Nuggets.

There is an epidemic in Europe. Probably not officially, but everyone is getting sick with a nasty stomach flu, the norovirus, and Taylor was one of those struck down. As one who is quite susceptible to stomach flu I have washed my hands like mad these past few days. I was convinced I was getting sick yesterday and would have to stay over here forever.  The Irish I’ve talked to are saying it’s probably because they have not yet had a frost…climate change?

So, while Taylor was immobile in her bed (our hostel went above and beyond in giving her her own room and making sure she was okay, and people we met went out to get her medicine), I went out into the city of Galway to breathe as much fresh air as I could. In typical Anna fashion, I wanted to find the water first and that didn’t prove to be too difficult. I walked out along a causeway covered in seaweed and smelling of brine leading to the lighthouse, but was only able to go so far before public access was no longer allowed. I followed that up with a walk through the crowded streets of the shopping district in Galway centering around Quay Street, a series of quaint stone and brightly colored shops and pubs.

            I’ve finally mastered the art of walking in Ireland. When someone is coming towards you, go to the left instead of the right.  Alternatively, you can do a little dance as you hop from right to left, unsure of what direction the other person will choose. Turns out their walking style simply mirrors their driving style. I whiled away some time at a bookstore (what I imagine to be the European version of Borders) and later a used bookstore. I ended my time by purchasing a Claddagh ring and learning from the proprietor that the reason we had to pay cash when we visited the Vatican on Monday is because the World Bank has suspended their use of credit card transactions due to money laundering. Somehow I feel this does not fit the message the Catholic Church preaches. Anyway, Galway is the place Claddagh rings originated, a word meaning ‘shore’ in Gaelic. The ring represents love, loyalty, and friendship.

            Today, Taylor was feeling well enough to walk around, so back to Quay Street we headed, looking in many a tourist shop for items with our family names. Turns out Farrell is the 35^th most common name in Ireland. At another jewelry store, the woman asked me if I was Irish and I said, “I’m a Farrell!” as if that would sum up everything about how awesome Farrells are (wouldn’t you Farrells agree?). Then we went back to the hostel for tea and biscuits (cookies). The biscuits we had are called ‘Digestives’ which is the worst name I can think of for anything, but they are wonderful with tea or coffee. A shortish train ride later we were back in Dublin and we did something exciting to celebrate. You might think, “They had a pint of Guinness!” or “They went swimming in the river!” or even “They scaled the Spire of Dublin!” No, we went to Burger King. Because we are ready to go home and in need of a cheap, hot meal. I don’t know when I last had fast food, and this was really good. The only alarming part was the security guard standing inside…

            Tomorrow we head back to the States, and we both agree it’s about time. We’ve been lucky to see so many awesome places and met many incredible people, but I’m ready to put my backpack away (at least until Monday when it’ll be full of books at the start of the semester) and stick around one place for awhile. 

Quay Street (which I have learned is pronounced Key...)

Homes in front of the River Corrib (isn't this so typically Irish looking?)

Claddagh boats, too!