Today's weather was perfect-68 degrees and sunshine. It was a day for exploring, my surroundings. I was the bear going over the mountain to see what I could see.
At about 11 am I walked the mile across campus to the bus stop, but ended up taking a taxi into Limerick City with a very informative driver. He let me off in a central location after providing an orientation, pointing out the main streets and land marks I would need know to get around. He even suggested I take the city bus tour and showed me the Tourist office where I could catch the double-decker tour bus. I decided to pass on that for today and instead I found a coffee shop, ate some breakfast, and then started exploring.
Limerick City has a population of about 90,000 people and is a mix of some very old structures with its medieval castle and beautiful early churches that sit above the Shannon, and a well established downtown with a mix of old and older structures. Limerick's biggest industry was Dell Computer until the economy took a hit. While I don't know how many remain, 2,000 works are out of a job. But the City seemed to be vibrant enough, even on a Sunday when many stores aren't open.
As I walked the main street, O'Connell, I passed by restaurants with all types of cuisines, a number with menus interesting enough to try at some later date. Anyone that knows me well will not be surprised to learn that the very first place I went in to was a beautiful department store called Brown Thomas. Everything I could possibly want and most everything I cannot possibly afford right now on a student's budget is in this store, from lovely designer clothing to exquisite linens. Oh how I wanted to buy a duvet cover and the matching sheets. But I didn't indulge. I resisted and instead bought two bath mats that were on sale to replace the paper one the University supplies. Come on, a girl needs some amenities! And besides I was saved by the bell. My Aunt Irma called me from Palm Beach on Skype. I was thrilled.
What really strikes me about Limerick City is that it has a downtown economy that is reminiscent of the small towns and cites in the United States in the 1950s and
1960s; before urban renewal destroyed the historic integrity of many places and shopping centers finished them off. I love going in and out of stores the way I did when I was a child growing up outside of Pittsburgh and even in the early 1970s in Watertown. Ithaca still has some sense of the sole proprietor business, but Limerick City is all about small unique establishments on a much larger scale.
I returned to campus about 4:00 p.m. to read and rest and then out a gain to find a place for dinner. This time I headed across campus and out the main entrance of the University to see what I could see. I was hungry and was looking to learn what options I have for restaurants within walking distance, since I am definitely not into pizza delivery. I found a beautiful Chinese restaurant close by and enjoyed a delicious meal. Afterwards I didn't have to go far to find all the basics: a beauty salon, banks, a butcher and grocer. I am delighted that I will have all the essentials within walking distance of campus. I want to start cooking for myself once I move into permanent quarters later this month. For now I am eating lightly and walking, walking, walking. I am at times longing for my car, but I am sure another week or two of walking and I will be thankful I don't have it, because I am already more fit than I was a week ago when I left for Ireland. Seems Journey Ireland is good for my mind, spirit, and body! Like the bear I will continue to explore on foot to see what I can see. The Brownies are safe. I am allergic to chocolate!
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