Emerald island

"May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor remember what is best forgotten." Irish saying
This is what the bus driver told us as we departed from our tour to the Giants causeway the other day. We were blessed with a sunshine filled day of breathtaking scenery. I even took a deep breath and crossed a rope bridge! It was funny though, all my boys were like "meh" about the experience and when we boarded the bus, the driver asked Sheldon how he liked it and Sheldon said "I thought it would be higher" and the driver replied "are you Canadian by chance? The Canadians are always disappointed." Hahaha, I guess the boys are used to higher up from snowboarding or something? I thought it was high enough!

The driver fed us full of so much information that my mind was swimming when we got done but it was really great. The causeway is spectacular and I love the story of the Giants. Apparently there is similar stones in Scotland so the story of the giant named Finn building a road (causeway) totally make sense. I heard two stories and so I won't steer you wrong by telling it to you, you can look it up if interested. There are also boring science theories of why the shore line is the way it is, I prefer the fairy stories but the science may intrigue you as well.

We also saw a castle on a cliff, the Dunluce castle is built on the edge of the ocean and there is a story of how they were all dining one night when the kitchen as well as the kitchen staff fell into the sea! It was abandoned shortly after. There were variations to that tale as well, such as everyone in the kitchen dying except for a small boy, or the entire family of the castle perishing as well. It is haunted now of course! The castle is said to have inspired CS Lewis for the Narnia books, he was born and grew up in the area.

We are packing up to leave today for Dublin and then make our way to Paris. I am kind of sad to leave this house, Raymond, the host, has been so incredible. He has arranged bicycles, meetings with reverends for Kelsey to continue his family search, he has suggested things to see and has driven us here and there, a very kind helpful man. We have enjoyed meeting him so much. The house is warm and cozy, beds comfortable, kitchen convenient and there are cats looking in the window which I love. It's so close to town and the train so that is helpful, we enjoy walking to the bakery and grocery store. If you are ever thinking of coming to the Belfast area I highly recommend you look in to staying at Berwick Hall Cottage. It is a quick train ride to Belfast, while staying in the relaxing countryside. Amber and I enjoyed a stroll into town the other day for a hot chocolate and tea, and scones. We shopped for a bit and then grabbed some chips (fries) and carried them home for lunch. The boys were on a long bike ride and they really enjoyed that as well.

One of the highlights of our trip was meeting the reverend and the people at the church in Ballygawly, it was so neat hearing people talk about the Hoppers. It was also the only time where we drove in a car through narrow irish roads with Raymond. It has always been a dream of mine to do that, and the scenery was incredible. It's no wonder that Ireland has the nickname Emerald Isle, it is the greenest place I have ever seen. The roads are wild, so narrow and twisty with great names like Tullywinny. Made me smile. I think my favorite thing about this place is that it is so steeped with history and the fact that to this day people will not cut down hazel wood trees because of their association with the fairies. You have to love a place that respects the wee folk.

Anyway, it's getting time to catch another train. We are a bit homesick but at the same time we are amazed at how close it is to us coming home. We are a bit tired of packing up and heading out but at the same time excited about our next location. I'm missing my pets and my home, it kind of drives me crazy that my mom is in my house and I'm not there to visit her! I miss my friends, coffee visits and venting about everyday stuff! I hope you are all well and haven't forgotten us! It's selfish but I hope you miss us too! XO thinking of you all more than you know, Wendi