ok, so it is about tiem I put down my book and pick up a pen (or err i guess keyboard) and finally document my experiences on my european family escapade. after begining the trip with a few wrong turns, driving on the opposite side around county claire, we finally made it to Balleyhannen (sp) castle in Quin. I guess you could say that we were offto a rocky start for ireland. hey, travelling hours without sleep is enough to make you cranky to your best friend, let alone, your family. the mood soon changed once everyone was settled, showered and had a little food/guinness in ther tummies ;). Our castle was, dare i say the word, awesome! Decorated in your average castel motif; suits of armor, heavy drapery, candles, cobwebs and mice, it felt as though we were truly living and experiencing life in the castle days ("roughing it" to keep it short...only joking).
We began the trip with a medevil family dinner at Bunratty castle. All 16 of us crowded around a single table and listened to irish folk music and stories from a little man in tights. After, what i would guestimate to be about 100 glasses of mead (irish honey wine) the family was having a rip-roaring, jolly good time. Michael even participated in a little skit the included him leading a song for the audience.
the fam took plenty of day trips as well. We went to Blarney castel in cork and kissed the blarney stone (even though we found out that the locals like to "piss" on it as night, hey, a little sacrifice for some good luck never hurt....mmm delicious). We headed to Cong village and walked around, even took a tour of where the Quiet Man was filmed. Do i even need to anounce that my dad was in "Duke Pattyfingers" heaven (sorry inside joke).
Next destination, the Aran islands. We biked around the main islands all day in spite of the horendeous downpour. Neddless to say, a hot bowl of soup and an irish coffe was a must.
Galway came next, a fantastically bohemian city nestled along the bay. Lots of shopping and eating was done here along with some run-ins with some very intersting locals.
Dublin was last on the list, I love Dublin! St. Patricks cathedral, Trinity college, temple bar, and the Guinness factory, there was so much to occupy yoursefl with.
The last day in ireland was spent hanging around the castle and just letting everything sink in. A family dinner was in order, along with a bit of mischeif from the kids...by "kids" i mean those aged from 17-26 ;). Overall, I had a great time in Ireland! I would have to say though, that calling the Irish alcoholics would be a bit of an understatement, they can sure drink. But, I would also have to point out that this trip made me even more proud of my irish heritage. The irish are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered, willing to give you their own jacket or umbrella if need be (both of those instances actually happened).
Yeah for Ireland...
off to italy
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