Days 4 and 5 - From the 'Safe Harbor' to the 'Reeks'

DAY 4- I am sad to report a valued member of my travel team passed away quite suddenly today. H.D. Blowerson, (affectionately known as 'Blowy') has been with me since my first international trip in 2000. Prized for not only his light weight and professional blow dryer power, but his discretion as well ( remaining staunchly unjudgemental during the final perm debacle of '02). Blowy was at the ready as usual. I plugged him into my adaptor and the adaptor into the Irish outlet, when smokes and sparks flew out of his vent. His poor blowdrier brain, had literally been fried. Throwing him away in the hotel room garbage can seemed undignified(and a fire hazard); so I handed him over the front desk clerk on duty at Dooley's Hotel in Waterford. Where I am sure, they arranged a fitting burial at sea.

Cobh,county Cork is the world's second deepest natural harbor (only Sydney, Australia is deeper). This makes the port city perfect as a final stop before the Atlantic Ocean. for both commercial and passenger vessels. Cobh (pronounced 'cove')means safe harbor in Gaelic. The harbor was the embarkation point for Irish immigrants heading to the new world, it was the final port of the Titanic before its fatal maiden voyage, and the Lusitania was sunk just out side the harbor, bringing the US and the UK into WWI. Today, Cobh is still a maritime city, with a tourism focus. Pat our guide walked us around the city harbor to experience where these world changing events occured.

Lunch was in Blarney, county Cork. Half the group headed off to the castle to kiss the world famous stone. My readers know, gabbing was never an issue for me or David, so we chose to hit the local pub and shops instead.

The day ended in wonderful Killarney, my favorite city from my last visit. The newly renovated International Hotel did not disappoint. Since it is off season, my entire group was upgraded to 'Executive Suites' with free internet and yes a jacuzzi tub (blogging and a bath, I feel like I have died and gone to heaven). Tonight seven of the group headed out to Sheehan's for traditional Irish music. Sheehan's was a favorite from our '05 visit, where we enjoyed the instrumental group 'Sunday's After Mass'<(still one of David's favorite CDs, currently in his player in the truck). Sundays was playing tonight as well, I told David he was their 5 year groupie and we all laughed. I don't know if the Sunday lads thought it was so funny when David told them the same thing. Stalkery. much?


Day 5
Ring of Kerry County Kerry, one of the world's truoly beautiful sights. I loved every hill, valley and sheep I saw. Our bus driver 'D'has turned out to be a real champ. A part on the bus came loose today and was dragging down the road, so we had to make an unscheduled stop. I had to laugh at David, Jerry and another guy from the tour plus 'D'under the bus hitting the part with all kinds of tools to get it come off. We got an extra potty break out of the deal, so I was very happy. 'D' has ended up being a gem. He has gone out of his way for us. Today we saw a presentation on the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO world heritage site. Because of the time of year, the islands are unreachable by sea and typically after the presentation we would continue down the Ring. When we said to 'D' we would like to at least see the islands, he said, "Well you'll have to keep a secret", and he started off down this lane to the end that said 'Absolutely no buses' he said, "Remember gang, this is a COACH, so its ok", He is a very nice man and has definitely added to our trip.

Tonight we are back to Sheehans for a drink and traditional music. Tomorrow is a very early day- with the Cliffs of Mohr and Galway.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the friends and family back home.