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.