Some people from our group had already moved on, but the rest of us met for our last breakfast together. Shared a few laughs and memories with the group. Denise managed to dump her juice in my lap, but we both laughed about that. Was really going to miss her, and we promised to keep in touch after we got home.
After getting our bags, we waited in the hotel lobby for our ride to the airport. The ride to Shannon gave us a bit more of a chance to sight-see since our driver knew so much about the area. Saw some castles and more ruins. More cattle, horses and sheep. Our driver was telling us how recent construction on a major road had to be diverted to prevent destroying a fairy tree! He also said that a runway at Shannon airport had been built facing the wrong direction to prevent from destroying a fairy circle. It’s so amazing to see that even in this modern age, the old beliefs still hold some sway.
At the airport, I bid farewell to my friends. Denise was staying on in Ireland for a few more days had come to the airport to pick up her rental car. We hugged and promised to email one another as soon as we both were able to. Which in my case means getting a functioning computer!
The airport was a mob scene when I got there. Took me over forty minutes to check in, only to find out that my flight had been canceled! What luck! They managed to get me onto another plane, but it was leaving over an hour later. Oh well, more time to shop.
Grabbed a quick bite at one of the cafes in the airport, then headed through the security gates. The duty free took care of the last of my gift-buying (amazing what you can actually buy there). Went through US customs and before I knew it, I was on my way home. What an grand adventure this had been!