Atlantic Ocean and More

07-09-2025

About a week ago, I was still in Dublin with my daughter, Shannon, and my granddaughter, Rachel.  Rachel had orientation at University College Dublin (UCD) so Shannon and I decided to see a bit more of Ireland.  After a 2.5-hour train ride, we were in Galway on the Atlantic Ocean.

During our walking tour of Galway, we discovered the city’s history primarily through its pubs.

King's Head Pub, Galway

For instance, the King’s Head pub gets its name from the building's history as a payment to Peter Stubbers, the executioner of Charles I of England, in 1649. However, he was allowed to use the building for only 11 years. When Charles II ascended the throne in 1660, he sought retribution against the man who had executed his father. Peter Stubbers disappeared, never to be heard from again. Whether he escaped or was captured and executed himself remains a mystery.

Monument to JFK, Galway

We also learned about the significance of John F. Kennedy's election to the Irish psyche. Before JFK’s election, the Irish had struggled to find their place in the modern world. His presidency symbolized hope for Irish people everywhere, as it showcased that the great-grandson of an Irish immigrant could lead the United States. In 1963, Kennedy visited Ireland for four days, spending a memorable four hours in Galway—a visit still vividly recalled by many who were alive at the time.

Tuesday had Shannon flying back to Texas;

Saying Good Bye to Rachel and Shannon

I took the train back to Waterford where I resumed my normal life. Later that week I went waking in the park near my apartment with a lady from my church. She is from South Africa.  She and her husband moved to Ireland about 8 years ago to help their daughter and her family who had moved earlier. Another child has since joined them in Ireland, and one child lives in Virginia.  Almost everyone I meet in Ireland has a relative or friend in the USA.

This family's journey is quite a testimony. After six years in Ireland, they were granted a Stamp 4 visa, allowing them to work here. Prior to that, they had been living off their savings and the proceeds from their house sale in South Africa. The husband, Gerrit—originally from the Netherlands—is currently looking for work but, in his 60s, is finding it challenging. He has a background in computers, which has helped him pick up some small jobs here and there. They are relying on God for their needs; for instance, when their car required repairs, money unexpectedly appeared in their bank account. I am always inspired by people with such faith and resilience.

Irish Wake Museum, Waterford

Later in the week, I visited the Irish Wake Museum. Clare, our guide was delightful. She explained how the Irish do death well. The event is called a wake because the aim was to make so much noise that it would wake the dead. In former times, it was not always easy to determine if someone was truly dead or merely in a deep coma. To ensure certainty, participants created a lively atmosphere through singing, dancing, telling jokes, and drinking, all in an effort to rouse the deceased who lay nearby. A wake could last for three to four days, and if no one could wake the person by then, it was generally accepted that they were indeed dead.  

Today, it's easier to ascertain when someone has passed away, but traditions die hard in Ireland (pun intended). Just a couple of years ago, a local pub owner was laid out on the bar of his own pub for his wake. The pub was closed for three days as friends came in to drink, sing, and celebrate his life. It was a fascinating tour, and Clare’s enthusiasm made it quite enjoyable.

As I exited the museum, I stumbled upon a diverse array of food trucks that I would happily

Food Truck Festival, Waterford

label the Food Truck Festival of Waterford. While there were no scheduled acts apart from a band on stage, a few craftsmen were showcasing their creations. The main attractions were the food trucks, which offered an impressive variety — Italian, Polish, Mexican, Barbecue (sort of), Indian, Pakistani, Thai, ice cream, etc.  I decided on a pulled pork sandwich, but not barbecued pork, slow roasted pork.  It was good, but it would have been better with a nice barbecue sauce. This event was a nice surprise and a better dinner than I was planning.

I have been a bit confused by Sundays. The church I’m attending has a wonderful worship service and the people are friendly. However, every Sunday after church I walked home alone and ate dinner alone. It was not what I was used to doing. I generally joined friends for lunch after church.  Today was different.  Two ladies asked me to join them for lunch, and I quickly said yes.  We drove out to the fishing village outside of Waterford and ate overlooking the beach. It was windy and a bit chilly, but people were swimming in the Atlantic Ocean -- brrr.  I had very fresh fish and the company was great. Angela is a nurse and a long-time resident of Waterford.  Marie is a retiree who frequently travels to Portugal for the warm weather.  They asked many questions about the USA since neither have been there.  Frequently my answers involved size: the roads are wider, towns are farther apart, grocery stores are bigger, etc.  They seemed to have a good time and so did I.  I hope this will happen more often.

Ceol agus Craic: If you see this on an Irish pub, it means music and fun – no sports.

Wishing you Ceol agus Craic this week

Waterford Weather:

High 64 F (18 C)     Low 49 F (9 C)  Dreary and Damp

Sunrise: 6:49      Sunset: 8:01 (20:01 EU time)

Hours of Daylight:  13:12