The rest of our summer was amazing. In August Linda and Holly (Glenn's mom and aunt) came to stay with us in Dublin. We toured here, there and everywhere and tried lots of new restaurants. I loved having the company. The four of us also took a trip to Barcelona. What a fun city! The weather was hot and sunny for all 5 days of our vacation. We went to the beach, ogled the architecture, and ate and drank ourselves silly. I have to say, Spanish cuisine and the way they eat (small plates; long, leisurely meals) suites me. I love trying a bit of everything. Our favorite was this little tapas bar in and alley near our apartment. They gave us the house wine in these juice glasses and brought out plate after plate of snacks (pinxtos) all stuck with toothpicks. We stood at the bar with locals and tourists sampling away. When we were ready to go, they charged us by the number of toothpicks on our plates.
We did a lot of walking in Barcelona. It seemed there was something cool to see around every corner. We also took a ride on the cable car that goes from the very top of Montjuic Park to the edge of the ocean. Great views! If you go, stay in the Barrio Gotico. Luckily Linda knew this little tidbit and we were able to get a funky apartment that was central to everything we wanted to do.
Once Linda and Holly went back to the States, the apartment seemed very quiet and I was once again left to keep myself busy. Luckily rugby started up in mid-August so at least twice a week I now have the chance to run around outside with some great girls. The big news in rugby is that we have an actual coach this year. Last year one of the team members took on the role and did a great job but wanted to concentrate on playing this year instead. Alan, our coach, is great. We won our first three matches of the season and sadly, lost one just yesterday. Boo! We'll turn it around, I'm sure and end up on top of our division this year. I know it.
The highlight of September was a trip to Cork for a long weekend. Glenn's childhood friend got married at the Ballymaloe House on the southeast coast of County Cork. I've been waning to get to the Ballymaloe House for years and was so happy to be going for such a festive occasion, What an amazing place! It is an old country house that has become one of the premier guest houses in Ireland. It is also home to a cookery school that is quickly becoming world renowned. I hope I can get back down there some day for a course or two. Their gardens alone are enough to keep me busy for a week!
The wedding was lovely. The food was, of course, phenomenal. Glenn and I played croquet, met some great people, caught up with old friends, and danced the night away. We spent the rest of the weekend exploring some other parts of Cork including Kinsale, the Old Head, and Cork City. Kinsale is the cutest little harbor village with amazing seafood. We took a log walk along the coast one morning and got drenched and a sudden downpour - typical Ireland! We also poked in and out of the shops, watched whatever important football match was on in a great pub, and generally chilled out. The Old Head is a golf course in the most dramatic setting. Glenn dreams of playing here one day, but he'll have to save his pennies first!
We were in Cork City for one afternoon and, as it was raining, we holed up in this very cool old IRA pub to watch the All Ireland Hurling Final. Kilkenny won for the fourth year in a row.
We spent the rest of September close to home catching up with friends after our busy summer. It turns out that the weather in Ireland in September is fantastic! We had sunny day after warm sunny day. I must remember never to travel at this time of the year. Actually, it is the perfect time for visitors so start making you plans for next year! It's never too early.
The October weather has been gorgeous as well. We've been busy entertaining friends and taking in the festivals and cultural events in Dublin while the weather holds. Last week we saw noel Cowards Hay Fever in the funkiest little theater in the basement of a Georgian building on the North side of City Centre. Over the weekend we visited Kilmainham Goal - an old Dublin jail turned cultural center. We learned all about the famous prisoners who were involved in the Easter Rising and subsequent revolution and civil wars. So cool! We also went to Dublin's version of Oktoberfest where Glenn learned that German beer is much stronger than Irish or American beer. Oh Glennie! It was fun to see him sing and dance, though. At the end of the evening, I packed him into a taxi with two girlfriends heading to a house party. I was coming down with a cold so went home to curl up with my book instead. We both had really great nights and lots to talk about Sunday morning. One of us had a bit of an upset tummy though....
1 comment:
It's almost been a year, hasn't it? I love reading about your adventures. You're really taking advantage of your new location and it's great to get tips about what to see, in case we ever travel again. And of course you are surrounded by fun new friends. Thanks for sharing!
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