Galway is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, so change comes to everything, and the new Dubh will be a great place, but it's still sad to see the old set-up gone. Had a nice long conversation with the Aussie barmaid with gorgeous Asian features, though. She's on a year visa in Ireland, hanging out and moving from place to place.
My face is sunburned and my remaining hair is windswept from the after-affects of riding a bike around Inis Mor today, one of the famed Aran Islands. Strolled around a prehistoric fort and wandered through several shops selling the authentic Aran sweaters. Won't tell if I bought anything or not.
Heading to Dublin tomorrow and dinner with the bloggers. Tried Glen the other night but he couldn't hear me, most likely sitting in a pub watching hurling.
And then Thursday I make the long attempt to get home. In the UK the restrictions have been lifted slightly, but I'm not sure what Dublin Airport and US Airways have in store for me. If I can bring a book on board the flight I'll be happy. Finished Bob Dylan's Chronicles as I was sailing into Rosslare harbor, but that's been replaced by the only other book Pete McCarthy wrote before he died. Saw it in a Cardiff rail station bookstore and thought it would make a good read. So I'm one of those guys whose reading a book about travel (Irish-themed, no less) while he's traveling, but it works for me because it helps me get in the mind-set of a solo traveler writing about what he sees, which I've been doing in excelsis. Might make a good book someday.
I think pictures and a more detailed version of the trip will commence once I'm home, in order for it to be done properly. There's a cover tonight at the bar so maybe I'll head somewhere else or just call it a night.
Oh, yeah, I haven't arranged for a ride home from the airport yet. This Thursday around 5:00, that is if the flight isn't delayed. Anyone willing to help me out? I'll buy you an authentic Aran sweater...
