I enjoyed my Sunday spectacularly. I love learning about history, and semi-modern Irish history is especially intriguing to me. At Kilmainhim, Ireland’s main Gaol, we got a great mix of that history and how its related to the history of the prison. Many of the same prominent Irish rebels I’ve been reading about had done time in the complex. My favorite part of the prison was the story of Eamon de Valera. As a rebel fighting for a united, independent Ireland, he spent two stints in the prison, once narrowly evading execution. When the Gaol closed in 1924, he was the last prisoner to be released. Some 40 years later, he revisited the prison during its reservation as Ireland’s first president. Later in the day, some of us traveled with Brad to the village of Howth. It was quite a trek, but the views and vibe were magnificent. It was by far the most beautiful/awe-inspiring thing I’ve seen on the trip, and possibly one of my favorite moments. Additionally, the many hours spent together has brought us all closer.