Ireland is beautiful and amazing. I feel like I am at home here. It is quite a unique feeling.
My journey to get here was really interesting. After running with the bulls in Pamplona, I took the night train to Paris where I was to fly into Dublin. After arriving in Paris at 6:14am, I was to take a local train to Beaveax (i know i spelt that wrong) a little tiny town outside of Paris arriving at 7:30am where my flight was at. And of course, the one time in the history of my train travels the train is late, is the one time it cant it be! 1hr 1/2 or so later I arrive in Beaveax at 9:40, my flight is at 9:55... UGH.. i race to the shuttle bus and of course it never shows and the taxi line is empty despite calling the taxi co. numerous times. My flight is now gone. Knowing i am in quite a pickle, I politely ask this couple and their daughter if they speak English, and thank heavens they did and how on Earth can I get to the airport. They basically inform me that I up S#*t's creek and that their transportation system is nonexistent.... GREAT!!! but have no fear, they will drive me to the airport!! WHAT!!?!? i tell them that i will happily walk if they just point me in the right direction .. and they laugh and say it would take me forever, especially with my bags.. so, we are off!! and about 20 or so minutes later we arrive at the airport where i acknowledge and laugh about the distance.. They were super sweet!! and saved me!!
With all flights to Dublin gone, except the one at 11:00pm that night, I opt for the flight to Shannon at 6:00 and spend the day in the airport. Upon arriving to Shannon, all the annoyance of missing my flight went immediately out the window, when I popped outside and was greeted by the most stunning Rainbow I have ever seen in my life! It was so clear and vibrant that a smaller fainter rainbow appeared just next to it. Absolutely unbelievable!
That evening I made my way to Galway. I love this little town. The people are so friendly, actually EVERYONE in Ireland is so friendly, I took a look around town and despite the rain, i had a lovely time.
The next morning i took a ferry over to the Aran Islands. About an hour west of Galway by bus then another 45min or so by ferry. With the rain and all, and the swaying of the ferry, lets just say I was NOT WELL on that boat!! But once I got my sea legs back and arrived on land, i was swell! I rented a bike and checked into my hostel (which is basically a B&B) and enjoy the island. It is only about 9or 10 miles long and about 3 miles wide. So awesome! Even though it was raining like crazy it still felt unbelievably calm and comfortable. And i decided to stay the night there, b/c i wanted to hang with the locals not the tourists and i am so glad i did! After touring the island in the rain i desperately needed to dry off, so i headed back to the hostel and threw my clothes in the dryer and read and relaxed. It was so great! Then I walked up the street to Joe Watty's, famous on the island to read, write and have a couple of beers as well as mingle with the locals. And the locals i did find!
Patty O'Quinn - he must be in 70s.. born on St. Patrick's Day, a fisherman born and raised on the island. He plays the accordion and is in a band. Has 4 children and i quite the jokester.
Brendan - Born in Galway, also a fisherman and contractor. Looks up to Patty like crazy and is very sweet.
Martin - from Poland, living now on the island for almost 2yrs. A contractor, painter, bike assistant, basically you name it, he is, to get by and loves it!
The rest of the bar was filled with a couple of tourists, including my new friends from Madrid who live in Cork! They were actually staying at the same hostel as me. And we had a blast!
The following day, i got up early and again biked around the island and hiked to all the spots. BEAUTIFUL and SUNNY!!!! YAY!! (I have not seen sun in ages!!) then took the ferry back to Galway, and LUCKILY it was a smooth ride!
Upon arriving in Galway, I walked the Duchas, the longest seaside walk in all of Ireland and at the end, you "kick the wall" for good luck and to prolong your life. It is a breathtaking walk. Afterwards, i was starving!! So, i popped into this pub for a some dinner and this couple was playing beautiful Irish Music. She on the violin and he on the accordion. And after a few moments and elderly lady asked to borrow his accordion and play. And boy of boy could she jam on it!! Her equally elderly friend or sister looked at her in amazement! It was hysterical!
After that, I head outside where I randomly run into Mike Fitzgerald and his brother Brian!! I literally have not seen Mike since I took him to my High School Christmas Formal my junior year of High School!! UNREAL! and it is as if no time had passed. He is getting his masters in Dublin and was on a mini vacation with his brother. So FUNNY!! Needless to say, the three of us caught up and were laughing the whole night!
The next morning, I took the first bus down to Kilarney to meet up with my brother Bill and my sister-in-law, Amy.. such a blast!
No comments:
Post a Comment