Vienna, Austria

Jennifer, Matthew & Nicole traveled by train from Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria.  Considering the language barrier (we do not speak Hungarian or German) this was no easy feat.

While in Vienna we toured the Vienna State Opera House.  We learned about the Austria - Hungarian Empire, and saw the opulence of the Crown Jewels and Imperial Apartments / Hofsburg Palace.  Our favorite palace belonged to Prince Eugene: Belvedere Palace.  The gardens at Schonbrun Palace were quite impressive as well.
 

Belvedere Palace
Vienna, Austria




Gardens at Schonbrun Palace
Vienna, Austria

 


Mozart Statue with Treble Clef of Flowers
Vienna, Austria



Hofsburg Palace
Vienna, Austria



Nicole Dressed Up
Vienna State Opera House
Vienna, Austria



Greetings from Budapest

On July 20th Jennifer, Matthew & Nicole flew from Dublin, Ireland to Budapest, Hungary.

For two days we toured Budapest riding around town on a Hop-on, Hop Off "Double Decker" Maroon Bus.  We learned that Buda and Pest are actually two cities that straddle the Danube River.  We visited the famous Turkish thermal Szechenyi Baths for a soak on a hot day.  We went to a Hungarian Folk Dance show where ladies danced with carafes of "Bulls Blood" wine on their heads.  Favorite sights included the  Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge, Parliament and St. Stephan's Cathedral.





Fisherman's Bastion
Budapest, Hungary

 

Fisherman's Bastion
Budapest, Hungary



Chain Bridge
Budapest, Hungary

Parliament
Budapest, Hungary

 

Danube River Cruise - Nicole
Budapest, Hungary



Danube River Cruise - Matthew
Budapest, Hungary

 

Danube River Cruise - Jennifer
Budapest, Hungary



St. Stephan's Cathedral
Budapest, Hungary




Gaelic Hurling

Hurling has been played for over 3,000 years and is considered to be the world's fastest team field game.  The object of the game is for players to use a wooden stick (called a hurley) to hit a small ball (called a sliotar) between the opponent's goalposts.  Over the crossbar for one point, or under the crossbar into a net for one goal, which is equivalent to three points.  The sliotar can be caught in the hand and carried for not more than four steps, struck in the air, or struck on the ground with the hurley.  It can be kicked or slapped with an open hand (the hand pass) for short-range passing.  A player who wants to carry the ball for more than four steps has to bounce or balance the sliotar on the end of the stick and the ball can only be handled twice while in his possession.

We all attended the Derry vs. Armagh game this Wednesday, July 17th at Owenbeg Park in Dungiven, Northern Ireland.  Derry beat Armagh 19-16.  Enjoy the pictures and videos.


Derry vs. Armagh
Owenbeg Park, Dungiven



Derry vs. Armagh
Owenbeg Park, Dungiven



Derry vs. Armagh
Owenbeg Park, Dungiven



Derry vs. Armagh
Owenbeg Park, Dungiven



Derry vs. Armagh
Owenbeg Park, Dungiven

Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland

Our coastguard station is right on the North Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of the Inishowen Peninsula.  Here are some sights from this part of Ireland.


Lough Foyle - Matthew & Nicole Kayaking



Malin Head - Norther tip of County Donegal, Ireland

Malin Head - View



Inishowen Peninsula - Highland Cow



Kinnego Bay - Spanish Armada Ship "La Trinidad Valencia" sunk here in 1588

Gaelic Football

Gaelic football is the most popular sport in Ireland.  Each team has 15 players comprised of 1 goalkeeper, 6 backs, 2 midfielders and 6 forwards.  Players advance the football up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing and soloing (dropping the ball and then toe-kicking the ball upward into the hands).  Two types of scores are possible: points and goals.  A point is awarded for kicking or hand-passing the ball over the crossbar.  A goal is awarded for kicking the ball under the crossbar into the net.

Matthew and Greg attended the Derry vs. Dunn game this Saturday, July 6th at Celtic Park in Derry.  Derry beat Dunn 13-8.  Enjoy the pictures and videos.


Derry vs. Dunn
Celtic Park, Derry

 

Derry vs. Dunn
Celtic Park, Derry

Yeats Trail, County Sligo, Ireland

We visited County Sligo, an area known for its majestic scenery.  William Butler Yeats, a famous Irish poet, drew his inspiration from this beautiful part of Ireland.



Isle of Innisfree
Co. Sligo, Ireland

Sheep by Lough Gil
Co. Sligo, Ireland



Glencar Waterfall
Co. Sligo, Ireland

Matthew, Greg, Nicole & Jennifer
Glencar Waterfall
Co. Sligo, Ireland

Highcross at Dumcliffe, Yeats buried nearby
Co, Sligo, Ireland

"Football" in Ireland



Moville Celtic Football Club Headquarters
Moville, Ireland

Matt and Nicole joined the Moville Celtic Football Club back in May.  They are "training" players and do not play in the actual intercity matches (games).  Matt's team actually won the Inishowen Peninsula Cup for their age division.  Matt is pictured here with the team right after winning "the cup."  The champions rode around town in a hay wagon pulled by a tractor.  Go Celtics!

Moville Celtic Football Club
Inishowen Peninsula Cup Champions

Moville Celtic Footbal Club
Inishowen Peninsula Cup Celebration

Nicole - "On Offense"



Nicole - "Defending"

Matt - "On Offense"

Matt - "After the Shot"