Rosslare, Chernobyl and stuff.

We went to Rosslare for two nights. Stayed in Great Southern which was homely and welcoming to children. Its bar/restaurant had a great view of the comings and goings of the Europort. Couple of things struck us during our time in the sunny South-East : 1. The number of cars on the side of the road with "For Sale" on them - either Wexford has a lot of individuals selling their cars or else someone is importing them from the UK to sell on. 2. The short-sea crossings to England are doing quite well though why Stena and IF have to leave within 15 minutes of each other is a mystery. Celtic Link on the Cherbourg route seemed to have decent loadings as well. 3. Both of the so-called "Irish Ferries" vessels suffer from major rust streaking but yet the Stena Europe (which is a sister of the crap-bucket that is the Normandy) is pristine outside. 4. Last night a large convoy from the Chernobyl Children's Project passed through on the way to Chernobyl. Around 30 trucks and ambulances in all and all staffed by volunteers. It was a wee bit strange to see them travelling with Irish ferries - that bastion of capitalism - maybe they were offering a special rate ? There is great credit due to these people facing a massive journey over to what can only be a sad and despairing destination.