Corcaigh, Eire

This past weekend I traveled down to Cork which is the 2nd largest city in Ireland. It's located on the southern part of the island.. to view map go to http://www.irish-freemasons.org/map_of_ireland.htm. The pictures I've posted here are from the Internet (not my camera), but they certainly capture the beauty of it all! We took a bus (for £18) through a lot of the country side. To say that it's beautiful is a bit of an understatement! Upon arrival, we checked into our hostel (my first hostel experience), and headed to the pubs. I can honestly say I've never seen people drink like these Irish Men. They put American Frat Guys to shame! The Guinness, Whisky, Cider, etc flowed like mad all weekend. I am not even kidding when I say beers were opened at 8 a.m. I am so glad I was able to be in the 4 person room in the hostel and away from the craziness! Speaking of which, our 4th roommate (who was unknown to us) woke very early in the mornings and everything she owned was wrapped in plastic. So at 5:30 in the morning it's like crinkle city in our room. We thought it was pretty hilarious. The hostel wasn't too bad; it was very clean and in the middle of the city, so really all criteria was met. I must admit, though, that some of our friends had a hotel room, so we used their showers.

Our first evening, we ate at a pub named Coopers. I was all set on the Irish stew, but they were just fresh out of lamb that night. Darn! So it was pork again. (They eat SO much pork here!) Saturday we went to a wildlife park where the animals have no fences. ( I know, and odd thing to do in the middle of Ireland, especially when the Blarney Stone is so close.. but I was appeasing my hosts who so graciously invited me along on their 'full time staff weekend'). I must say, though, that the park was fantastic. I saw a kangaroo for the first time, guinea pigs that weighed over 100 pounds, and baby giraffes. Never dull.


Sunday we took a bus down to Kinsale, a little fishing town with winding, cobblestone streets and lots of character. We had breakfast at a place called 'Mother Hubbards' and the went to church in a building erected in 1190. Very wonderful to see the culture in their spirituality! All in all it was a wonderful weekend, and I am glad that camp is resuming today! The Greek children are expected to arrive at half twelve (which is in about 30 minutes!). It's 35 degrees Celsius in Greece, and about 18 degrees Celsius here. I hope they brought jackets. The new doctors are here- Maria from Alicante, Spain and Peter Barber from the UK. Apparently he calls everyone 'Duckie' because he has a terrible time remembering names. So great. Know that I miss and love you, and I will be writing more soon!