Busses and Hurling and Crystal, Oh My!

Our unconventional day trip to Waterford started out with no one waking up on time to leave on the earliest bus. Instead, Sunday morning came and went in a flurry of activity and we boarded the 12:40 bus to Waterford. When the drive got underway, it became clear that none of us actually knew how long the ride would be. Some thought one hour. We were awkwardly quiet; was it really the case that no one had even checked the bus schedule, let alone the procedures for getting around Waterford - let alone where the factory itself might be?

Well, one of us had checked the Waterford Crystal Factory website the night before. The last tour was scheduled at 5:40. We were relieved but still uneasy, especially as the ride stretched to two hours and beyond. Finally Emma asked the driver how much further it was to Waterford, while we all held our breath, half expecting him to glance over his shoulder at us in surprise and say, "Why, that was two stops ago!"

Instead, to our relief, he said, "Five minutes." So, after a two and a half hour ride, we were unloaded at the microscopic bus station, and exhaled a collectively held breath when we found there were return busses to Cork scheduled until 7:30.

We were, however, in for a few more surprises. On the way in, we'd noticed signs wishing the Waterford hurlers good luck, and leagues of citizens sporting the blue and white colors of the County. We called a taxi (surprise: tourism center's free shuttles to the factory don't operate on Sundays!) and leaned up against buildings eating the Irish Soda Bread I'd proudly brought along as a snack during the fifteen minute wait.

On the way, our taxi driver told us all about the match. Apparently it was between Kilkenny and Waterford, the former having won the last two consecutive All-Ireland championships, while Waterford hadn't participated in something like forty years. Are you sure, our driver asked, the factory is going to be open? We said nothing, but again, there was a noticeable dissipation of tension when we pulled up to the big building and saw the doors opened - welcomingly, it seemed.

Or not so much. At reception we were regrettably informed that, due to the match, the tours were concluding early that day. In fact, the last one - 3:30 - had just left. They would, however, like to offer us a voucher for a free coffee and scone in the restaurant, as well as 10 percent off any crystal we might purchase in the gallery.

We were determined to be cheerful, so we ate our scones and drank our coffee and filed down to the gallery - which was beautiful. I can't say I wouldn't have enjoyed seeing how crystal is produced and learning about the history of the company, but seeing the finished products was very nice, too. I have been saying my Irish souvenir would be something from Waterford, but when it came down to it I couldn't stomach even the cheaper sets of shot glasses, which ran at 100 euro for four. I took pictures of them instead!

There was a bus stop within walking distance, we were informed, so we left with plenty of time to walk. It was sunny, at least, but the Waterford fans were beginning to look grim. It was difficult to understand the terse Irish accents of radio commentators, but maybe that has more to do with my lack of knowledge of hurling terminology as it does with the pitch of an Irishman's voice in high excitement.

A nap on the bus ride home made the whole thing tolerable, if a little costly - 18 euro bus ticket - considering the limited intellectual stimulation of, in effect, some window browsing. I did learn that there's nothing more beautiful than a crystal martini glass.

Monday we had a session with our international academic advisor about class selection. As far as I can tell, with early start completed, I only need to have another two classes here to fulfill the equivalent of a 12 credit hour fall semester in the States. But, at the same time, there are classes here I will never have another opportunity to take, so that weighs in. It's hard to believe that next week I will be 25 percent finished with my time here! Unreal.

This Friday we are going to see Riverdance as a class in Killarney. The southwest of Ireland is arguably the most beautiful, from what I've been told, so I'm really excited. We hope to get a hostel Friday and Saturday nights instead of taking the class bus back, which should mean we can go to the Dingal peninsula Saturday and then do a guided tour of the Ring of Kerry on Sunday. It will be an expensive trip for not actually leaving Ireland, but that's why I'm being frugal now - to blow cash on unforgettable experiences later! The highlight of the trip could be the acclaimed Dingal Riding Stable's guided treks - which include riding rough trails with gorgeous scenery in the mountains, and beach gallops, all in a couple hours. Horse Illustrated calls it the most exhilerating experience on horseback in the world.

I'll take pictures!