Archive for the ‘Spain Ireland 2013’ Category

Newgrange

Friday, September 13th, 2013

newgrangeThis one you might have to google to believe.

We booked a field trip about and hour out of town to see an ancient mound on top of a verdant hill that is older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. It lines up with the rising sun on Dec 22 (winter soltice) and allows the breaking dawn to illuminate an inner chamber. Bone fragments have been found but it seems to be more like a nod to the beginning of a new year and mans’ need to acknowledge something greater than himself.

All of these stones, tons and tons, were brought in before machines and horse power, dragged by men using ropes and logs as rollers. This whole edifice of rock is covered with sod and is beyond description as we did get to go inside .

No photos as it was a technology-free zone in homage to the spirit of it all.

The Bewleys

Friday, September 13th, 2013

bewsley hotelLooks like an old manor house, but it’s our hotel while in Dublin. We are in a neighborhood across the street from the Four Seasons. We’re 2 1/2 Seasons but far enough out of the craziest city I have ever been in. There are just so many people out and about; you would think it was Christmas shopping time.

We have mastered the buses that run out in front, we understand the language, and we’re still using Euros. It’s expensive here so we purchased some groceries to tide us over for a meal or two and we are doing our laundry in the sink.

Works for us!

El Diada

Wednesday, September 11th, 2013

It’s a national holiday in Barcelona today. Actually all of the state of Catalonia. Back in 1714, this area of Spain lost the right to govern themselves (War of Spanish Succession). And they are fiercely independent folk.catalunya protest

Next year, in fact, they are voting to secede from Spain and be their own country. The Basque area is also hot for independence. Spain is a country that has 7 different dialects and lots of deep traditions and flags and customs. They just aren’t unified. Sometimes our differences can make us stronger but not here. It just makes them critical.

So nothing is open on our last day in Barcelona and there is to be demonstrations and a large human chain throughout all of Catalonia. It’s suppose to be peaceful, but we’ll see.   (it was, and very impressive/ a human chain of millions stretching across the entire state.)

On My Own

Monday, September 9th, 2013

DSC01097_smWe are in Barcelona and Steve has to work 8-5. That’s ok because that’s what got us here and is what’s paying for it, but I am now the solo tourist.

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain. If they’d have their druthers, they would be an independent country. They speak castillian, a version of spanish, and all signs must be printed in castillano,then espanol, and sometimes english. Example : exit=salida in spanish and  saltida in castillian.  

This is the land of Antoni Gaudi; famous architect and artist (more later), a shipping hub on the mediterranean, tourist mecca, and gastronomic heaven. People come here just for the restaurants.

So I organize my maps and hide all my valuables on my person — multi -pocket pants, credit card in the bra etc — think thru my game plan and off I go!

Blessed Assurance Sept. 6,2013

Saturday, September 7th, 2013

We are back traveling the friendly skies, and for those of you who know me, know that I am a white knuckle flier. But it doesn’t keep me from going anywhere, it just makes me a nervous wreck. However I had the most amazing experience this time.

As the plane was backing away and headed for the tarmac in San Diego it started to rain. Mind you we are having a heat wave and it’s 6 a.m.! As we took off it was under the most beautiful rainbow. How many times does THAT happen?  

Well the flights to Newark and then Barcelona were beautiful and peaceful and I truthfully can say I enjoyed them. Praise a wonderful God who calmed my trembling heart.