Glendalough

Today started with a trip to pick up our first rental car (tremendous, tremendous thanks to Linda O'Connell!) We reserved an intermediate class automatic, but would not learn our specific make or model until we were given the keys. And so I present to you: the Renault Fluence. (I have seen many cars on this trip that I have previously only seen on Top Gear, including Renaults and Sanderos and—yes—at least one Cee'd.) I did not get the year, but it has about 120,000 kilometers on it (roughly 75,000 miles). So, let's start with the positives. I think it's quite nice looking, especially from the front (where you're photographer has left a smashed soda bottle for ambience). 

It's also VERY roomy inside for a medium-sized car. I actually have to move the seat up from its deepest setting, which is very rare. And the roominess extends to the back to. Cue Jeremy Clarkson voice: it's got a big boot!

On the downside, THE WHEEL IS OVER HERE WHY IS THE WHEEL OVER HERE.

Also, they drive on the wrong side over here. That led to, um, a bit of an adjustment period. Also, the power leaves a lot to be desired. You basically have step on the gas pedal a good two or three seconds before you actually plan on accelerating. But the bottom line is that it's reliable and comfortable and will get us all over this little island. Thanks again Linda!

So, with transportation settled, it was time to head to the ruins at Glendalough. This meant a drive through the Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin. Here's a shot of the city from the foothills.

This is going to sound ridiculous, considering that it was my fourth day in the country, but taking these next photos was the first time I really thought to myself, "Holy crap! I'm in Ireland!"

Don't panic: Bridget took this picture, not me. The roads up here were quite narrow, and between that and the right-hand drive and forgetting to drive on the left I nearly killed us a few times. But we're fine.

At last we arrived at Glendalough, "Glen of Two Lakes." This was a monastery originally settled by St. Kevin in the 6th century, so parts of this settlement are 1,500 years old. St. Kevin was a bit of a hermit—though he grew up in the aristocracy at the time and was educated, he fled society to start this settlement in a quiet valley, and even then he lived not with his fellow priests, but in a cave that could only be reached by taking a boat across the lake and then climbing a cliff face. I think Kevin and I would have gotten along.

When you die, make sure you like your neighbors—you'll both need someone to lean on.

It's about a mile hike from the settlement to the upper lake. That makes for a beautiful trek through the woods to the water. 

After lunch (thanks to Mike & Jessi Bon!) we returned to Dublin for a little souvenir shopping. Bridget bought a gift at the Hard Rock Cafe, where I spotted this guitar from Joe Elliott, lead singer of Def Leppard. 

A photo of the Temple Bar, in the neighborhood of Temple Bar, the touristy nightclub/lounge/pub region of town. I'm going to miss it.

Hey kids! Come to Ireland where you can buy M&Ms and Twinkies for 2 Euros (more than $2.50 US) each!

Coca-Cola is doing an ad campaign where they put names on bottles and cans. We have not found Vinny or Bridget in Ireland, but we did find these.

We had dinner at Leo Burdock's world-famous fish and chips (thanks to Jeanne Cascone!) They were fantastic. The batter was crisp and delicate and stuck to the meat without being super greasy. We ate at the Temple Bar restaurant, then learned they had a branch just around the corner from our hotel. That's the one we got a picture of. 

Tomorrow we leave Dublin and begin to explore the rest of Ireland. We deeply thank everyone who has made this adventure (and I do not use that word lightly, given what went on behind the wheel today) possible. We couldn't do it without you!