Ireland 2016

[Drunk Monk]

It's been incredibly frustrating here. The weather has been crystal clear but uncommonly cold according to the locals. My family is still sick, especially Stacy, and she was the one who wanted to come to Galway to hear traditional music. All she's seen has been the inside of our b&b. Tara came out for some shopping, sightseeing and snacks today, but only for a short time. Her MacBook power cord crapped out so now she cannot finish her homework (she has a lot as we've taken her out of school for this). I've busied myself running errands, keeping my ladies supplied with food, tea and tissues. Mind you, I'm sick too - nasty coughing fits as I'm fighting to clear something out of my left lungs, dizzy spells (those I'm used to), and moments of extreme fatigue.

Our original plan was to head somewhere else tomorrow but we decided to stay put. Thinking this was the off season, we hoped to extend our stay a day, but we were mistaken. All the hotels, b&bs, and hostels book up for these weekends prior to the holidays. I had to really scramble today to find a place here tomorrow.

I've been enjoying myself when I can, living off seafood at the pubs and sampling whiskeys. Irish whiskeys are extraordinary and every pub has a whiskey menu. Trying to keep it cheap, but those displays behind the bars are so tempting. But we're way over budget, so I'm restraining myself. There's a lot of trump talk - our beloved country has become a global laughing stock. But I'm thankful to be here. It is a beautiful place and the people and culture have an inner joy that's contagious.