Sept 18-24

Fri, Sept 18
Becca and I spent the morning in Dublin. We ate a big Irish Breakfast at the B and B, then waddled around Dublin with our backpacks. We took a bus to Galway. On the way, we stopped at the oldest pub in Europe in Athlone, Ireland, 900 AD, authenticated by Guinness. There was a fire fueled by peat. In Galway, we went to Christopher Columbus' Church where the Knights Templar buried Jesus' manger, saw a Spanish Arch, met San Diego, Italy, France People. A crazy horse-racing aficionado accosted us in a pub and gave us a boxing quiz: "NAM THA FIFE PEEPL HA BET MUHAMMED ALI!" We ate some fish and chips then had some nice drinks at The Quays (Keys), the hugest pub in the universe.

Sat, Sept 19
We rambled around Galway with a morning walk. Pleasant. Saw some sights, walked around the open air market near Columbus' manger church and ate a falafel next to a hippie caravan, then bused to Dingle Peninsula via Limerick and Tralee. In Limerick, we ate an unsavory kebab. Met Ben and Christine in Dingle. We went to Dick Mack's, a great little pub that used to sell shoes a few decades ago with boxes of dusty shoe boxes everywhere. There was a Stag (bachelor) party in the pub and about a dozen guys of all ages were standing in a circle singing song after song of traditional Irish tunes.

Sun, Sept 20
Dingle is a great town. We did a monster 30 mile bike ride around the peninsula. Amazing views of hills and the ocean and islands and little towns and old failed potato crops. We stopped at an old fort and old stone houses and a super old church called Gallaurus Oratory. It looked like and upside down boat. Dingle is in County Kerry and everyone was excited about All-Ireland Gallic football final. Gallic football is like soccer, but with your hands instead of your feet. I mean, you can kick it through these uprights and bounce the ball and stuff though. It's kind of confusing but it was interesting and it's the most popular sport in Ireland. Every house and car and store was flying the green and gold Kerry flags. Kerry won. I didn't understand the score to well. It was like 1-11 to 0-9. OK, sounds good.
The bike ride was fun, but the last 1/4 of the trip was mostly uphill. That part was a bit difficult. When we got back into town, we went to a pub and listened to traditional Irish music.

The Guinness does taste better in Ireland by the way. I think it is a combination of the freshness, the quality of the pour, and the magic of the leprechaun.

Mon, Sept 21
We stayed another day in Dingle because we were tired of moving all the time. We had a great walk to a castle and lighthouse with dog that Becca named Matt Maust. Dingle is famous for this dolphin they named Fungi. About 30 years ago, the fishermen noticed that a dolphin was following them into Dingle Bay from the sea. Fungi just stuck around and still hangs out in the bay. Some of the fishermen gave up their craft and turned their boats into viewing ships. We sat next to the castle and watched this boat going in circles and Fungi would pop up near it every minute or so. It was all pretty amusing.
To celebrate Fungi, we ate some fish and chips we bought from some guy who moved to Ireland from Santa Monica. That night we went to a concert. Some guy played an Irish version of the bagpipes. There were accordions and fiddles and guitars. It was the cat's meow.

Tues, Sept 22
We journeyed by bus to Cork and got a good deal on a nice hotel, with spa and sauna, albeit up a steep hill. I was sick but we hoofed it around Cork for a bit. Great town. Must less of a tourist crowd than other mid to large cities in Ireland. We went to a cool park and I used a cool public toilet that made funny noices like a robot. We walked through a college near the toliet and saw some old church. There was a good micro brew place (Abbey something) near an old Abbey with some tasty beers. We ate at this vegetarian place (Co-op), but the food was actually good. Had a pint, went back to the hotel, steam room, spa, sauna, and watched funny TV shows.

Wed, Sept 23
We went to the old Market that Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern told us to go to. We rode the bus to Dublin and checked into the Avalon Hostel. Ben and Christine met us there. We took a fantastic tour of some of Dublin's finest pubs. The Long Hall, the Porterhouse, Brogans, and O'Neill. O'Neills was this amazing place; Huge and grandly decorated. Our first time in Dublin we hit Palace Bar and the Stag's Head, also fantastic spots. I have been in awe of all the beautiful drinking establishments in Ireland. And other old things too.

Thurs, Sept 24
Today was Arthur Guinness Day. 250 years of Guinness. St James Gate Brewery was closed though so that was not cool. There was an old man outside the gate though with a horse and cart who yelled at Becca, so that made up for it. We went to an old jail where a bunch of political prisoners had been held. Becca read about one of her Meagher ancestors. We met a guy dressed like Arthur Guinness at the Davy Burnes and he bought me a pint. Ireland was fun, but we had to bid a fond farewell. We flew to London, bused to Cambridge, then walked back to Westfield House. Time for school.