Today is Friday
Nov 21, 2008
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Trips with no turbulence |
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2008 | | | By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
From the Blarney Stone to the Waterford factory to the local inns and haunts, more than a dozen residents from Maris Grove will travel the whole loop of Ireland in April to see all the attractions that make it the crown jewel of the North Atlantic.
The week-long international excursion is planned and organized by the Maris Grove transportation department.
To each their own
The transportation department has been planning dozens of trips each year, from mild to wild and by almost every mode of travel—planes, trains, ships, and buses.
For longer trips and international excursions, Maris Grove Trip Coordinator Peggy Fralinger says they try to give the customers a taste of everything. “These trips are good for those who have traveled before and for first timers alike,” Fralinger says. “We make sure we do some touristy activities and also see sites that are a little more off the beaten path.”
Other excursions from Maris Grove are also in the works. In March a group of travelers will go to San Antonio and the local Riverwalk. The group will have the whole southwest experience as they sightsee, take southwest cuisine cooking lessons, drink margaritas, and even visit a real life dude ranch. Later in the year residents will be taking a cruise down the Blue Danube River, stopping at ports in Budapest, Minsk, and Prague. At the end of the year, another contingent is traveling to Italy and the world-renowned Amalfi Coast.
Convenience and fun, reasonably priced
Fralinger carefully plans every aspect of the trips so residents can spend more time enjoying their destination. “We worry about the details and do the legwork; their only job is to enjoy their vacation,” Fralinger says. “It’s not easy making sure that dozens of people are prepared for a trip like this, but I think we’ll get through it pretty well.” | |
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Tom Fennell, who will be traveling Ireland with his wife Rose, says, “As far as trips go, they are fairly priced. But the real reason we chose to travel with Maris Grove is because it will be so convenient—they pick you up at the front door. We’ve tried to fly out of New York before, and that can be an adventure in itself. This way, Maris Grove takes our luggage, and they take care of everything for us. We can just enjoy the trip.
“And it will be convenient to have a bus to take us around once we get there,” he adds.
Tours, tours galore
This trip won’t be the Fennell’s first to Ireland. “We’ve traveled before all over and love Ireland and the Germanic countries,” Tom Fennell says. “They are our favorite destinations. There’s so much history, and it’s such a great place to visit. The last time we went, we couldn’t go to the north part of Ireland so this trip was a great opportunity to see Belfast and the surrounding countryside.”
Pack and go
“This is something I never would have done had I not lived at Maris Grove,” Kathleen Maculaitis says of the upcoming Ireland trip. “I don’t have to worry about the house. I can just pack up, close the door, and go. I’ve been all over the [United States], but this is my first time taking a truly international trip. I feel extremely good about the idea of traveling with a group of people I know and like so much. It should be a great new experience.”
Maculaitis says she learned about the excursion through the community’s trips and travel club and knew this was the trip for her. “We go places all the time—to dinner, and New York City for plays, and to visit Radio City, but this was something that I’ve always wanted to try, especially having some Irish in my family.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it all, but I think I’ll enjoy the pubs and castles the most,” she adds.
Come one, come all
The transportation department doesn’t just arrange week-long trips; daytrips are also an option. Fralinger says Maris Grove has trips every month to regional attractions like museums, historical sites, casinos, and other points of interest.
Recently they have traveled to the Philadelphia Mummers Museum, a Renoir exhibit, and even a nearby chocolate factory.
“We’re always looking for somewhere new to go,” Fralinger says. “We probably have a trip for every taste.”
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