Dublin

I took the tube to the airport Monday morning, and my friend Emily happened to get on the same train car as me on her way to the airport as well (We were going to cycle together in Ireland). She had come the day before and spent a day in London and then we had both booked the same flight to Ireland. When we got the airport Emily took the elevator and me the stairs, which each led to a different place. Consequently, I looked for Emily for 20 minutes then when I when I just decided to go get my tickets the woman said the flight had finished check in and I needed to run to catch it. I made a mad dash to security, politely excused myself to the front of the line, then ran into Emily who was doing the same thing. We made it to the plane just before they stopped boarding, and I was reminded once again to get to the airport early, which I know I will never do. I guess I just hate sitting in airport terminals. I always think I am smarter than those ignorant fools who wait at the gate two hours in advance. If I could just perfect my timing so it didn't involve running madly through the airport, I think I would most certainly be the smarter one.

When we arrived in the Dublin Airport Emily marveled at all of the souvenirs, which I have to admit are so tempting. Dublin has an entire market just revolving around things with the clover on it. Shirts, shoes, thimbles, oven mits, earrings. Anything with a clover is fair game. And of course the Guinness logo is also one of the biggest tourist sensations. They have whole stores devoted to selling only Guinness merchandise. Interesting, you don't see Miller or Coores stores in the U.S.

We checked into the Hostel and just did some errands. Food, shopping, email, bike shop, picture taking, etc. We had dinner at nice hotel then went to bed early. Unfortuantely this is the point where Emily got really sick. The whole night before we were to leave she was not feeling well at all. So the next morning we talked and she said she needed a few days to recover. I went on expecting her to meet up with me in a few days but unfortuantely I found out that she didn't get better, only worse and had to go home. It was really dissappointing and I mean it when I say the trip wasn't the same without her on a bike beside me. I missed you so much emily!

London

I started off for the Airport on Friday March 10th, but just as I was leaving I realized that my camera had died. Now with all of the beautiful views in Ireland I couldn't go without a camera so I hurriedly bought one in Best Buy. It was the quickest most expensive purchase I've ever made. It turned out there was no need to rush though because when I got to the airport the woman at the desk informed me that my flight to NYC was delayed so I would miss my connection from there to London. She said the only London flight she could get me on was at 11:45, and it was currently 4:00. Providence lent a hand when my flight to NY was over booked, and American Airlines gave me $250 dollars to go on a flight one hour later, which made me not care so much about the delay. On the way home my flight was over booked again and I got $300 from Continental to fly on Aerlingus. Now I'm just daydreaming about where I can go next, free of charge.

I got into London around lunch and found my way to Brigid's doorstep. Her two friends were staying there as well, for 9 days. We all went out to Lunch then Brigid and I did some shopping on the street that is famous for shopping but I can't think of the name. After some interesting conversation about my professors vibrating cult head and some coffee, we went out to the pub. On Sunday I went to the British Museum and the Tate Modern. I first visited the British Museum a year and a half ago and I was excited to see the marbles (the friezes around the top perimeter) from the Parthenon. The marbles are only in this museum because Sir Elgin took them off of the Parthenon and transported them to England where they would be "safer". However, after visiting Athens I saw how the structure is unoriginal and bare when void of the most historically and artistically significant pieces. I couldn't enjoy them this time knowing how damaged the marbles are and how different the Parthenon is without them. Later I went to the Tate Modern and it was interesting, but I can never really get into modern art. I just always think, I could do that, all I need to do paint is two squares on top of each other. After the museums I met back up with Brigid and we went out to the Pub for a bit. Then early Monday morning I headed off to Dublin to do the whole cycling thing.

Off to Ireland

So I think I'm going to start blogging again this semester.

I hiked the Wicklow Way solo last November and I enjoyed it so much that the only thing I could think about afterwards was when I would return. So in 3 days I'm off to spend the weekend in London with my friend Brigid who is graciously hosting me. Then on Monday morning I'm meeting up with my friend Emily and taking a quick flight to Ireland. We're gonna spend the day just getting everything in order and seeing Dublin. Tuesday morning we start out on our 8 day biking trip across Ireland. Well its sorta a loop around the middle of the country, starting and ending in Dublin. On Saturday the 18th we're going to stay with some Irish relatives of mine in Mullingar. I'm really excited about that because I want to get to know more about my Irish heritage...and its a free dinner and bed :). But of course Friday the 17th can't be left out, because that is the night Emily and I are celebrating Saint Patricks day in Longford (well in whatever random pub there is in Longford)....mmmm I can taste the Guiness already.

Well, obviously there isn't much more I can write till we actually get there. Right now I am just bogged down with lot's of last minute things, but considering I starting packing a few weeks ago, I think I'll be ready by Friday.

Tonight is a reunion party with all of the students that I studied with in Madrid. Our program leader, MariCarmen, is in town so I cannot wait to see her again. K, I'm gonna go nap now. Adios