Cork, Ireland and the Blarney Stone

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A two-fer today.   Our day will begin with a trip to Blarney Castle. And the Stone.   Later this evening we visit the Jameson distillery for a wee bit of spirits.   It is Ireland, after all. As we pull into Cork Bay, it is easy to see why they are called the “Emerald Isle”.   Under grey skies, we slowly drift between luscious banks.   The variety of plants is impressive. The bus ride today is short by comparison; just under an hour.   We drive through a lovely countryside and quaint villages, finally arriving in Blarney. The castle, well maintained, looms ahead.   It is not an imposing castle.   Size-wise, it does not compare to some of the castles we have seen on this trip.   It is dominated mostly by its tower.   As with every castle, it is built on a hill with a dominating view of the countryside.   Most of the surrounding lands have been converted to gardens and beyond, cow pastures. We of course have to kiss the stone despite J...
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Porto, Portugal ... Pilgrimage to Fatima

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If you are Roman Catholic, Fatima holds an especially emotional hook into your soul.  The appearance of the Blessed Mother to the three children is still debated because of the three prophecies given the children ... the third of which is still unknown.  Those that know Judy know there was no way I was getting out of this pilgrimage.

After docking in Porto, we embark on our two hour coach ride to Fatima.  The ride is through lovely countryside, despite being on a freeway.  It is not the congested, Mediterranean village feel that was Lisbon; much more SoCal. 


Arriving in Fatima, we find a quaint, well kept tidy town.  It has a very Southern California vibe to it.  Shortly, we arrive at the shrine, Santaurio de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima (Sanctuary of our Lady of Fatima)comprising two basilicas with an enormous plaza between them.  The contrast is striking!  



90 minutes goes by quickly.



The newer basilica is round and modern.  Resembling more an arena than a church.  On the other side of the plaza is the older basilica, in a more traditional, neo-classical style.  The newer basilica was a “check in the block; we spent most of our time at the older basilica.


It is simply gorgeous.  It is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and everything is designed to honor her ... from the principal statuary over the main doors, to the fresco painting over the main alter.  All the windows are stained glass, and they all ... ALL ... depict a scene of the Blessed Mother.  It is breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time.  With the church’s emphasis on rustic and simplicity in new church architecture, they are ... in my opinion ... missing the impact of the grandeur of God that the older traditional churches convey.



Back to the main drag, we are ushered into a hotel where a buffet lunch is prepared.  We are reminded to use the restrooms - it’s two hours back to the ship!  Lunch complete, and the cat’s herded, we begin the journey back to the port.


CK/jk











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Cork, Ireland and the Blarney Stone

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A two-fer today.   Our day will begin with a trip to Blarney Castle. And the Stone.   Later this evening we visit the Jameson distillery for a wee bit of spirits.   It is Ireland, after all. As we pull into Cork Bay, it is easy to see why they are called the “Emerald Isle”.   Under grey skies, we slowly drift between luscious banks.   The variety of plants is impressive. The bus ride today is short by comparison; just under an hour.   We drive through a lovely countryside and quaint villages, finally arriving in Blarney. The castle, well maintained, looms ahead.   It is not an imposing castle.   Size-wise, it does not compare to some of the castles we have seen on this trip.   It is dominated mostly by its tower.   As with every castle, it is built on a hill with a dominating view of the countryside.   Most of the surrounding lands have been converted to gardens and beyond, cow pastures. We of course have to kiss the stone despite J...
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