Blarney and Cork

Today was another day of touring. This time to the famed Blarney and then to Cork, which is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The weather was great and the tour took off about 9:30 a.m. I can't say that this was my favorite tour, driving through the Irish countryside makes for a lovely day.

I enjoyed Blarney and no I didn't kiss the Blarney stone. I did that 40 years ago and have always credited that being being the impetutus for my PR and marketing career. It used to be that kissing the Blarney stone gives you the gift of gab,but now it is the gift of eloquence. Blarney village is quite small and in addition to the famed castle, there is a wonderful woolen mill. The mill shop is more like a duty free store, with lots of linens, Waterford crystal, apparel and of course lots of woolen goods. The prices are reasonable and the grounds are lovely.

After a nice lunch in Blarney we were off to Cork, just a fifteen minute drive. It is a very large city surrounded by seven hills, I must admit that I am not as fond of the large cities, except for Dublin, as I am the quaint villages. I probably didn't give Cork a real chance, but I did enjoy walking and stopping for afternoon tea.

This will be my last outing for a while. I meet with my advisor this week and have some serious work to do on an outline for my elective and my thesis. This is why I am here and I remain very excited about diving into the academic year. I also will move into my permanent quarters this week and so each day seems to me be moving me closer to my goal. I have had a wonderul three weeks to play and explore,a kind of leisure time I have rarely had. I am grateful for it.

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend and that your week will be filled with great accomplishment or rest or what ever it is you need.

Love from Glocca Morra