Castles and rainy days...

I think our time here is finally progressing into the type of weather that most Native Irish people are used to: cold, wet, and rainy. We gathered together in the "eating" house for a warm lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. We talked about the semester, while sipping cups of wonderful Irish tea. We are all amazed at just how little time we have remaining. The rain is falling against the window, making the indoors and my C.S. Lewis book all the more appealing. Jordan and Madysen are down stairs baking cookies while listening to Christmas music; the scene is truly picturesque...
We visited Hillsborough Castle this morning, the visit having been arranged by a member of Parliament, whom we met while visiting Stormant (Northern Irish Parliament) earlier this semester. This tour was exceptionally enjoyable. The man who showed us through the house, David, has seen many great and powerful people pass through its doors during his time there. He is essentially the caretaker and housekeeper. He has met and assisted the Dali Lama, President George Bush, Hillary Clinton, Tony Blaire, The Queen of England and many more. The house itself carries much history and significance in light of world events and decisions made. President Bush and Prime Minister Blaire met and decided upon the invasion of Afghanistan in the library where we stood. The picture of their meeting resides in the room, giving testimony to the fact. Many powerful people and many great decisions took place in that house, and we were fortunate enough to tread where those events took place...