Eloquence?

Interesting couple of days!
Friday evening was wonderful with laughter, music and celebration.  After spending the better part of the day sightseeing at Jerpoint Abby, in the rain, we arrived at the hotel with time to shower and change for the evening.  Fun program of chatter and music starring a friend of ours.  Very interesting hearing about his childhood and also the pride that people have in relating stories about his growing up and successes.  Then on to his mother's 70tht birthday party.  Wonderful celebration for a very nice lady.  Had a great laugh walking back to the hotel.  EVERYONE walks everywhere!  That's wonderful when you know where you're going but we've been having issues even finding our B&Bs!


Saturday morning we started out with our own personal tour guide taking us to the Heritage Center in Wexford.  Lovely new facility telling the history of Ireland through the ages.  After a walk around the park we proceded To a local hotel for some tea and great converstion.  After dropping our host off we were on our way to "The Famine Ship," a replica a the real thing with a lot of information of how it was for those having to escape the famine and trying to save their families and create a new life.  It was hard at times to listen to what was being said knowing that some of my own relatives didn't make it across to see that new life.  On on to lovely Kinsale, a beautiful seaside town with some of the tinest streets you've ever seen and no street signs. We made a stop at the Spainard an historical pub in the area.  Had a wonderful meeting some of the locals and even picked up some tips on the quest for the family history.  After a drink and more "craic" (fun) we headed into the town for our B&B.  We finally gave up after much searching and asked for assistance.  The local garda (police {female}) lead us, on foot of course, to our B&B which was only a few yards away!  How embarrassing!!!    Have to say we've had a couple of small rooms before but nothing this small!  The reviews were interesting...all glowing about the breakfast and have to say that was it's very best point.  Great food, service and the dining room was so perfect for a bright sunny morning.

Sunday brought new challenges should I say?  Once we were on the road  we headed off to Cobh another site for those leaving for America, Canada and points beyond.  Also was given more ideas of where to look for our family.  One thing's for sure, the people here really seem to want thos interested to be able to find the "missing" pieces.  Next, off to Blarney Castle where I fulfilled one of my Mother's dreams...I kissed the stone!  I made it up to the top (have to say I'm really proud of that accomplishment) and have the picture to prove it.  The view from the top of the castle was beyond discription.  You can see forever and it was just amazing.  I will admit that once I made it down from the castle my legs were shaking.  Don't think I've used that many muscles in a while.  Would love to let Dr. H (my surgeon) how well those knees work!  For sure I'll have to let Steve, my friend and physical therapist know.  A little shopping done afterwards and off to our B&B for this evening.  We've been doing pretty well getting to and from places but locating the B&Bs still seems to be a bit of a challenge.  How do they expect you to find things without street signs?

Well, this has been rather lengthy but did want to bring you all up to date on our adventures.  Tomorrow we'll be off to Kerry, the county of our "family."  Hopefully I will have good luck in my search tomorrow.  Maybe the give of "eloquence" will help serve me....fingers crossed!  ;)