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GALWAY, Ireland, May 30, 2003 / FW/ --- My Tods were ready to trot once again at lunch time upon the cobblestone walk-street called Quay.

What struck my eye were the colorful storefronts.

I wasn't interested in the few mannequins I spotted; for the most part stores were filled with products arranged like consumer objects d'art; fine linens, woolen sweaters, Waterford crystal and Belleek china.

The first store that hit me over the head with color was Pearls of Wisdom, painted in deep lavender and bright yellow.

It was a mom and pop version of The Psychic Eye in California and Nevada.

The New Age trend had roots in the old countries too.

The photo I took captured a young mother complete with pram entering the Pearls of Wisdom; what was she going to impart to her "Bairneac"?

I had plans to meet a friend for lunch so headed to The Quays restaurant. Upstairs there were two pubs, one for conversation, one for watching sports and such.

Major meals were served in a much lower floor. The ceiling of this floor was built with thick, centuries old wooden beams.

I chose hearty fare; Connemara lamb, with chopped cabbage, carrots, new potatoes and mint sauce. With rain pouring lightly outside it felt like a perfect meal.

Once again I found a book store that drew me in. I found a used copy of an autobiography of Bob Hope written in 1954 Have Tux Will Travel.

He just turning 100 years old in a couple of days; it seemed like a serendipitous find.

The walls of the book store were filled with signed photos of contemporary authors; there had been many a book signing there.

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