The Last Intellectual Day

Today was the last intellectual day of our trip. We went to Blarney Castle, Charles Fort and a small coastal town not far from Cork. Blarney Castle was amazing, it was everything I thought it would be. I was surprised at the extremely narrow stairway leading up to the Blarney Stone. As we went up the steps themselves began to get smaller and we had to turn our feet to match the length of the steps and walk almost sideways at points so we wouldn't slip. The view from the top was really awesome. I enjoyed the view, it looked at the town of Blarney and the property surrounding the castle. There was a river which was moving really fast and lots of open spaces and trees. Yes, I did kiss the Blarney Stone and now SUPPOSEDLY I'll have the gift of gab for the next 7 years or something along those lines. After exiting the castle I noticed a cave under the castle along another path. I walked in it a little ways and it got narrower and the ceiling got much lower. I wish I would've had a flash light and more time so I could've walked in the cave farther and explored where it went. Maybe I should find a torch and go back so I can pretend I am someone of importance living in the castle in the middle ages!

We then went to the Blarney Wool store and people looked at sweaters and hats. Then we stopped by Charles Fort. It was built in the late 1500's and used in a battle in 1601 when the Irish first attempted to gain their independence from England. During the American Revolution it was used by Britain as a place to keep their POWs. Next we drove to the town on the coast (I can't remember the name of the town). It was nice, we arrived when there was a low tide and by the time we left, an hour and half later, the tide was coming in prettty quick. The streets were very narrow which is typical of many medieval towns we were told by our bus driver.

Depending on time and Euros, I think this may be my last entry before I arrive back in the states. Tonight we are going back out to listen to some more traditional music at the place we went to last night. Tomorrow we leave the appartments at 9 to return back to Dublin. When we get back to Dublin we have our FREE farewell dinner in the evening then we can go explore and listen to music at the pubs. Dublin is having a city wide music festival which we are all really excited for. I might go back to this one pub where I met one of the bands who will be playing tomorrow night. Those guys were really fun to talk to. Friday we have to leave our hotel at 8 to head to the airport. We fly to Copenhagen then head for Chicago around 3pm. We'll be getting back to Chicago around 6pm and back to Luther aroun 1 am on Saturday.

This trip has been a blast for me. It has felt like an extension of Christmas break. Although I'm sad about leaving I am glad to be returning home and to Luther. It will be nice to start my next semester and get it done with. I will be seeing most of you all very soon, take care!