This morning we bid farewell to Dublin Town and made our way to the Midlands for our next overnight stop. On our way we first headed north to Newgrange, which was constructed approximately 5000 years ago (and pre-dates the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt). It is a neolithic burial tomb that was rediscovered in the 1960’s. For those of you who don’t know, each Winter Solstice time (December 18-December 22), the sunrise is at just the perfect angle to align with the roof box of the entry and light fills the inner chamber. Each year a lottery is held to allow 20 people per day to be in the chamber at sunrise. An incredibly rare experience. On the way to the tomb I was telling Eric that we should enter the lottery every year and on the one in a million chance we were selected, we should come and do it. That was until I got inside. Mind you, the outside of the structure is maybe 300 feet across. Even when they said if you are claustrophobic go in last, I thought “I’m good, I’m only afraid of heights”. I’m envisioning a narrow passageway to a large open area. No. It was a 50 ft. long, 2 foot wide, 4 1/2 foot high passageway into a 8 foot by 8 wide foot room now crammed with 25 people…and then they turn the lights off for about a minute. I made it in and out without passing out and that is my high achievement for the day. Eric loved it and was a great calming influence. I’m glad I did it, it is truly awe inspiring but I’m taking my name off the lottery list forever.
Next a much less stressful drive to our hotel in Athlone on Lough Ree. Lovely suite overlooking the very large lake that is the River Shannon a few miles south. Made it here in time for a really great wine tasting. The Polish sommelier was great and we both learned a lot about wine. Didn’t hurt that two of the three wines were Spanish which we love already. At the end there was a quiz and I’m proud to say Eric and I won and got a bonus glass of 20 year old port while all the losers had to watch 🙂 What can I say, I’m competitive. Looking forward to a lovely dinner at the hotel and some relaxing.
Today’s lesson: Always have toilet paper with you when you go into the restroom as half the stalls have none. Always take a large handful with you when you leave and put it in your coat pocket. Saved the day for me! Side note – since women were not allowed in pubs in days gone by, the Ladies is always in the basement 🙁
Today’s phrase: (Sign on shop door) Close the door! Today the weather’s in bits! I plan to over use that anytime it rains when we get home.
Happy Anniversary to you both. Looks like you are having fun….
Happy Anniversary!!!! Love you both!
YOU TWO ARE SO CUTE I’M YELLING
cindy, make sure to break like fifteen glasses and become a really rude drunk in all the pubs just because you CAN. as a feminist history major i can tell you that’s what we as a gender have been working towards all these years. being rude in pubs. also pee on the bar. please. it’s my birthday on friday. do it for me. and for women.
Hi Cindy and Eric,
I’ve enjoyed reading your posts this morning! It sounds like you are having an exciting vacation, peeing in pubs and all!!
I hope the weather is not in bits today.
Hope you had a great anniversary celebration and looking forward to reading about the castle. Haven’t got that far yet. Happy Anniversary to you both (yesterday)!