Apartment Hunting

I have to apologize for not posting these past few days, but that does not mean we have not be busy. We've actually been apartment hunting and proving to every prospective land lord that we are good people (even though some here wonder about the sanity of Americans these days)  The process is not much different than in the states, except we are the foreigners with a lot to prove.  It's a real catch 22, "do you have a bank account?" no, they need an address - can't get the address until you rent, "do you have utility bills in your name here in Ireland?" no, not until we rent an apartment.  "Do you have references from your previous land lord?" no, we've been homeowners for more than 40 years.  It goes on and on. I think the key has been to meet face-to-face with these folks so they know we are in earnest, safe and not too crazy.  (well maybe I am a wee bit crazy)  We've been told various stories about a couple of buildings we were looking at from some of the locals: 'don't rent there the building is shit', or "don't rent there the insulation is terrible, you'll freeze in the winter."

We finally found the apartment that suits us and hopefully we suit them.  We have an appointment to sign the lease agreement Monday afternoon.  It's an older building, but has a fireplace and killer view of River Shannon and an operating lock right outside our patio.(we've been through a few of those)  So when at home we can watch boats come and go. The apartment is furnished with just the bare basics so we'll need to find a few items for our own comfort - like a lamp here and there. But again, that's part of the challenge of this adventure.  It seems most units are independently owned - not your typical apartment building with a manager on-site.  Which is actually a good thing since most units would be occupied by owners.  We are very excited at the prospect of getting into our own place and out of B&B's and hotels.  

Once settled (and we have internet)  I'll start posting some more of our adventures, I've already crossed off a couple of items from my list and can't wait to tell you about them.  

Shannon Weir

Oh yea - you can hear the Church bells  every hour from St Peter and Paul downtown