Ireland #7

Ireland #7
Today we travelled over the Kerry Mountains to the village of Blarney. Several of our group paid to go into the castle then climb the narrow stone stairs to where the Blarney Stone is at the top. Apparently you lean out backwards under it to kiss it -- scary they said. There's no way I would do that. I read in a travel book that there could be "other things" on the stone. Very unsanitary.
The countryside was different today and quite interesting. Still the usual green/sheep but normal fences rather than stone ones. There were more crops (as they call them) rather than just pastures. Even saw a corn field. The rest were grain or hay.
I've been noticing that many houses have what looks like a solarium on the south side. They call them conservatories here. They are usually just big enough for a couple of chairs -- one way to get some light and sun without being outside.
Our day was a mixture of sun and rain but generally pretty good.
Our second stop was the town of Cork. He dropped us off for two hours. We went through the "English Market" which actually is just like the Granville Market. Went to a pub for lunch and I actually enjoyed my white bread sandwich. It was really nice homemade bread cut quite thick.
Next stop was a pub on the highway where we were treated to a beer each (cider for me) and some great music. The pub owner is a musician -- a very good one. He sang us some Irish songs, told jokes, etc. Good fun and we both feel the best experience of the trip. He's actually quite famous in Ireland.
We are in a hotel in the town of Waterford (where the crystal comes from). Will tour the visitors center tomorrow. We are in another (ho hum!!!) 5 star hotel. This one is a former manor house on a 250 year old estate. Our bedroom is huge with three beds.
Got a chance to go to the gym again today. Often there isn't enough time.
Supper: lamb for me and salmon for Don. I had an apple for dessert instead of all the fancy stuff. You should have seen the waitress bringing me my apple sitting all by itself on a plate! They think I'm crazy probably. Diet time when we get home. I can feel the rolls around my middle gradually getting bigger. Not enough exercise -- we basically sit on a bus all day then have little walks on the breaks. And eating too much. Today was the first day I haven't had a scone with whipping cream and jam! And they are soooooo good.