Lesson one: Never trust your landlady to give you the facts. She said I could catch the bus at a pub in the village, I checked and it only goes on the main highway near the gas station. I waited with two young people and the bus came…late, but came. I went to Galway. Good thing I didn’t drive, there were, count them, 25 roundabouts! I would have died! And then to find parking once there…no, take the bus. It was 10.50 euros and worth every penny.
My goal was to do a little research in the library. That I managed, though I was early, the nice thing about Ireland is the people. I had several conversations sitting on a bench waiting for the library to open. I had another conversation at breakfast and another one at lunch, and several in between and don’t forget the seat partners on the bus. Lots of conversation was had today including a “we could be friends and you could invite me to the states to visit you” conversation on the bench waiting for the return bus…nice enough looking guy but he smokes. Lesson Two: Never take what men say to women in foreign ports seriously. I have had so many marriage proposals in Haiti and Tanzania, what can I say, a “visit you” was nothing.
Galway was perfect in the sun. There is a pedestrian area with shops where men stood with signs advertising various businesses. They looked very bored and some of them were texting and leaning against their signs. Many musicians out, especially what I would call quite young girls, playing and singing…not well mind you, but nevertheless, playing and singing in scant shorts and skirts. I am not sure what that has to do with music, I think more about tips. They could use the tips for more music lessons. I’m sorry, it was nice hearing the music on the pedestrian areas.
When I had passed through Eyre Park in the morning, no one was out. When I returned in the afternoon, all of Galway had poured out into the sunshine.Hundreds of people sat on the grass with many of them, I predict, without sunscreen and it was hot. There was a group advocating for Roma people’s rights, the travelers we hear so much about. Ethnic people are being prejudiced all over the world.
Monday there is to be a deluge of rain. I have enjoyed my week of sun in Ireland. Now back to work.
Leara Rhodes 