Ireland

On the road again.

Fewer posts in Ireland can be attributed to:

1. Intention. My goal in Ireland was/is to BE STILL.  So much of my blog energy went into journaling and proecssing and resting.

2. Rain. It has been raining a lot. Which, of course, I love. But my camera does not love rain.

This post therefore is an account of Galway, Dingle and Tralee. I decided to forgo my trip to Cork on the recommendation of many and have not regretted it in the slightest.

Galway is a “city” about the size of a large college campus and quite lovely. I loved the atmosphere here, even with the rain.  Dingle is a coastal town that is picturesque and looks like it came straight out of a movie.

  
In Galway, I enjoyed some very good friendship, good food, Irish nightlife, and the silent disco (which is like going to a dance party where everyone wears headphones- you can pick between two channels and still carry on normal conversations to boot!).

In Dingle, I enjoyed good conversation, a beautiful fireworks display and incredible ice cream (You guys, in Europe they have flavors I actually like! This place had Elderberry, Brown Bread, Sea Salt, Irish Coffee, Gin, Rum Raisin). I throughly enjoyed the Sea Salt flavor- but how are you suppose to choose!?  I welcomed in the New Year with everyone on the Main Street with the Drum and Fifle band – and then enjoyed some acoustic music and company at the hostel until a little too late.

Because I was up again this morning for a 25 hour travel day as I trek to Southampton.  So far it has been a success. I met a fellow traveller, and Irish man moving to LA in a month, and we found Irish Breakfast Tea in Tralee to keep us warm and dry as we wait for the next bus.  We’re now on a bus to Limerick, then to Dublin (but the bus has broken down – so we’re having an adventure).

The Irish are friendly and warm.  Although they all tell me that they aren’t. They also love my accent! I’ve had multiple compliments! Last night I asked a man walking by the time. He said “I love your accent, where are you from?” And as he walked away: “You’re lovely. I like your eyes as well.”  That was nice.  I also kept getting mistaken for a local. Best compliment ever.  And not just “are you from here?” But “you must be a local” !!!  All that to say, Ireland seems to like me, but I LOVE Ireland.  Dare I say, I have a favorite country of the trip?

Consider this my last post from the road.  I’m headed to spend time with dear friends.  And I’d rather be with them than typing.