Is this real?

     Finish devotions, eat breakfast, patch jeans and check bag were all on my to-do list before leaving to the bus station.  As odd as it sounds, patching my jeans using an iron on patch was a comforting feeling of home. Thankful to get the patches by mail before my trip, they came in perfect time...sort of. Originally asking for patches a month ago, mom forgot and then forgot again, and again...eventually it just became laughable. A joke of sorts whether she would get here before the patches would. They beat her by exactly a week...it was a close call. 

     With my to-do list complete, the girls and I departed for the bus station. Brian, the gem that he is, sorted out a new bus time, allowing us a bit more sleep and preparation. By 11am we were off to Kerry. Sitting next to the window allowing warm sunlight to poor in, my North Face fleece became a warm blanket, draped over my shoulders, as I fell asleep listening to my ipod. I've never slept so well on a bus. Waking from the peaceful slumber, I was bummed to leave the bus, it was cozy ride with beautiful scenery. Baby lambs running through fields, chasing after one another, following close behind mom was a favorite scene as we ventured through the countryside. 

     Entering Limerick for a change in buses we passed flowering trees lining a park fence. Small white flowers bloomed from puffy round trees, creating the appearance of branches covered with tiny white Q-tips. A welcoming sign of spring and it's beautiful flowers to come. In addition to flowers another unusual sight popped up. Limos....limos? Wait a second,  an average size car in ireland is hardly the size of a compact car in the U.S. How in the world can a limo drive on Irish roads. It is beyond me how a limo would ever get around Ireland, but I've officially seen 4, all on the same city. I shall call Limerick: the land of limos.  On our new bus leaving Limerick the countryside came quickly as sights of heifers grazing in fields approached. Silly, yes, but it was comforting to see the heifers as they remind me of the farm back in Black River.

    Along the way frequent stops were made, picking up other travelers. Hygiene is viewed differently in every culture. The nationality of the next travelers to board I was unfamiliar with. However, BO is universal. Recognizing their less than pleasant smell I as grateful I wasn't seated in the middle of them, like poor Lindsay. Yikes I felt bad for her. Scarves are worn in many different fashions and useful for a variety of things. Fridays use: odor blocker, wrapping it around my face shielding my nose from the undesirable scent.

     Our very first stop was 

     The Ring of Kerry hotel was our weekend accommodation. A real hotel? Feeling like royalty after staying in so many hostels I wandered the hallways gawking at beautiful paintings, chandelier light fixtures and cozy couches. Was this real? We were actually staying in a hotel? No bunk beds, dirty carpets, rowdy backpackers? Wow this truly was a hotel! 

     Arriving in time for dinner I chose beef lasagna and a banana and toffee pie dessert. Both were scrumptious. Every meal eaten at the hotel felt like a race. Looking like starving orphans spending a weekend at Daddy Warbucks house we gorged ourselves as if each meal would be the last we would ever see. That is, until we return to Galway and eat our pb&j for meals on end. 

     Following dinner, Michol , a native of south Kerry spoke to us about growing up in Ireland. His stories were humorous and enlightening. Marian and Anja taught us several tradition Ceili Irish dances as a live trad band played for us. As my partner, Brian whirled me around the floor until my head spun and stomach churned in disapproval. We had an absolute blast, it reminded me of a young age when mom and dad would teach us to polka. Simply bouncing around not exactly making precise steps to the beat of the music. Our Irish dancing had it's moments of bouncing rather than actual dancing.

     Dancing had me beat, by 11:30pm I was dead asleep as another early morning came along. Breakfast served at 8:30 and off to the bus by 9:15am. Irish breakfasts are....interesting. Generally, tomatoes, eggs, sausages and bacon are served. Irish sausage is squishy in the middle and the bacon has a lot of fat. I'm not complaining, they aren't what  I'd make, but they could be MUCH worse. Loading the bus we took off for our Skeilig Ring Tour, our first stop was Valentia Island. The closest I'll get to the states without leaving Ireland. 

     Growing up in South Kerry Marian knows everyone, literally everyone. As we drove along no matter who it was Marian would call out their name and wave, proceeding to give us their life story. It was neat to see how close everyone was, but the best experience was traveling through the small valley village she grew up in. As she pointed out her great uncles house, grandathers farm and other relatives she also pointed out her mothers new house. Looking to my left her mother, father and sister waved from their living room window as her brother ran outside to snap a picture of us. How cute!
     Stopping at a local farm we hiked up to the top of a mountain for beautiful scenic views below out over the island.

     Valentia is also known for it's slate rock. Visiting the massive slate quarry, flat slate slabs piled one on top of another line the roadway.

    A near by beach provided a wonderful beach and castle a just a few meters out. Without wellies the walk over was a bit too wet. However, many students climbed their way up and over playing inside the castle.

    While in Cahersiveen a local Gaelic Football game was held down at the pitch. 17-18 year old boys played a match in the warm sun Saturday afternoon. This is one tough sport, as almost anything goes. A combination of football, soccer and basketball, it's nuts trying to follow the players. Gaelic football plays a huge role in Irish society, as a local bank uses it's advertisement as "You're born into your team" It's actually true, there is no trading of clubs, you play for the hometown team...always.

     Sunday morning we couldn't have asked for better weather as we soaked up the morning sun on our 40 minute trek up to stone forts. On our way we met with a farmer allowing us to hold his baby lambs.

     The views from this weekends trip were just spectacular. My brain is shutting down as I'm tired and have to pack for my next adventure. There are so many stories I'm leaving out, but hopefully you're enjoying the beauty of the God's creation through the pictures :   )

With Love from Galway