Adventures on Inishmore

Today we ventured a day trip to the Aran Islands. Specifically Inishmore. In planning this trip I find I have been 'optimistic' regarding the tolerance of a 2 year old, to say the least. But I also am quick to change gears when something isn't working, and change gears I have.

First of all, thank God for the Babyhawk! Second of all, suck up your parental pride and give your kid whatever they want (within reason) if you are so audacious as to drag a 2 year old over to a different continent with an 8 hour time difference and no schedule.

My mom is still under the impression that she needs to 'catch up' on sleep to fully enjoy the vacation. I think this is hilarious since I have had a baby boy for the last 2 years...catch up? Wha? I am actually feeling quite good now that Eli is solidly sleeping until 4AM most mornings (this is an improvement). OH, and before I forget...Third of all, thank God for portable entertainment, yay CARS (and the PS2)! Eli watched this at least 10 times between the plane ride and the first few days in Dublin. It's 2AM, your toddler is wide awake, ready to face the day. You, not so much. This is where movies come in handy.

The Babyhawk (babyhawk.com) is incredible for napping on the go. No matter where we are or what we are doing OR how loudly he protests, I strap Eli into the Hawk, and 3 minutes later he's sound asleep. Beautiful.

So, day trip to Inishmore. I thought it would be lovely to explore this tiny island with 3,000 year old ruins on bicycle....hahaha! Eli fell asleep on the Ferry ride over, we woke him up by strapping him into a strange seat on the back of a windy bike. No snacks, no mama food, nothing (he can't really hang on to anything back there, too windy). My chain falls off twice (I fix it). The third time the chain gets stuck and I end up pushing the bike back to the dock. Bright side, I learned my lesson early in the trip, flagged a bus tour guide, got a bike refund and picked up my family in the bus. Picked up snacks and water to eat on the bus, voila, happy family, happy mama. Eli was screaming his head off when I pulled up in the bus. Then proceeded to immediately break into a huge smile and yell "Yipee!" when he realized he got to get off the bike and onto the bus.

I probably have as helpful a husband there is and that makes this trip so lovely, especially with a cute little boy. Grandma helps when she can but is still a bit overrun by the change in schedule. To be truthful, I'm having a blast and this country and it's people are stunning.

Note to parents traveling with toddlers: If you lack patience, don't go. If you must get 8 hours of sleep to enjoy your days, don't go. If you like rigidity in your schedule and are easily frustrated with sudden, frequent changes in plan, don't go. If none of the above applies to you, by all means, take your toddler (and a grandmum) and have a splendid vacation!

In all the cracks between the tantrums, Eli is charming locals and tourists alike. I have learned that sites in Ireland are always within "walking distance" according to the locals (usually with a time estimate attached). And somehow everyone knows where each and every street is, though I have yet to see a street sign in Galway.