Live from the Prinsendam - 28 day Azores and Celtic Explorer - May 5th, 2018

[kazu]

I neglected to tell you that the movie "A quiet man" for which the village of Cong is famous literally created Irish tourism.

 

People who were relatives of those that had immigrated from Ireland during the potato famine years were curious about their roots and returned as tourists. Ireland knew nothing about tourism but they learned fast.

 

The Quiet Man was not popular in Ireland itself as it portrayed the Irish as drunk and fighting. As our guide said, they might be drunk and fighting but they don't like to be told they are. LOL.

Edited June 1, 2018 by kazu

[kazu]

Here is our menu for our Galway night. Can't comment on the food as we ate in the Canaletto that night.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Our next day was spent in Bantry, Ireland.

 

I had booked a tour with Kerry Experiences for our group.

 

We were on our way to see the scenery of the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

It was pouring rain when we left (the weatherman wasn't calling for the down pour we got) and I was afraid we wouldn't be able to see anything. But, as we climbed and when to the other side, the sun came out and while it wasn't bright we could certainly see.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Kerry and Gerritt planned the comfort stops well, choosing good facilities. I had to laugh and take a pic of this sign.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

A word of warning..

 

The roads on the way are built over the bog. This means that the road heaves with the changes in the bog and there are a lot of ups and downs. So many that you are bopping up and down.

 

Suspensions go fast in cars.

 

Proof here - our friend had an ipod that measures his steps and stair climbing. It's really based on movement. This is what it recorded for him sitting in the van and the tour wasn't over with yet.

 

 

 

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There really are 40 shades of green in Ireland.

 

Sorry, it was a dull day in and out so the pics don't do the scenery justice.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

These pics are of the ring of Kerry.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

And then we arrived to the Skellig Ring

 

 

 

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[kazu]

There's a number of scenery pics here so feel free to skip if they don't appeal.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Ester had suggested we either get a lunch from the ship or order a picnic lunch.

 

We opted to order (10euros). She took special orders for those that didn't like certain things or couldn't eat certain things and the rest of us had a mix of different sandwiches for a taste of everything.

 

She had more than enough and no one was hungry.

 

Along that were chocolates, fruit, crisps and juices.

 

It was quite tasty and well done. Much better than I had anticipated.

 

Here she is setting up with gloves on for sanitation.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

One of our group joked she would take a swim (currents are VERY strong here). Here she is venturing onto the beach.

 

 

 

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I love the rock walls that surround the houses and separate fields and land in Ireland.

 

Apparently they were done originally to clear the fields and then it was discovered they could be used to contain animals, etc.

 

 

 

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Coming over the cliffs. You can see the islands.

 

One is home to puffins who migrate here every year. The other is home to birds with a huge wing span. I think Gerritt said they were egrets but that's not guaranteed ;)

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Another "comfort stop" which offers fantastic views

 

 

 

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And little lambs.

 

 

 

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And yes, he had a little puppy and kitten too.

 

I was concerned and asked Gerrit and he assured me that the gentleman takes very good care of his animals.

 

 

 

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This comfort stop is famous for having the softest toilet paper in Ireland. I kid you not!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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