Safe harbour at last port of the Titanic
Trip Start
Apr 16, 2010
1
35
42
Trip End
Nov 02, 2010
Cobh, County Cork, Ireland
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Cobh is an island in the bay of Cork (actually Cobh is a town on 'the Big Island' in Cork Harbour - & the town where our brother-in-law Aidan grew up.They say it is the largest natural harbour in the world. I thought Sydney had that title - but anyway, Cobh harbour is huge. It was also the departure point for many Irish refugees to the world, and especially including Australia, as well as being the last port of call for the ill-fated "Titanic".
While we were there the huge ocean liner "The Queen Victoria" arrived and the town had a big party. I bought an anti-arthritis bracelet and the placebo effect alone is staggering!
We had great fun with Cathleen, Aidan's sister, staying with her for three nights. The Stockdales were all in fine form, and Aidan in particular, was a "round peg in a round hole" back in his home town.
On Sunday we went into Cork to explore the 'capital' & go to church. We were very warmly greeted by the congregation, as Nen & Aidan go there whenever they're 'in town'.
Sunday seems to be a big day for shopping in Cork - which was a surprise. The centre was full of people, families, teenagers & all.
We attended the Cobh Baptist Church and felt right at home. It was good to see a fairly mixed congregation of different ages and nationalities and we even recognised many of songs- Scripture in Song 1980's vintage. The sermon was on praying for your friends and was interesting because the preacher told some personal stories, varied his tone and spoke in an enthusiastic, animated voice the way the Irish seem to do. I spoke to some Africans after the service and had a great time.
