Advertisement
What's the craic?
I'll tell you my craic:
Day ?- Galway
Galway is the cultural center of Ireland.If you walk the streets, there are musicians playing everywhere. They play traditional Irish music, pop music, Brazillian music, African music, etc.
We had a full day in Galway yesterday. In the morning, we visited the National University of Ireland at Galway. It was an interesting college. I am so jealous of the universities in Ireland, because they are mostly built around and with ruins of castles, churches, monasteries, etc. Hmm... graduate school?
I am really enjoying that most people think I am a native-born European. I guess I don't seem like a tourist and I think that's great. (I've also been picking up on the fashion... haha) Yesterday, different people asked if I was French, Irish, or Swedish.
After the university, we had time for lunch. I ate a fastfood place called Supermac's and had Fried Irish chicken and chips. I really love the food here.
We then visited a primary school. I was placed in a Class 4 room. The children were great. I read them the story about the Great Lakes and
they asked me the best questions, such as:
1. What's your team? (Man. UTD.)
2. What's your favorite players? (Ronaldho, Rooney, Ballack)
3. I like how you talk.
4. Did you write that book? (No, a woman from Ohio did.)
5. Can you come back tomorrow? (No, we're going to the Aran Islands.)
6. Do you know where Boston/Miami/etc are?
7. What are your two favorite American cities? (Boston and IDK)
8. Do you want to go with us tomorrow night to see Galway United play? (I did, but I didn't have enough time.)
In the evening, we went out. We went a pub where a lot of universities students seemed to be celebrating the end of the semester. We also went to a club very close to our hotel. When we were done, we rode a rickshaw! It was so much fun!
Day ?- Aran Islands
Today we went to the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are a very interesting part of Ireland. The British really didn't colonize it, so they kept their Celtic/Irish identity. Gaelic is the first language on the island. The island is full of stone walls, ruins of fortresses, churches, castles,
houses, etc. There were so many animals there too: sheep, cows, horses, donkeys, chickens and other native animals. They even have a seal colony there! One of the best parts was climbing this steep path to the top of the Dun Aengus. It was a tough climb, but so worth it. Although I am afraid of heights, I didn't feel any fear at all. We took a bus and a horse buggy around the islands. We also saw the ruins of the Seven Churches and a lot of Celtic crosses. The island inhabits around 700 people. It was beautiful and amazing.
After the ferry boat ride back, I had to buy another suitcase. I have been buying a lot of stuff! I also went and check out the Galway bay where they are setting up for the arrival of the boats from the Volvo Ocean Race. Check out http://www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com/
I did not go out tonight. I took a hot bath, which was so nice after a hike and walkabout the Aran Islands. I packed and relaxed.
Tomorrow we leave for Sneem in County Kerry. On the way, we'll be stopping in Connemara to see the Cliffs of
Mohar and I think we have a few more stops. We'll be in Sneem until Thursday morning. I'm looking forward to a slower pace in the rural village of Sneem.
Slan!
Kristen
Advertisement
Tot: 0.123s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 13; qc: 51; dbt: 0.0885s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Ish
non-member comment
Glad you're having fun! I bet you're really enjoying all the culture and history. Why did you have to buy a new suitcase? Did you break your other one, by overstuffing it?