An awesome book by the wonderful Irish author of Playboy of the Western World. A memorable recounting of the author's time with the rustic people of the Aran Islands off the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. He really made the lives and culture of these people relateable and fascinating.
By the way, got to see one of the very old original copies of this book at Trinity College in Dublin.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
I love Ireland
Last day in this beautiful country. Mass at St Mary's Cathedral included the angelic voices of a girl's choir. Apparently, St Patricks Cathedral is an Anglican Church. Went to Trinity College and saw the Book of Kells, their amazing library which resembled the cool Hogwarts library and the Science Center which is a place for Trinity students to showcase their advanced science projects.
Chester Beatty Library had books from as far back as the time of Christ from all over the world, one of the earliest fragment of the New Testament (536ad) artifacts from all the world religions, and more paintings from many European masters. Blown away by jade books and beautiful Japanese scrolls.
Later at the hotel pub ....... Do you see a trend here.
Chester Beatty Library had books from as far back as the time of Christ from all over the world, one of the earliest fragment of the New Testament (536ad) artifacts from all the world religions, and more paintings from many European masters. Blown away by jade books and beautiful Japanese scrolls.
Later at the hotel pub ....... Do you see a trend here.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Ireland day 10
So many galleries and museums and all the national ones are free. Natural History yesterday. Today went to the National Gallery and saw many famous painters' works, many religious themed paintings, and wonderful Irish ar,twists. Then saw artifacts back to the Stone Age at the Archeology Museum. Later, at the Guinness brewery (how's that for a transition again?) had a 360 degree view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar.
Ireland day 9
Dublin is beautiful, bustling, vibrant, modern/historic and very friendly. started on the on/off bus which stops at all the attractions. Wonderful narration by the awesome driver. First stop was Kilmainhan Gaol which is where leaders of the 1916 rebellion were executed. love the story of leader Joseph Plunkett who was allowed to marry his love Grace before he died. The song Grace by Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns tells the story. We saw the chapel and went inside the prison cells. What brave people! Kind of cool how freedom is freedom is freedom whether it is Irish freedom from Britain, France from tyrannical monarchs or the US struggles.
Grace by Irish Tenors
As we gather in the chapel here in old Kilmainham Jail
I think about these past few weeks, oh will they say
we've failed?
From our school days they have told us we must yearn
for liberty
Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here
with me
Oh Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
Now I know it's hard for you my love to ever understand
The love I bare for these brave men, the love for my
dear land
But when Pádraic called me to his side down in the GPO
I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go
Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
Now as the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too
On this May morn as I walk out, my thoughts will be of
you
And I'll write some words upon the wall so everyone
will know
I loved so much that I could see his blood upon the
rose.
Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
For we must say goodbye
Lyrics from eLyrics.net
Grace by Irish Tenors
As we gather in the chapel here in old Kilmainham Jail
I think about these past few weeks, oh will they say
we've failed?
From our school days they have told us we must yearn
for liberty
Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here
with me
Oh Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
Now I know it's hard for you my love to ever understand
The love I bare for these brave men, the love for my
dear land
But when Pádraic called me to his side down in the GPO
I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go
Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
Now as the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too
On this May morn as I walk out, my thoughts will be of
you
And I'll write some words upon the wall so everyone
will know
I loved so much that I could see his blood upon the
rose.
Oh, Grace just hold me in your arms and let this moment
linger
They'll take me out at dawn and I will die
With all my love I'll place this wedding ring upon your
finger
There won't be time to share our love for we must say
goodbye
For we must say goodbye
Lyrics from eLyrics.net
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Ireland day 8
I am blown away by all the wonderful people and places that are Ireland. We are blessed to be able to have these experiences.
Went to Clonmacnoise founded in 548, which because of its central location to ancient transportation routes became a hub especially of all things religious. It has churches, burial sites and amazing stone carved high crosses. It is a beautiful site on the River Shannon. It seems appropriate that we shared this historic visit with 2 bus loads of French teenagers.
Later at the Tulamore Dew visitor center (I know what a transition) we shared a tour with those well behaved kids and their teacher. Had a nice visit with their teacher and our sweet tour guide when the kids got kicked out during the whiskey tasting. Most were only one year shy of the drinking age of 18!!!!
We did share Mac's love of the Dew and how we shared a drink of it the night he passed.
Staying the night right next to Trim Castle - can see it lit up tonight off our balcony. Trim Castle is actually a whole collection of stone structures which used to be a village as well as the castle. This space is now shared with a lovely jogging/Irish puppy walking trail once again blending the ancient with the new.
Went to Clonmacnoise founded in 548, which because of its central location to ancient transportation routes became a hub especially of all things religious. It has churches, burial sites and amazing stone carved high crosses. It is a beautiful site on the River Shannon. It seems appropriate that we shared this historic visit with 2 bus loads of French teenagers.
Later at the Tulamore Dew visitor center (I know what a transition) we shared a tour with those well behaved kids and their teacher. Had a nice visit with their teacher and our sweet tour guide when the kids got kicked out during the whiskey tasting. Most were only one year shy of the drinking age of 18!!!!
We did share Mac's love of the Dew and how we shared a drink of it the night he passed.
Staying the night right next to Trim Castle - can see it lit up tonight off our balcony. Trim Castle is actually a whole collection of stone structures which used to be a village as well as the castle. This space is now shared with a lovely jogging/Irish puppy walking trail once again blending the ancient with the new.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Ireland day 7
We reluctantly left lovely Galway and braved many narrow roads and many sheep blocking the road to arrive at Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore is like Downton Abbey except its in Ireland not England, and instead of rich people Benedictine nuns live in Kylemore and instead of favorite characters having love affairs and getting killed off,the nuns pray in the nearby mini cathedral that the Owner built in honor of his deceased wife. OK Kylemore is nothing like Downton but it is lovely as are its prize winning Victorian gardens.
InAthlone tonight near yet another castle. Love to all. Loving Ireland especially the sheep except when they graze in my road. I know I know they were there first.
InAthlone tonight near yet another castle. Love to all. Loving Ireland especially the sheep except when they graze in my road. I know I know they were there first.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Ireland day 6
Wow. Long walk along promenade by Amber Bay and Galway Bay. Got to check out the Irish Tenors Irish Bay song. Beautiful..
Exploring city of Galway by foot including St Nicholas Church built in 1354!!!!! And they say Christopher Columbus worshipped there????
Beautiful Galway Cathedral and lighthouse which is last sight most Irish emigrants saw as they left for US, including probably Jim's great grandfather. Galway is awesome!
Stopping often to rest and for wifi!
Galway Bay by Irish Tenors --------
If you ever go across the sea to Ireland
Then maybe at the closing of your day
You will stand and watch the moonrise over Claddagh
And see the sun go down on Galway Bay
Exploring city of Galway by foot including St Nicholas Church built in 1354!!!!! And they say Christopher Columbus worshipped there????
Beautiful Galway Cathedral and lighthouse which is last sight most Irish emigrants saw as they left for US, including probably Jim's great grandfather. Galway is awesome!
Stopping often to rest and for wifi!
Galway Bay by Irish Tenors --------
If you ever go across the sea to Ireland
Then maybe at the closing of your day
You will stand and watch the moonrise over Claddagh
And see the sun go down on Galway Bay
Ireland day 5
Wow. More amazing Irish hospitality in Killorglin. Spent morning chatting with hostess and fellow guests. Met more Americans now living in Ireland. hostesses kids went to college in America.
On way to Galway, took Irish open ferry across Shannon River, saw Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. I think the Cliffs are like the White Cliffs of Dover and less white. : ). Burren is the stone structure filled landscape used in Harry Potter and other films.
On way to Galway, took Irish open ferry across Shannon River, saw Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. I think the Cliffs are like the White Cliffs of Dover and less white. : ). Burren is the stone structure filled landscape used in Harry Potter and other films.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Ireland day four
Left our wonderful hosts in Cork and headed west to Killgorin and the ring of Kerry. Passed some of the most beautiful, verdant green land ever. Lots of sheep, wool factories and wool shops. Also passed some of the most spectacular seascapes ever.
Drove to the Dingle peninsula where is apparently great surfing ??? According to a local lady. Also met an ice cream shop owner originally from New York. Talked rugby and hurling in the pub with awesome bar tender. Jim now has hurling stick. His next athletic endeavor?
Drove to the Dingle peninsula where is apparently great surfing ??? According to a local lady. Also met an ice cream shop owner originally from New York. Talked rugby and hurling in the pub with awesome bar tender. Jim now has hurling stick. His next athletic endeavor?
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Ireland day 3
Scattered Mac's ashes off a beautiful bridge in the shadow of Blarney Castle. We were touched to tears by the lovely woman who refused to take our money once she heard our story.
So much green lush natural beauty, ancient stone structures and lots of fairy and witch folklore. We did climb the steep stone steps to kiss the Blarney Stone. Yup they did have us bend over backwards to kiss the stone all the while holding tight to us so we did not fall down the crevice!
Explored the port city of Cork and pub grub in a rugby/Gaelic football/soccer sports bar. Wonderful!!!!!
So much green lush natural beauty, ancient stone structures and lots of fairy and witch folklore. We did climb the steep stone steps to kiss the Blarney Stone. Yup they did have us bend over backwards to kiss the stone all the while holding tight to us so we did not fall down the crevice!
Explored the port city of Cork and pub grub in a rugby/Gaelic football/soccer sports bar. Wonderful!!!!!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Ireland day two
After braving many narrow stairways and roads and still remembering to drive.on the left side of the road we arrived in cork. More sweet wonderful people who seem to love Americans. I was a little afraid we might encounter anti American bias.
We are close to Blarney castle and will scatter dad-in-law's ashes there tomorrow.
Book club ladies I am reading James Joyce Jonathan swift and Jm Synge. Having my own Irish authors celebration.
Ireland day one
Greeted by sunshine as we arrived at Dublin airport and so far lovely weather everywhere. Everyone has been so sweet starting with our Irish flight attendant. Everyone has been touched I think to hear Jim's promise to his dad to bring his ashes home to his ancestral land. Mac always was a proud Irish American.
After Jim's very brave 2 hour drive on the left side. Of the road!!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived in. Southeast city of Wexford location of many Battles for Irish independence. Went to battle of vinegar hill museum. Very touched by.the young couple who ran the place and their dedication to preserving Irish history. They spent a lot of time with us. By the way, they spoke Gaelic as do many people here. Most signs are bilingual. So much for it being a dying language.
Spent the night in what was a doityourself hostel. Comfy and heard so many languages in the common area. Went to a pub where local musicians were playing Beatles music. Too late for pub food so took bread fruit and yummy local cheese back to hostel.
After Jim's very brave 2 hour drive on the left side. Of the road!!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived in. Southeast city of Wexford location of many Battles for Irish independence. Went to battle of vinegar hill museum. Very touched by.the young couple who ran the place and their dedication to preserving Irish history. They spent a lot of time with us. By the way, they spoke Gaelic as do many people here. Most signs are bilingual. So much for it being a dying language.
Spent the night in what was a doityourself hostel. Comfy and heard so many languages in the common area. Went to a pub where local musicians were playing Beatles music. Too late for pub food so took bread fruit and yummy local cheese back to hostel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)