Time, like sewerage, flows on regardless of the human will

Three weeks to go till take off, and still so much to plan. Anxiety levels rising. Bookings for accommodation in Paris made, at last, that was a hard one to decide. I'm indebted to all the travellers who have bothered to post a real opinion on places they have stayed. There always seems to be such a gulf between the glowing self promotions put out by "the owners" and the sadder but wiser words of travellers who have actually stayed at a place.

Have made the general decision to hire a car and self-drive around Ireland - don't think we can get into too much trouble / getting lost there. And getting there, the low cost charter flight operators seem to be a way of getting there without wasting a lot of time with the relative slowness of ferries across the Irish Sea.

On the Continent, though, everyone is telling me rail travel - and especially the Eurail passes that must be purchased before you arrive in Europe- are the best option, because the rail system is so extensive and well organised. I like the idea of not having to concentrate on driving all the time.

Still waiting on news from some contacts I am hoping to catch up with while in Europe. Not travelling with offspring this time, so no need to have every day planned ahead of time. Get some key dates in place, and leave some flexbility do explore whatever options come up, would seem to be a fair approach.