We had out first traffic jam due to actual traffic as we left Cork today. It was the kind of traffic jam many of us are used to, involving lots of cars (and normal in this area, as we approach the Jack Lynch tunnel, which goes under the River Lee). Our other traffic jams throughout Ireland have all involved two vehicles – us and someone coming at us, the issue being that the roads are too narrow in spots for two vehicles to pass side by side.
Grandma was not pleased to be going into the tunnel. She didn’t want to go into the caves with me yesterday at Blarney, and has already mentioned the “tin can” we’ll be flying in tomorrow. Maybe we should have had an Irish coffee this morning, to settle the nerves, instead of just tea?
Lots of time on the bus today as we had back towards Dublin, and the end of the tour. We stopped at Waterford on the way, and toured their facility. It’s beautiful – very sparkly. Grandma explained to me that the well off Irish – the kind that could afford crystal gravy boats – were referred to as Lace Curtain Irish. That’s because of course they could also afford lace curtains – so you knew, walking by their home, even without seeing their gravy boat – that they were well off. In case there was any doubt: We were not lace curtain Irish.
While in The House of Waterford gift shop, Grandma ran into a friend she had made at the Cliffs of Moher, in the cafe. He is from Hong Kong. They don’t know each other’s names, but were quite pleased to see each other again.
After the crystal tour, we explored the city a bit. Waterford is actually the oldest city in Ireland, founded in 914, and was established by the Vikings. Sure, when they invaded there was a lot of plundering and that sort of madness, but the Vikings as a society were actually more civilized than the Irish. Which isn’t all that shocking, being raised around the Irish and now spending an entire week in their country…
Anyway, after they established the city, including introducing the idea of currency (it had all been bartering before that), they then built the first port in Ireland.
They’ve been able to recover some old Viking ship pieces and replicated a ship to view, that was the actual size of what it would have been. It was a lot smaller than I was expecting. I’m not sure where they would have kept their food, much less their spare pair of shoes or their crystal gravy boat. Next to the ship is Reginald’s Tower, which was part of the original city wall, and was the first time mortar was used in Ireland.
Back in Dublin, so we headed to the Guinness Tour for our final night on the town. Another day, another Guinness for Grandma. 
Some phrases that I find quite charming and am going to start using, much to your future annoyance. Jessie, if you’re still reading this, I’m thinking about you in particular.
Well done, you
If you’re brave enough, says I
We can busy ourselves
Have a grand day
Grandma got repacked and tucked into bed – we have an early start, leaving the hotel at 6:30 in the morning for a long day of travel, hopefully ending with someone picking her up from the airport.
I’m tucked in at the pub for a last drink and some last potatoes, watching the World Cup.
I think Grandma had a good time; I hope she did, at least. We met wonderful people and saw some amazing things. And though maybe I’m biased, I like to think Ireland is better for us having been in it.
