athlone

The castle on the left

Athlone castle

A view down a street in Athlone

Murphy’s Law

Pulled pork roll with coleslaw and fries

Athlone castle

Spiral veggies and cauli rice

Super expensive ribeye steaks

My car

Virw of the castle and post office accross the river

Murphy’s Law

The post office

Athlone castle

View of the town

Atjlone castle

Dinner- pulled pork roll with coleslaw and fries

Caulirice and spiral veggies