The Youth Hostel 041105

Our Youth Hostel, in glorious sunshine. Last night we arrived wet and cold and in pitch black. When daylight comes, it is always exciting to find out where we spent the night.

But we never thought we would end up in such a desolate place.

Yes, our Youth Hostel is stuck to the side of this huge rock (or ben, they call it). Come to think of it, we did quite well in being able to find the place last night, just outside the village of Recess.

Anyway, we are now heading further west, towards Clifden town, the capital of the Connemara region.

START ~ The Morning After 041105

A well-earned night's sleep for us ... and in stark contrast to the awful weather we had when we got in last night, we now witness sunrise on a beautiful fine cold morning.

As sunlight fills up the earth, we have our first taste of Connemara, famous for its mountains, valleys and lakes. Connemara is indeed another jewel of Ireland.

And after a quick D-I-Y brekky of bread, biscuits and orange juice, we are raring to go. Where to? No clue, as Lao Tzu says, "A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving."

FINAL ~ Youth Hostel to the Rescue 031105

We leave The Burren area soon after nighfall, and in cold sleeting rain, make our way north, past Galway City. We then turn northwest into the Connemara region looking a place to spend the night. Almost three hours after leaving The Burren, in the cold freezing rain and in pitch darkness, we stagger into our den and hit the sack right away.

This has been one great Hari Raya Day!

The Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher? I think the cliffs on the Nullarbor Plain at the Great Australian Bight are more spectacular. Maybe not as tall as these, but definitely more impressive.

An Bhoireann 031105

The Burren (from Irish bhoireann, meaning 'stony place') is a 300 sq km area of karstic limestone, untouched since the Ice Age. It has significance in its archeaology, geology, and flora and fauna.

A very desolate ...

... and rocky place ...

... buffeted by howling, freezing gale-force wind from the Atlantic.

In the middle of nowhere with the sun setting, I have little clue how to get help if the car breaks down. I just hope the cell-phone works!

Ballyvaughan 031105

We pass through this quaint little town facing the Atlantic and stop for provisions. Better stock up on foodstuff since it's getting dark and we have no idea what lies ahead!

And in the bitterly cold wind, out comes this feline to play. Sure looks big and fluffy, and it's not due to the thick fur, but rather to the fat. Yes, that's one fat cat - quite an effort to lift the critter up. In such cold weather who can blame him, right?

We are happily playing with the cat, till this over-playful friend comes around and scares the cat away. I guess, the place is so desolate that pets come out to make friends with strangers on the street?

FIRST ~ The Atlantic Coast Again 031105

Barely four hours after leaving Malaysia Hall, we find ourselves on the Atlantic west coast again. We plan to do The Burren and Cliffs of Moher before the day ends. Then head northwest to Connemara for the night.

The Burren & Cliffs of Moher (red circle), Connemara (blue loop), Galway City (black spot). Click map for better read.

Click image for better view.

FINAL ~ Raya Done 031105

Raya formalities done ...

... so we flee for our car to start another trek westwards to the Atlantic coast, a 250-km drive to The Burren and Cliffs of Moher.

Malaysia Hall 031105c

And inside, pretty maids all in a row ...


 

Malaysia Hall 031105b

Every major city worth its salt would have a Malaysia Hall, and Dublin is no exception! There are hundreds of Malaysian students here, many of them hoping to become doctors. Whatever it is, when done you all come home, okay?

 

And the address is ...


Hand-painted address on a rubbish container for all to see? That's a piece of Malaysiana in Ireland, for sure.

Malaysia Hall 031105a

So we follow suit, and find ourselves at Malaysia Hall, in a sober area of central Dublin.

Cold and wet Hari Raya, but definitely a very colourful one.

FIRST ~ Salam Aidilfitri

1st of Shawal, 1426H, and this is our modest breakfast - rendang ayam & nasi himpit. Thanks, GIRLS (who have now slipped away to Malaysia Hall), and Selamat Hari Raya!