Wicklow, Glendalough and Powerscourt

John picked me up at 8:20 this AM and then we went to pick up the kids at Delany's. He had made a DVD of the match last night, so we watched it as we started traveling to the mountains of Wicklow. We were climbing narrow, curvy roads that made me cringe every time a car came around a bend. But John is a master with his bus. He pointed out the highlights along the way and stopped at one place (when there was enough room to pull off the road) for some photos. Once again, incredible views and vistas of incredible countryside.

Around 11am we arrived at the Glendalough Monastic Site. We watched a 20 minute video on the site and then went on a tour of the area. St. Kevin was the founder of the Monastic site, so the tour pointed out things he had done and showed the tower that was quite impressive, the house that is still standing (all stone, including roof), and the remains of the chapel. The tombstones told such history, they were so old.

When our tour was over John took us on a hike. It started on a well worn rock and then paved trail along the lake. It was well traveled with all sorts of people, young and old. Strollers, kids on bikes and older folks as well. It wasn't a strenuous hike along the lake. It was a great change of pace from the hours we've spent on the bus over the last couple of days. When we got to the option of hanging a right to the lake or a left up a steep trail, John took the left. I was hanging near the back and knew that most of the kids were in front of me but 6 or 7 were behind me. They had stopped to get some pictures near a water fall. This steep incline made me realize how out of shape I am. I made a firm commitment at that moment to hit the gym, hard, upon my return to campus. My heart rate was elevated and my right knee was reminding me that my ACL is partially torn (has been for years). The hillside was to the right and the water below on the left. It was a great view, but a tough walk. I was concerned about a couple of the kids, but they all made it. They were sweaty and tired, but they were troopers. No complaints.

As we waited near the top we were still missing two students. I went back to find them (in case they made a right to the lake instead of up the hill) and John lead the rest around the trail back to the visitors center. I enjoyed the hike down much better, and found the kids halfway down. We backtracked to the visitors center and met the rest of the group at the end of the trail. Conveniently at the end of the trail there were two trailers set up. One was "St. Kevin's Kitchen" and the other "Kevin's Kones".  A number of students enjoyed a nice ice cream cone from the second truck. I got a picture of both, as my brother's name is Kevin.

We got back on the bus and headed down the mountain to Powerscourt House and Gardens. I have seen pictures of Powerscourt, and the Today Show was in Ireland last year for St. Patricks day, and they filmed part of the show from there. (Al Roker, if I recall correctly, was at the Dublin Castle which is right around the corner. I pass it every time I leave the flat.) Powercourt is an amazing place with unbelievable landscaping. The only problem was the date. It's November. There's not a lot blooming right about now. You get the idea, but other than some hearty roses, most of the flora and fauna was pretty dormant. It was still nice to see the fountains, walk the trails, and see the well lanscaped and manicured grounds. The shops and cafe's were very busy. It had started to sprinkle, so I think most people spent limited time outside and enjoyed the indoor features instead.

Our bus ride to the city was relatively short, only a half hour or so. John had asked if I could take a bus into the city from Delany's since there was a rugby match at Croke Park (Austraila vs Ireland) that would end about the time we would be driving through. He lives about 30 minutes outside of Dublin and driving me back to city centre would add at least an hour to his already very long day/weekend. I ended up getting off in front of the Super Quinn where there were already people waiting, in hopes of a bus arriving soon. After about 10 minutes bus 15 stopped and I climbed up to the top level and sat in the front seat. Opposite me was a dad with two little girls. One was about 6 or 7 and had a lot to say about everything she saw. The 2 year old was quiet, but taking it all in. They were very cute.  I got off the bus at Dawson Street, cut over to Grafton Street and made my way to St. Georges Street where I ran into Dunne's for some more Pepsi, popcorn and Heintz Ketcup. I needed that for dinner. I had decided that tonight would be a good night to go to Burdicks for Fish and Chips. They are the oldest Fish and Chip place in Ireland (1913) and have the names of all the famous people who ate there before. There are a number of Burdicks, but the one right below my flat is the original. It's a tiny hole in the wall where only 3 or 4 people can enter at a time. You place your order, they wrap it in at least 6 layers of paper (a tad greasy) and you have yourself a feast. I needed the ketcup for my chips. They charge extra at Burdicks for ketcup (which they call something else but it escapes me at the moment) and it's not Heintz.

As I ate my dinner I logged onto my slingbox at home and watched the Steelers game. They just couldn't get in the endzone today. It's always a tough Sunday when the Steelers lose. I was checking the Rock men's soccer game online as well. They were playing in the Regional finals, and unfortunately they went down in defeat as well. I sure hope the Rock women's baskeball team play well in Tiffin, and the Eagles take down the Chargers. That would be a good end to the day.

Tomorrow will be a very busy day. I scheduled to go to Scoil Mhuir and St. Mary's. I always went in that order, but due to an assembly I will have to reverse the order which means different buses than normal. Hopefully I'll figure it out. I hope to observe five students each teaching a lesson to their respective classes. I'm being optimistic that I can see them all in a day. We shall see...