What is that Nicole up to?

We have been spending quite a bit of time exploring the city of Galway. The shops align streets, where no cars are allowed. This makes it fun to walk around and see all the buskers, shops, pubs and people milling about. Sometimes there is even a farmers market with lovely fresh cheeses, fruits, meats, crafts, and woolies. But more often than not, we are stopping off in a pub to have a hot whiskey, mulled wine, or Guinness.

Galway is located at the head of Galway Bay, lined with rocky and sandy beaches. Inside the city, there is  an intricate system of canals and lochs, as 95% of power used to be hydro. A beautiful cathedral, which ironically used to be the location of a prison, sits at the center of the city. There is also the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) where there is an incredible building for their Marine Institute (different from the national marine institute that we visited earlier).  Not far away is the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (often prounounced gMIT, note the silent "g").  Lots of smarty pants in this city!  I am impressed by the education of the people here, especially the women who are Ph.D.'s and professionals. Salt Hill is a part of Galway located by the sea, which reminds me of the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, with its long stretches of beach, a promenade, as well as a theme park.  And let's not forget all the cozy pubs with yummy food (not just greasy pub food, but gourmet stuff too) and Guinness, of course.  Apparently there is not a single pub where you won't find a Guinness. They would be doomed otherwise!


One stormy night, we called into the Roisin Dubh (pronounced "russian dub", sort of) where there was a brother of a friend playing, Michael Flannery. The concert was sold out (!) but we managed to drop a friend's name and were put on "the list" to get in as guests. It was a fantastic concert, in a room of maybe 50 people.  Before Michael Flannery sang, his auntie (Kerry) and mom opened up for his band. His mom even joined him for a set or two. A talented family no doubt. They sang many earthy, melancholy ballads with gorgeous words that could bring a tear to your eye. I felt lucky to get to hear some of the local talent. A definite highlight.