The beauty of walking on such stability...

Back in Ireland I have been rediscovering the things that I feel in love with my first visit. My first taste of Caramello and Balmers were cause for a moment of sweet appreciation with eyes closed and senses on extra sensitive. I can not imagine the emotions that someone traveling for a year would experience when I think of all that I have felt in just five weeks. Being back in Ireland has been a gentle but very real reminder of how very far my life has come in two years ... as well as where I want it to go. I have already been reminded of lessons learned and left. I am starting to think about what awaits me at home and how I need to care for my heart through this transition. My heart has really been challenging me about getting to know it better ... some hard stuff ... still processing.
As I walked through ancient churches and castles in Manyooth today I kept thinking of how solid the foundations here are. Everything is made of stone ... I watched the street being laid in Drougeda and they stone is cut into 15 inch cubes and then carefully laid into place. There are not many railings or gaps in steps ... it is just solid and for some reason it felt very calming to be walking on such stability. In a way it made me feel grounded.
I am loving the green fields and the ivy sneaking out of every crack ... and of course the sheep. People here are refreshingly friendly and often greet your man with a good morning.
The rest of our time in Crete was wonderful. We drove across and down the island to see the worlds largest gorge which was truly impressive. I would love to return and hike it one day. We drove through lots of little towns with children running free and endless tables of men sipping on drinks and watching the world go by. We had a wonderful dinner in a small restaurant over looking the valley and Sarah and I tried beer from the barrel! I have been very adventurous this trip with food and have come to be able to order things that I have not a clue what they are. My favorite part of our day, aside from a nap on the beach, was driving through the mountains at night. The villages looked like they were floating amongst the brilliant stars of the heavens. Brilliant.
Off of Kilkenny for the weekend ... one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland. Looking forward to squishing more time in drinking balmers and journaling in what ever pub calls to me. Kylie and I are going to Riverdance on Monday at the Gaeity ... really excited. Hard to believe that I will be home in less than a week. Hmmmm ... cheers.