I should have started here....
So, when one thinks of Ireland, they have a certain idea in mind for the kind of imagery they will see. When I landed and spent some time here, I was shocked that it was nothing like the pictures in my head. But I kept reminding myself that advertising works for a reason, and that the right camera angle can make anything look good. I also had to keep reminding myself that 10 years of expectations set up for a long of disappointment!
But today my happiness and hope was redeemed as I sat on a bus and took the road to the west of Ireland.
I saw all the things I had expected to see....sheep, cattle, horses, stone walls, old houses. All of the things I had been craving. I was happy. I was elated. I was clicking pictures thru the window as it started, and by the end I was so enraptured that I didn't even remember that I had a camera.
Arriving in Galway after 4 hours on a bus was awesome. The town is so medieval and preserved that I didn't know which way I wanted to explore first. So, naturally I went to the hostel to check in, and even that is awesome. I am on the second floor and the window across from my bed overlooks the rooftop of the building next door. The people who are in the room seem lovely and so far, so good. My only complaint is that my bed is right next to the bathroom, but the bathrooms are one shower/toilet/sink per room so I will be able to shower and towel off properly without running into anyone. How wonderful! Although I was getting used to opening the shower door and drying off in front of everyone, you know, when in rome and all that. Europe is very free that way, and I was just getting used to it. Now, I can get used to being alone again after a shower, and that will be lovely too.
Once I was checked into the hostel, I did a bit of chatting with the front desk. I am going to wait out the weather and see what the days look like before deciding when I am going to go do what....I want to get to Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Connemara is north, so that is a trip all it's own, and then the Cliffs and Burren are south. Looks like I might be here thru Monday afternoon. I think that on Tuesday I am going to head back to Dublin and leave my bag there, before travelling down to the little town of Kilkenny. If I can make that work, I will be thrilled! I made a friend at the hostel who lives in Kilkenny and Justin had booked a night in the castle there for us, so I am determined to work it out for myself.
I can't believe the vacation is half over. I feel so good already, and so accomplished. I have managed to stay to this side of expense, and am still managing to eat and drink a bit. I had proper fish and chips for dinner, but I americanized it with some cole slaw. You know, you can take the girl out of the south, and all that.
Tonight I am going to head out to the pubs within walking distance from my hostel and see some live irish music and maybe some dancing. It finally feels like I am in Ireland! Thank god!
But today my happiness and hope was redeemed as I sat on a bus and took the road to the west of Ireland.
I saw all the things I had expected to see....sheep, cattle, horses, stone walls, old houses. All of the things I had been craving. I was happy. I was elated. I was clicking pictures thru the window as it started, and by the end I was so enraptured that I didn't even remember that I had a camera.
Arriving in Galway after 4 hours on a bus was awesome. The town is so medieval and preserved that I didn't know which way I wanted to explore first. So, naturally I went to the hostel to check in, and even that is awesome. I am on the second floor and the window across from my bed overlooks the rooftop of the building next door. The people who are in the room seem lovely and so far, so good. My only complaint is that my bed is right next to the bathroom, but the bathrooms are one shower/toilet/sink per room so I will be able to shower and towel off properly without running into anyone. How wonderful! Although I was getting used to opening the shower door and drying off in front of everyone, you know, when in rome and all that. Europe is very free that way, and I was just getting used to it. Now, I can get used to being alone again after a shower, and that will be lovely too.
Once I was checked into the hostel, I did a bit of chatting with the front desk. I am going to wait out the weather and see what the days look like before deciding when I am going to go do what....I want to get to Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Connemara is north, so that is a trip all it's own, and then the Cliffs and Burren are south. Looks like I might be here thru Monday afternoon. I think that on Tuesday I am going to head back to Dublin and leave my bag there, before travelling down to the little town of Kilkenny. If I can make that work, I will be thrilled! I made a friend at the hostel who lives in Kilkenny and Justin had booked a night in the castle there for us, so I am determined to work it out for myself.
I can't believe the vacation is half over. I feel so good already, and so accomplished. I have managed to stay to this side of expense, and am still managing to eat and drink a bit. I had proper fish and chips for dinner, but I americanized it with some cole slaw. You know, you can take the girl out of the south, and all that.
Tonight I am going to head out to the pubs within walking distance from my hostel and see some live irish music and maybe some dancing. It finally feels like I am in Ireland! Thank god!