Return to Dublin

Elaine and Joe left Belmullet with the knowledge of a faraway and amazing place. Joe was delighted to visit this place, the grounds of his grandfather's birth.

Belmullet and County Mayo, Ireland, gave Elaine and Joe much to discuss and memories to carry with them in the coming days. They moved on to Dublin by train from Castlebar.

Once back in Dublin, Elaine and Joe had a spectacular meal at WILDE and explored a bit more of the city. The visit included a visit to Trinity College and a chance to see the Book of Kells and the "Old Library".

Dublin called them back!

Trinity College, in Dublin, has a huge history and is responsible for the education of many influential people. The honor that is most precious to Trinity College is the opportunity to save, preserve, and display the Book of Kells.

Below is a photo Joe took of the Bell Tower

More photos of the collage reveal its diverse architectural styles.

Images of the books found there are amazing and full of interesting illustrations. Scribes wrote and carefully inscribed on animal hides using ancient pigments.

A heart drawn on ancient parchment many generations ago is pictured below. Images, such as this, are clues to what the Gospels were trying to convey to people, even centuries after Christ's death. Love seems to be a central theme.

The views of the "Old Library" are quite spectacular; you must go inside! Books are currently being professionally restored, and many of the books are off the shelves (at the moment), but it is still an amazing place.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Helen and "the girls" arrived in El Raso, near Torrevieja, Spain.

Much of their time is spent in and by the pool. It is unbelievably hot there.

Helen says that Jackie's daughter, Amy, and her girls came by for a swim, and the oldest had fun brushing Glamam's hair. That is what she calls her! The day was a good one. The dog, Kevin, had a lovely day too!

They are off to the beach tomorrow.