We wander around the main shopping drag.
- - -
The following morning, we bus to Rossaveel for the ferry to the Aran Islands. Having crossed the English Channel by ferry before, I'm more than a little apprehensive, and recall a banner I saw the day before at the Mall:
We're staying on the largest and most populous of the three Islands, Inishmore (8mi by 2mi). Everyone there speaks Irish; all signs in Irish:
Meanwhile, our B&B is not ready to take us, so we tool around the harbor getting used to our new rides.
Historically, control of the Aran Islands has meant control of the West Coast of Ireland, and many people have tried to possess them (there's that pesky Cromwell again).
Today, the place is more peacefully possessed by day trippers. We're dodging tour buses right and left.
Nothing's over 5 miles away. There are only about 800 inhabitants. And there are just two roads - the High Road, and the Low Road. So our guides can take a little time off from navigating without fear of the rest of us getting lost.
We get a quick lesson in Irish language basics (phonetic spellings below):
Guramahagud- thank you
Sloncha - cheers
Slon - Good bye
Adiagwich - hello
You got that? Good. Time for lunch, and exploring the unique island that is Inishmore.
Now say thank you (if you can).