Friday's trip to Connemara

Thursday, nothing worth noting I don't believe.

Friday I went with a bus full of international students to Connemara. Honestly, the trip was slightly disappointing. We first arrived at this hotel called Peacock's... but on the side it said Peacocke's. I found that amusing, same hotel, different names depending what side you're on. We hopped out and got a lovely view of the hills/mts in Connemara (which I later hiked on Sunday!). Then we went to a bridge. I honestly can't remember the significance of it other than a film was shot there. An American film too I think...

Then we proceeded to Kylemore Abbey. That was the highlight. It was beautiful! We got to explore the estates, which felt right out of a book/LOTR/a dream. Here's all about it http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/ We checked out the abbey as well as the Gothic church, a "cathedral miniature." It was beautiful inside and out, completely made me think of Dad with all of the beautiful and intricate details, cherubs on the outside in place of gargoyles, rose carvings in the stone... it was lovely. Then we checked out the Abbey, used for teaching girls at one point in time, now I think just for the nuns and visitors of course. The cafe in there smelled divine! Mandy got a huge bowl of soup and I found out that if you ask how much the bread is, they'll give you a slice for free. Delicious thick brown bread. Yum!

Then we went on to a Furniture school. Sounds kind of lame, but the display room we saw was actually kind of interesting. Sad part is that a long time ago that place used to be a school for unruly children. In reality, most children sent there were just of poor families unable to care for them. Many children actually died there, between neglect, harsh beatings, and poor care... ok so that was depressing.

Then we went to a little town and were told to walk around for an hour. Lame! I wanted to go 200 m down from the furniture school, take a left and go explore the Connemara national park dammit!

The plus side, I met a bunch of really nice people. One of which I was told by Michael the previous Tuesday at Monroe's that she was my sister. Another instance where I was made relatives with another based on shared glasses/contacts, and brown curly hair. Ah well, Melissa is awesome so it's cool.

All in all I wish the trip had been a little more national park and beautiful sights rather than small town and furniture store, but it was only 11 euro so... whatever.