We have been asked by some locals what is the most difficult part thus far of this experience. We’ve fumbled for an answer, the most obvious to us is that it was incredibly hard to leave everything, and everyone, that we know and love behind. But, that was a given. At this point, and it is early days yet, I feel that the most difficult adjustment has been remembering that we are not on vacation. We are living here. It’s a different mind set (no, I cannot have dessert every night).
We have been very fortunate in having our hosts, Rick and Joanne here. They know so many people! In addition, they have both gone out of their way to make certain that our stay will be comfortable. This includes buying a small BBQ so my grilling freak husband can use it! Rick also took us to a couple of out of the way sights – I’ll detail those in a moment. Many thanks to them both for their kindness.
What have we done? What have we seen? Well, anyone who knows me knows that my first stop would be the bakery in town. I was most certainly not disappointed! Marguerite’s is absolutely delicious. I admit, shamefacedly, that I neglected to take a photo of my yummy pancakes. I shall whip myself with fresh pasta from Aldi for that mistake. Other critical reconnoitering was done at 3 of the 4 grocery stores in the village. The Tesco is a bit further walk – we will go there tomorrow morning. I have to figure out which ones I like best! We have learned to always carry a €1 coin and a €2 coin when going to the grocery store. Why? Because that is how you get a shopping cart. You put the appropriate coin in a slot on the handle (depends on the store what denomination of coin is required), this releases a chain and allows you to take a cart. When you return the cart to the cart park area and reattach the chain your coin is released. Funny, there are no carts just sitting in the parking lot here.
Yesterday morning Rick took us out in his car (I remembered to go to the passenger side!!!). He had a couple of out of the way sights to show us. The first place we stopped was St Bridgid’s Well.
Essentially, if you drink from this well you should be cured of any pains you may have. It is a naturally occurring, artesian well. The water was amazingly clear and crisp. So far, so good on the pains.
The next stop was at a path that goes through an old train tunnel. The path was closed for renovations (a second tunnel under the highway is being constructed so that the path connects with the Great Southern Trail). No, mom/dad, we did not hop a fence that said keep out…
Our final stop was at Glenquin Castle. It’s on this random back country road but happens to be one of the finest examples of tower castles in Ireland.
The caretaker did not answer the phone so we were unable to go inside. It was still a fascinating experience!
Enough ramblings for one day. Stay tuned for more “Thoughts From My Brain”!