“A life making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all.” George Bernard Shaw
On Sunday, we started the day at a small pastry shop, having arisen early to head out to Galway (all the way across to the other side of the island). Interestingly enough, very few places open early in the morning — even the coffee shops. Most open at 10, with some open at 8 or 9. We found one that opened at 7:30. When we were eating our muffins and having our coffee, KarenAnn said, “When we’re done, we’re all taking pills!” Amanda asked, “What kind of day trip is this?” KarenAnn, pointing at Lexi – “she gets carsick”, points at Kenzie – “she gets headaches, and I just like to take pills”. We all burst out laughing. Once we gathered our wits about us, we headed to get the car, which was in the car park behind the hotel. I had everyone meet me at the exit as I went to get the car. I drove down to the exit and realized the garage exit door was closed (a big metal roll down door) AND there was an arm across the driveway. There was no one in the kiosk, so I backed up into an empty spot and got out of the car. I looked all around thinking there must be a pay station, but I could not see one. The hotel entrance was way back up on the 4th floor so I didn’t want to have to go all the way back. What the hell??? I finally noticed a sign and intercom that said, ‘if there is no one here, ring the intercom’. I pushed the button and waited. I could hear it ringing and ringing and ringing and ringing…so I went back to the car and got my phone. I texted KarenAnn and asked her to ask the hotel how I was supposed to get out. Before she responded, I heard someone answer the intercom. I asked, “Where do I pay?” She said at the exit. “I am at the exit. There’s no where to pay!” She said, “It’s where you walked in.” “I didn’t walk in, I’m driving out.” “Yes, where you walk out. There are purple arrows”. I was so exasperated, I just said, “Okay, I’ll figure it out!” I walked toward the pedestrian exit and finally saw the pay station. I paid my ticket and got back in the car and finally, after I inserted the ticket into the slot, the metal garage door raised up and the arm raised up and I exited. All the girls were waiting for me and KarenAnn still had not received my text yet. Oh well, off we headed toward Galway. As we drove out of the city, KarenAnn said, “When will it look like Ireland?” Amanda said, “This IS Ireland.” KarenAnn – “I know, but it doesn’t look like Ireland. You know, green pastures and rock fences.” Lexi informed her it would look much more like Ireland when we got closer to Galway. We continued on and eventually began to see some rock fences, thatched roofs, cows and sheep. It was a long drive, fortunately most of the way we were on the thoroughfare which was separated by a barrier with two lanes going each direction. It made driving on the left side of the road much easier.
After about 2 hours, we finally arrived in Galway and proceeded to Shop Street. It was such a cute area – flags hung overhead on the streets. We found a small bakery and had lunch. It was really good. We shopped for a little while and wandered the streets. When we left, we headed to the Cliffs of Moher. The roads were so narrow and winding — when the tour buses passed us, we all shut our eyes (yes, even me, the driver!) It was over an hour of harrowing experiences. We finally arrived, parked and walked a very long way to the actual cliffs. So incredibly beautiful and worth it.
Under the Spanish Arch
Kenzie, KarenAnn & Lexi by the river in Galway
Shop Street
We had Lunch at this little bakery.
A “Morris” Flag! My brother-in-law’s name.
A mural on a building
The view from the top of the hill after a long winding drive.
The burren
Lexi poses on the rock wall.
KarenAnn and Kenzie taking a selfie.
I do a little posing myself.
Point at something! So we did.
The Cliffs of Moher
Opposite view.
The girls on the cliff.
Me with Amanda and Lexi
Amanda and Lexi sitting close to the edge!
Amanda a little too close…
It was a long day and as we drove back the sun actually began to set. The sun does not set until after 10pm! We were all quite tired and dropped Lexi off at her apartment. We then drove to the Hotel car park and as I started to go through the EXTREMELY narrow entrance, we heard a horrible screeching sound. I cut the corner too sharp and the left side of the car, back fender area, hit the concrete post. I was actually stuck for a minute, but backed up and was able to pull on through. I guess I was a little too tired to make that very tricky turn! We pulled into a tight spot (what the hell was with these spaces? It was like I was in a miniature community! A leprechaun village, maybe?) and viewed the damage. There was a deep scrape along the left back side above the tire and the rubber molding had partially pulled away from the wheel well. Thank Goodness I had opted for the full insurance coverage! Too tired to worry about it, we all just headed to bed.
I wish I could say it looks worse than it was, but unfortunately quite the opposite.
Safari So Good 