Donegal and 1st Day in Galway

After staying at Maeve's parent's I was given a tour by Maeve and Nial of the walls of Derry, which are like everything quite old. The walls of Derry helped protect them from seige for 105 days before relief was able to break through. Unfortunately, the same protection kept out food supplies and many people died of hunger related causes. Nial gave a secondary commentary about places that were significant in Maeve's childhood- like her bus stop.

Donegal, which is next to County Derry, is part of the Republic of Ireland even though it is in the North. Just after entering the Republic we stop at a fort (will interest name of fort here after I look it up in my notes). The ruins are suspected to be around the time of Christ if not before. There is just a small inner circle left now, but according to the sign the scars of larger rings can be seen from above. After a tour of the Donegal country side we took a ferry across the water to head back to Nial and Maeve's house in Lisburn (just outside of Belfast). Nial made dinner eggs and soda bread with tea. I also rejoiced in at the site of my long lost suitecase! All my belongings were on board, except my alarm clock has not been found yet.

The next morning (Monday) Maeve dropped me off at the bus station to catch a to Galway. There were two bus changes along the way and so I made friends with and elderly lady, by moving her bag for her. She looked out for me and told me her story of spending her life as a pharamist and raising 7 children in a tiny tiny town in Ireland. I also sat next to a man of about 60 or 70 years old and he gave me the history of the area I was driving through. Apparently has a horse fair each year that at one point was the second largest horse fair in the world.

Upon arriving in Galway. I stepped of the bus and tried to find out my location. I had a good map there were just no street signs. I saw two other people looking confused as well and then found out they were looking for the same hostel. It turned out to just be 2 blocks away, but it took all three of us to figure it out. Once checked in at the hostel I set out to explore and get a sense of the city. I had the greatest unplanned timing. The World Ocean Race had just finished 9 months at sea, so Galway as the port city had lots of festivities going on. Later that night Crystal (my Aussie roommate) and I set out for dinner and lots of live music. I danced for a good portion of the night to various African bands; the night's themes of was the spirit of Africa. So that was yesterday. I am almost caught up, but also out of internet time.

Hope all is well with each of you!

Dad and Mom thank you so very much for this trip. It is a blast!