Yesterday was fairly uneventful honestly. We woke up late, had a lazy morning, and went to the ferry. While waiting I colored a beautiful picture in the children's area. A successful day.
It was a four hour ride from Fishgaurd, England to Rosslare, Ireland. On the boat, Stef and I enjoyed the children's play area since it was playing Frozen. Obviously where we needed to be. Apparently it was a day of immaturity letting me be in the children's area. Luckily the boat didn't have any kids. We met a very nice woman from Iceland. She watched Frozen with us. She is taking time off to travel before she goes to her university. Hmm, familiar! The rest of the trip was naps, books, and best of all, standing on the top deck outside in the storm watching the waves below crash onto the side of the boat.
But eventually a lighthouse shone through the stormy night sky. We had reached Ireland! We drove to Kilkenny to find a hotel. We wandered around the small town's streets. Despite it being only 7:30 at night, the town was mostly shut down. There was a wedding in town, which meant full hotels. We finally found a hotel with availability. After settling into our room, Florian and I went downstairs to the pub. There was a good amount of people there, but not crowded. As I ordered a Guinness, (It's Ireland-had to be done!) I watched the man at the microphone sing. He had his computer set up to play karaoke versions of songs for him to sing along with. He did everything! From Johnny Cash to Journey to "Wagon Wheel," he was on it. All older American songs. Everyone in the bar knew the songs and loved it. It was a very fun first night to be in Ireland.
This morning we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel. Then we ventured out into Kilkenny. The main attraction of Kilkenny is the castle. The castle was essentially given to the people of Kilkenny by the family in 1967. Since then the State of Ireland has stepped in and completely restored it. The courtyards are open to the public. The courtyard includes a large green park, a fountain, and a beautiful walkway. Children flew kites in the morning sun as parents enjoyed the view and warm coffee. 
(Oooo panorama shot!)
But the cool part is the tour inside the castle. We walked inside hoping we could look around. They told us you can only go on tours. One had just left 5 minutes ago. So we joined. I suddenly was flashed back to SEAG mill tours. A young man engaged a crowd in the history and facts of castle that used to be a home. He did a very nice job. Since I have been around guiding long enough to know, I went to give him a tip. He was a bit taken back and was hesitant to take it, but of course did. Stef gave me a bit of a confused look. So I did my best to explain the guides' angle and that he did a nice job. I realized later maybe, based off his face, I broke protocol a bit. Oh well!
Afterwards, as we meandered back to the car, we stopped in candy stores to get Stef and Florian's parents some candy. It was a little store with top to bottom candy buckets. I enjoyed it and took a lot of pictures. 
We left to go to Waterford. A river runs through this town- gorgeous. We parked the car and looked around for a spot for lunch. This resulted in meandering around the town square for a bit definetely looking like lost tourists. But it was a quaint little center. Three boys played Bob Segar songs on guitars as people window shopped and enjoyed the sun. For lunch, we decided to go to a little cafe in a hidden alley. It was a hidden gem as lunch was filling, delicious, and reasonably priced.
Next we headed off to the ocean. Florian knew exactly where to stop to let Stef and I experience the ocean view. I know I've said I have been blown away by views on this trip. But nothing so far has compared to this. This was gorgeous. I stood there and knew I would never have the words for it. A moment of serenity and serendipity that radiates through your entire spirit. Birds flew over as the water lapped at the feet of euphoric children. The sun was setting behind lighthouses on a rocky cliff. It was unlike anything I've seen. I could have frozen that moment for a long long time.
Just please be aware, these pictures don't do a tinge of justice for the scene.
But as with all moments, we had to end it. Loaded back into the car, Florian drove us down the coast towards Blarney. I squealed- almost literally- with excitement when I saw the view over the rocky cliffs. Florian, the ever patient guide, stopped for me to take pictures. Again, perfection before my eyes. 
As we drove towards Blarney, we watched farming fields go past. Sheep grazed among old stone ruins. The green grass glowed beneath the setting sun. Ireland is quickly capturing my heart.
We arrived in Blarney, found a hotel, and settled in. We realized it was a bit early though. Florian and I decided to go swimming. But unfortunately, this hotel doesn't have a swimming pool. What it does have is a Squash court. Yes, this is a thing. Maybe I'm just that ignorant, but I didn't know that was a thing. I also learned today Americans pronounce IKEA wrong. I ALSO learned I've been pronouncing "whilst" wrong my whole life. Educational day for me.
Stef came to the courts and explained how it works for us. Little did I know he had played for years. He even wore his Squash team shirt. To even the playing field for Florian and I, the equipment was... less than adequate, to put it gently. The rackets were quite literally falling apart in your hand and the ball would not bounce... At all. Nonetheless, a great time. We worked off some energy, got some laughs, and enjoyed the time. Therefore, a great evening. And another point towards Ireland. Did I mention that Ireland is stealing my heart?
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