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Whew, I finally made it home after hours and hours of flying today! We haven't had access to the internet or wireless these past few days, so I do apologize for neglecting our blog. Once I de-jet lag myself, I'll get some new photos posted. Brian is in Vienna right now, so we will hopefully have some more entries from abroad! Now, I must sleep. And I must say, it's going to be nice to be in my own bed tonight!

Eve of Departure...

This is it, our last night in Ireland. We're heading out for London tomorrow afternoon. It has been a wonderful visit here, and I look forward to posting some pictures soon. You'll be amazed at some of the wonderful pictures we've taken. Talk to you all soon! Cheers!

It was a sad, sad night... There wasn't enough beer in Ireland to ease the pain of leaving...

Graduation From Guinness Camp!

Well, we made it! It wasn't a full two week program, but we have graduated- with honors! Pictures will follow, as soon as we find a wireless connection... Brian was valedictorian and gave a gracious speech. Diplomas will be sent out in the next week or so. Parents, aren't you proud???

St. Pat's

Here is a shot of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. We were able to wander around inside. It was absolutely gorgeous- the high arches, the woodwork, the knights' crests... I would have found it hard to concentrate on a sermon here.

A Whirlwind Day In Dublin

Whew! We are beyond beat! We took in a lot today- after breakfast we hit the National Gallery. We were going to do the museum, but a painting that we wanted to see was actually on display at the gallery, so we changed plans. Then it was off to St. Patrick's Cathedral. What an amazing place! The ceilings, the pillars, the ornate carvings... absolutely beautiful. After lunch we made the pilgrimage to the Guinness Brewery for the tour and free pint. At the top of the building there was a 360 degree view of Dublin! Well worth the hike. So our feet are sore, bodies aching and there might have been some whining on my part! :o) Now for dinner and a pint!

Fortress Walls

I have no words... :o)

Aengus

We finally made it! Only 1 wrong turn!

This fort is something else... I just can't imagine how long it must have taken the people to build. It's enormous. There are the cliffs on one side, and thick stone walls all around the rest. It's at the top of a hill, and the surrounding fields have been sown with large upright stones. It was not an easy approach for any army that was attacking it. At this spot, we are just inside the outer ring. In front of us is the inner ring of stone. Very well fortified!

Don't Look Down!

Whoa! It's windy up here! And there are some kids laying down on the rock and looking WAY over the edge! Hang on, Brian!

On Inishmore

This biking is the way to do it! Sure beats walking! I 'may' have taken us the wrong way at first, but we found our way- Brian is quite the navigator. Our mission: to bike and then hike to the stone fort Dun Aengus. We chose to accept it. The only thing to self-destruct was our thighs!

Hmmm, More Stone Walls...

Look at this one!

A Stone Wall

Yet another of my stone walls... I may have a whole roll on just these! It's amazing the way they fit together- without the help of concrete. AND--- no gates! Look at the way the different sizes are stacked... and notice the seemingly endless fenceline receding in the distance...

Biking the Arans

Yes, Meg, we BIKED! Had a great time cycling around Inishmore Island- went out to the old stone fort Dun Angus. (Probably spelled that wrong, but I just woke up!) I was able to feed my passion for stone fences- used up most of the memory card on them! We stayed at a nice little hostel on the water. We'll be unable to post pictures for awhile as there is no wireless here... But once we find place, watch out! So we're off to explore today. More later!

No, that's NOT Lance Armstrong! It's me!

The Beginnings of an Obsession

I have found myself strangely attracted to these old stone fences. They were built by hand, using no concrete. When you look at them you don't think they will stay standing. But they do. And they are all over the countryside! Sometimes, as far as the eye can see! Backbreaking work, but it did help them to get the ground cleared of rocks for the grazing sheep.

Tanning

I had to soak up the sun while I could- we don't see it too often over here! In this giant satchel I am carrying around my neck I have a small stone frame- made out of these very cliffs! My backpack seems to be getting heavier and heavier!

More From Moher

Another shot or two from the Cliffs of Moher- it was really spectacular. I don't know that a photo can do it justice, but I'll try!

Those poor cows! Do you think they get vertigo?

Ring Three

Ok, most of you know I'm a scary movie fan, as well as quirky! We saw this old well at our first hostel and I immediately thought of the movie The Ring. For those of you that have seen it this MIGHT prove to be a funny and accurate recreation of the ghost. For those of you that have not seen the movie, just continue thinking that I am a bit weird!

The Ring Of Molly

Heh, heh... little play on words there. (Like the Ring of Kerry down south of Dingle.) I found a ring and thought I'd use it to my advantage! Had a great day today- no rain, just a bit cool. We were able to walk down along Galway Bay today. There are some great advantages to getting up before everyone else: it was a nice quiet stroll. Things didn't really start hopping around here until after lunch. Luckily, I didn't have to use this ring to save anyone...

Rainy Day

Guess what? It's raining! :o) Or, as we heard a local say on the bus- it's slashing rain in Galway. (To be said in an Irish accent, of course!) So we had a nice day of wandering around, sipping coffee/hot chocolate, window shopping, reading/sketching... and our pre-dinner pint! The hostel is ok- lots of kids (and the stray middle-aged kid) and loudness. But a great location and free internet. Our earplugs have come in handy, thats for sure. We have a free day tomorrow, then a few tours booked for Sun/Mon. Should have some great photos if the rain lets up! Ok, that's it for now. Hope all is well on the home fronts! Love, Molly and Brian

Greetings From Galway

Well, we departed Dingle a bit early- pretty rainy, hard to get around on foot to the good stuff. Although, we did our share of cruising the shops and walking. And walking. And walking! But it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Thank you, Meg, for prompting us to visit! So we spent all day on a bus again and arrived here around 6pm. Right in the middle of rush hour. But they had room for us at the hostel- which we picked for it's free wi-fi. :o) And, Cork- so far we have gathered a few things from your scavenger list- the claddagh, shamrock in our Guinness, black headed sheep, tons of Catholic schoolgirls and boys in uniform, and the celtic cross...we plan to take in a few more in the next few days! We hope all is well at home and look forward to sharing more of our travels. For now, farewell!

Congratulations!

Just have to post a quick congrats to my cousin Ryan and his fiancee Murphy--- finally coming home from China! Yay! It's about time!