jbright's Travel Journals

jbright

 
What is the best ethnic food you ever had that you just can't find at home?

Indian food

  • From United States
  • Currently in Germany

British Isles 2010

All the things I've seen, places I've been whilst studying throughout the UK and Ireland in summer '10.

Day 41: Aran Sweaters

Ireland Ireland  |  Jun 23, 2010
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 the Claddagh Ring has come to be renowned as a symbol of love, friendship and loyalty. 

Today we visited the Aran Islands, where the infamous Aran sweaters come from. I can see why they’d need these obscenely warm sweaters, as the day that we went was quite dreary and cold. However, the locals were quite happy with the misty rain as apparently they were in the middle of a draught.

The island was small, about the size of the military base I used to live on, with only over 800 people. We got a bit of a van tour from one of the men that lived there and he was pretty cool. He told us that some people actually come over the summer for about 3 weeks of intensive learning of Gaelic, which everyone speaks there. I thought at first (before this trip) that Gaelic would be a really cool language, but after hearing a bit of it, it’s harsh, almost Germanic, and I’m not too sure I like it.

Anyway, we climbed some more rocks today—this time up hill to see a fort and some cliffs—and as we were climbing down, the rain started. This made going down a bit more interesting as we were trying not only to get our wet hair out of our eyes, but also to keep from slipping off the wet rocks.

We also got some free time where we got to go and view these Aran sweaters (Ashley bought one for her and her mom, I decided it wasn’t worth trying to fit into my already huge suitcase). Mimi and I got our Claddaugh rings.

Steeped in the tradition and legends of Galway, the ancient City of the Tribes, the Claddagh Ring has come to be renowned as a symbol of love, friendship and loyalty.

Wear the ring on the right hand, the crown turned inwards and the world may see the heart is yet unoccupied.

Worn on the right hand, the crown turned outwards, and it is clear that a love is being considered.

But when it is worn on the left hand, the crown outwards, the two loves have become inseparable.

www.claddaghrings.com

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Slovenia 0-1 England

Algeria 0-1 USA

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