Pat and Tyson

Tonight I went for a walk to get some fresh air. I walked out of Corrib Village and out towards the edge of the city. As I was walking back, a gentlemen with a cane and a dog stopped me as asked "are you an American?" I replied yes and he said, "would you like to take a walk with me?" I was a bit hesitant, as I was alone, however Pat was in his 60's and there were many people around us, so I joined him and his pure bred boxer, Tyson. We talked through the woods and down to the path along the river. Pat and I talked and walked for over an hour. He wanted to know about my ancestors, and said that there was no way I was Irish with my blond hair and blue eyes...he thought I was Swedish.
Pat was born in Chicago and moved to Ireland with his family when he was 14. Pat told me all about his life here in Ireland and how the country has changed in recent years. He explained that the castle along the river (the one I found on my run) had a terrible fire in 1908 and has been abandoned since. Pat saved a woman's life last November when he discovered her alone in the rain about to jump into the river. His story was told on the radio a few weeks later.
A KFC opened in Galway a two weeks ago and Pat has attempted to eat there 4 times. The lines have been too long each time, as KFC is a new concept here in Ireland.
He told me to be careful on the river path at night and insisted on walking me back to campus so I would be safe. He said he hoped he hadn't scared me by asking me to walk and said he hoped to run into me again on the path.
This has been one of the most enjoyable experiences yet...
Below are pictures of the old castle that is along my daily run/walk and a picture of my apartment.