Back to Kinsale

Emily (the new Canadian au pair) and I headed down to Kinsale (gourmet capital of Ireland!) yesterday and had quite the adventure. I had visited Kinsale one other time about four months ago, but it was definitely worth another visit. Emily is an even newer driver than I am, so the tables turned and I was the TEACHER and she was the student- can you imagine.. me trying to teach someone how to drive stick? She stalled the first attempt out of the driveway, so I knew we were in for a real exciting trip!

We used her GPS to go to Kinsale... of course taking us through Cork city center on a Saturday afternoon (which even experienced drivers should try to avoid at all costs!). I hope the drivers behind us were amused-rather than incredibly annoyed-by her continuous stalling! At one point she decided we would get to Kinsale and the transmission would fall out.. luckily that didn't happen! Not only did the GPS lead us through the city center, but it also took us to the "Jesus Roundabout" which is called that because "only Jesus can help you get through it". Coming up to it she said, "I'm going to slow down because I know 'Jesus' is coming..."

the harbor in Kinsale

We MADE it to Kinsale and breathed a sigh of relief as we parked the car and set off on foot. We walked around aimlessly and shopped for a bit and then decided to head out to 'Old Head'. Old Head is the southern tip of Ireland with rocky cliffs (a mini-Cliffs of Moher). We of course made a wrong turn and had to make a U-turn in the middle of the road. As Emily was attempting the 3 point turn, we soon realized we were stuck in the mud. Great! I got out and tried to push the car.. unsuccessfully.. so we swapped roles and I tried to rev the engine more while she pushed. After a straight minute of spinning the tires, we were free! And Emily's boots and legs were covered in mud! I think I got a better workout for my abs laughing than I do each week at boot camp.

her boots are covered!

notice the tire marks in the grass...

pictures don't do this place justice

After walking around along the cliffs, we ate at 'The White House' (no, we didn't see Obama) and headed home. The drive home was equally as stressful because of the dense fog. Not knowing the roads (and not being able to see them in the fog...), I think Emily's blood pressure was through the roof. We finally made it home though. What a day!