Finally Internet Again

It's been 3 days since I've had any Internet to where I can do some posting. Hard to believe that there are still a few small towns out here where there is no Internet available, or the signal is so very bad that I can't do any posting. Just a sign that when I get back I must get my iPhone!

The last few days have been full of surprises and great craic! The Inishowen 100 was beyond amazing. Do have to say that the windy roads were not always my cup of tea, but we did survive. Getting out to Malin Head and to the top of the hill at Bamba's Crown was a real highlight. The most northerly place in Ireland, Bamba is a metaphorical name for Ireland. Bamba was one of the mythical queens of Ireland. Looking out to the expanse of the ocean you could actually see the curve of the earth. We were stopping every couple of miles to take pictures, one more incredible than the previous.

We were so far behind in the day we actually had to eliminate some of the 100 miles of the drive, but loved every minute of what we did see.

With Friday morning arriving we were taking the long way to Derry for the day starting with a visit to the Ardboe Cross along Lough Neagh. I was determined to make a visit to Swatragh and the Rafter's Pub as the town is the basis for the story I am writing and the pub is referenced in the story. We met Brandon and talked to him about the story and the pub. Have to say they make a mean brie and Irish bacon panini. :)

On to Derry and a taxi tour of the city. Michael our taxi driver was the best. He took us across the river to the highest point in Derry to look back at the city, stopped at all the murals for some great pictures opportunities, and shared tons of history about the city. We finished up our day attending the From the Heart 3 concert at the Millenium Forum. I've know about this concert from it's first go round and have always wanted to go. This year we ended up planning part of our touring around being at the show.

Just over 4 years ago, Eamon Johnson committed suicide. His mother, Bebe, wanted to do something in his honor that would help those in need of services to help prevent suicide. The suicide rate in Ireland appears to be higher than most other countries, and much of it is evidently related to the economic downturn, as explained by the Mayor of Derry that night. To that end Bebe asked Mickey Coleman to write a song to support the effort. Miss You More Then Words Can Say is a striking heartfelt song that says it all.

Bebe Johnson is an amazing woman herself. She put together such a variety of talent for the night, including Francis Black, Ben Kelly, Damian McGinty, Plunkett McGartland, and many more. I was hoping that Mickey Coleman would be there to sing his song, but for the second visit he's not around when I am in Ireland to see him. After the show the performers were in the lobby to meet with those attending. After communicating with Plunkett several times on Face Book, we finally had the chance to meet. He looked at me and said, "I know you!" I do have to say I was surprised at that. Always nice to meet face to face. He is an amazing piano and fiddle talent. I would love to hear more of his work.

We also saw Damian and he was surprised to see me. A friend had posted to him on Twitter that I would be there as I'm on vacation, and he said hi and asked how our trip was going. The world keeps getting smaller. I do want to say, he was brilliant on stage that night. Obviously comfortable in front of his home crowd, and having a great time. Jesse's Girl, Mac The Knife, Falling Slowly, Home, another Buble song, and Mickey's Miss You Morn than Words Can Say.
Beautifully done!

So here we were in Derry after this amazing 4 hours show. At intermission I went down to Bebe to thank her for all she has done and just to say hello. She asked where we were staying, and I told her I had an hour drive back to our B&B. She told me I should not be doing that and that she had a room in the hotel around the corner that was not being used, that she would have to pay for anyway, and insisted we should stay there for the night. We accepted as I knew that drive back on the dark Irish roads would be tough. Little did we know at the time that this was not just any room, but a suite! The artist she had booked the room for was not staying the night. I had just met Bebe, and she was so very gracious to offer us this room. I cannot thank her enough for the amazing show she has put together, and her generosity.

So with no tooth brushes, and minimum luggage to change clothes in the car, we started out the next morning on the Causeway Coastal Drive. Beautiful beaches, Bushmills, the Giant's Causeway, and a peek at the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge. The day was beautiful and sunny until the evening, but by then we were tucked snuggly into out B&B for the night.

This morning we started out early for Mullingar to get to the Cathedral for the 11:00 Mass. It was a road full of "bends" as the signs are marked here in Ireland, and with everyone heading to Mullingar for the Agri festival it was not as quick as we had hoped. A little late for Mass, but we made it. The cathedral is beautiful, both inside and out. The rest of the day was a day to relax and catch up on some email and rest up. I needed a day where I was not driving as much as I had been for the last couple of days. The driving is not difficult, just needs a lot of concentration, and that is exhausting after several long driving days.

So for tonight and tomorrow we are in Mullingar. Tomorrow we hope to get out to Clon Macnoise to see some of the high crosses, and to a couple of whiskey distilleries. Just can't get to enough of those! Maybe a stop at Belvedere House just outside of town for a bit also.

So that catches you up for now. Always some new adventure around the corner. :)