Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Ireland the 5th best place to live in the world...look it up

We spent the night in Tralee and went to eat at this amazing pub that I'd ate at before. Stephen beheld and drank of the magical elixer known as Guinness. Irelands largest export, Guinness has been known to fuel men and cars for long periods of time with it's thick oil like consistancy. Isn't it spellbinding to behold?
We found this great little Irish coastel village that had a great beach and camping area. When I go back again, Rachel has to come here. This is on the South West part of Ireland. Past Killarney and the Shire and around the corner from Finn Bar's. Know what I'm talking about?
These are the famous lake's of Killarney. I was ready for Robin Hood to come prancing out chasing a deer belonging to the Sheriff with his bow and arrow in hand. It just seemed untouched and ancient.
Here's Garreth and Stephen in Killarney. This town is really famous and a huge tourist location. It's the starting point for the Ring of Kerry drive. Me and rachel went here before and rode horses in the National Park there. It really is one of Irelands coolest places.

Here is me pondering whether or not Real Salt Lake would make it into the playoffs. Actually I was waiting for Stephen to get out of the toilet. This is looking over the Slieve Mish mountains in Killarney.

This photo was on the plane on the way home...we were in the exit row. Confidence was high that we could have helped in an emergency after taking this one. There are 9 more of them, some day I'll add them, right after Garreth is elected to some public office position.

Here is Jackie, Ciara and Saoirse in Ballymun. They play on a Camogie team called Satanta. It's brilliant to watch. They play with a traditional hurl and it's the fastest and most physical sport you've ever seen. Women were breaking fingers and getting smashed the whole night. Quite fun to watch. If you ever get a chance to see some Gaelic sports, you need to.

I had to. I know I shouldn't but I had to. Here is Garreth at Powers Court falls. You know the amazing house that the Count of Monte Cristo buys in the latest movie...well that's Powers Court in Ireland. Garreth was feeling inspired by his surroundings and cultural connections so he decided to take a photo that put him in touch with...something.

Here's me and Nanny Ratchford (Grandmother). Many of you know her as she took money from you years ago in poker. I've always had a great time with her. She spent a lot of time with us when I was in High School and she was never short on good advice. Usually she would slap me around and humiliate me in front of girls. I guarantee that my 80 something old Grandmother would win if she was on "Survivor". The lady would have everyone worshiping her like a Jungle Queen. Tough lady through and through.
Here is my nephew Breen. He's in his Hurling gear. He's 6 years old and is an unbelievable athlete. It's amazing how the kids over there are bred for conflict and sport. I'm not even kidding. I could take him over here and he would be an immediate star on his soccer team. Amazing to watch.

Here's Stephen, Garreth and me posing on top of a hill on the South end of the Ring of Kerry. Frodo Baggins would call this place home. I had seen some of this land before, but not like this. It's what everyone always asks me about when they learn I'm from Ireland. They ask about it being Green and hills and Leprechauns and Green and so on. I usually just play it off, cause Dublin isn't really like that. But I must say Ireland is beautiful. It's an amazing place with history and culture that few places can come close to. I'd go back in a hear beat.


Here's the 3 of us outside Stephens house. I posted this one cause you can see my 1988 George Michael beard going on. I was quite proud.

This is what I'm saying about Ireland. This is the River Lara. The river had these giant stepping stones across it. We just pulled off a road and there it was. It's unbelievable how many cool things like this are just around the corner.

More of the river Lara.

Here is my niece Muireann. She is as Irish as any kid will get. We got on good right away. She slept all the time. She'd sit on my lap and just fall asleep. She had the thickest Dublin accent you've ever heard.

7 comments:

Emily said...

i'm laughing too hard to write a good comment. oh boy i needed a good laugh! looks like an amazing time and place!

Lauren said...

I think that is the best Ireland Vacation brochure I've ever read. Now I feel like my life will never be complete until I see it. Dave, Have you ever thought about a career in journalism?

Karla Christiansen said...

Dave no one could write an Ireland tribute as good as you! I am just sitting here giggling to myself like an idiot.

I loved what you wrote about Irish kids... Now what did you say? That they were bred for conflict? Kind of reminds me of a certain Irish guy I know who once carried a baseball bat in his car and who was asked if he had committed any felonies.

Karla Christiansen said...

Oh, and I loved all the pictures. It is on my list of places I want to see sometime in my life!

Becki said...

Glad you had fun Davy! These pics make me want to go there so bad!! Some day...

Ratchfords said...

You are a total pig for posting that picture of me at the waterfall. We agreed that was a private shot for my on-line Lance Bass Life Partner calendar. I've been jogging for three straight days. fn crap.

Christina said...

Wow, that looked like an amazing trip! And I'm sure those pictures don't do a justice, but it really is breathtaking there!