Days 3 and 4 – Cherbourg, France and Cork, Ireland
Today Jessika launched out on her own for a tour of two of the gardens in Normandy. Known for its place in history as the site of some of the pivotal battles of World War two, Normandy today is known for its sculptured gardens maintained as monuments to peace. Jessika’s comment was “I’ve dreamed of living in a place like this!” She described one of the gardens as containing species from all around the world – including magnificent stands of bamboo.
For Marina and David today was a day aboard ship. Dad won the round of miniature golf (by two strokes playing left handed), and when Jessi returned we all enjoyed a swim in the Solarium. Dad added a soak in the hot tub for good measure. Dinner was the first of three formal nights of the trip and Dad and Marina got “duded up” for the occasion, while Jessi opted for the buffet in the Windjammer dining room.
On Thursday we awakened as the Jewel of the Sea docked in Cork (Cobh) Ireland. The three of us left the ship for a scenic drive through the Irish countryside (often hard to see through the hedgerows lining the narrow roads) while our guide narrated the history of the area. She reminded us that Cork was the final port of call for the Titanic as well as the point of departure for thousands of Irish immigrants headed for the new world.
Our ultimate destination was the town of Blarney, home of the Blarney castle and its magical stone. If I trusted in its magic, I should have come here years ago, (to gain the gift of eloquence) but alas, those of you who have heard me preach will have to judge between the power of the Blarney stone and the power of the Holy Spirit! The lines of people were too long and the castle tower too tall, and I had to content myself with taking photos (what would you expect?) and hoisting a pint of Guinness . We later found out that the folks in County Cork are not too fond of Guinness, preferring their own brand of stout! Shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills was another attraction and then the return to Cobh. Marina and Dad took a short walk into the colorful village of Cork before returning to the ship where Dad discovered that he had lost his “Sea Pass Card” without which he couldn’t get back on the ship!! With the eloquence of the Blarney stone I talked myself past two levels of security and back on the ship. It really wasn’t heroic - it was more like eating humble pie and begging!!
So tonight I’ll post this blog and hope you enjoy the photos of Blarney Castle and colorful Cobh, Ireland.
Today Jessika launched out on her own for a tour of two of the gardens in Normandy. Known for its place in history as the site of some of the pivotal battles of World War two, Normandy today is known for its sculptured gardens maintained as monuments to peace. Jessika’s comment was “I’ve dreamed of living in a place like this!” She described one of the gardens as containing species from all around the world – including magnificent stands of bamboo.
For Marina and David today was a day aboard ship. Dad won the round of miniature golf (by two strokes playing left handed), and when Jessi returned we all enjoyed a swim in the Solarium. Dad added a soak in the hot tub for good measure. Dinner was the first of three formal nights of the trip and Dad and Marina got “duded up” for the occasion, while Jessi opted for the buffet in the Windjammer dining room.
On Thursday we awakened as the Jewel of the Sea docked in Cork (Cobh) Ireland. The three of us left the ship for a scenic drive through the Irish countryside (often hard to see through the hedgerows lining the narrow roads) while our guide narrated the history of the area. She reminded us that Cork was the final port of call for the Titanic as well as the point of departure for thousands of Irish immigrants headed for the new world.
Our ultimate destination was the town of Blarney, home of the Blarney castle and its magical stone. If I trusted in its magic, I should have come here years ago, (to gain the gift of eloquence) but alas, those of you who have heard me preach will have to judge between the power of the Blarney stone and the power of the Holy Spirit! The lines of people were too long and the castle tower too tall, and I had to content myself with taking photos (what would you expect?) and hoisting a pint of Guinness . We later found out that the folks in County Cork are not too fond of Guinness, preferring their own brand of stout! Shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills was another attraction and then the return to Cobh. Marina and Dad took a short walk into the colorful village of Cork before returning to the ship where Dad discovered that he had lost his “Sea Pass Card” without which he couldn’t get back on the ship!! With the eloquence of the Blarney stone I talked myself past two levels of security and back on the ship. It really wasn’t heroic - it was more like eating humble pie and begging!!
So tonight I’ll post this blog and hope you enjoy the photos of Blarney Castle and colorful Cobh, Ireland.
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