DUBLIN, July 30

 We awakened earlier than planned feeling warm and rested. It is sunny with clouds as was yesterday. It’s the wind which has taken us by surprise. We checked out, left our luggage and headed for the French bakers which we discovered yesterday. Our breakfast was elegant: Croque Monsieur sandwich with ham and cheese. It was presented in circular sandwich form. My flat white coffee had a floral design on the surface, snd Premilla's jot chocolate was thick.

  Would you believe that we were turned away from worshiping at St. Patrick's Anglican Cathedral because it was filled?  That's a first for me. So, we walked about 5-10 minutes to Christ Church Anglican cathedral.  We came inlate, during the sermon. The T-coil system didn’t seem to be working so I read the lessons from the leaflet while she, yes, she preached.  It felt so good to participate in a familiar worship form. I spoke to another female priest after the service and told her that today is the 49th celebration of the first ordination of women in the US Episcopal Church. She said that she was one of the first women ordained, here in Ireland or perhaps in England; I need to research that. 

  We walked back to our hotel in the wind and sprinkles.  By the way, we have used a local map and also have stopped people on the street for directions these two days. They have consistently been friendly and helpful.  It has been a delight to ask for directions.  Even our taxi driver today was talkative and friendly. He is going to Majorca on vacation soon!

We are now settled in our room at our first hotel of the two week Ireland tour. We are drinking tea and eating a biscuit in our room before our first  meeting of our tour group with our guide, Lynn.

It is now close to 11PM.I like Lynn , our guide. She is from Belfast and leads only these tours. The first meeting was less casual than an elegant supper at an Italian/Irish restaurant.  Nevertheless I  found a buddie, Jill. It took a foibles tries before I was able to hear her on a istening device, and I felt uncomfortable about that,  Then Lynn sat in the empty seat near to me at supper. We had great conversations.  Her sister was an AFS student in Edmonton Washington in 1986. I heard active conversations at our three tables during supper and on our walking orientation tour. We have some plans for our for afternoon and evening. I am looking forward to talking  with more tour friends tomorrow.  

It is late, and our alarms will go off at 6.


Hugs, Susan

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