It's Tuesday morning (early afternoon) and it's time to begin the real adventure--hop in the car and head west. Leaving Dublin was not too bad, kept reminding myself to keep left ("left rudder, left rudder") and on I go. A couple of times on the M6, I just started giggling to myself, "I'm in Ireland!", even on the highway, it was beautiful. My plan was to head towards County Clare, and stay in Lisdoonvarna and see the Cliffs of Moher--not sure if I was staying 1 night or 2.
Three hours into the drive, I am driving through the small village of Kinvara and the next thing I know, my car is toppled sideways in the middle of the road. No one was hurt--except the car, poor Jazzy and my pride. When I tell you, I was watching the road, I was--keeping tight to the center, going at slow speed--my car tire, hit the the tire of a parked car and thus tripped us over. So there I am, sideways, seat-belted in the middle of the whole town--20 faces peering in the window--hands trying to help me out, me trying to grab my purse and phone and exit the car like nothing had happened. "Are you hurt, where you headed, who should we call?" When they learned I was solo, the care and kindness kicked into higher gear. Me apologizing for causing such a scene, and making sure no one was hurt. (thank the angels). A woman named Theresa forced me to sit down and clean me up (just nicks on my hand from the broken glass) and telling me to wait for the ambulance (me, cringing in embarrassment). First to arrive, Officer Phillip--to file a report--he called the rental company, I was fully covered and a tow was on it's way. Next--two fire trucks--they heard I fell into the Key (instead of 'near the key'). The center is still full of people watching me, but the car has been moved and shimmied to the side of the road, traffic now backed up due to the firetrucks--and then come the ambulance. My bags and such are put in the little cafe--who's patrons have been taking care of me, forcing me tea and watching over me--and into the ambulance I go for a checkup. They had nothing to ease my mortification, but they kindly laughed at my self-deprecating humor and then sent back into the cafe to wait with Officer Phillip for the tow. Officer Phillip, from Gort, entertained me with talk of "Hurling". Officer Philip said that its with emergencies, guests in Ireland, get to meet all the locals. In about 30 minutes, the tow truck came--recovered Jazzy and myself to take us to Shannon. Thank you's and good-byes and safe travels.
Three hours into the drive, I am driving through the small village of Kinvara and the next thing I know, my car is toppled sideways in the middle of the road. No one was hurt--except the car, poor Jazzy and my pride. When I tell you, I was watching the road, I was--keeping tight to the center, going at slow speed--my car tire, hit the the tire of a parked car and thus tripped us over. So there I am, sideways, seat-belted in the middle of the whole town--20 faces peering in the window--hands trying to help me out, me trying to grab my purse and phone and exit the car like nothing had happened. "Are you hurt, where you headed, who should we call?" When they learned I was solo, the care and kindness kicked into higher gear. Me apologizing for causing such a scene, and making sure no one was hurt. (thank the angels). A woman named Theresa forced me to sit down and clean me up (just nicks on my hand from the broken glass) and telling me to wait for the ambulance (me, cringing in embarrassment). First to arrive, Officer Phillip--to file a report--he called the rental company, I was fully covered and a tow was on it's way. Next--two fire trucks--they heard I fell into the Key (instead of 'near the key'). The center is still full of people watching me, but the car has been moved and shimmied to the side of the road, traffic now backed up due to the firetrucks--and then come the ambulance. My bags and such are put in the little cafe--who's patrons have been taking care of me, forcing me tea and watching over me--and into the ambulance I go for a checkup. They had nothing to ease my mortification, but they kindly laughed at my self-deprecating humor and then sent back into the cafe to wait with Officer Phillip for the tow. Officer Phillip, from Gort, entertained me with talk of "Hurling". Officer Philip said that its with emergencies, guests in Ireland, get to meet all the locals. In about 30 minutes, the tow truck came--recovered Jazzy and myself to take us to Shannon. Thank you's and good-byes and safe travels.
Maria and David in Lisdoonvarna Oliver, my escort, convinced me to not stay in Shannon and head west as planned. Assured me that I would not have to travel back through Kinvara to get there--so, after dropping me off at the rental office, I got back on the horse and off I went to Lisdoonvarna. Lisdoonvarna, is hosting a monthly long matchmaking festival--the weekends are supposed to be "mad"--Oliver insisted, I go--you'll have lots of fun. "Really?, Yes, go!, Ok." The drive through County Clare was stunning and driving at sunset, I thought, was the calm I needed. As soon as I got to town (it's about 9pm)-- i thought no, i should not be here. Everyone in town was over 70--it was like COCOON meets BRIGADOON. The first pub, I went to was in the hotel, the music was crazy U.S. elevator music sung by a guy on a keyboard--1/2 a glass an on to another pub--two doors down. Here, I met a couple from England--my saviors, Maria and David--and we spent the evening laughing and crying the town peculiar. After a few pints, we dared to go to the "Matchmaking Bar" to sign me up--but alas the bar was closed. So back to the pub for more drink a few twirls around the dance floor with the the locals.
Maria and David--I have the final dance medley for your wedding--i'll be sending you list! And Maria, I know you'll be disappointed that there are no tall tales here or talk of Edward--for another time...xox
By nights end, I had a plan to head to the Mohers in the morning and then up north to Clifden and Connemara.
Maria and David--I have the final dance medley for your wedding--i'll be sending you list! And Maria, I know you'll be disappointed that there are no tall tales here or talk of Edward--for another time...xox
By nights end, I had a plan to head to the Mohers in the morning and then up north to Clifden and Connemara.
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