Sans Camera in Galway

Today's Galway visit went well, despite forgetting the camera. A European city of 37,000 is positively minuscule compared to the thirteen million in Istanbul. A short walking tour took us through Eyre Square (site of medieval executions) and the Saturday markets, into St. Nicholas' Collegiate church (the site of the tomb of Jane Eyre, supposedly a figure of inspiration for the novel), past a portion of the medieval wall and a stone's throw from the village of Claddagh, origin point of the famous rings. We also paid a visit to the newer Galway cathedral, which was completed in the 1950s and 60s. For a modern cathedral, it is impressive. Done in the old style from marble floors to copper roof, including stunning stained glass and a wall mosaic of President Kennedy, who was almost comic in his overly pious posture.

Lunch followed, and a visit to the art supply shop. It was as well stocked as any independent art shop, and I purchased a few bits and pieces. The markets were tempting. Fresh and dirt cheap fruits and veg, olive oils and cheese galore, fresh lavender and handmade soaps, fine jewelry and other goodies. All had to be ignored and noted for future visits, as the main shopping was to be accomplished at Aldi and Tesco.

I wandered from group to group, losing some of the other students as they went off to run other errands, and then meeting up with others. We sat in the park in Eyre Square, jackets off, enjoying the sun bathed grass. We walked to the Galway shopping centre and decided we would brave Aldi. It was surely a trial, but none of the ingredients were high fructose or high in preservatives, and everything was about fifty cents. I still visited Tesco for spinach and curry powder.

We waited for the bus in Supermac's, relishing Ferrero Rocher and Bailey's flavour ice cream and laughing over hurling recaps before tomorrow's big match. At last it was time to go, and we piled back into the bus. A few were lost of course, but we were only delayed a few minutes finding them.

The bus runs to Galway regularly, and I promise next time I will remember the camera.