But what about the weather?

---

Forgot to provide an update on the weather. It was sunny and 65 when we arrived. We had sunshine for our entire cross-country trip. When we arrived in Galway it turned overcast and cool. While we were out walking on Quay Street (pronounced "key" street), we experienced one of the notorious freak hail storms that Jessie has been telling us about. One minute nothing, the next minute it is raining hail. Everyone on the street just walks to the sides under shop awnings or in doorways to escape the hail storm. They just keep talking on their cell phones and chatting as normal. The hail lasts about 30 seconds and then suddenly stops. Everyone comes back out on the street and keeps going on about their business as if this is perfectly normal. Very strange! A few minutes later, it begins to rain. This lasts ~15 minutes and then partly clears and the sun is back out. I understand now why they say, "If you don't like the weather, wait 30 minutes and it will change!"

---