Quickly

Time is running way too fast.

At some point in the last two weeks, I've fallen hard for Ireland.  I was charmed by it before, but still getting used to it, and getting used to life in general.  I appreciated the history, and liked seeing the sights, and had fun in town.  At the same time, I was a little homesick.  But I think sometime in the last few weeks, my notion of "what Ireland should be like" fell away, leaving a clearer version:  the real thing.  I suppose loving a place is somewhat like loving a person:  the initial, intoxicating attraction can be there, but it's only when you actually know them that you can love them properly.  Suddenly (and maybe it's because I realized how little time I have left) I'm really resistant to the idea of leaving.  

Part of my reluctance probably has something to do with the amount of fun I've been having.  The last couple of weeks have been a long blur of socialness (yes, me, being social).  A lot of that is due to my joining of the kayaking club.  The members seem to live for two things:  paddling and fun (which are far from being mutually exclusive).  They're an enthusiastic crew, and as welcoming as they are mischievous.  

Today I took a day tour through Connemara with my friend Erica.  Even though we've been here for a couple of months now, there's still so much to see - and Connemara is practically in my backyard.  We took a guided bus tour through the rugged, round, steep mountains north of Galway, to the beautifully situated Kylemore Abbey.  The Abbey was originally a honeymoon present.  Now its a religious institution, facing a lake and nestled against one of the few wooded hillsides I've seen here.  Once I figure out how to add photos, that should be helpful!

We got a little rain, which now comes as no surprise.  It was nothing too drastic, but the weather is definitely turning.  I'm sure it's just gently prepping me for my inevitable return to Minnesota....