A Fun, Sunny Day 3

Yes, it finally stopped raining and yes, Carlingford was charming and very old. We had our breakfast, walked a bit and were back in the car. Tom is getting much better at the driving, but I find it so stressful. I keep thinking we're going to land in a ditch or worse and I can't close my eyes because I'm the navigator, but it is getting easier and I'm sure each day will be better.

We went to the horse races in Dundalk. That was a lot of fun, very different from our race tracks in the U.S. (not that I've been to that many). The most fun part was the betting -- you can bet with individual book makers who are standing on a soapbox type platform, shouting their best to lure you to them. It's hard to describe, but it was fun.

Then we got in the car and drove for about two hours and wound up in Mullingar, where we are staying at a pleasant hotel. We had a drink in their lounge and chatted with a lovely Irish couple. We learned that we share many of the same concerns and problems, especially having to do with our respective economies. There are so many similarities. I won't get into it here, but I found it fascinating. We watched a rugby match with them as well and tried to learn a tiny bit about that sport.

We had a delicious dinner in a nearby pub and had a lot of fun with the bartender. The people we have met are so friendly and comfortable to be with and always willing to give us suggestions and directions. To me, this is what travel is all about -- meeting people from other cultures and learning first hand about the world in which we live. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity.