Ireland’s economy boomed between 1995 and 2007, growing at over 9% each year. This drew the attention of a reporter, as Ireland had previously been one of Europe’s poorest countries. The title, Celtic Tiger, was referring to the Four Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan), but soon, the nickname caught on and is still used occasionally as the island’s economy is still doing well.

We left the house before 6 am, dropped off the rental car (which was faster and easier than picking it up), and grabbed the shuttle back to the airport. We had to wait twice for separate pairs of glass doors to be unlocked from the other side once the crew got the ok. While we waited, we met two other couples (one reminding me of Grumpy Old Men, but in love) who also drove (one from Michigan or Minnesota and the other couple from the Tri-state area).

Once seated, the couple behind us is from Tampa. The passengers are brought snacks, drinks, and a meal (all the food being white/tan in color) in quick succession so that many can sleep through the flight. I will use this time to try the Tayto (The Original Irish crisp) salt & vinegar chips and Keogh’s (Grown with love in Ireland) shamrock and sour cream chips, which are yummy!

I was still up reading about Sue on the Appalachian Trail with two hours of flight time to go, so I went to the back to get another drink and snack. The crew brings around ‘sandwiches’ (pita pizza pocket) an hour later. We’re deplaning, and I get the opportunity to see a man with a metal ball for an eye. If I had more time, I perhaps would’ve asked him questions that others deemed inappropriate.

We land in New Jersey, and I eat a salad (mostly a post about food consumed over international waters rather than anything to do with Ireland), and on the next flight, I see a woman sneaking Cheez-Its under her sweater with her sunglasses on. If I get the chance to return to Ireland, I would want to see the northern half and then come back for a lighthouse tour.

I debated posting this, as there’s not much here, but I wanted to complete the ten nicknames for Ireland and mention the crisps, of which there are so many flavors available online. The flights were about half the cost of this trip, and we have a road trip planned for next month as we enjoy the last few months of Caleb being on active duty with a consistent paycheck every two weeks.

Growing up, I always wished to get away. I found someone I could staycation or escape with and who would help fund my long periods of unemployment. I have worked roughly eight years in the last 21 and some of that time was unpaid. Once Caleb retires, I still hope to get an annual cancellation in our passports, and I know that may require some earnings on my part.