Independant Travels

Hello,
>
> So I haven't been up to too much but here are some updates. Last night we
> went out for a walk, got gelato, and ended up at a bar/cafe where I was able
> to have my first glass of beer. There was also a Stag party going on where
> Scottish guys were wearing Hawaiian shirts and fake moustaches. It was quite
> the party and I have a funny photos of M-E wearing the moustache. One of the
> older dudes showed us strange/funny photos I will have to describe to you
> one-on-one since it would sound weird over e-mail. They were also quite fond
> of kissing....yeah, I'll leave it at that. Don't worry, it's not exactly
> what you think.
>
> Today we started bright and early for shopping. I introduced the girls to
> M&S and we went through the main shopping district stopping at numerous shoe
> stores, Dunnes (where I got jelly shoes, watch out!) Then we walked along
> the river and had lunch outside which we bought from M&S. We crossed the
> bridge to see the Galway Cathedral which was just stunning. I think it was
> one of the most beautiful churches I have seen thus far on my trip. The
> organist was practising so there was music filling the stone hall. There was
> also row upon row of stunning stain glass. After we walked over to the
> National University of Galway and the campus was so beautiful. There was ivy
> growing on all their stone buildings and there were grassy square and large
> trees all over campus. We were in the main admin square and saw a sign that
> signalled that finals were currently being written. After there was more
> shopping, I got a dark melted hot chocolate from a chocolate cafe (so
> good!), bought gifts for family and also a Claddagh ring for myself. I know
> it's not something I am supposed to get for myself but I know if I don't I
> never will get one. If you don't know what these are they're the rings with
> the heart with a crown and a pair of hands each symbolizing a different
> thing (heart=love, hands=friendship,crown=loyalty). The village is right
> near Galway so there are a ton of shops here where they are sold. Anyway,
> there was much shopping fun to be had and we had dinner at Eddie Rockets.
> There used to be that Johnny Rockets in WEM which I loved but has now been
> shut down and replaced so we all got these monstrous old-style diner burgers
> with milkshakes. So good. We also could request music on their jukebox and
> we picked Handel's Messiah :)
>
> Anyway, I am off bright and early back to Dublin tomorrow. Tara will be
> driving the car we rented and we hope to catch some sights such as Newgrange
> and Tara's mound before we enter Dublin. I'm looking forward to it!