Ireland: Friday, October 23rd

Today’s weather is cold, rainy, and blustery.

We made our way to Kylemore Abbey.  Tucked back in a wooded area inbetween two small mountains.  The abbey sits next to a calm, quiet lake. 

We began our tour with a stop at Mitchell’s Café.  Mom and I enjoyed little snacks and coffee for me and tea for her.

From the café, we donned our raincoats and umbrellas and made a mad dash to the abbey.

From the abbey, we walked down the garden bus stop.  We waited and waited and waited.  No bus.  Upon re-boarding with our fellow travelers, we were informed (by Anne) that they stop the garden tours during mass.

Our next adventure – Galway

Mom and I choose to not do many of the extras.  Tonight we would be on our own in town.

We rode the bus back to the hotel and dropped off our stuff.  We, then, paid 2 euro to ride the two-decker public bus from the hotel stop in to the city.  We met up with Christine and Jimmy for the exciting bus ride back in to town.  Our bus number was 409. 

My mom had never been on a public bus.  This was a first for her.  Me – being the city gal – had taken a public bus in Chicago. 

Mom and I got off the bus in Eyre Square – a shopping district.

We enjoyed supper at Food 4 Thought.  Fish pie and decaf mocha for me.  The mocha maker created a lovely design in the frothed milk.  I love that about Ireland – if you order a “hipster” drink, they do something fabulous with the froth.  Hearts, smiles, winks.

Mom ordered the shepherd’s pie only to discover it was made with a tomato base.  We swapped. 

After supper, we shopped.  I managed to find 2 euro sliver knot earrings at Dunnes Department Store.

Mom and I stopped at Butler’s Café for hot chocolate.  When I inquired about how they make their hot chocolate, the café worker took me to a crockpot with thick melted chocolate.  She informed me that they mix the melted chocolate with steamed milk.  4 words:  Party in my mouth!!!  I will never ever be able to drink Swiss Miss again.  This hot chocolate was amazing and totally worth 3-1/2 euro.

After hot chocolate consumption, we meandered about town – through sweater stores and other woolen goods shops.  We saw a couple of street performers.  Two gals – one playing the accordion (which they call a smash box) and one keeping time. 

After all of our shopping, we managed to make it back to the bus stop and find our bus (409).  We went back to the hotel and donned our swimsuits and swimcaps and went for a swim in the hotel’s lovely pool.