Start of trip: ROME

Well, I am sitting in the Shannon Airport. We have about 10 minutes until boarding the wonderful RyanAir plane. We did manage to 'score' priority boarding again. That means that we get on the plane first. Not normally a big deal, but since this is a free seating airline it is HUGE!

RyanAir and Southwest Airlines use the same business plan, no reserved seats. Why they do this I have no idea. It doesn't seem like it would cost them more to have reserved seating. But the fares are really cheap.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the US air travel options if they finally pass that friendly skies bill.

So we drove down to Shannon. It took 1 hour and 45 minutes. About 45 minutes longer than I anticipated. Mainly because in Ireland you have to drive directly through EVERY little town or village on the highway. No freeways. Heck, these wouldn't even qualify as a highway back in the states.

But this means for those of you that are coming to visit, it is easier to fly to Shannon. But not prohibitively so. The drive to Dublin is about 3 hours in good traffic. Can be as bad as five hours at times are the rumors.

My super slow free internet time in the airport departure waiting area is wrapping up so I will leave.

Again, have a good Christmas. If you take the time to read this it is safe to say we are thinking of you as well!