Old Dreams Fulfilled, New Ones Formed

I know I’ve been neglecting my updates here, but for very good reason:

IRELAND.


I just got back the day before yesterday, and I’ve been recuperating from my travel adventures since then...sleeeeeeeep time! Despite a few confusing mishaps and an energy tank running on empty, let me tell you this: IT WAS AMAZING. Words cannot express what it feels like to finally have been able to step foot on the Emerald Isle – I’ve been waiting and hoping for so long, and even though I made a promise to myself that I would somehow get there during this semester in Europe, it felt so surreal to actually make it a reality.

A little rundown of my Irish exploits and “bucket list of life” checkmarks:

We spent a night and a day in London, which was a beautiful and vibrant city. Not Ireland, but still awesome. I got to stroll through Kensington gardens on a sunny day, pose by Big Ben, and nibble scones and tea on a red double-decker bus. Pip pip cheerio!
We then spent a week touring the fairytale land of Ireland; starting in Dublin. Temple Bar is one heck of a good time! Then a few days in gorgeous Galway with day trips to the Cliffs of Mohr, Bunratty Castle, and Connemarra, and a lovely Irish Catholic Easter service at midnight. Then a night in Cork and a day trip to Blarney to kiss the famous stone (yaaaay!), back to Dublin for three days of Irish boogie-woogie, then a final night back in jolly old England! This past week was fantastic and life-altering. The people were friendly and warm, the food delicious, the culture fabulous, the scenery breathtaking, the Irish boys to die for (he he!) and everything simply..... unbelievably.....wonderful. I just want to live there! Though Greece is truly fantastic and I returned to the warm sand and sunny skies of my beloved island, I cried when I had to leave Ireland. I'll be back someday.

What I learned this break:

1. First and foremost: I *heart* Ireland. It’s funny…I never quite knew whether the real thing would match my expectations, but it far surpassed my imaginings.
2. I am also in love with British currant scones. Delish.
3. Irish and British people think American accents are hot. So weird!!
4. I will never, EVER ride in a cab again. I've had several bad experiences, and the last one cost me 100 American dollars and a near nervous breakdown. Ick-city.
5. Irish rainbows really are magical
6. I continue to invariably attract Latin Americans even in Europe. So random.
7. The song "Jump Around" is even cooler danced to in an Irish pub setting.
8. American tea and chocolate suck big time.
9. They really DO paint everything green with shamrocks.
10. You can't buy Lucky Charms in Ireland. wtf??????

I loved it, end of story. To help me get over my leaving, I was greeted by a big, fat, marvelous Greek Easter complete with a ginormous feast, dancing on the rooftops, beach parties, etc. Life is sweet.

Of Moses and Madonna

I'm currently sitting on my bed, attempting to dry out my very wet feet and sorting out my mental to-do list after a very hectic (but fun!) weekend.

Friday witnessed the unique melding of Passover and a 1980's time warp party...yes, that is correct: I got to rock a side ponytail and RayBan shades after cramming my stomach full of homemade matzah and potato kugel. Fab.
I was very impressed with the Passover celebration itself (more than half of the students here are Jewish, so festivities seemed to be in order) since I've always wanted to see what it was all about, and the spread of traditional food and wine was fabulous. Then we all staged a massive Exodus circa 1987 and flooded the late nite Greek streets, dressed to the nines in spandex and neon and bad makeup and big hair and animal print. Oh, the poor confused locals...they stared at us like something right out of a Thriller video. I guess I can't blame them.

Crazy American students.

Then on Saturday we all shlumped out of bed after a maximum of four hours of sleep to hop the ferry to the neighboring island of Naxos. I'm usually a huge fan of boat rides, regardless of the wave factor, but that morning was not my favorite for obvious reasons. We all looked a bit green by the end of that voyage. We spent the day touring the island, visiting ancient ruins and churches and lots of really cool sites, including the temple of Demeter where we had a picnic lunch. By dinner, we attempted to fill the small culinary homesickness void growing in our hearts by sampling a Mexican restaurant -- note to self: Americans really DO know more about Mexican cuisine than people often mockingly assume. We stayed at a cute hotel in town and then spent Sunday site-seeing some more, visiting the museum, eating dessert waffles, etc.

It was a great weekend, but now I really must finish up all of my loose ends, in the homework, shopping, and packing departments, before tomorrow...I leave for Ireland in the morning!!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!! It's like my mom wrote to me: "all your dreams are coming true."

Amen to that. Emerald Isle, here I come!
On that note, I leave to conspire and continue drying my feet. [yes it sometimes gets cold and rains here].....Ciao!