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I wanted to give an update on my trip and the top five stops we made while in Europe.

1. Big Ben and Parliament

It is amazing to walk out of the tram and see Big Ben looming in front of you. For me it was extra exciting because I am a huge fan of the Gunpowder Plot and loved to see the building that was almost taken out by a group of radical Catholics.

2. Snowdonia. This was an area in Wales (and really the only thing in Wales). It is a national park and one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen. Also, when driving through the mountain range, you will see several bunkers. The Welch people were scared for a Nazis invasion during the Second World War and built machine gun bunkers on the path going into the mountain range and leaving the mountain range.

Snowdonia National Park

3.Rock of Cashel.  This is located in Tipperary, Ireland and is an old monastery.  The kids thought it was “just another castle” but it is much more.  While walking through the ruins, you really get a feeling of what was once there.  It also overlooks a nunnery.  It is kind of eerie to walk around the graveyard and see crows all around.  Could this be a destination spot in the second book?  I think so.

Rock of Cashel

graveyard at Cashel

4.  Blarney Castle and the its gardens.  I have been to Blarney Castle before, and yes kissed the Blarney Stone, but to tour its gardens and really have some time there was nice.  The kids seemed to enjoy the castle and its dungeon but I liked the gardens surrounding the castle.

Blarney Castle

Alan and Keith in the gardens

5.  Spending time with friends and family in the UK.  It was nice to relax, see some great spots, and enjoy some Guinness with Keith, Mo, and Chris and Andrea Hallett.  Hopefully we can relive these moments again and have Craig and Maquel join us.