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
Tags: B list, henry VIII, jerpoint abbey, oliver cromwell, stonehenge
So glad to see that you are back to posting/writing more in depth about your adventures and your thoughts….Love The History!!
I learn a lot from you my friend! Molly is ferrying over to Dublin tomorrow.