ack4531

Sleeping in till 9 was glorious. It was nice not having to rush around to catch the bus. We put our luggage in storage at that hotel while we got some breakfast and headed to Trinity College. We went to a little cafe and had coffee and scones. The scone was a little different than the traditional scones I've had, but it was so good. Then, we walked down to Trinity College. Due to the walking tour our tour manager gave us last week, I actually know where I'm going. Although, I did need help finding the entrance. A nice American overheard us and pointing us in the right direction. The campus is so beautiful with its old buildings and green grass. We find where The Book of Kells is housed. There is a line, but ... read more

Last night I learned some Irish step dancing. I knew it was difficult, but didn't know it was this hard. After a little bit, I get it down. We are a large group and its a small room, so we all get pretty hot. At least I got a cardio workout. Then, the professionals danced a bit for us. They were amazing, what talent! Then as we were leaving the pub, we could see that it was raining. I didn't bring my raincoat. The bartender was outside too and ran back in to get me an umbrella. I told him it was okay, that I didn't have far to walk. He insisted I take it; while making fun my of high pitched voice. The people of Ireland are so friendly and treat you as if you've ... read more

It was yet another early start to make our way to the Aran Islands. I was very excited for this excursion because anyone whom I've spoken to about them, had nothing my amazing things to say. We took a bus 45 minutes to the ferry. It was pouring and I was getting nervous that the day would be a wash out. By the time we got on the ferry, the sun was shining and then skies were blue. I prayed that it would last. The ferry to the Aran Islands is about a 30-40 minutes. The views from the ferry are fantastic. The ferry rocked a bit too much for my liking, but it was fine. Once we got to the island, I picked up my bike rental from the bike hire. It looked like a ... read more

Last night was incredible. It was a night to really enjoy the Irish Pub culture. Everyone is there for some fun and cheer. After breakfast, we got on the bus and headed for Belfast. Our tour guide will be teaching us an Irish pub song each morning on the bus. Today she taught us "Whiskey in the Jar"; good thing I'm Irish and already know it. Driving into the city, I can see some of the remnants of what the locals call "The Troubles". Some streets have the Union Jack and Northern Ireland flags and others have the tri-color. A local tour guide comes onto the bus to give us information about Belfast, its troubled past, and peaceful future. I could not possibly blog about all the information I learned about the struggles of Irish Catholics ... read more

It was a bit difficult to wake up this morning. Some how I managed to make it to breakfast on time. After eating, we were off to the town of Stirling. On the way we stopped to see Hamish, the hairy cow. Evidently this is a tourist attraction?? Not really my thing...but we got onto he bus to go to Sterling Castle, which is very much my thing! The castle is very beautiful and the sun finally comes out. The grounds are so green and the landscaping is stunning. The castle is visitor friendly with many rooms designed to experience the castle. Each room has a person in authentic dress explaining features of the castle. Laura and I found thrones in the great hall. I had to sit and take a picture. It felt natural... I ... read more