Trying to Get Corked in Cork

I've arrived in Cork, just less than an hour ago. Called home and got no answer, so called Dad and told him where I was. Then I set about finding my way here to the hostel. It's pouring rain which usually doesn't bother me too much, as it has been mostly clear and dry since coming to Ireland over a week ago.

The bus ride from Galway was long, bumpy, and gave me a headache and I think I am on the verge of a toothache, but it might just be tension in my jaw from the bumpy cycling yesterday too.

Upon arrival in Galway, I went first to the Internet Cafe to let my daughter know where I am going to be, although at that time I thought it might be Dingle. I went to the tourist centre to find it closed at 12:45pm for the day! So after having said goodbye to Madeline at the Internet Cafe, I went to the bus station for a ticket to Dingle, only to find the last bus had left even before I returned from Aran, so I chose my next stop, which was Cork. When we stopped at Limerick for 10 minutes I tried to book a hostel in Cork, as the bus left almost right after I bought my ticket in Galway. Tried 3 places before finally getting this one.

Kelly's hostel is a very small one, just a townhouse with the rooms converted to dorm rooms of bunks. Once again I am on the top floor dorm room (as I was in Galway) with a fair sized room and 7 beds. The host gave me the single one, thankfully, not a bunk so I could sit up. Seems like there are at least 3 others in this room tonight, two which look by their luggage to be German travellers (no one is here) and the third seems to be more of a live-in, perhaps a gal with a job.

The kitchen leaves much to be desired, regular sized for a home, and quite dirty and rundown. Bathroom and showers are all on the first floor, but the sitting room seems cozy, complete with burning fireplace. Found a small show aroun dthe corner, so picked up some milk and bread, then tried to call my daughter again with no luck. I'll try once again before bed and then again tomorrow.

Got wonderful news from home via e-mail from my daughter though. Seems I've been offered a spot in the BSW program I applied to so that's a load off my mind. I know I am doing something constructive this fall. I will be sure to apply for MSW next fall then.

Tomorrow I think I will rest and on Monday I will take a run out to Blarney Castle and see some of the other sights here in Cork. I can't imagine staying in this hostel for the next week, even if the price is right at 8 pounds a night. It will depend on my fellow bunkmates I think, if we get along well, I may stay. Things are more fun to see if you've made friends like I did in Galway. Time for a bit of readong I think, then I'll think about supper.