Irresisitable Ireland

June 16, Day 101 of this Global Wanderlust finds The Vista at anchor off the coast of Dublin. My excursion of choice, in keeping with my preference to view more of God's works than man's, is a "Summertime Drive Through Ireland's Countryside" consisting of: a drive to Glendalough Ruins, lunch at a real, authentic Irish Pub, then off to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, and then back to our home-away-from-home, some seven and a half hours later. Absolutely perfect choice!!!!

I was once very good about remembering our tour guides' names... not so much this trip. Nevertheless, much useful information was dispensed over the course of the day, starting with an explanation as to why we were not able to dock at the Dublin port. When the UK decided to exit the European Union, most of the cargo ships quickly did the math and determined that it was much cheaper to bypass the British ports (and their higher tariffs) for those in Ireland where there were few, if any, tariffs. So, all the Irish accountants did their math and equally quickly concluded that they could make more money from year-round cargo ships than three months of cruise liners. So, cruise ships, while still important to the Irish economy, no longer have access to the best ports. No fools, these Irish. By the end of the day, it became quite clear that, at least to our guide, one of the best things that has happened for Ireland's economy was Brexit! I vividly recall the bloody conflict between these two countries that went on for decades. What I did not realize was that those emotions are still very raw!

Enough of politics. On to the sites of Ireland! My first view, ever, of Ireland was from my veranda through a light fog which thankfully soon lifted sufficiently for us to tender to shore. Our bus traveled through clean, well-manicured, seemingly affluent suburban neighborhoods to the emerald green countryside before arriving at Glendalough Ruins. This ancient monastery was built in the sixth century, reportedly by St. Kevin. Hmm! True I know very, very little about sainthood, but from what little knowledge I possess in that arena, I am pretty certain that one does not become a Saint until after one's death. So, is the building of this beautiful place, now in ruins, what got him sainthood? Some fifteen centuries later several churches, a 30 meter high round tower, stone pathways and a cathedral have survived both nature and numerous Viking attacks. Don't know much about those Vikings except that they were well traveled in their day. Were they trying to conquer the world, or were they just no good marauders?

The weather was cooperative enough that we all enjoyed a nice leisurely stroll through the ruins and along a beautiful babbling brook running through the valley and back to our bus. Next stop: lunch at the Enniskerry Inn where we were served an authentic Irish meal complete with a "pint". You see, here in the land of Guinness, that is all one must say, unless you are uncouth enough to only want a glass of their beloved brew. I very apologetically asked if I might please have a glass of wine. Our waitress only looked at me slightly askew before she recovered and answered, "Certainly! White or red?" I do not remember what the main course was, only that I enjoyed it and my white wine enough to request a second glass of wine. What I do recall with clarity is the most delicious non-chocolate dessert I have ever tasted in my entire life! Pure heaven! Appetites and thirst thoroughly whetted, we jump back on the bus and off to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens.

While in route, our guide tells us how it came to be open to the public, yet privately owned.

For Downton Abby viewers, it was a familiar story. The landed gentry owners simply could not afford the upkeep on all of their enormous holdings. Solution: let the peons in for a fee to see how the noblemen live. Okay; I'm quite comfortable with who I am and my station in life, so let's see it. Unfortunately, I did not realize that my phone had slipped out of my pocket onto the bus seat - making it impossible for you to see. Suffice it to say, the gardens were very beautiful. Somewhat reminiscent of the gardens at Versailles. A supposedly well-known golf course bordered the castle. Several foursomes were enjoying the course while we were there. Sorry golfers, I do not recall its name.

You should remember this was an anchor port. Translation: a forty minute tender ride was required between ship and shore. Going ashore in the morning was somewhat delayed due to fog. Once on shore, the ONLY way to get back onto the ship was via tender. Sometimes the port has large, luxurious tenders. Other ports, The Vista's lifeboats are pressed into service. Today was the latter. The trip into port was relatively smooth, else the Captain would not have cleared us for disembarkation. Seven and a half hours later, conditions had changed - drastically. Had there been any other method (short of helicopters) to get all passengers back onboard, I am certain our cautious Captain would not have allowed those lifeboats to traverse these swells. This was the only time of which I am aware that said lifeboats should have been supplied with barf bags. As we were bouncing back and forth, I began to ponder, what means of salvation exists if a lifeboat goes down? ...A little blip on an otherwise perfect day!

Once again, pictures speak louder than words. Especially the one of my two "flowers" back home...

Today is Someday! Remember Your Camera!