...and the worlds your Oyster!
Well, hardly, because it's only a tiny, but lovely, Island of the West Coast of Ireland, but you could eat oysters there!
I decided, having been challenged to do so, to have a little adventure for myself this weekend and visit Inish Bofin Island, so I got in my car and drove West. I like going West, it reminds me of my Rallying days when I spent many an hour standing at Maam's Cross, freezing, waiting for the rally cars to go by.
So, when I had reached as far West as I could go and eventually met the Atlantic, I parked my car (in somebody's field - it's very rural!) got on the InishBofin ferry, and went even West-er!
The ferry itself for me was a challenge, but to my surprise and delight, I didn't feel at all sea-sick, and stood on the deck and enjoyed the ride, and the view. Connemara is a bit of a bleak county, but the romance of looking back at it from a boat on the sea gives it a completely different perspective. As soon as we were out far enough, I turned my back on the mainland and looked out to where I was going. It didn't take long for the Island to come into view, and it was quite a smooth sailing.
OK I'm not going to give you a blow by blow account of all the pros and cons of the Island, if you want those, look up the web site and have a look at what the Americans say about it!! Why are there no reviews by the Irish? Do we just take the quaint beautiful peaceful islands dotted around our coastline for granted, or are we just too smug about their beauty and attraction, and don't feel the need to write our thoughts about them down?
Anyway I got off the ferry and it wasn't raining, a miracle! My first stop was the Hostel to leave my bag etc and get my bearings. The Hostel was like going back in time. They leave the key in the door all the time, like your Granny's house, and the taps (faucets for the Americans) have little 'H' and 'C' 's on them. The last time I stayed in a Hostel was in the 80's when I stayed in one in Paris, and even back then it was more modern than the one on Bofin. But that doesn't take away from the character of the place. I loved it instantly. Even the steep walk up the hill to it!
I did what I set out to do, a three hour walk (that's what it said on the web site) of the Island, but it only took me a little over two, I felt cheated. But it was everything I thought it would be, sheep, heather, rocks and sea views! Oh and a lovely beach. A sheep dog joined me on the road, but he must have gotten fed up with me asking him questions as he didn't walk with me for long.
Made it back to the Hostel and decided to go out for Dinner. My hair was a disaster, sea and damp island air decided to restyle it, with terrible results. Typical!
I had fish for dinner, well what else would you have when surrounded by water! And after eating everything that was put in front of me all that was left was for the music to start. On the ferry on the way over there were some musicians carrying the usual instruments and one unusual one, a Double Bass. Curiosity got the better of me and I asked them what kind of music they were going to play, and they replied 'Traditional' while giving me a funny sideways look. Traditional music with a Double Bass, this I had to see. Well to my surprise it worked very well! I enjoyed it, right up until I got chatted up by an Italian who wanted to buy me an Irish Coffee. I declined politely of course, firstly, because I don't drink whiskey and secondly because of the six Italian 'Mamas' that were already with him sitting at his table. I didn't fancy sparing with them!! And thirdly, he was about eighty!!
I made it back up the hill to the Hostel, and slept soundly.
Just as well I had explored the Island on my first day there, because when I looked out the window the next morning I couldn't see anything further than the pane of glass. A thick fog had descended on the Island. This is probably normal, but of course I panicked. I thought of what it would do to my hair! I also though that the ferry wouldn't be able to sail and I would have to stay on the Island. It wouldn't be so bad as long as there was food and something to read or something to write with/on. I thought I could write a book, with the title "Trapped on an Island, with Fog Hair - the story of one girl and her fight for frizz free follicles".....
Somebody told me that everything was good on Bofin, but I'm afraid that they were wrong. My hair wasn't!!
Anyway I need not have panicked, the ferry sailed, with me on it, feeling a little bit wistful! I enjoyed my trip to the Island and the Hostel, and I came home armed with a book with details of all the Hostels in Ireland in it, so you never know, I might just conjure up another 'challenge' for myself.
So into to my little motor and onto the long road back East. Well I made such good time, that I was able to do something that I didn't think I would get home in time to do. I made it (just about) to Marley Park to see James Vincent McMorrow in concert. What an evening, what a setting, and what a performer. It started off with just him and his haunting voice and lovely tunes, and then on came the band to join him! Magic Stuff!! And a lovely way to finish off a great weekend.
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So an action packed adventurous and entertaining weekend for me. But.....while I was having all this entertainment and adventure, I didn't forget the people of Norway and their terrible tragedy. And I have just one question. Why??
Also, I have to remember the Winehouse family, who's talented and tragic daughter, this weekend, became the latest member to join the "27 Club". I hope you find some peace now Amy. And while I wasn't a huge fan, I can (could?) recognize her talent and this (although not one that she wrote herself) is my favourite track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUHKFzb_ycM&feature=related
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