House Hunters International - General Discussion

[40Love]

39 minutes ago, Grizzly said:

Tarragona, Spain. Is Stephany going to be hanging out at the bars during the day? She might have a problem.

Yeah, I'm giving Stephany a little bit of the side-eye 👀 about her insistence on being near the bars. Got the feeling she might be on the prowl when Dominique is away at school. I'm curious if they're still together. 

Glad they picked the 1st apartment. It was the nicest place... even if it was a little far from the university. 

[Pi237]

On 4/29/2023 at 11:25 AM, Chit Chat said:

He didn't think the commute was so bad because HE didn't have to drive it!!  

 

 

That’s exactly what I thought. He didn’t seem to want her home more. And the kids will be isolated with just him and their big yard. Maybe they homeschool. Strange vibes of those two as a couple. 

[TVForever]

NYC to Auckland:

Anyone surprised that they "chose" the house that just happened to be selling mid-renovation? 

Anyone?

[aghst]

I didn't see Taragona as a new episode, at least my DVR didn't pick it up.

When I go to HGTV app, it doesn't show up as a recent new episode.

Instead there was a Alberta to Ajijic, Mexico episode which aired as new last week.

[ArtFossil]

NYC to Auckland. Enjoyed seeing New Zealand. Went to a conference in Auckland in 2000 and spent a week traveling around and enjoying Ninety Mile beach. Wanted to immigrate but was already too old. 

Anyway, residing as always in the shallow end of the pool I must say I HATE the husband’s mustache. (Plus, he’s a total tool.)

Edited May 9, 2023 by ArtFossil

[aghst]

17 hours ago, TVForever said:

NYC to Auckland:

Anyone surprised that they "chose" the house that just happened to be selling mid-renovation? 

Anyone?

The parts of the house which were finished looked good.  They just had to clean up the outside, finish the garden, put up fence.

maybe the only place they couldn’t use right away was the end of the big wraparound terrace.

it was closest to their parents, who’d be babysitting.

how did they have $1.5 million for a first house, especially since he wasn’t going to be working?  Parents probably or some other inheritance?

[proserpina65]

2 hours ago, aghst said:

The parts of the house which were finished looked good.  They just had to clean up the outside, finish the garden, put up fence.

maybe the only place they couldn’t use right away was the end of the big wraparound terrace.

it was closest to their parents, who’d be babysitting.

how did they have $1.5 million for a first house, especially since he wasn’t going to be working?  Parents probably or some other inheritance?

Speaking strictly of the houses, I greatly preferred the second one.  But that had a lot of property, which would be labor-intensive to maintain.  Plus, sheep are one hell of a lot of work, even more than many other farm animals.  I knew they weren't going to choose that one as soon as I saw the sheep.

[aghst]

Well if they want the grandparents to babysit, probably a good idea to be closer to them than further away.

Plus my suspicion about who helped them financially buy the house, they probably want to ingratiate themselves.

[Pine]

Personal Assistant retiring to Mexico.

I took one look at her long pointy nails, and there's no way she really is living in the one she chose.  I'm just not seeing it.   JMHO of course.

[gingerella]

11 hours ago, Pine said:

Personal Assistant retiring to Mexico.

I took one look at her long pointy nails, and there's no way she really is living in the one she chose.  I'm just not seeing it.   JMHO of course.

She kept saying how she wanted a scaled back life, but she's wearing talon nails and full make up.

[aghst]

New Hampshire to Lisbon - Sadie on her first job out of college gets to work remotely for a finance company.  It's just a job to her but it lets her work in Europe, travel there.

She wants to spend $800 for an apartment.

Her mother, a teacher, comes on the house hunting trip.  I forget her name but she injects her personality into this episode, repeatedly hinting, not so subtly, that Sadie has to make provisions for her to visit, so maybe a second bedroom or at least a sofa bed.

Sadie doesn't seem to enthusiastic about mom visiting other than maybe occasionally and for short periods.

She sees a $1100 apt, 2 bedrooms, with beautiful azuelos tiles and other decor that makes it look like Europe to her.  Mom is all on board.

But Sadie remarks on the budget, as her first job out of college limits financial options for her, especially since she wants to travel throughout Europe.

Second choice is a 1 bedroom on budget at $800 but it's under the roof so she mentions she could get concussions.  Diminutive mom says not a problem for her!

Third choice is a modern apt, missing any of the Portuguese/European character Sadie talks repeatedly about -- producers trained her well.

It's $1000.

In the end she chooses #2, on budget.  It was down to #1 and #2.  Apparently mom wasn't willing to chip in and pay for #1 or Sadie wasn't going to let her?  Not if it means having an extra room that encourages more frequent and longer visits from mom than she'd like?

Another factor she cites is that her choice is in a more residential area, so more quiet from late night revelers.  Thing about Europeans, particularly Spaniards and probably true of the Portuguese, is that their evenings don't even start until at least 8 PM and often run much later.  A lot of restaurants don't open before then for dinner.

In the 3 months after, she says she's happy -- do they ever say they're not happy with their choice or their move?  No sign of mom.  I might have missed it if Sadie said mom has visited or plans to visit.

 

[ML89]

39 minutes ago, aghst said:

In the 3 months after, she says she's happy -- do they ever say they're not happy with their choice or their move?

There was one...Spain, a gay couple moving in together, one guy American, one guy Spanish, but I forget which one was saying some of the right things but not all of them - not happy with the location at all, and I think a breakup was ahead. Anyone else remember this one?

I still would like to go back to that Frankfurt one where the woman moved into the place with the shower in the kitchen...

[buttersister]

I think she mentioned Mom would be visiting during a break. But then, I heard Mom non-stopping about her visits so I might be hearing that now--and in my sleep.

[BAForever]

2 hours ago, buttersister said:

I think she mentioned Mom would be visiting during a break. But then, I heard Mom non-stopping about her visits so I might be hearing that now--and in my sleep.

Mom's work is in the education field, so I think I heard she may visit on her break(s).

[Jodithgrace]

Daughter said that Mom would be visiting for a week at most, to which Mom quipped, “I’ve got all summer!”

[buttersister]

I understand Mom's desire. But she needs to make some new friends back home.

[aghst]

Philly to Utrecht, a family of four, one teen boy and a girl around 10.

Wife? (they have different last names) will give up her job but husband has his own company so he needs office space in addition to 3 bedrooms and 2 baths for $2800 budget.

Wife says that they were planning this move when the pandemic came and they had to delay their plans.

They both want to be near the city center.  They lived in Philly and they went and explored different neighborhoods so that was a big bonding thing for the family.

The realtor -- not Sarah, not Floor -- says that there's a housing crisis in Utrecht, especially in the center.

First home, the only one in the center, is a 3 BD, 1.5 BATH home with a small fridge and small living space.  It's the most expensive at $3000

Second home, out in the country, is very roomy, much bigger space than they had back in the US.  But it's 20 minutes to city center and while a great value given the size (3 BD, 2.5 BA, office space).

Third home is a bit closer in the suburbs, 10 minutes out of city center, $2500 for 3 BD, 1.5 BATHs.  But it's small.  This one they eliminate first despite the price.

They go for the city center one, the smaller and more expensive one.  In the three months later, the kids are happily adopting, bicycling to school.

They said they fell in love with Utrecht.  Good reasons why but maybe one they saw the prices they should have looked around a bit?  There was no particular reason they chose Utrecht or the NL in general.  Husband can work from anywhere with Internet access so they could have chosen a place with more competitive housing.

Also, if they're moving right after some of the travel restrictions have lifted, that is when inflation hit and people flush with cash was bidding up prices of real estate and everything else.

At least that was the in the case in the US.  I think Europeans also got financial support, maybe not as lucrative but still got money.  Historically these are competitive real estate market because these cities are densely populated and there is never enough housing stock.

Maybe this isn't a permanent move, since they're renting.  They don't mention if they are keeping a home back in the US.  Then again, to move two young children, that's not something to be done for a 1 or 2 year sabbatical or adventure abroad, is it?

Maybe they got a digital nomad visa for the husband.  Maybe in a year or two, the wife gets restless and wants to return to work.

 

[Thumper]

I thought that was an odd couple.  Maybe the cameras made them uncomfortable.  I also thought they must not have done much research ahead of time regarding housing costs and availability.

 

[cinsays]

1 hour ago, Thumper said:

I thought that was an odd couple.  Maybe the cameras made them uncomfortable.  I also thought they must not have done much research ahead of time regarding housing costs and availability.

 

the wife seemed to be trying to portray herself as extra exuberant, just so much fun......

yeah, seems like more research might have led them elsewhere more suited, but hope they're happy

[chessiegal]

Considering how much fabrication goes on for HHI, I tend not to believe the backstories.

[Chit Chat]

The running theme with this show is that the buyers are always somewhat shocked (think of the McCaulay Culkin, Home Alone, face) to learn that the market is tight and the prices are high.  Then there's the realtor/relocation specialist who always grimaces - no matter how high the budget is - and exclaims how he/she will try to help the buyers, but compromise will be needed! It gets a little old.

8 hours ago, aghst said:

Philly to Utrecht, a family of four, one teen boy and a girl around 10.

The house with the spiral staircase would be a no-go for me.  It was way too steep, and how the hell do you get furniture up there?  Can you imagine trying to navigate that while taking laundry up and down the stairs?  They never mentioned having a washer & dryer, but I assume there was one there.  The house they ended up in was nice, but it appeared that you can't stand up and shower in that tub.   There was a slanted ceiling with a window directly above it.  I wouldn't like that.  The refrigerator was too small.  She said they were eating out a lot, so maybe it didn't matter after all.  

[aghst]

I don't know about Utrecht but in Amsterdam, those tall houses, both on and off canals, have hooks near the roof line.  They use that to pull up furniture by pulleys and get them in through the windows.

The reason why houses were tall and narrow was that they were taxed on the width but not the height of the homes.

Hence why you have those steep staircases, not even spiral ones but they're more like ladders in many ways that staircases.

[twoods]

The Washington to Spain couple had a nice 2500 budget, and there were some gorgeous homes (except for the third one). I couldn’t believe the outside terrace at the first place overlooking the marina- two sitting areas AND a table to eat meals. After all these wonderful Spain episodes I would definitely love to move there if I wanted to retire somewhere internationally.

Edited May 15, 2023 by twoods

[aghst]

Seattle to Sunshine Coast

So young 27-year old guy originally from Seattle, apparently bumming around New Zealand since college and now moves to Queensland for the surfing.  Will support himself by giving stargazing tours, wants a place on the beach for just $1000.

First place is a home share with all kinds of rules, like can't have guests sleep over unless he gets approval ahead of time.  But it is very close to the beach and is only $700.

Second place is inland or what they call the hinterlands.  Unfurnished and he needs furniture.

Third place is 10 minutes from beach, 7 minutes from posh Noosaville.  He has complete privacy for $1000.

He goes for the first place, says it's the proximity to the beach but I suspect it's the price difference.  How consistent is that stargazing business?

12 hours ago, twoods said:

The Washington to Spain couple had a nice 2500 budget, and there were some gorgeous homes (except for the third one). I couldn’t believe the outside terrace at the first place overlooking the marina- two sitting areas AND a table to eat meals. After all these wonderful Spain episodes I would definitely love to move there if I wanted to retire somewhere internationally.

Yeah other than the beach, I'm not sure that was the most interesting part of Andalucia.  They didn't show too many historic buildings and it's kind of a long ways from Seville and Malaga, two key gateways.

But he's working either for the Navy or some other US govt. base on the coast there.

I guess they would save some money if he makes good use of that large kitchen in the big home but otherwise, the $900 a month rent difference, as she noted it's almost $10k a year and she wants to shop and travel.

But apparently he makes good money so he could afford the higher rent and to keep his wife entertained and happy.

She is right, the big home is secluded but maybe they don't really hang out too much at restaurants and cafes or socialize enough to need to be right on the marina.

Other than the small kitchen, that apartment was perfect though.

[buttersister]

1 hour ago, aghst said:

apparently he makes good money so he could afford the higher rent and to keep his wife entertained and happy.

At the end,  they made a point of saying they’d been to Florence and Paris (I think) and she was loving her large closets. So whattaya know? Budget was a ruse.😂

[edie3]

On 5/12/2023 at 1:39 PM, gingerella said:

a scaled back life

For someone wanting a scaled back life, she seems a little extra.

[Grizzly]

There was something about her face. Either botox or she had a mini stroke.

[Pine]

Surfer Dude, Seattle to Australia via NZ.

Come on!  His agent was way to ecstatic over him.  It was really creepy once I noticed it in all the scenes.  If she was a guy, and surfer dude was a woman/girl, people would be all over it.   He was completely unfazed, and didn't notice her gleeful grins at his every word.  I think she kind of slipped and said the rental with the drum kit was hers.  Oh well, it was entertaining if nothing else.  If you look him up, he seems to be into the stock market.🤔

[aghst]

Florida to Madrid.  A couple both secure jobs at the same school outside of Madrid.  They are taking salary cuts but want to travel so don't want to spend too much over the $2000 budget for a 3 BD, 2 BA with terrace ask, though one thinks they will need to spend more.

House 1 is in the center, an hour commute away.  It's $2400 and only has 2 BD, 2 BA but has a glorious, large, quiet terrace.  It would let them live as they did in FL, a lot of the time outdoors.

House 2 is out of the center but still near amenities, still about an hour commute.  It's $2200 for 3 BD, 2 BA but no terrace.  But the space is roomy and they like the style of the home.

House 3 is a little further out, making the commute a bit shorter.  But it's only 2 BD, 1 BA with a little terrace and it's $1700.  But the rooms are small and the style isn't to their liking so they eliminate it right away.

They decide on house 2, saving $200 a month but it's still something and they adapt to live without outdoor space.

The additional bedroom allows them to host their children as well as some friends from back home.  They still retain their home back in FL, so probably not a permanent move.

They have traveled a lot together but curiously had never visited Spain before they accepted the job offers and decided to move.

[Chit Chat]

1 hour ago, aghst said:

They decide on house 2, saving $200 a month but it's still something and they adapt to live without outdoor space.

It would've been hard to walk away from the apartment with the terrace, but it looks like they need the extra space with the one they chose, so hopefully it's still working out for them.  Thing is, if they like the area, they could always look for another place when it gets close to the end of their lease.   Sometimes people act like they're choosing a place for life without the option of ever leaving!!

1 hour ago, aghst said:

They are taking salary cuts but want to travel so don't want to spend too much over the $2000 budget for a 3 BD, 2 BA with terrace ask, though one thinks they will need to spend more.

They are from Cocoa Beach, which is 5 miles from where I grew up!  If they owned their home in Cocoa Beach and sold it for this move, then they would've done quite well.  Homes in that area are expensive.  Homeowners insurance is very high too, so they'll be saving money on that.  If they were renting, I'm sure they were paying well over $2000 a month, so between rent or mortgage, and insurance, I would think they could afford the cost of the apartment in Spain.  Just a guess on my part though!

[ECM1231]

I'd be serving as much vino as Madrid realtor Aurora desired, if she'd keep her end of the deal and bring the paella! Yum! 

I can understand wanting to live in Madrid proper, but why take a job that's going to be a good hour commute? Are there no schools closer to the city? 

I'm guessing that the distance wasn't really an issue then. I'd have taken the large terrace apartment, considering that the commutes were the same. You don't really need a whole extra bedroom for office space, especially since neither work from home. That lovely large terrace could accommodate a desk. Besides being 1 bedroom short, I think they said the living room furniture was not comfortable, so maybe that was a factor.

[Chit Chat]

7 minutes ago, ECM1231 said:

Besides being 1 bedroom short, I think they said the living room furniture was not comfortable, so maybe that was a factor.

Wasn't the one they chose close to a market?  One of them said they liked that so they could stop in and buy fish on the way home.  It looked like there were a lot of good restaurants in that area too.  I loved the terrace, so it was a tough trade-off.  I wouldn't like the commute, but living in the city and not having to buy a car is a plus. 

[proserpina65]

On 5/17/2023 at 1:01 PM, Chit Chat said:

  If they owned their home in Cocoa Beach and sold it for this move, then they would've done quite well. 

It sounded like they were keeping their house in Cocoa Beach.

I get the appeal of the terrace, but they chose the better place for them.  They needed the extra bedroom to use as an office.

On 5/17/2023 at 1:32 PM, Chit Chat said:

Wasn't the one they chose close to a market?  One of them said they liked that so they could stop in and buy fish on the way home. 

No, that was the cheap one they eliminated right away for being too small.

On 5/17/2023 at 1:22 PM, ECM1231 said:

Besides being 1 bedroom short, I think they said the living room furniture was not comfortable, so maybe that was a factor.

More expensive, too.  Between that, lacking the third bedroom, having uncomfortable furniture and being slightly farther from work, I can see not choosing it.  Especially if they wanted to travel a lot.

[seacliffsal]

I'm a bit behind, but I really doubted the surfer's story about moving to NZ as they have really tough immigration requirements and I don't think trying to sell 'star gazing' tours would have qualified.  Maybe he brought a lot of money with him or something, but something seemed off with his story.

The Berlin couple seemed nice, but the husband just didn't seem like a personal trainer.  Plus, Germans are very active so I don't know if there would be a need for his services.  Things that make me go "hmmmmm."

Like others, that terrace apartment in the city center of Madrid would have been hard for me to pass up.  Unlike other house hunters who move overseas to teach (online), this couple had jobs in a school-maybe an International School?

[aghst]

HHI doesn't concern itself with trivialities like visas.😉

[Grizzly]

Minnesota to Tipperary, Ireland. Get a house that works for your family. Who cares if it has Irish charm. That country cottage was too cluttered. There you go, good choice.

[twoods]

Oh man, the idiots from California who wanted to move to Australia for a “sustainable lifestyle” are on right now. Let’s just quit jobs and go to Australia, and then want something close to the beach for a shitty budget. I nearly lost it again with the amount of times they said “sustainable lifestyle” but the kids hadn’t watched it so here I am, internally screaming. And put on a freaking bra if you’re going to be on TV!

Edited May 22, 2023 by twoods

[abbyzenn]

Minnesota couple moving to Ireland:  If you took a drink every time she said "house with Irish charm" you would have been passed out before she left the first house.  

She yakked on and on about the "dangerous" road in front of house #3 but said the river in the front yard of house #3 was Irish charm.

Strange that they showed so little of house #3 - we didn't even see the living room (or was I too tipsy by then to notice????)  The  house had no Irish charm by her account but lady look out the window and see picture perfect Ireland.

I wonder how many of these house hunters that always go on and on about wanting "X charm" in the house and actually partake of their new country or do they only socialize with other ex-pats.

[BAForever]

7 hours ago, abbyzenn said:

 The house had no Irish charm by her account but lady look out the window and see picture perfect Ireland.

 

This times 1000. I'd go for comfort and practicality inside every time. There is plenty of charm for the family to enjoy in their new community. 

[Andyourlittledog2]

She said she wanted a fairytale Irish cottage. I thought she was ridiculous and I wound up wanting to slap her (figuratively) half way through the episode if she whined about 'charm' again.

The couple from Northern California was awful. Or at least half of them were. He had a job he loved with trees and a good lifestyle for him but his new girlfriend has a degree in eco something and wants to go to Australia to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Sure honey. What a poser she was. They lived in Humboldt county. There was nothing stopping them from living more sustainably there. But Northern California doesn't have those laying on the sand getting a tan beaches she wanted. Because that's what she really wanted.

When they move to Australia the truth seems to be that she wants to lay on the beach and tan and doesn't mind living in an upscale home in the suburbs in order to do it. They can live sustainably 'in other ways'.  I kept thinking that this woman is going to dump him for the first handsome bro with money that sidles up to her and  offers her the luxury condo on the beach that she really wants.

I'm glad they took the home with the chickens and the outhousebathroom. I will say though that I would never ever ever live somewhere with twelve inch spiders. Any spiders are too much for me but huge creepy crawlies and poisonous creepy crawlies are a big no go for me. I don't care how pretty the beaches are.

Edited May 22, 2023 by Andyourlittledog2

[twoods]

Can you imagine going to the restroom in the middle of the night and wondering what may be in that outhouse? Yuck. At least they acknowledged it, but still picked it. And with their eco science degrees I’m wondering what they can do out there, since it seemed their waiter jobs were just to pay the rent temporarily. 

[Chit Chat]

10 hours ago, abbyzenn said:

Minnesota couple moving to Ireland:  If you took a drink every time she said "house with Irish charm" you would have been passed out before she left the first house.  

Bwah!!  Again, with the stay-at-home spouse not really caring how far of a drive the spouse doing the commuting has.  Argh!!  At least she changed her mind.  I don't think she would've been happy living outside of the city.  With just one car, she would've been stuck!  I thought the house they chose was actually quite charming - not in the way she wanted it to be, but still nice.  

[Crashcourse]

4 hours ago, Andyourlittledog2 said:

She said she wanted a fairytale Irish cottage. I thought she was ridiculous and I wound up wanting to slap her (figuratively) half way through the episode if she whined about 'charm' again.

And I guess she wanted leprechauns dancing around outside?

[aghst]

I couldn’t believe they were making a big deal out of $100 more for the house closest to the husband’s work.  He’d save dozens of hours of commute time a year with the shorter commute, not to mention just a better home in a better location.

You know in between home segments they show a bit of the house hunters doing local stuff to give a flavor of the locale but in one segment they took the kids to some indoor playground.

Not terribly Irish but you could see pure joy in the faces of those youngest kids.  All free of stuff adults have to deal with, such as contrivances about Irish charm for a TV show.  The little girl said mountains in Ireland are really beautiful.  Indeed they are and it’s one of the most honest things uttered in this episode.

 

[Lady Lucy]

I got the feeling that the super charming Irish cottage wasn't really in the mix. I'm thinking it was owned by the realtor or one of his friends. 

[seacliffsal]

Loved seeing all of the houses and environment in Ireland.  And, Tipperary!  Of the WWI song "it's a long way to Tipperary..."  So, lots of history and charm (even though the wife didn't think so).  I am always annoyed when the house hunters say things like "they'll fall off the balcony, out of the window, and (in this episode) they'll fall off of the yard and into the road."  Just stop.  Put a temporary fence or be outside when the kids are.  Children have survived far worse than stairs, balconies, yards, etc.  Now, not being able to walk anywhere is more of a legitimate issue IMO.  But still, what meager criticisms so many of these participants/producers come up with.  Just show us the beauty and charm of Ireland!

[aghst]

11 minutes ago, seacliffsal said:

Loved seeing all of the houses and environment in Ireland.  And, Tipperary!  Of the WWI song "it's a long way to Tipperary..."  So, lots of history and charm (even though the wife didn't think so).  I am always annoyed when the house hunters say things like "they'll fall off the balcony, out of the window, and (in this episode) they'll fall off of the yard and into the road."  Just stop.  Put a temporary fence or be outside when the kids are.  Children have survived far worse than stairs, balconies, yards, etc.  Now, not being able to walk anywhere is more of a legitimate issue IMO.  But still, what meager criticisms so many of these participants/producers come up with.  Just show us the beauty and charm of Ireland!

Though they talked mostly about Limerick where his job was and Balena (spelling?).

Balena is Italian for whale, if that is the correct spelling.

One of the kids said he was scared of falling off the Irish cliffs.  They should have shown them sightseeing along the coast.

Edited May 23, 2023 by aghst

[proserpina65]

On 5/21/2023 at 11:00 PM, Grizzly said:

Minnesota to Tipperary, Ireland. Get a house that works for your family. Who cares if it has Irish charm. That country cottage was too cluttered. There you go, good choice.

I loved the country cottage but it wasn't close to anything and for a stay-at-home mother with no car, that would be a big problem.  I thought the house they chose was nice, though, and I liked that there was a door which would separate the dining room and kitchen from the lounge.  The husband banging on about wanting a house just like they had in Minnesota annoyed the crap out of me; you're in a different country, so try embracing some of the differences, asshole.

 

On 5/22/2023 at 8:54 AM, abbyzenn said:

Strange that they showed so little of house #3 - we didn't even see the living room (or was I too tipsy by then to notice????)  The  house had no Irish charm by her account but lady look out the window and see picture perfect Ireland.

I thought that house had no charm whatsoever.  The view wouldn't have made up for the sterile box inside for me.  And it would only just be a view in my case 'cause I hate the outdoors.  But it was far from everything so I knew it wasn't in the mix anyway.  As for the road, it had a backyard for the kids to play in so no need to worry about the road.

13 hours ago, aghst said:

I couldn’t believe they were making a big deal out of $100 more for the house closest to the husband’s work.  He’d save dozens of hours of commute time a year with the shorter commute, not to mention just a better home in a better location.

Plus the gas.  It wasn't a better home, imo, but the location was definitely better for their purposes.

 

[chessiegal]

Many moons ago, my ex and I took a PanAm package deal (that's how long ago it was) to Ireland that included flights and stays at B&Bs. We landed in Glascow and made our way to Dublin. We were with a colleague of my husband's and his wife. When we first got there, the wife commented about how different it was than "in the states". Fair enough, but for the next ten days she said it so many times it was all I could do to keep from saying - of course it is you idiot - we're in Ireland! I think of that every time I see a show in Ireland and the chatter about Irish charm. 

Ireland was lovely. Except for the B&B in Dublin, the other B&Bs not so much. Retrofitted showers in the bedrooms that barely trickled out water.

[aghst]

15 minutes ago, chessiegal said:

Many moons ago, my ex and I took a PanAm package deal (that's how long ago it was) to Ireland that included flights and stays at B&Bs. We landed in Glascow and made our way to Dublin. We were with a colleague of my husband's and his wife. When we first got there, the wife commented about how different it was than "in the states". Fair enough, but for the next ten days she said it so many times it was all I could do to keep from saying - of course it is you idiot - we're in Ireland! I think of that every time I see a show in Ireland and the chatter about Irish charm. 

Ireland was lovely. Except for the B&B in Dublin, the other B&Bs not so much. Retrofitted showers in the bedrooms that barely trickled out water.

Ireland is on my bucket list.  Went there on business about 20 years ago, didn't get to see much.

I was shocked at the prices though and it wasn't even Dublin but a city center near where all these international corporations had set up facilities so maybe that drove up prices.

Had the most expensive Indian dinners there that I've had anywhere but I guess it was still less than what you'd have paid in London or Dublin.

 

One thing I noticed was that nearby Paris was often sunny and at least 10 degrees warmer according to forecasts than Ireland, though it was in the winter time.

Wanted to get out of there as soon as I could but of course now, it's become more popular as a tourist destination because of Game of Thrones among other things.  

I loved James Joyce back in college but I don't think I'd go just because Joyce lived there.  But all the dramatic coastal cliffs would be the big draw for me.

There have been other movies I've seen over the years based in Ireland.  A lot of them featured rain.  However, I liked Bad Sisters and somehow, that show featured a lot of sunny terrain shots.

 

In this case, wife was of Irish heritage so that must have allowed them to get a visa?  Or they got a visa through her husband's job but she still couldn't work herself, possibly.  Or didn't want to work in Ireland, maybe they thought it'd be better if she took care of the 4 kids, only one of whom was near high school age.