Travels in Eire #24

Just after they turned out to the Connemara Peninusla, Darren pulled off the road on the Galway Bay side.
“I just wanted to stop here again before we have to leave tomorrow.” Darren got out of the car and came around to Cailin's side to open her door.

Once again they walked out to the rocky shore. It was clear and still early enough to see across to the Burren clearly. And on the horizon were the Aran Islands. There was a special feeling here. One of calm and peace. Darren stood behind Cailin with his arms around her. This felt so natural. Like it was always meant to be. Both Cailin and Darren realized this. Darren pulled Cailin's long hair back and put his face beside hers.
“This is my Ireland, Cailin. And I would never leave it for anything. It's something I've thought long and hard about. I want you to know that,” Darren was almost whispering into Cailin's ear.

“Darren, I need time to think. So much has happened to me and my trip is not over yet. You need to know that I do understand exactly what you are talking about. The longer I'm here, the more I feel very connected. But I need some time,” Cailin was almost pleading with Darren not to make this more difficult for her. She could feel herself tearing up.
Darren sensed the sadness in Cailin and turned her to face him, put his strong arms around her and held her. Here, on this rough Galway Bay, with the sun starting it's journey below the edge of the horizon these two were silhouetted as one. The magical feel of Ireland infused the space around them as if they were the only two on the earth.

Both Cailin and Darren knew they were meant to be together. Now all they had to work out was how.

Travels in Eire #23

Dinner consisted of a great lamb stew with carrots and potatoes. There was no question that Maura was a great cook. Cailin could see that Darren loved his mum's cooking as he cleaned his bowl with the fresh baked soda bread. Cailin was surprised that the conversation was just cursory and that Darren's mum didn't ask for any details. Both Darren and Cailin were spent from the long day driving around the Connemara Peninsula and all the fresh ocean air. After dinner and some more small talk about the day, they both headed down the hall toward Cailin's room. As they got to Cailin's door Darren ran his hand down Cailin's arm and leaned over to give her a quick kiss on the forehead. As he pulled away Cailin was one again greeted by his incredible smile, which she returned with one of her own.

Cailin was still smiling as she entered her room. That is until she looked in the mirror and realized that she was still wearing the marble heart that Darren had given her. Funny that Darren's mum didn't ask about the heart. Did she notice? Did she realize that Darren bought it for her? This left Cailin a little uneasy, but she was too tired to dwell on it tonight. She'd ask Darren tomorrow what he thought. It was too late to worry about hiding it now. With wonderful memories of this most amazing day, Cailin drifted off to sleep a night full of dreams of Ireland, and of Darren.

Unlike the day before, Cailin was up, showered, dressed and ready to leave her room when Darren knocked. Cailin was wearing a small print blue and green casual dress with a little sweater over it. Today she had time to dry her long black curly hair and just pull part of it back. She could always add a jean jacket after church, if she needed it. Darren looked very handsome with khakis and a black shirt. It really set off his blue eyes and dark hair.

There was only time for tea and scones this morning before Darren's mum and da headed off for church in their car with Darren and Cailin following in Cailin's rental car. The church was not too far down the road and had a very interesting slant roof style to it. This was the first opportunity that Cailin had to go to mass in Ireland. Other than the thick Irish brogue of the priest, all masses are pretty much the same. She did notice as they entered a nod to Darren's parents from the priest, and a slight approving wink from the priest to Darren. Clearly this priest was familiar with Darren's family.

When mass was over and everyone exited the church, the priest was standing at the door shaking hands, and as Cailin passed him, he gently took her hand, smiled and turned to Darren saying “Way to go Darren”. Cailin blushed, and all chuckled. Unfortunately, Darren's mother didn't seem too happy at all this fuss over Cailin.
“She's just here visiting from America, Father. She'll be leavin' soon.”

Cailin could feel the icy tone of her voice. There was something different today, more knowing in her voice, more disapproving.
Darren could see what was happening and excused himself and Cailin saying they needed to get on the road for the day. Once again, he was pulling Cailin quickly out of the fray that might ensue.

Once in the car Darren headed toward Galway but turned north on the N59 to Moycullen where they stopped to have breakfast at The White Gables Restaurant. From here on out they would be traveling along Lough Corrib into Cong. It was a beautiful day, and after turning off the N59 and R336 to the R345 they could see the beauty of the lough. Again they stopped several times for Cailin to take pictures. She wanted to remember this area. Different from the peninsula of yesterday, but beautiful in it's own right.

At one stop she turned to Darren and asked the question she had been wanting to ask all morning. “So Darren, your mum knows, doesn't she?”

Darren trying ever so carefully not to panic Cailin started with, “What do you mean?”

“Darren, stop that. You know what I mean. I could see it in her eyes last night. She never even mentioned the Connemara marble heart I was wearing. And that curt response to the priest this morning. What is going on?”

“Cailin, I have to apologize. I had totally forgotten about the heart when I bought it. I just thought it was something special I could give you.”

“What? What do you mean you forgot about the heart? I'm not following here,” Cailin was getting a little exasperated.

“I saw my mum take one look at the heart last night and I suddenly remembered that my da had bought her one that was similar when they were going together. I guess that's what told her what she was not wanting to know.”

“Great. Just what I needed,” Cailin groaned. “How can I go back to the house tonight. Your mum is going to slit my throat!”

“Let's not get too dramatic. Hopefully I can calm her down. We don't even know what's going to happen with us.”

This was the first time that anything had actually been said about their relationship. They stood there for a minute staring at each other in surprise.

“STOP!” Cailin shouted. “There is no US at the moment. We've kissed and hugged and we like each other. For now that's it. Let's not put things out of order here. I'm on vacation. I have to go home. So for now, let's put this “US” thing on the back burner. Take me to Cong!”

Darren was slightly crushed, but realized that Cailin was trying to slow things down before all became a problem. In his mind he knew that Cailin had to return home, but his heart was telling him different.

Cailin was upset, but not sure why. Was it Darren's mum, or Darren's rush to make them a couple? She needed to focus on this day, and one day at a time. Her trip would be over soon enough.

And down the road the headed to Cong.

Travels in Eire #22

Darren continued along what was known as the Connemara Loop stopping at the Kylemore Abbey. Once an abbey, then a private girl's school, and now just a tourist stop. The abbey sits up against a mountain at the edge of a beautiful lough surrounded by incredibly lush gardens. Just outside the entry is a place to sit and have some lunch. As they got out of the car, Darren opened the truck and pulled out a picnic basket.

“And when did all this happen?” Cailin queried Darren.

“I told you this morning, for me to know and you to find out!” Darren chided and let out a laugh followed by that amazing smile. “Let's eat, I'm starved.”

Darren pulled out slices of homemade brown bread, butter, and local cheese, and a thermos of tea. It was not a lot, but just enough to satisfy their hunger from the ride along the bay and out to the ocean's edge earlier in the day. When they finished, they walked around the abbey and through the gardens. Cailin, as always, was still speechless over the beauty of this area of Ireland.

After some time at the abbey, they headed back into the car. The time was moving quickly along and they started their way back to Spiddle with the Twelve Bens on their right heading south to Recess. Here they made one last stop at the Connemara Marble Factory where the 9 million year old stone is quarried, and made into jewelry and decorations. The varied green colors of the stone had been ground into crosses, sliced to decorate earrings, and made bracelets.

“I want to get something for you, Cailin,” Darren said as they looked at all the items in the display cases.

“That really isn't necessary Darren,” Cailin replied.

“I know, but it will be just a memento of your visit here in Connemara.” And off Darren went to talk to the sales person. He returned a few minutes later telling Cailin to close her eyes and turn around. Cailin did as told and could feel Darren place something around her neck.
“Okay, now you can look,” Darren seemed to be very pleased with himself.

Cailin turned to see Darren holding a mirror. She looked at her reflection to see a beautiful green Connemara marble heart hanging from a black leather rope. It was more than she expected, and suddenly realized her eyes were welling up with tears. As he always did before, Darren sensed Cailin's emotions, and pulled her close until she buried her face in his shoulder.

After a moment he asked, “I take it your like it?”

As Cailin looked up from Darren's shoulder she responded, “It's absolutely lovely. Perfect.” And Cailin tilted he head up to Darren to give him a loving kiss.

Darren slowly pulled back to tell Cailin they had better be going as they were drawing a lot of looks from the customers in the shop. Hand in hand, they left the shop and back in the car, headed down the road to return to Maam Cross and then to Spiddle. Darren explained that he didn't want to be late for dinner and the interrogation that would be part of dinner from his mum.

Cailin realized that the mood in the car as they head back to Spiddle was very different from when they had left that morning. She had found a very special man and as much as she tried not to, she was falling in love with him. As they drove back Cailin recognized the familiar clock tower that at Maam Cross that they had passed early in the morning. Knowing that this was a weekend, and that Darren had to return to work on Tuesday, as Monday was a Bank Holiday, and she had to continue her tour, but more modified now, she asked Darren what he had planned for Sunday.

“Well, since tomorrow is Sunday, we'll probably be going off to church with the family. I hope that's okay with you. We'll be going to Mary Immaculate Queen in Barna. We passed it on the way to my parent's house. Mum would be very disappointed in me if I didn't go.”

“Darren, that would be perfect. I don't mind at all. I'd love to go with you and your family. So what will we do after that?”

“It's off to Cong for us, and a ride around Lough Corrib. We'll leave right from church so we don't have to backtrack. We'll check out the ruins of the Cong Abbey, and Ashford Castle. And have a little walk through Cong Wood. I'm sure you'll love the scenery. It will be a long day, and we'll get back late, but it's one of the best rides around.”

As Darren finished with all the details of the day, they arrived back at this parent's house. Cailin reached to the door handle to open the car door and Darren stopped her.
“Wait,” he said, as he leaned over pulling her in close for a long loving kiss. “Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed today before we went in.”

“I enjoyed this day immensely too. It goes down in the book as a very memorable one,” Cailin said smiling back at Darren, knowing there would be none of this affection in front of his mum.

They headed into the house, both smiling, and perfectly content. Darren's mum knew something was up, but didn't ask. Their faces told the whole story, and she had very mixed feelings. Happy that Darren had found someone very special, and very sad that this girl was American and would break his heart. And then there was this Connemara marble heart hanging around Cailin's neck. She new it was not a purchase that Cailin made. She had one very similar that she was given by Philip when they were first going together. Darren knew all about it. This was an intentional purchase for Cailin.

Travels in Eire #21

They traveled in silence now. Cailin realizing that this was more than she had bargained for and not something that would be easy to walk away from. On the other hand, Darren was almost a little embarrassed that he had admitted how he felt. He had tried so hard not to get involved this way. Neither of them wanting this to end any time soon.

Darren turned into a parking area off the side of the road.
“I want to show you something,” he said breaking the silence.

The both exited the car and Cailin followed Darren to a short wall along the parking area. As Cailin looked out over the wall, she could see the water leading to the open ocean.

“At this point in Connemara you are looking at the most westerly location of Ireland and facing New York across the ocean,” Darren explained.
Cailin was speechless, “It's absolutely breathtaking!”

“I just wanted you to know that New York is not that far away. Not far from here Alcock and Brown made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919 crash landing in Ireland. It took them less than 72 hours. And today, it's more like 8 hours. You are not that far away from Ireland.”

“And this is supposed to comfort me, how?” Cailin was confused here.

“Cailin, I just wanted to bring you hear to help you know that you don't ever have to feel that you can't come back to Ireland. You're not that far away from here. Of course, that was what I had planned early this morning before our conversation a little bit ago.”

“So what you are saying is that I should start building up my frequent flyer miles?”, Cailin couldn't help but chuckle, and Darren's smile followed suit.

This conversation seemed to break the silence between them and they both laughed. Darren put his arm around Cailin as they looked out over the edge of Ireland toward America.
Cailin snapped a few pictures to keep this all in mind and they headed out to continue their tour.

Travels in Eire #20

Cailin was awakened by a knock at the door.

“Hey, girlie, are you awake in there?” It was Darren's voice.

Cailin jumped out of the bed and opened the door just a crack and could see Darren's smiling face turn into a chuckle as he saw her.

“Was last night too much for you?” he asked.

Cailin blushed telling Darren that she was just enjoying the comfort of the bed more then usual.

“Give me a few minutes to shower and dress and I'll be ready,” she whispered to Darren, thinking it was earlier than it really was.

“Better get a move on if we are going to do any sightseeing today. I don't have all day, you know,” he kidded her. “Breakfast will be ready when you are. Mum is off to work and Da is doing the cooking, so don't rush.”

Cailin showered quickly and pulled her long curly hair back so she was ready faster than usual. Jeans and a sweater were the fashion of the day since this was the windy Connemara Coast. After a quick check to make sure her room was not looking messy, she headed to the kitchen.

Philip turned from the stove to give Cailin a hearty welcome and handed her a plate piled will eggs, toast and Irish bacon. “Eat up lassie, you'll need that to hold you for the day that Darren has planned.”

“And what all would that be, Darren?” Cailin turned to Darren for an answer.

“Cailin you know that saying 'for me to know and for you to find out', well that's what you are in for.” Darren was holding back on his plans for the day, but had obviously shared with his Da.

“Guess I'll be the one to be surprised,” Cailin said in between bites of breakfast.

As Cailin and Darren finished eating, they headed out for a day traveling around the Connemara Coast. They headed west passing Rosslare, and turned north to Maum Cross and the Quiet Man Bridge. Many years earlier an American movie, The Quiet Man, had been filmed in this area and film sites were noted along the roads. At the intersection for Maum Cross they turned west toward Clifden. It was a beautiful ride through the countryside with rivers and streams meandering alongside with them as they drove. Cailin asked Darren several times to stop so she could take some pictures, realizing that she could never really capture the beauty of this land.

As they drove, Cailin realized that nothing had been said about the events of the night before. Maybe Darren was too drunk to remember? Maybe it really didn't mean anything to him. It was this sort of behavior in men that Cailin had come to despise, and why she had been so cautious with any men that she had met here in Ireland, or back in the States for that matter.

As they entered Clifden Darren didn’t stop in town but followed some signs pointing to Sky Road. The road was narrow and winding and Cailin was happy for the fact that she was not driving. As it passed the houses and buildings, the area opened up to hills on one side and an inlet from the ocean on the other. Darren followed the sign that said “upper” Sky Road as they climbed along the edge of the hillside. Cailin saw some horses in a corral and asked Darren to stop.

“Cailin, not horses, but Connemara ponies,” Darren gently corrected her. “Notice how they have a different look. And these young ones seem to be quite friendly, but watch out for the mare, she will be very protective of them.”

The white mare stood on a slight rise on the ground. She was incredible and looked majestic standing there. Not the beauty of a thoroughbred, but strong and sturdy. Cailin had heard about the Connemara ponies. They were working horses for the local farmers. Their legs were muscular and strong. Slightly shorter than most, but they stood with pride. There was a movement to keep the lineage pure. The younger ponies slowly moved to the fence, and welcomed some rubs on the nose, but were quickly shooed away by the mare.

As Cailin turned to head back to the car, Darren was right there facing her. He put his hands on her shoulders and started to pull her toward him. This time Cailin was not so easily manipulated. She had not been drinking and her defenses were not weakened.

“Wait a minute there boyo!” she stopped him in his tracks. “This may sound strange, but what exactly is going on here? Are you just using me while I’m here?” There was a bit of accusatory tone to her question.

Darren suddenly backed away, stunned. “Umm…. I don’t know what you mean,” he nervously responded.

“You darn well do know what I’m talking about, and I’m not about to be used just for your enjoyment,” Cailin was getting a little annoyed.

Darren looked at the ground as if he would find an answer in the rocks and pebbles under his feet. Suddenly this secure and confident man was stumbling to find words to explain himself. “Okay, I guess I had better fess up here. Cailin, I found you attractive since the beginning, but realized with you from America and the situation with my brother, I needed to keep this a friendship. Obviously, since last night after the pub, that has all changed. I’m not quite sure what happened, but I’m not thinking that friendship is going to be enough for me. You are a very special woman, and I feel very connected to you,” Darren finished again staring at the ground as if he was afraid to have their eyes meet.

“Darren, thank you, for being honest and forthright about this. I do like you too. Probably more that I should. And I’m not sure what is going to happen. At some point I’m going to have to return home. But for now, let’s enjoy this day together and this special connection,” she pulled Darren close and gave him a kiss on the cheek in hopes of allaying his concerns. As she pulled back a little he put his arms around her and pulled her close into another kiss. It was then, as Cailin returned that kiss that she realized how strong her feelings were for this man.

Travels in Eire #19

Darren practically dragged Cailin out the front door he was so anxious to get out of the house. She couldn't help but laugh as they started to walk across the gravel front of the house.

“Cailin, that's the first time I've really heard you laugh so much!” Darren told her.

“Darren, it's just the whole situation. Your gramps is hilarious, and he knows how to get your mom going. I feel bad not staying to help with the dinner dishes,” she replied.

“Mum will manage. She'll probably get da to help her tonight. It's this way...” as Darren pointed to the right as they walked past the entry to the house.

As they followed the small road in the opposite direction from when the initially drove up, they came to an older section of the area and a brightly lit pub. The sign over the door said Paddy's.

“Let's see what everyone is up to here at Paddy's. If there's no music, or only the older crowd is here, we'll head down another few doors to The Wharf,”

As they entered the door there was no need to see if they needed to go further. Welcomes were all around for Darren. These were his mates hanging out for the evening. And they were sizing Cailin up and down as he walked in the door.

“'Bout time Darren, we see you've brought a pretty lass home for your Ma's approval,“ they teased.

“Now Declan, don't you go getting the horse before the cart. This is my friend, Cailin from America. She's here on vacation and I've offered to show her around Connemara the next few days. We met up in Derry at a music event I was hosting,” Darren tried to clear the air about their friendship quickly and hoped this would do the trick.

“Oh, right, my boyo. That means she's fair game? Cailin, nice to meet you, and come sit over here. I'd like to get to know you better,” Declan knew this would get to Darren, as he laughed.

As they took their seats, Darren made sure to put himself between Declan and Cailin. The two of them might not be together, but he knew Declan's reputation from way back. An order of drinks was made, with Cailin choosing her favorite Guinness, and Darren ordering a whiskey, neat. Cailin was introduced around to the rest of the group and was welcomed immediately.

There was music playing in the room next to them and it traveled through their area just enough so they could talk and listen. Darren introduced Cailin to the friends who were sitting with them. There were many questions about the States, which Cailin was used to by now and she tried to answer all honestly without glossing over the hardships the existed in the States. So many people thought that a world of opportunity was to be had when they arrived in the US, only to find that times were hard. Educated students even had trouble finding jobs.

As they chatted Cailin realized that there was now a second Guinness in front of her and Darren was on at least his third whiskey. She also notice that his usual in control demeanor had changed and become very relaxed. Almost too relaxed. It was getting late and Cailin mentioned to Darren that they might consider taking their leave as they had a big day tomorrow. Darren agreed as soon as they finished their drinks and they bade his friends a good night and headed back to Darren's parent's home.

It was obvious that Darren was more than a little tipsy. Instead of just putting his arm around her shoulder, he was practically hanging on her, chatting away about nothing in particular as they walked. As they neared the opening in the wall that lead to his parent's house, Darren suddenly stopped, pulled Cailin around so they were face to face and drew her near into a firm warm kiss. The Guinness seemed to have relaxed Cailin also as she responded in kind and realized that she was totally enjoying this moment. Darren arms wrapped around her with strength, but not forcefully. She felt cared for in a very special way. A second kiss followed, and both of them were looking at each other smiling.

Cailin was the first to speak, “I think we had better go in.” Darren quietly nodded and they entered the house as quietly as they could. Darren stopped at the door to the room Cailin would be staying in and was about to kiss Cailin again as he hear someone stirring next door in his parent's room. He quickly pulled back, put his finger to his lips, then to hers, smiled, leaned passed Cailin, as he had that first night at the hotel, and opened the door for her. She entered as she saw Darren bounding up the stairs with that great smile still plastered on his face. Was this just the actions of someone who had too much to drink? At this point Cailin didn't really care. She was very happy. She felt cared for again.

Taking a break, maybe

For those of you following this blog, I am taking a little break. If I have time and access to write and post another chapter, I will do so, but my next posts will be about the trip I am taking and maybe some pictures.

I'll be in the Caribbean and will be going through the Panama Canal. This is one of the things on my "bucket" list. So please be patient. I have a long plane ride and maybe be writing a chapter or two then, if the inspiration strikes me. I know where the story is going, just want to make sure it flows nicely.

As for Cailin and Darren, they will be having some touring of their own through the Connemara Peninsula with some discoveries about themselves and enjoyment of the scenery.

Keep watching for more! Thanks for reading. I love comments, even if you just tell me where you are from.

Arlene

Travels in Eire #18

Cailin's tension was mounting. And she could see that Darren's was also. She expected someone to come out the front door to greet them, but no one came. She glanced at Darren.
“Are you ready?” he asked cautiously.
She replied, “There's no use in stalling. I need to put your parents at ease. I'm not like your brother's wife. I'm not about to steal you away to America. My God, we only met a few days ago! Sorry.”

Darren seemed to feel a little more at ease, or else he was trying harder to help Cailin feel more comfortable. They headed into the house with Darren leading the way. Cailin stopped and took a deep breath. There was a very homey aroma coming from the kitchen. It was enough to make her close her eyes and think of her grandmother's cooking. Darren noticed, “I'm sure me ma's got something good going on in there.”

They walked past a small but comfortable sitting room with a big leather sofa and down the hall following that wonderful aroma. The hall opened into the kitchen and Cailin could see a petite woman with dark curly hair at the stove. She had her back turned to the two of them.

“Was wondering when you'd get here, Darren. Dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes,” she said as she turned around to look at Cailin. “If I didn't know better, I'd think you came from the old sod yourself.”

Cailin tried to keep the mood light even with all the tension in the room, “What a nice thing to say. I'm very flattered. My Irish heritage is very important to me. I'm Cailin O'Neill Doherty.”

Darren's mom was quick with a come back, “Nothing like 3 names to prove your heritage.”

“I wasn't my choice. My parents wanted to honor my grandparents with representation from both sides of the family,” Cailin told herself not to be get defensive. This seemed to satisfy Darren's mother.

“Ma, this is my friend Cailin, of course you already know that. Cailin this is me Ma, Maura Ryan.”

“Nice to meet you Mrs. Ryan. You have a wonderful place here,” Cailin still trying to keep it positive.

“Maura, please. No need to be formal about it,” she replied tersely. “Philip, are you finished out there? Darren is here,” she intentionally left out Cailin's name.

“All done, dear,” replied Darren's father as he entered the kitchen, smiling as he looked at Cailin. “So this is the young lass Darren brought to dinner?”

“Shush, Philip,” Maura was obviously annoyed with Philip's friendly demeanor toward Cailin.

Philip reached his hand out to Cailin and she responded in kind. “I'm Cailin, Mr. Ryan.

“No need for formality here lass, Philip is just fine,” he replied grinning. “Darren, my boy, how goes it? 'Bout time you came back home for a few days.”

“Da. this the first time I've had a few days off other than Bank Holidays.” Darren replied apologetically. “Where's gramps?”

“You know the old man, Darren. Can't keep him down. He went over to the The Wharf for a session with some friends. Said he'd be back for dinner, but you know how he tends to hang around there longer than he plans.”

“Well, he won't get any dinner if he doesn't show up soon,” Darren's mother scolded. You could tell she was annoyed at how well everyone was getting along. “Dinner is ready. Time to stop all this gab and eat before it all gets cold,” she continued in that sharp voice.

Cailin knew she needed to do something to relieve this tension or everyone would end up with indigestion, even with delicious food.

“Maura and Philip, I want to thank you for your hospitality. Darren has spoken very highly of you. I am so fortunate to have met someone who is willing to show me around for a few days before I continue on my trip. I promise not to take too much of his time while he is here to visit with you.” and with that Cailin took a big breath and hoped she had helped to diffuse the situation.

The expression on Maura's stern face seemed to relax a little. “Even though you are a guest here Cailin, we put our guests to work, so how 'bout helping me bring the food to the table?”

“Ma, I can do that..” Darren started worried that there might be trouble.

“You have a seat boy, this is a woman's job.”

“Don't argue with her son. We've been married for long enough for me to know it's totally useless,” as Philip grinned that same grin that Cailin had seen on Darren.

Dinner went well, or as well as could be. Maura had lots of questions for Cailin, but nothing Cailin couldn't handle. Cailin talked about how much she was enjoying this trip and all the people she had the opportunity to meet.
Cailin was feeling pretty good when Darren's grandfather came home. He was a little too tipsy and Maura was obviously upset with him. Maybe she was a little embarrassed by him. It was difficult to tell. He was so happy when Darren introduced her to Cailin he hugged Cailin to welcome her “to the family”.

Cailin had to think fast, she could see the look on Maura's face. “Oh, no, sir, I'm just visiting from America and staying here at the B&B.”

“I understand,” he replied and turned to her, winked and grinned.

Darren suddenly piped up, “Cailin and I are going over to The Wharf, and maybe Paddy's to catch some music tonight. Don't wait up for us.” He put his hand on the small of Cailin's back and started to gently push her down the hallway.

“Darren leave Cailin's and your bags by the door, your da will put them in the rooms. You will be in your room upstairs and Cailin will be at the end of the hall down here next to our room.” Maura wanted to make sure Darren and Cailin were separated as much as possible. She was still very concerned and wasn't taking any chances.

Travels in Eire #17

From the Galway exchange Darren headed out following the sign that said Connemara Coast Road. They were on the south side of the peninsula and Cailin could see Galway Bay to their left. They had barely headed out the road when Darren pulled off into a parking lot for the Connemara Coast Hotel. He parked the car and turned to Cailin.

“I want to show you something,” he casually told her.

They exited the car and Cailin followed Darren around the side of the hotel along what appeared to be a well traveled pathway. The day was clear and slightly breezy, but you couldn't ask for more. As they walked the path they approached the rocky Connemara Coast. It was breath-taking. The smell of the water and sound of it lapping up on the huge smooth rocks almost made Cailin dizzy with exhilaration. Darren could see her joy.

“It's amazing, isn't it? It's my favorite place to come when I need to think, or just let go of all the stresses of life. On a day like today you can see across to The Burren. I thought it might be a good idea to stop here before we get to my parents,” he said standing close to her as he pointed out the scene across the bay.

Cailin turned to respond to Darren not realizing how close his face was to hers, “Darren, I can't get over how well you seem to read my feelings. You always seem to be a step ahead of me.” Without question there was definitely a connection between the two of them.

“So is there anything I can do to help you feel better about this situation? Can I answer any questions?” Darren was trying hard to help make things better.

“Darren, I think I'd like to know about your grandparents. I know that might be strange, but it will help me understand your parents better. Telling me about your brother has helped a lot, but knowing about how your parents grew up here in Ireland will help even more.”
Darren explained how his grandfather, who lived with them, had been a farmer with some small farmland and a peat bog out in Connemara. It was where his mother grew up with his grandfather playing the whistle every chance he got. As people learned of his talent he entered competitions and won many of them. When Darren's grandmother became ill, his mother spent hours at the hospital, and came to admire the nurses that cared for his grandmother. It was then that she decided to go into medicine, little knowing that she would end up at the administrative end of medical care helping patients and families deal with the hardships of illness of family members. When his grandmother passed away, his grandfather tried to carry on with the farmland and bog, but after Darren's mother married and moved out his mother was worried about him all alone, so he sold the farm and moved in with Darren's parents bringing his musical talent with him.
On Darren's father's side it was a different story. Darren explained that his grandparents on his father's side are still both alive and living and working in Galway. They like the vibrancy of the city and have a small flat there. Darren's father met his mother while his mom was attending school in Galway. He mostly manages the B&B and does a little handy work around the neighborhood. Darren continued to explain that since his grandfather lives with his parents they often have well known musical visitors stay at the B&B and that keeps his father very busy. And it's great craic.

By this time Darren and Cailin had returned to the car and were heading down the coast road, when Darren slowed and turned up a narrowly barely paved road in the town of Spiddal. After about a mile he turned into an opening in wall along the roadway that was the entry to his parent's house.