This is when we went to the Aran Islands.  We took a boat over which took about two hours I believe but it wasn't that bad.  Once we got to the island there were many different ways to see the island.  You could bike, take a tour bus, take a horse and buggy or you could walk it.  Me and my brother choose to walk the island.  This allowed us to go at our own pace and I felt like allowed us to see more because we weren't in a vehicle that wouldn't stop at certain places.  One example that I heard people didn't go to was the light house at the top of the island.  It was neat to see but don't pay the money to go inside.  Not worth it when you can just walk around the outside and still see the same things.  Another place we were able to go to was on the beach.  That was nice to see.  The whole island was very enjoyable.

Absolutely amazing!!!! Hiking all the way up to this 4000 year old fort was completely worth it!!! You have an amazing view of the whole island of Inishmore, and the two other islands (Inishmaan and Inisheer) that make up the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. A great place to sit and gather your thoughts, enjoy the rugged landscape, and take a breather from the long uphill hike. I would also like to note: be careful of odd rocks jutting up around the ruins, they are super easy to trip on! *note: the cost in 2000 was 1 Irish Pound, I am not sure how much the admission is now 7 years later and with the Euro. But pay whatever it is, cuz it's worth it.

Today was beyond spectacular.  After a rainy day (which I used to get over my jet lag), the weather was absolutely perfect.  It was 62 and sunny, a bit windy but perfect for a few (well, about 6) hours of biking around the island.  I feel embarassed to admit this but I actually teared up at one point because the view was so grand - overlooking the ocean from a Celtic fort built on the edge of a cliff around oh, 1100 BC! Dun Aonghasa, check it out online.  Anyway, I felt so lucky to be here and see this place.  I also biked around the old lighthouse, several grumbling churches and saw the remnants of a castle built around 1587. 

I also had my first try at really understanding the road system here.  I think Americans like too much order and rules. I mean, here it operates by common sense.  There is no middle line drawn in the road.  You just give way to one another.  At some points there were folks on bikes, on foot, in cars, and in a horse drawn buggy, all trying to pass each other on a road that barely fits one car.  It worked out just fine!

I biked from one end of the island to the other today, but I am contemplating another night here as I realized I have time as I don't leave Ireland for two more weeks from tomorrow.  The gal I've been bunking with is actually staying another month and working here.  She's only 19 and lived in S. Africa and is now really just bumming the world.  Awesome.  The folks here at the hostel are great though.  I hiked here in the rain yesterday for about 30 minutes on the chance they'd have a bed and here I am.  I guess they are a bit picky about who stays thank goodness.  Tomorrow is a bank holiday so everything is busy...not sure what the holiday is.  I think the bank just closes, giving everyone an excuse to stay out late Sunday night as well. 

So one of the guys who works here in the summer is from New Zealand and has a hostel there.  So I have his information for next year for sure.  I've been asked by many if I've already been to NZ due to the necklace D gave me as a going away gift.  Eventually I tell them...

So tonight I'm gonna go hang with some of the folks from the hostel at a local pub.  Well, gonna try to download some pics now.  They still can't capture the beauty that is Ireland. 

I know, I know, I was supposed to get on the noon ferry to Galway today, but I think I'm not alone as every morning someone is at the desk paying for "one more night."

It pays to know the staff as I scored dinner last night and then Glen (the hostel manager) and I spent some time on the beach looking at the waves crashing and then biked to a nearby hotel for some not-so-Irish music.  My new friends from Denmark and Norway said they were going to stay another night and enjoy the beach the next day, so of course I had to stay.

This morning I finished The Last King of Scotland (thanks, Jen!) and went to a local cafe where there was a book exchange.  Then I came back to the hostel to team up with the ladies here.  The ladies meaning my Scandanavian friends and two hostel employees, Debbie and Caroline.  We went to the beach today.  We sat around, drinking cold brews and talking about what a bunch of gals would talk about.  That's about it.  Another dreamy day in a place where the perfect weather never seems to end...at least not this week as I gather.

We are going out tonight to the local pub - Joe Mattys - to bid a bon voyage to myself and the Scandanavians.  I MUST get moving.  I know it is hard, but seriously, I'm on my 3rd extra night here! 

Well, hopefully I will email next from Galway or Sligo.

Well, here I am having another perfect day on Inishmore.  I cannot seem to get myself to leave here.  It is beautiful here (weather has been splendid), quiet and I've come to know staff here at Mainistir House Hostel.  It feels like family here.  The owner is a bit eccentic (quite a mystery and hates people), but it adds to the character here.  But if I don't leave soon, it'll be like Gilligan's Island and I won't be able to leave.  I've become so lazy too.  All I did today was get up really late (went out to the pub again last night with the staff and other gals), and then went for a walk into the Village for lunch (the nearby town) and then found a spot on the coast to read a book for a few hours.  Then a quick walk up to the grocery store with Glen the hostel manager for supplies, and that's about it.  So no pics today...

So I think I better get moving because it is tempting just to stay here for the summer even - well, they stamped my passport for June 16th, so I best get moving to Dublin!  I know there are other greal places to see as well and hopefully other great hostels.

Well, that's it for today.  Hopefully I'll manage to get onto the ferry at noon heading to Galway tomorrow.  But for now, I'm still in paradise!

So last night I went out to the pub with the hostel manager Glen from NZ and his couch surfers from Norway and Sweden, along with two German gals and one French.  I've been feeling quite at home in the pubs here.  Reminds me of being home at the pubs, except everyone here is really Irish and no one is wearing any medieval garb like they are at the Rennaissance Festival. 

I decided to stay another day and I sure am glad.  Glen took me and his couch surfers biking to a place near the Celtic Fort called the Worm hole.  It's this perfectly rectangular area wore into the side of the cliff (see pic).  Apparently some crazy people have actually jumped in.  Then he had us scale up the side of the cliff with the waves crashing below.  Much to our delite we all made it.  Lovely day.  This afternoon some relaxing, maybe another jaunt around the island and then probably off to Galway tomorrow.  It will be hard to leave this beautiful and peaceful island!