We traveled today by a combination of the back roads through farmland, hamlets and along the Neckar River to Heidelberg where we’re spending the night. Along the way, we made a stop in Bad Wimpfen for special roasted chicken in a tiny Gasthaus near the “Blue Tower,” a remnant of the medieval fortifications of Bad […]
Author Archives: jim
Welcome New Arrivals
Jane Williamson and her daughter Rachel Hernandez arrived on September 2 in Frankfurt to start their two-week journey around Germany. This has been a dream of Jane’s for a long time. She is on her first ever European trip, and just had her first ever trans-Atlantic flight. There will be many more “firsts” for Jane […]
Moneygall, Ireland Obama Ancestral Home in County Offaly
President Barack Obama has Irish roots on his mother’s side. The hamlet of Moneygall, about 125 kilometers to the southwest of Dublin is where the 44th president’s great-great-great grandfather Joseph Kearney lived before emigrating to America. European Focus owner James Derheim visited Moneygall on September 1 and found the village still basking in the glow […]
The Lonely Irish Bachelor Farmer
We had an interesting experience the other day while having a picnic near Healy Pass, County Cork. We were sitting on a low stone bridge spanning a babbling brook, complete with nearby waterfall. It was a perfect setting out in the wild country leading up to the stunning Healy Pass. While we were enjoying our […]
Ireland’s Pubs Face Big Challenge Starting in October
Starting soon, empty pubs all across Ireland. Why? Because of Ireland’s newest “get tougher” stance on drinking and driving. Starting on October 1, it will now be illegal to have even one pint before getting behind the wheel. This will certainly be the death of many a village pub, which are reliant on the farmer […]
Shelburne Lodge in Kenmare County Kerry Best Bed and Breakfast
The best bed and breakfast in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland by far is the beautiful Shelburne Lodge run by Tom and Maura Foley and their family and team. We’ve been staying here with our clients since 2001 and the Shelburne Lodge has become our home away from home in Ireland. You’re greeting warmly when you […]
Postcard from Ireland
A photographer’s dream, that’s Ireland. This view is on the end of the Beara Peninsula near Allihies.