Beauty and Eloquence

This morning, the three musketeers (yes, that's us) were greeted by a foggy Irish day. We went downstairs for a breakfast. The hotel we were staying in was a old wool mill. They had obviously renovated. But it left the restaurant part very open with big windows. A nice way to start your morning. 

After breakfast we walked to the Blarney Castle. Florian warned us we might spend a lot of time there. That was an understatement. I truly could have spent all day there. Large gardens surround the historic infamous castle. With Jurassic Park looking trees, rivers, water falls, huge trees, and hidden caves, it was gorgeous. First however we went through the Blarney Castle. 

I had known about the stone at the top of the castle. But I didn't know about the castle itself. It's incredible. The castle hasn't been renovated. They make it safe enough to walk through. Although Florian noted how America would have a field day with those law suits. They put few signs up in each section or room to denote what they assume it use to be. But mostly they let you use your imagination. As the steep, wet, and incredibly narrow steps twist through the castle, you imagine who walked there and what the castle used to be. 

We wound our way up the steps to the very top where the Blarney Stone is located. An elderly gentleman sat there to help you lean over and kiss the stone. A younger man sat there as well to take a professional picture. I had my personal photographer, Florian, take a picture so I wouldn't have to buy one. Success! 

After we all felt more eloquent, we headed back down to explore the gardens. Okay, maybe we weren't feeling more eloquent...

We discussed how the summer must be beautiful here. But you must take into account our peaceful uncrowned visit of winter versus the blooming flowers of summer. We decided we are okay with our timing. Despite the flowers not being in full bloom, the gardens blew me away. Especially when Stef and I discovered an amazing tree to play on. I was thrilled because my arm didn't hurt and allowed me to climb up the tree. A photoshoot ensued. 

As you can see, we had a lot of fun with the tree. It was massive and uniquely designed to say the least. The last stop in the garden were the "Wishing Steps." The legend says if you can walk down and back up the steps with your eyes closed your wish will come true in one year. The trick is you can only think of your wish while doing so. Apparently I'm to much of a scatter brain to have that work. The eyes closed was no problem. Focusing? Psh. Impossible. 

I laughed and skipped- literally- out of Blarney Castle and Gardens. I can't wait to go back sometime. There is so much to see and so much land to enjoy. 

After that we drove to Killarney. Florian told us that Ross House and Castle was what you see here. Florian: the never ending perfect tour guide... If you can handle the sharp tongue, bitter comments, and sometimes to mean jokes, he's available for hire as a tour guide! Stef commented today, "It's like you two will be best friends one moment, then throw out a mean joke just to make it seem like you aren't." Luckily for Florian, I put up with the sarcasm. Even more lucky for myself, Florian puts up with my sarcasm! 

As we began to walk around Ross House's courtyard a young man in a thick Irish accent came up to us. He offered us a horse drawn carriage tour. I must have looked like a 3-year-old wanting ice cream. Florian laughed and said let's do it. I happily pet the horse "Paddy" as our new Irish friend got the carriage ready. It was a 45 minute tour around the land. He narrated history, answered my persistent questions about horses and Ireland, and even took our pictures. Halfway through he lets us out to go see waterfalls then continues the tour. It was the perfect way for me to see the land. Florian asked me if I was getting sick of looking at a horse's butt. Since there were windows on the carriage I could have seen out those. But there's no better way to see the world than through the ears of a horse. 

We walked around a bit more in the gardens. Our tour guide had told us the original family spent 6 years building the house for the Queen to spend 3 nights there. Worthwhile hopefully... Then the owner decided to give it to his granddaughter. On her way to come claim her present, she got sick on the boat and died. They must have given up after that because they gave the house and land to the state. It is now a national park. Florian commented that proportionately it's the Wrangell-St. Elias of Ireland. In our wanderings we found another tree. I was still excited about being able to use my arm to climb. So up I went! The branches were a bit thicker. The pictures were a bit like Where's Waldo. See if you can find the Becca! 

After the Ross Gardens, we headed to Killarney again to find a hotel. We found a very nice hotel called The Brehon. It was a bit funny because we all commented on how we got some nasty looks from other guests as we walked in with our backpacks and hiking shoes. Little did we know that would change... 

We settled in and went back out to Killarney to grab some dinner. We found a nice cafe with a very cool design inside.  Lights changed colors on the intricate designed ceiling. The couch like seating offered a very relaxed feel. But the food was spectacular. I also learned that when you order 2 scoops of ice cream, you get this. I must have looked like such a greedy child. Oh well! 

After dinner, we head back to our hotel. In the lobby, they beautifully had displayed a grand piano. Stef had been excited about it and asked if he could play it. Florian and I grabbed drinks, sat down on the couch next to the fire, and enjoyed the show. Stef began to play. If you've never heard Stef play, you are missing out. You can feel his passion and love for music radiate through every note. But it becomes even more amazing when you find out he has been improvising the last 20 minutes of glorious music. The same people who had been scowling at these ragmuffin kids now were bringing drinks to listen. A young woman with her boyfriend was shedding tears of joy. The scene was magical for everyone, and a bit victorious for the three musketeers. I thanked Stef for saving our reputation in this hotel. 

Tomorrow we are planning on doing the Ring of Kerry. Hopefully it is a sunny day so we get good views of the ocean. To be continued... 

Guinness, Castles, Beaches: Ireland

Florian inquiried today, "Do your readers even know you're in Ireland yet?" I guess officially I haven't told you yet. I'm in Ireland! 

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?

Wagon Wheels

"Heading down south to the land of the pine. Thumbing my way into North Carolina. Staring down the road, pray to God I see headlights. So rock me mama like a wagon wheel." 

A cold overcast London greeted us this morning. We walked back roads until we found a little cafe for breakfast. Then we headed to the hotel to pack up. Our last morning in London! We checked out and said farewell. 

Our next stop was Cambridge. We were only there for about an hour. We all agreed we probably were missing something, but we enjoyed what we were seeing. Punts went down the rivers looking at the outside of the buildings of the school. Stef commented on the little Venice before our eyes- minus the singing and decorated boats. 

We walked around the small market in the main square. Handmade jewelry, scarves, and much more was all around. Finally however we decided to head out. We had a much longer way to head still. 

The next 6 hours were driving to Wales. It was a bit longer than I was expecting. England was a bit smaller in my mind. Another great American moment. As we drove, Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show came on. I tried to explain how much of a "classic" this is in McCarthy. As I sang along and looked at the stars overhead I pondered how weird life is. How odd that I could be singing that song so far from where I learned it. How funny that a song about looking for a way home is a comfort as I travel away from any home I know. Life is funny that way. The things we take with us wherever we go are the things that matter- and music will always be there. 

Tomorrow we will head to Ireland on the ferry. It leaves in the afternoon so we'll see what exploring happens in the morning! 

Touching History, Seeing History

I have to admit this may be the most excited I've ever been to write a blog. Not because I had such an amazing day. I did. But mostly because my feet are killing me. I'm feeling shards of glass pierce my feet with every step I take and flames shoot up my shin. So I'm excited for this blog because it means I get to sit down for a good amount of time. It will be beautiful. So as I finally relax, I'll tell you about my day. 

It started with Florian and I searching the block around the hotel for breakfast. We decided on a restaurant named "Eat." Yes the period is on the name just like that. "Eat." Stef and I got a lot of amusement from that. We brought our food back to the hotel and planned out the day. Stef was planning on meeting with his friends while Florian and I saw the sights. 

So off we went! The first stop was the Westminster Abbey. We checked the prices and bit our lips for a second. I realized I still counted as a student so it was less expensive. Florian bit the bullet and joined me. In we went to the gorgeous building. Let me just talk about the outside for a second. I know you guys have seen pictures or maybe even seen it in person. But the architecture is breath taking. It's intricate and carefully designed. But what's amazing is they made this tall powerful strong building by hand. It has withstood countless trial and tribulation in full glory. Amazing. 

When you enter you are handed a electronic tour guide. You know when you walk around a museum and see people holding a box up to their ear? Yeah that thing. I've never used it before, but I must say I was incredibly impressed. An entire guided tour through the Abbey. You can choose how much you want to hear about each stop. Do whatever order you want or follow their path. A very useful device that I'm sure made it much much more enjoyable than it would have been without. 

For those of you who don't know, the Abbey is full of tombs or memorials to famous people. As Stef said, "You know you've made it when you're buried there." Not only that, but crowning of the Queen happened there. Royal baptisms happen in the Abbey. Countless famous important people have stood in that building. It's truly a piece of history. I went on a full taking my time personal tour. Florian patiently waited for me to explore every crack and crevasse of the Abbey. I loved every bit of it. 

When I was younger, I read a book called Maximum Ride. In the series, one of the girls discovers she has a power. When she touches an object she can feel and see the emotion of people who have touched that object. There is a scene where she visits a war memorial in D.C. She touches it and breaks down from all the pain that goes through her. I often think of that when I travel. As I ran my hands over the wall over Handel's tomb, or the memorial for Shakespeare, or stared at the very spot the Queen laid a wreath of flowers for her mother, I thought of that. If I had that power, what would I see? Would I see the loving family members weep over the lose of a son? Would I see the exuberance about a new Queen? Would I feel the pain of the struggle of turmoil between royal families? What about any individual person who came into pray about just having enough money to feed their child? Would I see their pain and trust in God? Would I feel their confidence that God has a plan? The idea of overcame me the whole time I was in that gorgeous building. What a concept. For me it's a way to think of what tht building has seen. 

Finally, I dragged myself away from the Abbey, much to Florian's happiness. We started walking towards the Tower of London. It's up the river quite a ways. So we strolled down the riverside to another end of town. Looked at the cool bridges peeking through the low hanging fog.

After looking at the outside of St. Paul's church for a bit, we decided to explore for lunch. We scanned the restaurants. Let me tell you guys. London will find your wallet and in a nice British accent help itself to whatever it would like. Florian and I said not today, London! Off to a local grocery store we ventured. Bought some cheap food, found a bench out of the rain, and Bon appétit! Success! 

It turned out it was good we saved up what we could. Our next stop was the Tower of London. If you've ever been here you know, the outside looks like a cool castle wall. For it to mean anything, you have to buy a pretty ticket and go on in. Florian and I sat in the ticket shop and debated for a shamelessly long time. Partly just to warm up. It was a tinge freezing today. But we decided to do the cost of opportunity. I'm so glad we did. 

So, I'm not going to be your favorite person ever here. I'm not going to give you to much detail here. This is something to experience folks. So I'm not going to go into great detail explaining. Apologies. 

When you enter the gate, you can walk around in the courtyard. There are many exhibits to see once inside. There is the Bloody Tower where prisoners were held captive, the dungeons resevered for torturing, the hall where the Crowned Jewels are held, a museum for the wars of Britian, an exhibit for all the exotic animals that lived in the Tower of London in olden days, and the main building - the White Tower- where people lived and is now a general museum of artifacts from the Tower of London. Ravens flew free around the courtyard watching tourists. Ravens were "gaurdians" of the Tower of London in the late history. Therefore trained ravens continue to fly around the area. Fully adorned gaurds silently stand next to doors. The men and women working are dressed in costumes. It was amazing. Every exhibit showed pieces of history I didn't know and that were interesting to see. Again, Florian patiently followed me through as I slowly meandered through the entire place. In the end, I'm very glad we did it. 

On the walk home my shins and feet hurting, Florian and I rushed back to the hotel. We picked up Stef and left again. My feet protesting we walked to Harrods. Just to explore, starting on the level with all the chocolate and other amazing foods. Very neat to see! We explored the other levels, including the toys, furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. What a great store! But the outside was lit up and we admired that as well. 

After strolling around a bit more we found a nice cafe for dinner. But the most amazing part about our evening was when we got to the cafe, there was the best car parked outside. Yes, it is covered in "diamonds." We of course took many pictures of the bedazzled car. Amazing. 

Then we walked back to the hotel. And this girl put some music on to relax to! A full day indeed. Tomorrow we leave London. We have a plan to head to Cambridge. But we like changing plans. We'll see what ends up happening! To be continued...