I'm assuming you're wondering where I went. Mostly, I've been living the Irish dream. And by that I mean drinking. And by that I mean I've had more to drink that someone of my height/weight should probably consume in four days, but that is Irish culture. I thought the exessive amounts of drinking was just a stereotype, it is not. Irish people like to drink, and so does Jessi, so it's been a good time.
Early Monday morning Jessi met me in Dublin. She's still as funny looking as I remembered, but I decided to have pity on here. After a quick breakfast we got on the train and made it to Killarney. Killarney is a tiny town, but it's beautiful. We had no idea before, but it turns out, it's also a bit of a party town, as it exists mostly because of tourism. Our hostel was my favorite one we've stayed at so far, even though it was the least modern. No computers or tvs, a strange hot water system, and teeny tiny stairwells and hall ways. There was only about 5 rooms in the whole place. But there was a fire in the front room, and it was just super cute and comfy. Our first night we had "missions" but they're secret.... So needless to say we walked around the town a bit, and then had guinness. Followed by, more guiness. I've only ever had a little bit at home, and didn't like it much, but it's true, it does taste different here and it's really good. Somehow we even found a bar that had nachos---Nachos and Guiness, does it get any more Irish? Right.
So yes, that night there was drinking, and I got a very nice offer from an older Irish man, but you know me I'm so polite that I couldn't possibly ! Just like at home, I'm a hit with the old men! Killarney is also the capital of the "hen party" (aka the staggette) it's really annoying actually--and makes me miss all my good shoes. We probably saw about 15 different hen parties during the two nights.
The next day we took an 8 hour long bus tour of the Ring of Kerry. It was really very beautiful. I took lots of pictures. Except for the part where the woman in front of us got motion sickness, that was less beautiful, but at least she wasn't drunk and kicking my seat. Our firststop was a little town that claimed to serve the best Irish coffee. We may have been out until 2am drinking, but the we had to try it. So at 11am we had a lot of whiskey in a little coffee. Actually it was heaven. Real Irish coffee is delicious. So when we arrived at the next town and they claimed to have the best Irish coffee, well we tried that too. It wasn't as good. Not even close. The tour was really great though, the land is as beautiful as I could have hoped for.
After the tour we got back to town and went back for another night on the town. I think during the weekend we probably we in about 12 different pubs, and one night club. So we got a good feel of the place to say the least. At 3am when they kick everyone else, the street is CRAZY. If it was in edmonton, the riot police would be called in for sure. I'm not kidding. We tried to get food at this restaurant, and it was like there was a famine and about 60 people were rushing the counter, in a room that was the size of a closet. It was pretty gross actually. It was like being in a fast food mosh pit. We stumbled back to the hostel around 3:30 am, and we up and on the bus by 10am on our way to Galway.
It was on that bus that I hit the "bump" in the road. Somewhere along the way my wallet was either stolen, or I dropped it. Of course, I cancelled all my cards from my cellphone---while having a minor panic attack. I was very grateful not to be alone. I have my passport though--and that's more important. When we arrived in Galway, the hostel staff was very accomodating and let me use their phone to arrange things. After a very long phone conversation, I somehow arrange for them to send me a REAL VISA (not an emergency one--because i can't link an emergency one to my account and if i can't do that.. then i have no access to the money in it). They said 3 to 4 days, so I'm hoping it's here by friday at the latest. Jessi lent me some money, and i had quite a bit of money hidden on me that wasn't in my wallet. Until then I'm stuck in Galway. It could be worse.
Galways is what I hoped London would be. It's much smaller of course, but it feels much more "authentic". Again, Jessi and I were in a new city which mean new Guiness. And so went night number three---details not included. Jessi had to be up at 4am the next morning to catch her train, so we were back at the hostel and in bed by about 1:30.
Today I went on an amazing tour of the cliffs of moher. They were absolutely stunning. I wish we could have been there longer. It was an 8 hour tour, but we also hiked up a mountain, and did a bunch of other sight seeing. Seriously though---those cliffs were the most beautiful natural thing I've ever seen. And there was no scary drunken Irish woman there. I met a girl from Alaska in my hostel and she was on the same tour, as were my roomates, two Swiss ladies of about 60ish. Those two are amazing. They're just in Ireland for a couple of weeks, staying in hostels, and climbing mountains. It wasn't an easy climb either. Because last night I went out with a couple of guys from the hostel, I might stay in tonight. Until my VISA comes, I'm a little/a lot paranoid about money. Hopefully it gets here soon.
There is something about this place that I certainly connect with though. I don't know if it's my Irish blood, or just a natural fondness for it. I think of Grandpa Hughes often, and where he might have been. Or if he'd ever been this far south. I understand their weather. It is just very comfortable here. So if one is to lose their wallet, this seems like the best place for it to happen.
My plan after that is to get to Belfast (even though i still haven't heard from the relatives), and from there head to Germany to visit Jessi again. Then after that France. But again--I can't book anything without a credit card.. so we'll see.
Oh yes, on the train from Killarney to Galway, an older Irish couple told Jessi and I we could be nuns. I couldn't agree more. We've had enough holy wine, that our tears could probably heal entire nations. We could bring salvation to the masses with our irish faces.
I haven't actually had a chance to really explore the town yet, so I think I'll do that tomorrow--mostly because it's free. I would like to go on another day tour they offer here, so I might do that on Thursday.
In the mean time, I wait for a magical card.
Ireland's Flag
Map of Ireland