 |
| Ferry ride to the Aran Islands |
 |
| Learning Irish dancing |
 |
| Biking in the rain |
 |
| Fun in the rain |
 |
| Looking over the cliff |
We began the day with breakfast at the Savoy a hostel in Galway and packed our day packs for the two days here in the Aran islands. We boarded the bus for an hour or so and arrived at the dock for a ferry ride during which a lot of us got seasick.
We arrived to whipping wind and rain. We walked to a nearby bike shop where we dropped our daypacks to be shuttled to our bed-and-breakfast. Then, with bone-chilling winds and showers, we got our bikes and helmets and begin the journey to the rocks. Some who were uncomfortable biking with this rather harsh weather stayed behind with Rev. Jenni and enjoyed tea and cake in a local bakery. The whole group met up to a wonderful bunch of burgers and fries.
We then biked (or rode in a shuttle) to the main bed-and-breakfast for dinner and some free time. Afterwards, a lesson of Irish dancing was provided until around 10 PM. We been separated to our own bed-and-breakfasts nearby and there we reflected together on our day before going to sleep.
For example, in one group we talked about all the different landscapes we have seen in Ireland, from the rolling hills near Corrymeela, to the Ballycastle beaches, to the thickly forested areas near our hostel in Enniskerry, County Wicklow on day 5, to now: the treeless, rocky Aran Islands, which have stark, scary beauty about them.
Today was filled with lots of exercise, from biking to hiking to dancing. We hiked and biked in wind, rain, and very occasionally, sun. But it was worth seeing God's creation of the island. The weather help portray what "real" pilgrims went through. It was tough but so beautiful to see. We walked to the highest point of the island which had unsteady rocks and many hills. It was the most beautiful place where you could see God's presence.
The weather definitively was crazy-bipolar but we still had some amazing views. We can't wait to explore some more of what is ahead of us.
We have become closer as a J2A church group and make each day better as time progresses. We can't wait to come back to America and reflect on the differences between the Ireland views and customs versus American views and customs. We appreciate what we have experienced and have seen God travel with us during this journey.
- Anastasia, Caroline B, Holly, and other pilgrims
No comments:
Post a Comment