Blogs from Cork, County Cork, Ireland, Europe - page 21

I MADE IT! After my parents were teary-eyed leaving me at security (and after taking plenty of embarrassing pictures! haha love ya both), my adventure finally began. Security was quick and painless and we finally made it to the gate. Oh, and on a side note, my checked bags were not overweight, thank goodness! We finally boarded the plane around 5:55pm (EST) and the plane was HUGE! Forty-seven rows with two seats on the left, two on the right, and four in the middle. I popped 2 Dramamine when we boarded and by the time we were taking off I was quite drowsy. Although I slept for about an hour (through take-off, surprisingly), the rest of the flight I just could not get comfortable. Plus the bright screen of the TV (and the lights on the ... read more

I see Ali left off at the train to Cork. I have to hand it to her, she verbally painted her hefty 12-year old co-pilot in a fair light but here's a picture to do him justice! And the funny part is, we actually conned (well, Ali shoved) some poor local out of his seat claiming, "We have 'reservations' for those two seats!" …that was totally incorrect. Confused and abiding by the irrational American's demands, the poor guy wandered around and luckily found another seat. Apparently this train constantly overbooks; people were stuck sitting on the floor, in-between cars, for the 3+hr journey, but not us! (Phew) As we pulled in to the station at Cork, Bryan, an Irish friend of mine that I met while traveling the Galapagos (the "odd-couple" bunkmates on a first-class honeymooners ... read more

This ancient port-town had a feel of timelessness to me. Perhaps this is due in part to the location itself, as it felt less trod upon by tourists, ...or perhaps it was the unyielding historical influence of the place that gave it that feel. The ancestral surnames of O'Sullivan and Harrington still remain, embedded by the passing of countless generations. As we explored this picturesque sea-side village, we were guided to an olde church-yard in the heart of the town. It seemed inviting with it's lush vegetation, neon-green lawn, and sparkling faery flowers. The Olde locked gate around the church perimeter seemed a mere obstacle to the force of the "calling" within. 'Tis a wonder that a local businessman across the street offered us a key that we may enter the grounds at our leisure! ... read more

(by Becky) This journey for me is about learning to serve life in all ways, anytime, anywhere & to be mindful & present in each moment. In cork, I was called to serve in a very unusual way. The place we were guided to was called Mount Conway. Housing developments covered the foot of this hill but pastureland/farms take up the middle to top portion of the hill. We found a private drive which looked to have stepped out of a fairytale (major photo op). We met the owner of the home who gave us permission to wander the property. As we explored, we learned about the land and the people who lived there long ago. We learned that an invading barbaric force that attacked those who lived on this land. The ways in which ... read more

The Garnish House Between Ms. Lucey her husband Con, and their impeccable assistant Marcel we had the best time. (A word about Marcel, he was a really lovely young man whose personality and good looks made him the darling of Garnish House - and of us to!), Garnish house (having been named after Garnish Island near Castletownbere, Ireland; an island entirely covered with flowers) is one of our top favorite B&B's to date. I can't say enough about the beautiful displays of food, the huge quantities of it, and the tastiest of homemade scones and breads, full Irish breakfasts, fresh fruits and special ordered gourmet delights. The entire house and rooms were tastefully appointed. Our room included fresh fruit and flowers, and was quite comfortable. I had the best jacuzzi tub experience in our bath and ... read more