Day 12: Belfast to Dublin

Day 12: Belfast to Dublin

Three years ago Rob, the kids and I traveled to Guanajuato, Mexico on a family pilgrimage of sorts. We were captivated by the city and knew we wanted to learn as much as we could about it. We thought the best way to do this was to hire a tour guide who could get us informed and acclimated to the town. We found Augustine. He was an older gentleman who walked with a limp and had a little difficulty touring us around by foot. So, on the second a day of the tour he picked us up in a Volkswagon minivan. This was much easier. He drove us all around town until we entered a roundabout and I started smelling burnt plastic. Alas, the van was on fire and we had to exit onto the median until we could make our way across the street for some cokes and chips. Our tour continued on the city bus.

Yesterday after we arrived at our train station we made our way to the pick up area and were met shortly by Martin our tour guide. He pulled up in a Volkswagon minivan. Rob remarked, "I hope this one doesn't catch on fire." We headed out to begin exploring County Meath and the sights were really incredible. After having visited Newgrange, Monasterboice, and Slane Castle we made our way to the Hill of Tara. The views were breathtaking on this beautiful day and Rob and I got to touch the stone of destiny and have our picture taken with St. Patrick. On our way to Trim Castle (also know as the castle in the movie Braveheart) as we headed down a narrow road, another car heading in the opposite direction came toward us. Our driver moved as far to the left as he could and then a, "pop!" "Uh, I think you have flat tire" Rob, half chuckling from the backseat, said. A few yards later we were in a median and broken down. 

I try to attribute some meaning to these kinds of parallel stories but honestly I just think they are funny stories that are enjoyable to tell and at times enjoyable to listen to. Stories for stories sake. And perhaps that is the meaning.