When close friends recently invited us to spend a few days with them in Ireland where one of them grew up, I gently nudged my husband until he agreed to go.  The two of us have stayed with friends in exotic places many times over the years, and we know how much fun it is to stay with natives.  It’s a unique experience and a sure-fire way to get to know the destination on a truly intimate way, directly through the eyes of a local.  We broke up our trip up into a stay with them and a bit of sightseeing en route, to give our kids a taste of the country and … [Read more...]