In January 2006, I was able to travel to Ireland for a two-week course with my two favorite English professors. This image from Daniel Griffiths reminds me of the Ireland I saw and experienced. I remember riding a bus on the "wrong" side of the road through countryside dotted with cows and old stone fences. I remember arriving in Galway and feeling welcomed by the brightly colored storefronts and hand-painted signs. I remember striking out with my classmates to Galway Bay one morning and seeing the golden sunrise on the water and rugged men playing Gaelic football on the rocks. I remember being mobbed by swans and charmed by peeling paint on the sides of fishing boats, buying flowers and bread and cheese and a Claddaugh ring, and feeling the greatest moment of joy when an Irish woman asked me for directions.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Ah what a beautiful photo. I totally would love to be there right now. I've never visited but it looks like a beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteHappy St-Patrick's day to you too!