Ooops! Forgot Ireland

Well, not really. It's just that the English portion of the post went on a bit. Yes, I cheerfully admit to that. I had a ball in the land of my birth.

O.K. Ireland. Well, I was at a conference there just outside of Dublin, so I mainly saw the hotel, the shopping centre next door and the airport. Tho' I must say the sky is a huge presence there. Perhaps it is because the countryside around Dublin is not as intensely developed as U.S. suburbs. Also, the reality of "skyscraper" seems to be non-existent there - thank goodness. The sky is huge and lovely with the sun and clouds. You really get a feel for the term "ever changing." I can also understand why painters of yore would want to capture the sky on their canvas. Magnificent! Though, on cloudy and rainy days - you don't really want that much sky hanging over you. It can get rather over whelming. The gift? When the sun comes out after days of rain - the colors of the countryside can knock you sideways. The people are rather fabulous, too!

While in Ireland I did, however, have the opportunity to visit Glendalough (Gaelic for "Valley of the Two Lakes"). My guide book calls it "the epitome of rugged and romantic Ireland." And on a sunny afternoon such as we had, it truly was. It's prime attraction are the remains of the monastic city (being notoriously uneducated in religious whatnots -- who knew?) which was built by disciples of St. Kevin, a single monk who had originally come to the area (according to the guidebook) for peace and quiet. Don't you love it?

In it's heyday, Glendalough was home to one of the largest monastic cities in Ireland. The monastery lasted for four centuries from the 9th to the 12 century. After surviving several Viking raids (being an economic gem), the English forces from Dublin apparently finished the monastic city off in the 1300s - tho' I can't remember if any reason was given. There's a fascinating graveyard (amazingly still in use!); a round tower built in the 10th century with its front door 20 feet off the ground; the remains of the original monastic gate: and several churches, built during various centuries, are still there in this deep valley surrounded by forest. The Visitor's Center has a fabulous video presentation which give you a far better appreciation for what you are seeing, before you see it. The whole area is best described by my guidebook as a "deeply tranquil and spiritual place." It truly is. It is also a visual feast for the eyes. I very much enjoyed being introduced to this intriguing place.

So, if you're ever traveling on Ireland's eastern side, I highly recommend this magical valley to you. Bring your camera. You'll want to bring a bit of the mystery home.