Wednesday 25 July 2007

Checking in quickly from an Internet cafe/creperie (sp?) in the heart of Galway's shopping district. My family and I have been blessed with sunshine for the past two days which makes viewing the scenery of western Ireland all the more spectacular.

Our tour of the Ring of Kerry was great--so great, in fact, that our tour director noted that the weather was the best he's had "for the past two years." Sunshine allowed us to see surrounding peninsulas and little islands. I have a great photo of the place where we stopped for a coffee and scone; I'll definitely post it later.

Last night we stayed in Limerick. I usually skip this city when I travel to Ireland as there's not much to see and it's still trying to shake its reputation as a crime-ridden location. All that said, we still had an enjoyable time eating at an Italian restaurant (yes, we needed a break from the pub grub) and sleeping at the tallest hotel in Ireland (a 13-floor Clarion--not terribly impressive. Oh, well).

Today was the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Unfortunately (or fortunately for stupid people), tourists are no longer able to crawl out to the edge of the cliffs and look 700 feet down at the crashing waves and birds below. We did have an enjoyable time recreating Conan O'Brien's visit to O'Brien Tower at the top of the Cliffs. It involved lots and LOTS of wind and a fast-moving hat. I'll leave it at that.

As great as this trip has been, I think I'm about ready to go home. This trip has been a real test for me in traveling as I'm accustomed to (and prefer) solo travel. While there have been no all-out blow-out fights among the family, there's been plenty of passive-aggressiveness all around along with miscontrued statements and ideas (e.g., wanting to do something other than the rest of the family does not mean one doesn't LIKE the rest of the family). I think we'll hang in there, but any more than 13 days and the five of us would have to disband at some point in the middle of nowhere. Best not to scare the rest of our tourgoers and keep it cool for two more days.

Off to get a crepe and find the bus. Hope all of you are well!

As Always,
Riley