A little about Kelly

Hello! I wanted to share a little about myself and a little of the background of why I am going with Gretchen on her travels. I love planning trips. I equally love going on trips. I invest alot of time and interest in making a trips successful, enjoyable and relaxing. International travels for me include Italy, Germany, and Philippines. Among the U.S. I've been all over the country. One of the reasons I love planning trips is I love researching things and places and having something to look forward to. I also enjoy meeting different people and immersing myself in their culture. In my every day job (choir accompanist) I get to travel to other places when choirs sing songs from other cultures. I love my job and I am grateful for what I get to do. 

In March of this year I asked Gretchen (whom I know from church) what is on her bucket list. She said, "to go visit where my grandmother was born and other relatives." This was Ireland. I simply suggested that it's possible and I'll help her plan the trip. Not even being serious and thinking that is might be an option, I sketched out a plan and asked her basic questions. She ended up suggesting adding London to the trip because she had worked there briefly many years ago. So I created a 10 day itinerary for Ireland and London. Gretchen, being in her 80s and ever so delightful, said she needed a companion. I was sure we could find someone to go with her. Not thinking I'd be the one she suggested I go with her. I said I'd love to but I'm not sure I can. We worked out details and go it figured out that I would be able to go and we set the trip for September 2023! It's was so close for planning an international trip but I had all summer to work out fine details. 

So the trip planning begun and after meeting a few times we were set with the major places to visit and sites to explore. Some of those places include Limerick (Saint Munchins and Saint Michaels), the Cliffs of Moher (Cliffs of insanity from the Princess Bride), the EPIC Center in Dublin (EPIC- Every Person Is Connected), the Rock of Cashel, a large castle.

In London we will see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Kings Cross Station, the Temple, walk through the hospital Gretchen used to work in as a physical therapist, have afternoon tea, tour Buckingham Palace, enjoy Verdi’s Requiem, and pick out a musical or two to see. A few other places are on the list if we have time.