Helen, a recent graphic artist graduate and our “free” city tour guide, said that she was not paid for her work but was compensated by “tips” based on what we perceived was the value of the tour. She obviously did her homework, and we learned in a humorous way a lot about the city’s history and points of interest.
On Eyre Square (aka the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and simply “The Square” by locals) are 14 flags representing the 14 clans or tribes that governed the city in the past. On the walking tour, we visited the courthouse, the cathedral, the old port, the Spanish Arch, the old city, and St. Nicolas church which Cromwell used as a stable to show his contempt of the Catholic Church. 
According to legend, the Lynch Window (right) is the origin of “lynching”. During the 15th century, James Lynch was mayor of Galway. His son committed a murder (various stories why/how). James the senior believed that everyone should be treated equally under law, and death was the penalty for murder. Though the younger man’s friends tried to intercede and prevent the hanging, the father placed a rope around his son’s neck and threw him out of the family home’s second-floor window, proving that no one was above the law.
After the tour, we visited the Museum (free) and walked in the old part of the city. Since this is race week, the city was filled with tourists; hardly a seat was free in the cafes and restaurants. The layout of this part of the city has not changed since the city was walled in: the roads are narrow, the buildings are original stone, and even some of the light fixtures are converted gas lamps. Many modernized interiors retain original beams and flooring, making this part of the city very attractive.
In this part of Galway City, there are people playing the harp, penny whistle, or guitar; mimes standing so still they earn the name “living statues”, and a sand sculptor creating this realistic-looking dog.
At the Visitor Office, we researched what to do next. I am becoming a wimp and do not want to hike and camp in the cold rain, which is the prediction for the next few days. We decided to go to Clifden where there are accommodations and many circular walking trips to points of interest. Even if it pours, we can warm up in the shower and dry off overnight. What a princess I’ve become!
For dinner we both had Irish lamb…simply delightful…and a meal anyone visiting this part of Ireland should sample.
What you’re doing and seeing is beyond belief. The Irish lamb sounds wonderful but I don’t know that it is something someone with quintuple heart surgery should be sampling. What a spoilsport I am, sorry.
Sonia,
Thanks for worrying about Dennis’ diet. Customarily, Dennis eats mostly lean meat and, according to the FDA, lamb is considered such. (http://www.leanonlamb.com/nutrition/). I must admit, though,that our diets are not as strictly watched while traveling as at home. Once we return, we will be more conscientious eaters.
My dear, developing an antipathy to sleeping outside in the cold rain isn’t being a “princess”‘; it’s called common sense!!
Liz,
At least one of us still has common sense. Otherwise, where would we be?
wow that lynch story is horrifying.
you all simply know how to have a great trip and experience history at the same time.
Phil,
I love hearing historical tidbits that are not commonly known–it makes the journey more interesting.
You can say what you want to about yourself, but I think you’re awesome!
Oh and I LOVE the dog sand sculptor.
Enjoy your traveling journal:-)!
How many days are you planing to travel in total? Just wondering…
Jae,
We left Miami on April 20 via the cruise ship Epic, arrived in Barcelona on May 1, and will return home on October 1 or so–about 5 months of traveling.
Wow, so memorable wonderful journeys you are on now.
I know you and your husband went on a cruise to Spain, and biked the Camino … So, after that you still keep moving on the road. My husband and I love to do that.
Tomorrow we will be driving to NY and will fly to London, Iceland, Berlin and travel in Eastern European countries for 10 weeks.
I told you and your husband’s story to my husband, he admires both of you very much.
He said, “that is a Good healthy life!”
Have a safe and fun journey!
I wish I could write good English, I call this “broken English.” So I don’t publish my journal- lack of confidence:-(). PS: My daughter is home so she is editing this post;-).
Jae,
I agree with your husband and wish you a “Good healthy life” too. Safe travels and keep me posted about your journey.