After arriving in Ireland (boy, it sure is green here), changing money and going through 'customs on the honor system' we take a god-awful long bus ride from Shannon airport to Kilarney with the inflection impaired bus driver (when does one story end and the next begin? Only he knows for sure) we arrive at the hotel. But not so fast we have to take a quick stop along the way to see thatched roofs and other misc. quaintness.

Hey, those sheep look like ants.

Thatched roofs. Oooooooo……….

Upon arriving at the hotel we bravely fend off jet lag, crappy views from the hotel, and a unfortunate tendency to laugh goodheartedly at the accents of the locals (we weren't trying to obnoxious, honest) and commence with the drinking!
We quickly ducked into the first pub we came across and ordered up a Guinness and some food.  I was tempted by the Egg Mayonnaise listed in the appetizer section, it sounded interesting, I like egg, I like mayonnaise, and I wanted to try some of the local cuisine, how could you go wrong. My arteries gave an audible shriek when a plate arrived with what looked like a bed of lettuce covered with about 2 cups of  mayonnaise.

Misc. quaintness. (you know it's an 'arty' picture because it's crooked.)

Much to my relief?, hidden in the pile of mayonnaise was a hard boiled egg, so it was kinda like egg salad in it's purest form. I'm sure it took a year off my life, but it sure was tasty once you get over the fact that you're eating a spoonful of mayo. Since I've returned to the states I've taken to going to the movies with a jar of Miracle Whip and a spoon smirking knowingly at the all the other suckers with their popcorn and candy.

Me enjoying my first Guinness. Truly a thing of ahhh… nevermind.

After sampling this thing the locals call 'beer' it was found to be vile and disgusting and I vowed then and there never to touch the stuff again…..psych (how about the use of the phrase 'psych' did that take you back to junior high or what). After a few pints in a few pubs we went back to the hotel for dinner which was found to be vile and disgusting. Ok, maybe it wasn't that bad, but it was no egg mayonnaise, that's for sure.

My first Guinness. Truly a thing of beauty.

Yeah, that's right, you read correctly.  "Drinking Consultants"
Me and Anthony in front of a pub whose named turned out to be eerily foreshadowing events that would unfold in the days to come.

To proceed with the revelry, follow the Guinness...