The Irish Countryside and Welcome to Madrid


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Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » Madrid
May 28th 2009
Published: May 28th 2009
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know that I had previously whined about having to leave London and not being ready. Well, I'm pretty much in repeat of that scenario right now. We are sitting the Dublin airport waiting to depart for Madrid, and I am back to my moping self because I am simply not ready to go! I think one of the great benefits of these vacations is that I am only in one place long enough to absolutely fall in love, and then it's time to go. Well, I don't know if this is a benefit or a curse, as it tends to leave me in these mopey moods when I'm in the airport. . . But nonetheless, it does mean that it's been an incredible time!

I believe I left off when we were waiting to check in to our hostel. After our much needed nap and some much needed showers, we headed out to Dublin for the evening. Our hostel was right in the midst of the Temple Bar district, so there was tons of activity. In the first bar we went to we ordered some dinner and asked a table of girls from Australia to join us. They had moved to the area a couple months back so they gave us some good insight, and as always it's just fun talking to people from different places! Then somehow we ended up meeting up with a team of semi-professional Gaelic football players (I didn't even know anything about Gaelic football . . Apparently a mixture of soccer, rugby, and american football). More videos will be posted of this later, because basically it was exactly how I would have imagined a bunch of Irish football players. Absolutely hilarious. Jigs and all.

The next day we took a bus to visit Malahide Castle, one of the oldest castles in Ireland. It was built in 1120 and was owned by the same family up until the 1980s. Truly gorgeous and it was a great tidbit of insight to a small part of Irish history. I mean, how knows, these people could be my ancestors, right? After our tour we took a bus up to Howthe, which is essentially a small piece of heaven on earth. It's a city right on the coast with beautiful long hiking trails along the cliffs at the water's edge. We were just speechless. All of the colors are so rich and deep, this incredible dark blue contrasting with the bright vivid green - Unlike anything I've ever seen. I wish words could do it justice, but they just can't. We had some fresh fish and chips at a small cafe and headed back to the city. Then today we spent the day doing one of the Dublin bus tours, where we saw the Guinness factory, St Patrick's cathedral, Bank of Ireland, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Phoenix park, O'Connell street, and the other generic Dublin tourist spots. The bus tours are pretty much as essential tourist as possible, but they do allow you to see all of the general tourist attractions with minimal energy, which can be really nice and welcomed after all of the energy we've expended, so it's a win-win!



Ok, so I saved that last post, and am now posting from Madrid, Spain. The unreasonably expensive Dublin airport internet did not allow me the time to post this, so I just decided to wait until Madrid to officially put this up. But the good news is, we are here safe in Madrid, and again, having a great time. We are staying with my good friend Tim, who is being all the host we could ask for! Also, he has internet access and american music, which has been so refreshing! I can't believe how much I miss the music I enjoy, even in only a short time of being gone. I do appreciate and enjoy the music of other countries, but hey, sometimes nothing can make up for the music some classic bluegrass or Dispatch.

Now, Aside from the music, we're here in Madrid and have spent the entire day on a leisurely walk. Tim picked us up from the airport last night and we welcomed a relaxing night after an exhausting Ireland trip. He made us some 'traditional spanish food' last night, and then we had a relaxing night's sleep. We spent today walking the sights of Madrid - Palace Real, Cathedral Real, the Temple, Parque Oeste, Plaza de Espana, Puerta de Sol, Plaza del Sol, etc. Needless to say, my feet are leather as is my skin, but it's absolutely worth it. Spain is definitely the most "European" feeling place of all our destinations thus far. It is lined with small cafe's and people dressed chicly and beautiful buildings. Katie and I were commenting on how interesting it is being in a Spanish speaking country that is NOT third world, as both of our previous experiences have been in third world spanish speaking countries like Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. In fact, it's entirely opposite. Tomorrow we're heading out early to visit Museo del Prado and Reina del Sofia and some more Madrid sightseeing. It's great having a built-in travel guide! However, right now we are off to enjoy some calimocho with Tim, Jose, and the rest of the group. I'll keep everyone updated, and pics are certainly to come once I get a computer that allows it.

I really do miss you all, but luckily I want to let you know of the wonderful family plan I have derived. . . Mom and Dad, You both need to move to London, because basically I know you'd love it. Mom, I think you and the queen could be great friends. Teresa, you simply have to move to Ireland. That country was made for you - pure and simple. Erin and Amer, I haven't quite decided yet, but You have many options since Amer is actually from Europe. I haven't quite decided for myself yet as well, but it's still a good start to the plan. . . We'll see what's to come. Please email me, I'd like to hear from you all. Glad to hear Kasey the cat is doing well, and my 'namesake' is living on.

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29th May 2009

Wow!
Sounds awesome. don't know about moving to London, I can hardly handle moving across town. Teresa and I have been hauling and moving a large assortment of junk all day, more to come tomorrow. The sad thing about moving is it makes you realize that the vast majority of the things you own are junk! But have fun! And be safe!
29th May 2009

Green with Envy!!!
I am so jealous! It sounds like you are having a blast! I can't wait to see some pictures!
29th May 2009

California - the Tahoe National Forest
OK...so it's not Ireland...nor Spain, nor London, but I am working in a beautiful place here in northern California (in the Tahoe Nat. Forest). Unfortunately, the work part keeps me busy enough that the enjoyment of the beauty of the forest is short lived (but much appreciated). Sounds like you're having an awesome adventure, and I'm really excited to hear that (and hear about your experiences). Tomorrow, it's back to Lakewood...and we're MOVING this weekend!!!! I'm still recovering from your move. This one is gonna do me in! Enjoy your time on the far side of the pond...and keep those great e-mails coming. I love reading them. Love, Dad (or Bob, whichever you prefer)
31st May 2009

Kasey the Kat (I mixed it up a little bit!) puked three times on the floor, is shedding like crazy, and her favorite toy is the draw strings on my hoodies - so it's pretty much exactly like living with you again!!!
31st May 2009

did Dad just tell you to call him Bob????? wtf!?!?!?
6th July 2009

So I know I said Rome...
So I know I said Rome but Ireland is def. a must see/hit when we have our wonderful adventures to Europe WHICH WILL HAPPEN DANGIT. Here's my plan: take out a crazy ridiculous loan so when I come back I can get a fancy job to pay for it all....for the next 10 years on the real salary I will have. No but seriously, this sounds awesome Kasey!

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