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Published: July 11th 2008
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Rural Ireland, Wicklow County
We took a day tour to Wicklow County, well worth it as you can see... Greetings! This will be my main way of communicating to those I care about while I'm on my trip. So far, this trip has been terribly fun and exciting. Also quite exhausting!
Well, I'll be honest - getting ready for this trip was a little more stressful than I anticipated. I suppose all the steps were necessary, but quitting 2 jobs, packing up/moving an apartment and getting details organized for an international trip within a 2 week time frame I recommend to noone. Alas, I'm still alive to tell the story.
My life is a pretty good one, so I haven't ever really had to "call on" friends and family for help often in my life. On this recent move/trip I did have to ask for help, and so before I go on any further, I'm must publically acknowledge sone people. Firstly, thanks to my parents for helping me pack and move. Our family friend Irena also helped (THANK YOU!!!). My friend Atima let me stay at her pad my last couple homeless nights in Chicago, and my cousin Melania and her hubby Greg helped run various errands with me. I also want to thank my dear friends for
Priorities
Within 12 hours of landing, I became a certified whiskey taster! various going away dinners, drinks, phone calls and well wishes. You all mean the world to me.
Man, I know life is about helping friends and family, but this assistance really moved me. My heart quivers with love and appreciation for all of your support to allow me achieve this vital dream of mine.
OK - on to the fun stuff. 1st thing I found notable was that on the plane to Ireland I had to fill out the customs card with my personal details. I stopped when the card asked for my "Occupation". Laughed pretty hard. After debating putting in answers such as Gypsy, or Nomad, I decided I wouldn't want to give customs any reason for question, and happily filled in the word "none" instead.
My friends Atima and Emily joined me for the first week of travels. Dublin was our first stop and it is super charming and cute! I'd recommend it to anyone. On our first night (a Monday), Atima and I stumbled into a pub and were immediately greeted with "Welcome to Dublin!" Just when we thought we were cool enough to fit in, it was clear as day that we were
Welcoming Committee
Our new Dublin friends, Laura, Danny, and Pete. So kind and welcoming! foriegners. Our new Dublin friends Pete, Danny and Laura chatted with us and bought us drinks to give us a proper welcome. Great way to start.
Our first day we decided to visit the Jameson Distillery. At the beginning, the tour guides asked for volunteers to become certified tasters at the conclusion of the tour. Before the sentence was completed, Atima hand her hand up held high, like an eager student trying to impress the teacher. Well, it's not like I could let Atima do this alone... Please note the date. Within hours of landing in Dublin, Atima and I became certified whiskey tasters!
The following day Emily was able to join us, and we did yet another alcohol tour, this time it was the Guiness Brewery. Good times. We had some guilt for not seeing more historical or rural components of Ireland, so we booked a tour to the surrounding Wicklow County the next day. This is where films such as Far and Away and Braveheart were filmed. It was stunningly beautiful.
Since we were only in Dublin a short three nights, we decided it was necessary to hit up the town properly the last evening.
When in Rome
Signs, signs, everywhere are signs... It stays fairly light out until past 10pm which throws you off kilter a bit. We ended up meeting up with Scott, the Archeology Phd I sat next to on the plane ride, as well as some new friends from Geneva, and Paris. Turns out we were drinking with Adam Sandlers 1st cousin, which I found to be amusing. We stayed out until the bar closed at 3am. We had to wake up at 6:30am to catch our flight to Heatrow, which felt just great, let me tell you! :O)
London was equally great and fun! For those that don't know, my friend Amy is joining me for most of my adventure. She and I have purchased a 3 month Euro-Rail train pass and have a basic itenrary (which has already changed twice, so we'll see how it all pans out). Amy met us after having been in Tel Aviv for the past 2 weeks. Amy and I are doing something called "couchsurfing" where we stay a local's homes. It's actually much safer then it sounds, there are references, and safety ratings, etc. Check it out if you're inclined www.couchsurfing.com
The first day, Atima and Emily were still
The girls
Buckingham palace, baby. with us. We walked the entire city and celebrated Atima's birthday with a fine meal and the bar scene. Then we parted ways, and Amy and I officially started couchsurfing...
Our first host, Rory, was just about the kindest person we could have ever asked for. Not only was his flat located in the very city center called Soho, Amy and I had our own room and futon! Rory showed me around town, taking me to Lamb and Flag (a 400 yr old bar Dickens frquented) for a beer and getting aquainted. He helped us with maps, tube directions and the like.
Amy and I awoke after our first night at Rory's only to find the Gay Pride Day being celebrated literally right outside his door. The pictures tell it all. This celebration stretched through Soho pouring over into the remainder of the city. Later that night we were fortunate enough to be connected to other locals through mutual friends, and were able to see how Londoners really hang out. Overall, the first part of this trip has been amazing.
Amsterdam and Paris are next. Stay tunned...
Much Love,
Natalia
View from Rory's window
Gay pride being celebrated!
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