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Published: February 12th 2013
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Hello all!!!
I have been MIA the last little while, not from boredom or laziness of writing a travel blow, but more because life has been crazy busy the last little while. I am currently in Amsterdam en route to Copenhagen to visit my cousins, Andre and Jonas....
This past week has been nuts- because of this festival called Carnival. There are parades everyday, and parties every night in the street for a week. The idea behind it is that people eat and drink until they explode before they participate in lent, a fasting which lasts 40 days and 40 nights. I don't think anyone actually does this anymore (or if they do, less people do than before). I think now people just party for the sake of it. The amount of work that goes into the costumes and the parade floats and all the festivities is insane! I tried to keep up for about 4 days, at which point I had to cocoon inside my apartment for a whole day because of utter exhaustion. I don't know how these crazy Dutch people do it.
Anyways, it was fun, but I am glad I am taking off for
the rest of the week, I can only appreciate loud music and parties for so long!
So, the most revent big trip I took was last weekend, when Erica (my friend here) and I decided we really wanted to go to Ireland. Considering our tickets were only 30 euro round trip (about 36 dollars) I couldn't resist. So, we flew out on friday morning and came back sunday night. When we first arrived, we found our hostel, and then went on a three hour walking tour of the city. I learned a lot about vikings, Trinity college, and a bit about Dublin history. What I learned most is that Ireland has really had some bad times, and wow, they are resilient. Friday night we went to a comedy show which was nice because it provided a local, current perspective on politics, which was nice against the bit of history/background we received on our walking tour during the day. Most of the Irish people I met said that there is humour in everything. They say that they have to laugh at everything, including themselves, because otherwise they will cry (considering their history, it's no wonder). That night we visited all
the Irish pubs, where we were serenated by Irish music (most bars have local singers and musicians which was awesome), and I slept well that night. The next day we went on a tour of the countryside, including Wiklow national park, which is where the movie "PS I love you" was filmed (If you haven't seen it, you must!). We were soo lucky with the weather. Apparently it is rare to have a nice day in Ireland, but we got two sunny days in a row!! Which of course, made the countryside look breathtaking. I can see why, with grey weather, the countryside may not be appealing to some, but regardless of weather or mushy bogs, I loved it! The fields are covered in sheep, there are glacier fed lakes everywhere, and surprisingly large mountains! Who knew! We also got to see two waterfalls, and an old monastic settlement, which dated back to the 800s. The castles are also breathtaking. The whole day was beautiful and full, and we came back to the hostel bright happy but tired (it was a long day). That night we visited the oldest pub in Ireland, the Brazen Head, where we sipped Guinness (an
acquired taste but I have to say, after the first few, you start to love it!).
Wherever we went over the two and a half days we were in Dublin, Erica and I were greeted with kindness and everyone was easily engaged in conversation. Stories stories stories- the Irish are full of them! And then I came to a realization, which was that people here are sooo much more friendly than the people I have met in Holland. I thought it was me! I think that it is fascinating to learn how people conduct themselves in different cultures, what is deemed normal to some is completely different to another. This is why I travel, these are things you don't come to understand or really realize until you are smack dab in the middle of a country.
I left my Guinness soaked heart in Ireland, but I know I will be back there one day -- sigh -- it was such a beautiful country with kind and jolly people everywhere I went. Thank you Dublin! I will see you again (sooner rather than later I hope!).
I must sign off for now, I am about to board my
plane. Of course, I will have more stories for you once I return!!! Love to you all! I will add pics shortly
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