Exit Ireland, Enter Poland

Some news from Mom and Dad's travels abroad:

We are still in Dingle and Mike is happy to report that there are 57 pubs in the town not 52. Today, we walked out to the lighthouse ad were rewarded with sights of Fungie, the dolphin who resides in the harbor. He was only about 10 meters from shore frolicking with some French girls swimming in the water. The walking is supurb. I love the long beaches with the packed sand, great on the feet.

Later that night we went to eat at a restaurant called "Out of the Blue" on the waterfront. It looked like a dive but was recommended by the locals. We had one of the best meals of our life. The seafood was fresh off the boats. The monkfish was accompanied by the flakiest puff pastry. Everything was divine. The restaurant only held 24 seating spaces. The couple behind us was from Bainbridge Island. The four on our left were from Gig Harbor. Two on the right were from Vashon Island. We started laughing from being in Ireland and everyone being from Washington state. We turned to the last table to ask where they were from...St Mary's County, Maryland where they not only knew and revered my Aunt Beth , the leading lady from St Mary's but worked with Muffin, My cousin. Ireland is a small town. Not only did we meet lots of locals but everyone recognized us where ever we went. My loving husband, Mike questioned this. "How do they remember me?" he asked. "Mike," I said, " Could it be that you are traveling through Europe with a woman sprouting the shortest hair do since Jane Pauley?" It's the "crucut syndrome."

We are now in Krakow, home to the late " John Paul the 2nd". Today we toured his digs and heard first hand how he helped to rid Poland of Communist Rule. He is a true saint to the Poles and Krakow is his beloved city where he trained and was bishop. 95% of this town is Catholic and because of their beloved Patron, 70% are practicing Catholics. They speak of him with awe. This city is quite lovely with a beautiful park replacing the walls once surrounding the city, beside athe Vistula River and with a square as large as St. Marco's in Venice.

Yesterday, we visited Aushwitz. I recommend this trip to everyone of age to remind them of the inhumanity that man is capable of. ...When I think of my health problems, I realize that I have always had hope and support. To think of those courageous Jewish mothers who knew what they were leading their children to ...is unthinkable. Those are the Saints of our century.

More later...especially Prague.