As 2008 comes to a close we find ourselves bravely facing a new era in the world, in our politics and in our economies. There seems to be much to reflect on and as an article I read today so aptly put it, we should all..."Abandon Hope, Start a Revolution".  We are in a time in history where we have a great choice to make about our lives, using the old cliché, Think Globally, Act Locally, we can, in each of our own special ways, make a difference.  There is great change afoot... let's all join together and be part of it!

This year in May found me at the top of Torr Head in Northern Ireland (pictured), rediscovering the North and its beauty that is unsurpassed by few other places in the world. The North is a place to be discovered, great for the adventurous spirit and in the midst of becoming one of the newest hot spots to travel.  We travelled from Derry to Cork and all points in between. The most impressive thing was the lack of check points and towers in the North. I walked the walls of Derry and wept at the progress they have made in the peace process and in the communities sheer desire for a better life and to put the past well behind them.  It is truly a job well done! I travelled 3200km this year, North and South seeing old friends and making new ones. There is much to see and do and of course we have suggestions for you! See our links here.

2009 ushers in new tours and we are very excited to share the news that Linda Jonas will be joining Nancy Bier and I on tour in Ireland this year.  Our first genealogy tour is in May, with lectures taking place in Belfast, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, Dublin, Wicklow and Portlaois. If you don't have time to tour with us, but are there locally, please reserve your spot at one of our lectures on genealogy. To sign up please send us a note, we'd love to see you there!  If you want to join us on tour, send your inquirey here.

Other tours this year will include an intimate tour of the Art, History and Culture of Ireland.  Travel with us to private estates, taste the new food movement of Ireland (yes! I said food!) and meet the locals..... get in there and take a taste of Ireland... it's sure to be a lifetime experience you won't soon forget!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we wish you very happy in these trying times.