Presenting at the East Meets West Conference in Collingwood

After having been away for almost three weeks in Europe, we landed on Canadian soil safe and sound, praise God! We arrived home at 3pm, Toronto time and off we went to attend Anita and Clarence's daughter's wedding. Happy that we didn't have any problems with our flight connections and could make it back on time. After the wedding reception on Saturday evening, we had to get up at 6a.m. and drove for 2 hours to the Living Water Resort in Collingwood, Ontario for a conference where I presented a workshop on a topic related to communication.

I had already planned and collaborated with Melissa before leaving for our European trip. So everything was ready beforehand. On the flight back, I did some final editing on my power point and was able to get everything ready. There was a good turnout at the conference. The organizers accommodated my schedule by putting me as the last speaker in their last timeslot so that I would not miss the presentation due to our overseas trip. My workshop went well and people seemed to enjoy my presentation.

Instead of sitting passively listening to me, the audience was divided into eight groups and they were given instructions on how to practise what they had just learned. Incorporating this interactive hands on session worked well with the conference participants as we could hear enthusiastic discussions and cheers coming from different corners of the hall. Nothing made me happier than seeing the participants being engaged and were actively involved with what they were doing. So glad that we were able to get home on time and delivered this workshop as promised to the conference chair! After the workshop, we drove down to Barrie to visit my best friend whom we have not seen for a few months. Really looking forward to it! RT, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada 06152024

Review of Gibson Hotel and Our Alternative Accommodations in Dublin, Ireland

Having booked and paid for our week long stay in Air B & B in Dublin, Ireland, yet unable to locate our host due to the misinformation given to us by the company was a terrifying, frustrating and expensive experience for us. We had no choice but booked at the very last minute and stayed at the Gibson Hotel for our first night at the premium cost of 300 Euro a night. For that price, the hotel did not disappoint us.

Our room was spacious, clean and tastefully decorated. It also came with a complimentary hot breakfast with a good variety of choices of hot and cold breakfast items. We dined with many fellow hotel guests in a comfortable and nice dining room. The serving staff was attentive providing us with good service and refilling our cups with tea and coffee. It was an excellent experience and we would go back to the Gibson Hotel anytime. However, the cost for the night was on the high side and this would be prohibitive for many travellers.

After our first night at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, we were finally able to contact our B & B host and moved there for the rest of our stay. This host has practically turned his apartment unit into a hotel like business. He rented out three rooms each renovated with its own private bathroom and with welcoming décor and thoughful furnishing. There was even a lobby area with a long side table where the host placed a large fruit bowl filled with fresh fruits such as bananas and apples each day. There was a good size fridge and a shelf stocked with local wines and liquor. We didn’t take advantage of the wines provided to us as drinking is not something we do too often. But it was very thoughtful of the host to have these provisions on hand for his guests.

Located right by the river, this accommodation was perfect for our need to be close to the downtown area. We liked the place so much that we extended two more days there as we could walk to most of the attractions in the downtown area and caught a bus taking us directly to the airport when we would depart for home. This is a place where we would recommend to others and will be happy to return to in the future should we visit Dublin again! RT, Dublin, Ireland 062024

A Great City to Visit - Dublin Exceeded Our Expectations

We have had an enjoyable and great experience in Dublin. During our week long stay in this city, we have learned a great deal about the Irish history, people and climate. Irish climate, as we experienced personally, has been depicted humourously in this poster in Dublin.

Of all the things we have learned about Ireland, the events and stories of the Great Famine hit us in our faces in Dublin. The Great Famine left an indelible mark on Ireland and its people. Ireland lost about one million of its population due to death caused by the famine and famine related diseases and a further one million Irish emigrated to other parts of the world which meant the country losing a quarter of its population during these famine years. .

Wherever we went in Dublin, we saw exhibits, displays, artwork, tours and events reminding its people and visitors alike about this horrific part of the Irish history. Besides seeing the sculptures of starving skeleton like Irish men and women erected in parks, public spaces,

we also read about the detail descriptions of the effects of this famine had on the people and Ireland in museums, library, billbaords and even in bars and restaurants where we ordered a pint or food to re-energize ourselves.

We could see and feel the economic prosperity in Dublin. While walking each day back and forth from our place to downtown, we admired those beautifully newly constructed business buildings along the both sides of the river. Housed within these numerous brand new office buildings are big international businesses and hi tech corporations strategically located their business in this city bringing with them many high tech and high paying jobs for the local people. Consequently, this particular waterfront area of Dublin has been dubed ' The new Silicon Valley".

Dublin exceeded our expectations in terms of: 1. Interesting food the city could offer - we tasted delicious food not limited to Irish food alone. While in Dublin we were able to try different kinds of food from various ethnic origins.

2 A walkable city steep in culture and history - many museums and famous sites are not too far from each other making visits to these famous sites easy and accessible. 3. Ancient and modern buildings with spectacular architecture coexisiting side by side other making Dublin one of the most interesting cities in the world.

3. Good public transportation system - direct public transportation from the airport to downtown and going to other places within the city 4. A reasonable safe city - Being seniors, we didn't do any late night bar crawls but we did walk around a couple of times after dark and we were not harassed or felt unsafe. 5. Polite services and assistance given when dealing with everyday sales and retail staff members Dublin is more than what we have expected and we thoroughly enjoyed out time while vacationing there! Thank you, Dublin! R.T. Dublin, Ireland 062024

St. Stephen's Green Park - An Oasis and A Green Retreat from Busy Downtown of Dublin, Ireland

While in Dublin, we did a bit of shopping throughout our vacation. Ireland is famous for its woolen products and we did buy a few nice woolen hats for our family back in Canada. I was particularly happy that we were able to find something nice for the male members of our family. These warm woolen hats will make beautiful presents for the 2024 upcoming Christmas season.

There are no shortage of fine shops in downtwon Dublin; one that stood out for me was the St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, a beautiful shopping centre with elegant Victorian era exterior structural details as well as white wrought iron decor for its interior space. Interested in both architecture and interior design, I loved the ambience and the architecture of this shopping centre! Lucky for me, I also found a cool and classy blue and white long sundress for my upcoming conference right after this trip. Very happy about this shopping experience!

About a stonethrow away from the St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is the St. Stephen's Green Park - an oasis for Dubliners in the middle of Dublin. Strolling leisurely in the park, we saw an exhibit of information and drawings regarding the park's history. Walking along the park's path, we stopped and took time to read the information and learn about the occurance of the 1916 Easter Riot in this park. It was an educational and informative walk for us.

Being at the park in the afternoon of a mid-week day, we were surprised to see how many people were taking a break and enjoying the peace and quiet of this city park. There were a few young people playing balls, sitting with friends enjoying the sun and talking to each other while some mums were out with young children in their strollers. It was a peaceful picture of people living in a busy city but taking time out and connecting with nature and other fellow beings.

We were delighted to have been a part of this peaceful picture in Dublin's St. Stephens' Green Park on a nice sunny afternoon! RT, Dublin, Ireland O62024

Needy Inhabitants Not Forgotten on Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland

Staying within walking distance to downtown Dublin, we were able to walk to many interesting places and attractions during our vacation there. One of our favourite places to visit was Grafton Street, a lively street lined with upscale and international stores, restaurants serving both local and diverse ethnic dishes, and numerous Irish bars.

We were excited when we saw a Lululemon Store, a famous Canadian brand, right in this area! Grafton Street truly was a vibrant place where live music, good food and cold beer never ran dry!

We visited Grafton Street a number of times as my husband loved the colourfully decorated bars with local musicians playing live music at all hours. Visitors to the area were often entertained by street musicians and buskers offering fine music and entertainment.

On one of our visits, we observed a group of people getting organized for food distribution for needy residents while a long line of people started queuing up patiently. It was heartwarming to see the needy inhabitants of this propersous city not forgotten and that a helping hand was extended to them right in the heart of Dublin's most visited tourist street. One thing we noticed was that many shops, including restaurants in the vincinity closed earlier, around 6 p.m. - 8 p.m, than we had expected.

We were surprised to see the posted business hours on many of the store windows. Unlike the many stores in our tourist areas in North America opening until late at night, numerous stores in the Dublin tourist area closed early. I reflected on the value differences between North Americans and Dubliners. North Americans tend to base our identities on our work, therefore working very hard all their lives trying to achieve something whereas people in Dublin treasure their personal time more and know how to enjoy life with much shorter working hours. My kind of city, two thumbs up for Dublin! RT, Dublin, Ireland 062024

Watching a River Dance Performance at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, Ireland

Gaiety Theatare - While in Canada, we watched the River Dance performed by the world renowed Irish dance groups and were marvelled by them. We took advantage of being in Dublin this time and went to the Gaiety Theatre to watch a river dance performance. The evening show was scheduled at 7:30 p.m. and we arrived a couple of hours earlier to the area.

The Gaiety Theatre is a manificent theatre with tradional elegant decor. At each level of the theatre, an elegant sitting area was available for theatre goers wishing to have a drink or snack before or during the intermission.

Before the beginning of the show, ushers holding up signs reminding the audience to turn off their cell phones and cameras. There was no announcements but merely people holding up signs and walking around the theatre. We could take pictures of the theatre prior to the show, but once when the show started, no photography was allowed. The dances were fantastic but I could not take any pictures of this great show performed by the awesome dancers. We were not disappointed and enjoyed this spectacular performance! RT. River Dance, Gaiety Theatre Dublin, Ireland

Awed by a Thousand Year Old Cathedral in Ireland - Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Wherever we travel to any city in the world, one of the places we always like to visit is the place of worship. If it is a Sunday, we would look for a church and join the locals for a Sunday service.

In Dublin, it was no exception. We joined an evening service at the Christ Church, Dublin's oldest cathedral. It was during the middle of the week. We arrived to the church in the late afternoon and missed the last tour. Fortunately for us, we there was an Evensong Choral service which was great! Since we were leaving before Sunday, this was the only opportunity we had to attend a church service there.

We learned that Christ Church Cathedral is one of Ireland’s most historic and sacred places. Originally a Viking church, it has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for almost 1,000 years! This Anglican cathedral is a magificent building with spectacular architectural elements such as the beautiful Nave with its vaulted ceilings and medieval tiled floor. We also had a glimpse of the crypt, the city’s oldest working structure, with its 11th century stone walls and medieval interior, we felt as if we were transported into another world! Christ Church Cathedral is steeped in history and is definitely a place worth visiting if you are a history buff like my huaband! RT, Dublin, Ireland