Howya!

I’ve been here just over a week and this is what I’ve been up to…

> Learning how to drive on the left.
Its been a struggle but I think I’ve got it. The hardest part is remembering to look up and left for the rear-view mirror while trying not to wipe off the left side-view mirror on the quaint stone walls that seem to come all too close to the car. I’m still a bit skittish around the big trucks but its getting easier.

> Failing at a Galwegian accent.
I’m not trying to feign an accent it just sort of happens – and poorly I might add.

> Joined a trad session in Ireland.
Ennis to be exact. I had a great time and didn’t make too big a fool of myself. Except when I tried to start a reel and no one joined in. They recognized the tune but I must’ve played it too American. However, I redeemed myself when I sang ‘Come Up The Stairs’ and was invited to the evening session.

> Toured a castle.
Bunratty to be precise. It was a 12th century castle with an interior that spanned 3 centuries. The coolest part for me was the chance to climb up and down all the little spiral stairways – I love spiral stairways! There was a ‘folk’ village attached that was 18th century. I know, I know… you’d think I’d get enough of that at the MN Renaissance Festival, but it was still cool considering the shops were authentic. I originally stopped because they said they had world famous Mead. But for those of you familiar with James Baird Mead we all know there is no other mead but his!

> Had to Change a flat.
Now getting a flat tire is fairly easy here – most shoulders are little more than pot-holed tire tracks. Mine came in the form of a bent wheel. When I called the rental place (car hire) for assistance there advice was to wait for someone to come along and offer help. I was dubious of the advice and insistent for the help. But he was right. One lady helped with the hubcap cable and eventually a man on a bike asked if I needed assistance.
(By-the-by, when I took the tire in to be fixed the mechanic unbent the wheel and replaced the shredded tire for 15 euro (about $20). When’s the last time any mechanic did any tire work for $20 in the states?)

> The people are as friendly and helpful as they say.
From helping fix a flat to chatting me up at the local restaurant I’ve met nothing but good people. The Krew at Kinlay House, Damian at the Guiness Gravity Bar who made a shamrock in the foam of my pint, anyone who ever spoke slowly in order that I might understand the directions, the list goes on and on. Thanx to everyone!

> Popping down to the pub for a pint.
In my head I imagined sitting at a high top table drinking a warm pint of Guiness while listening to a traditional music session. What I get is tables that are close to the ground with little padded stools for sitting ‘round, a cold pint of Guiness (more often than not it’s a Bulmer’s cider for me), bad pop rock on the stereo, and a nation that hasn’t a clue what is a Black & Tan.

> Had a ‘Half Full Irish’ Breakfast. (one of everything rather than 2)
Egg, rasher (bacon), sausage, toast, juice, coffee, and half a white and half a black pudding. The white pudding is like a bready pork sausage patty and the ‘black’ comes from the addition of pigs blood. When in Rome…

As for the rain - they've had an unusually rainy spring but frankly, I thought it'd be worse. The weather's been mild and 'soft' (misty rain, 14-17 celsius) and the people have been friendly and warm. Its just grand!!