Well, it's actually Day 11 now, around 9 am, and the group is sitting in the the sea terminal in Douglas, waiting for the ferry to take us to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since we haven't gotten there yet, I'll stick to IOM events that I have missed for the last couple of days; you'll be reading about Ireland soon enough!
Monday was Day 9, which was Tynwald Day on the Isle of Man. It's a celebration of the more than 1,000 years of the democratic parliament that governs the island. It was really interesting to see the pomp and circumstance involved. We took cabs to Tynwald Hill, which is a tiered hill where the celbration takes place every year. The ceremony starts with military bands and marching, is followed by a church service, and then ends with the procession of the members of the law-making body up the hill to proclaim to the public the laws that were passed during the last year. In true British style, there were many kilts and ladies in fancy, feathered hats to be seen. Behind the hill there was a huge carnival set up, where one brave member of our group ate a kipper bap and lived to tell about it; bless him. After the festivities, we all headed back to the hotel, had a 5 pm class session on the First Branch of the Mabinogi, our text for the week. My roommie and I had a lovely bottle of wine and dinner at an Indian restaurant, then spent some time socializing with the group back at the hotel.
Tuesday was Day 10 and our last field trip while stationed in Douglas. We got up, breakfasted, and got ready to leave. Well, most of us did leave, and a few of us stayed behind a bit at the hotel to make phone calls to make arrangements in Ireland (this includes me). We took the electric tram up the mountain to Maughold, which was another lovely churchyard with stone crosses by the sea. We split up after that, some traveling on to other lovales, some heading back into town. I headed back into Douglas, had lunch on the Promenade, then spent more time making travel arrangements for the group. We had class again at 5 to discuss branch 2 of the Mabinogi, ordered in takeout, and drank much wine. It was our last night in Douglas, so all stayed in for the night.
Well, it's boarding time! More later!!! Check Facebook for photos!
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