Short hop over to Cork.

   Dodging N25/8 was the challenge of the day.  People give me directions assuming I know that some roads turn to alley ways and other roads are posted private. They look at me funny when I get very specific, even asking the to draw a map.  Understanding them is the other obstacle.  English is a foreign language over here.  

      Before heading off, the owner of the hostel in Middeton laid out a breakfast fit for the gods, the best hostel breakfast yet and I had the whole room to myself.  Such a deal for twenty/two Euros.  All I expect is a roof, a clean facility, hot shower and a nice bed, anything more is luxury.  Before getting under way, it was off to the local bike shop to look into a persistent and worrisome squeak.  They replaced the crankshaft bearings, adjusted the disc brakes, took up the slack on the chain and charged me relatively little.  The squeak still comes and goes but I am glad it isn't anything serious, I hope.  For a bicycle, it is a complicated machine. There is always something that needs adjusting. My ears are finely tuned to pick up any peculiar noises. I am definitely traveling with a woman.  Well the bikes name is William, so perhaps, it is transgender, whatever.  

     Arrived in Cork and had little problem finding a hostel.  After settling in, I cruised the town, looked up the Apple headquarters, poked around getting a feel for the place.  Had an IPA and lunch, went back to the hosteltook a nap and began reading the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns", same author who wrote "The Kite Runner".

     The European soccer playoffs are in full swing and I have been watching them  here and there.  The Irish love the sport as they do Hurling.  Tomorrow I head west southwest to the coast.  I have been told it is very nice.