Anna's Awesome Adventures!!!: Ireland -- Day 17

Today was officially our last day in Ireland, and while it is bittersweet to be leaving such a wonderful place (I think it always is after a great vacation), we are all very ready to get back to our own homes and families.

I woke up around 8:15, got ready, had breakfast (a scone, blueberries, raspberries, yogurt, and milk), and walked to a nearby Tesco Express (supermarket) with Robyn. She needed to do some price/item comparisons for a project related to this class, so I tagged along to experience an Irish supermarket myself. Then we got back to the dorms, loaded in a taxi, and headed for Blarney Castle. Built in 1446, its crown jewel is the "kissing stone," which legend says if you kiss, you will be gifted for life with eloquent speaking. Unfortunately, the line to get into the castle and see the stone is the same line, and this is a very popular tourist attraction, so the wait time was over an hour. Rather than spend that time standing in line, I chose to explore all over the 60-acre grounds. While it would have been nice to see inside the castle (I couldn't care less about the kissing stone!), I had a great time. There were a bunch of cool trails that wound past a creek; pastures full of sheep, horses, and cattle; forests; a lake; and more. I also strolled through the Poison Garden, which seeks to educate visitors on the potential dangers (but also benefits) of a multitude of plants, many of which may grow plentifully in the wild or even in our own gardens. And I meandered around a few fairy places, which were cute; a series of boardwalks past a little creek/pond; and through a sculpture garden. By the time we had lunch, I had already walked nearly 17,000 steps!

Lunch was in the town of Blarney at Claddagh -- a warm chicken salad (small bits of freshly-grilled chicken served on a bed of greens and vegetables), potatoes, and broccoli. We also spent lunch discussing all aspects of the trip, a debriefing of sorts -- likes, dislikes, what we learned, how our perceptions & beliefs changed (or didn't change), and anything we would change. We also shared a few photos that represented Irish food/culture individually to each of us.

After lunch, we caught a taxi back to the dorms. My biggest hurdle was to somehow pack all of my clothes and MANY purchases into my suitcase, especially the breakable purchases in such a way that they will be well protected. After I finally succeeded -- and prayed that my suitcase isn't overweight! -- I caught up on journaling, then got ready to walk to dinner at Quay Co-op Restaurant. It's a quaint little spot in a historic building that looks down upon the River Lee, and they offer menu options suitable for a variety of dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten free, diabetic, etc). Their associated Quay Co-op Store is also great for fresh produce, baked goods, and other items. I had a veggie burger, made with nuts and black beans, and served with broiled potato wedges and a couscous salad. Some rose lemonade, water, and final conversations sealed the meal. A little mint chocolate chip gelato after dinner was then in order, and now I'm back at the dorm and ready for bed. I won't get much sleep since taxis are due here at 5:00 am tomorrow morning, but I'll be grateful for anything I can get!