Embracing all things Celtic, Part II

Sunday, January 02, 2011
Cork, County Cork, Ireland
(Picking back up from stopping off in Dingle) –

So I am very contented having feasted on mussels in a velvety cream sauce, but daylight is starting to wane and I have more destinations to reach before the day is done .

I hop in my little blue Nissan and head off for Inch, where I hear the beaches are lovely. And I reach the beach – just in time! With only seconds to spare! To capture the beautiful sunset behind the mountains and over the water – bliss. I keep walking toward the water and shooting images as the sun turns the sky to various warm and glowing oranges, golds, and reds – really and truly spectacular. Now both Dingle and Inch are two of my new favorite places.

And while it's hard to leave this magical place, I have to head back to (near) Castlegregory where dinner will be served. And after getting lost in the dark only a couple of times (thank you, Noel, for leading me back to the house) I arrive to find the kitchen warm and fragrant and filled with Noel and Lori’s friends – Adrian, Marie, Tony, and Mary.

And then, I was a guest at a truly lovely Irish dinner with friends who talked motorcycle riding (a passion and a vocation for Noel and Lori), politics, hot vacation spots, the economy – you name it, it was discussed . This is where I happily partook of the Irish love of gab – everyone was swapping stories and catching up – and enjoying a most delicious meal of soup, fish, leeks, carrots, and mashed potatoes – I am so lucky to have shared this evening with everyone.

Some observations as a result:

1)   The Irish are as upset with their bankers as we are with ours. Yes, they got them into "this mess".

2)   They believe politicians are part of the problem, and less part of the solution. General lack of trust in the government abounds.

3)   Vacation getaways to warmer and less expensive countries are helpful for Irish malaise.

My brain was truly full by the end of the night. 

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Update to now: For the past few days I have been in Cork, exploring the city and eating great food at Gambieni’s Restaurant – I found a favorite place and have returned there twice. Great lasagne.

And tomorrow I head back to Dublin, with flights back home the day after that. Thanks to everyone I met on this Irish getaway, and thanks to those in particular who were so kind to offer their hospitality, time, and knowledge so generously. I have been very lucky to have experienced nice weather, beautiful sights, great food and such fine companionship – I will miss you all.

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Diane

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