Galway, 24 February 2008

Well, we have been in Galway for three weeks now, so here are some pics of our new surrounds. Our flat is very nice, and is up on the hill above the Bay.

Our Flat (the four windows on the left)

We can't quite see the sea from our flat, but can walk there in about 10 minutes. The nearest seaside suburb to our flat is called Salthill. The promenade along the seafront there is a very popular walking path, and a local tradition is to "kick the wall" when you get to the end before turning around:

Me Demonstrating the Correct Technique for Kicking the Wall

At Salthill there is a diving platform built on a rocky point. I will be trying that out in a couple of months. As you can see there are a few brave men around who go for a dip in the frigid waters all year round:

The River Corrib rushes through Galway before discharging into Galway Bay. From its source in Lough Corrib to the sea is a distance of only six kilometres (it is said to be the shortest river in Europe). The white water rapids in the middle of the city are quite impressive; you certainly wouldn't want to fall in.

Me in Front of the Wolf Tone Bridge over the Corrib

Marian in front of the calmer River Corrib near the river mouth
View Towards the Eastern Bank of the Corrib from The Claddagh
Quays on the Western Bank

View North up the Corrib Toward Galway Cathedral

The main pedestrian thoroughfare of Galway, Shop St, runs down into Quay St which leads to the eastern bank of the Corrib. This is a busy lane lined with shops and pubs.

Quay St Looking Up towards Shop St

Liquid Refreshments

Winter in Mayo, 3 February 2008

When we arrived back in Ireland from New York we were greeted by freezing temperatures and snow flurries. Here is what Croagh Patrick looked like with a dusting of snow, and a similar view taken last summer, for contrast:

New York, 28 January - 1 February 2008

Broadway and Times Square

Me and Bull, Financial District, near Wall St
On Pier 17, Lower Manhattan
The View Towards Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 17
View East from Top of Empire State Building (UN middle Right)Top of Empire State Building

View North from Empire State Building

Grand Central Station

Breakfast in Diner, Midtown

World Trade Centre Memorial, Battery Park

Looking Towards Manhattan from Liberty Island

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Registration Hall, Ellis Island

View of Statue of Liberty from Ellis Island

View of Manhattan from Ellis Island

Farewell to Manchester, 26 January 2008