Posts Tagged ‘stonehenge’

The “B” List

Friday, August 4th, 2017

Too much of travel is checking off items on a bucket list. There is not much depth or satisfaction,and the world famous location does not become part of you. They become photos proving you were there.

I discovered “B” list travel on a trip to Washington DC several years ago (see D.C. blog) and now I seek them out.

Today I was on the trail for local crafters; a glass blowing studio,a pottery firm,and a candle maker. Each of the locations were delightful and gave us a chance to engage local artisans. Conversing with a native Irishman, accent and all, make them friends for a time; a glimpse into a life lived in Ireland.

Doing ones homework about a location and its history makes that Castle or Abbey ruin come alive with the distant echoes or battles, unrequited love, or selfless sacrifice. I’m learning a lot about Oliver Cromwell and his hate for all successful Irish enterprises. Why does that Castle only have 3 sides? Well Oliver Cromwell’s troops blasted one side down to make it indefensible.

Then there’s Henry VIII !

He didn’t like the monasteries having so much power and money so he had his troops take the roofs of the churches and monasteries and it immediately dispersed the monks and brought the massive places of worship into ruin.

In Ireland there are stone circles and Celtic carvings with ancient auras that don’t have lines or need an admission fee like Stonehenge.

The point being go deeper, go eager for the bigger story and always talk to people!

The tourist sees what he has come to see, but the traveler sees the bigger picture.

Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey

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.