1. That's the Dreadful Creatures enjoying 100 Euro Room Service and the million dollar view (of Cartoon Network).
2 The big white building in the distance is our seaside hotel, the Cliff House, in Ardmore, County Waterford
Kate is on her second week of school holiday, I leave for the 'States tomorrow, so yesterday we decided to head to the beach for the "day" for a change in scenery. Nine years ago CW and I had splendid overnight in the seaside town of Ardmore in County Waterford. We were on our way from CW's father's to CW's mother's and I decided I should have some down time. The tiny town of Ardmore (pop. 415) met my requirements: local PUB, bistro with non-Irish undercooked food, beach, cheap B and B and the best chips I have had to date: served piping hot, in a plain brown bag with lots of salt, steps from the beach. We thought (9 years later): our kids will like this! The drive from Cork City: 52 minutes--perfect! Found a beach with a playground, bought a picnic lunch at local shop, did a "scare-rafying" windy cliff walk, and then decided too far to drive back to Cork, must stay the night. Checked out all cheap accommodation and found they were still closed for the season. Then checked out only open hotel in Ardmore: the 5 star Cliff House. CW and I decided we would stay if we came within 5 Euros of guessing the price--we both came in at 170 Euros per night. I went in (left CW and Dreadful Creatures in car) and inquired. Pleasant plump (PP) girl quoted me a rate of 170 Euros (spot on) and then I f***ed up and mentioned we had children in tow. She then said an extra rollaway bed would be an additional 70 Euro (which by no rationale put this place out of our price range). Asked if we could forego extra bed and save 70 Euros, PP said she would have to check. Went back to car, told CW story, and she went in. Unbeknownst to me, she dealt with Skinny Minny Mean Girl (SMMG) who said extra bed was mandatory (as well as 70 Euro charge) and then told CW that "did she mind, she had guests to check in". CW came back out, gave me details, and we decided that 52 minute drive back to Cork was a bit too much for us to handle. I went back in to hotel, asked SMMG if they had any rooms, she said, "Two adults?", I said "Yes", and she said, "Lovely, 170 Euros". At that moment, PP came up and said, "Oh, you will be needing the extra bed", SMMG said, "No just two adults". I looked at PP, She looked at me, didn't say anything, and I guiltily took my "unofficial" discount. To celebrate our good fortune, I took the family to the local pub and we celebrated with two pints and two Fantas. Back to 5 Star Cliff House, I went in, got key, and CW and children went up via side stairs. Usual hotel arrival ritual: CW bathes Dreadful Creatures, I retire to bar to source out scene--pretty well-groomed crowd (Is that Bono and his son?). Two 6 Euro pints of Carlsberg, back to room, and order room service. I decide that we should do a family movie and order "Role Models" on Pay-per-View. Uh, not so appropriate, DCs fall asleep, and CW and I head to bar (We didn't leave DCs unattended--left my cell phone on in room and took CW's phone to bar-if Cartoon Network was replaced by screams over phone, time to ask for check.) Had a lovely drink, back to sleeping creatures, and home today. Have decided to buy cottage in Ardmore once we quit our 5 Star Hotel habit and have discovered Hotel did not charge us for our 100 Euro Dinner--Strangely enough, we are going to call and report their mistake. Go figure! Oh, that would be the door-hey, it's my last night in town--of course we have a babysitter!
