ABBEYGLEN – COUNTY GALWAY - Abbeyglen is owned and run by two generations of Hughes family and is renowned for its cuisine and accommodations. The hotel has a commanding view overlooking Village of Clifden, at head of a magnificent bay, with mountains behind. Tour Connemara from this hotel. Gourmet cuisine with Steinway playing in background. Won two AAA Rosettes for dining. The most romantic rooms are superior twin or double. The twins have a fireplace. Activities include swimming, tennis, sauna, Jacuzzi, snooker.

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"You're flying with 'Bags' and 'Spare'," pilot told me with an unexplained grin. "Stormin' Norman" was checking flight schedule while he showed me around hangar spaces day before my flight. "When you arrive for briefing, tell Bags I said he's a real loser."

Fighter jocks.

Despite professionalism evident in everything they do, pilots at Fighter Combat International maintain a healthy rivalry among themselves and invite their guests to take part in fun. You'll notice immediately that everyone who works here is always smiling. I would be, too - my image of Heaven itself includes an 8,000 foot runway.

THIS IS NOT A SIMULATION

You don't need much runway for Extra 300L aerobatic aircraft. These nimble little planes leap impatiently into air and take you through any maneuver you dare to try. The planes offer handling and roll rate very similar to F-16 and F/A-18 fighters that instructor pilots used to fly in military. Better still, you get to fly yourself for most of flight, because you can't hurt these planes. They're rated to 8 G's - both positive and negative - and instructors will let you be as aggressive as you like. You can try a short aerobatic flight for as little as US$295, or go head-to-head with an opponent in an hour-long combat flight for US$935. It's an hour you'll never forget. The company is offering a Summer Special in 2003 for these flights; see www.fightercombat.com or call 866/FLY-HARD for details.