Ilana in the UK

After a bit of excitement, with flight delays and the like, I began my European adventure with a day on my own in London. I found the place where I would be staying, got a tube pass and then spent the next 5 hours walking. I acquired some ginormous blisters on the soles of my feet. I met up with the tour that evening for dinner and went to sleep before 7pm. (By the way, my watch and at least half of the signage I see is in military time. So 19:00 if you will.) Day 2 was more touring, but in small groups rather than alone. We saw the British Museum and the Tate. I fell in love with London...just in time for us to leave and go to Edinburgh. I will need to go back to London.

Edinburgh got off to a rough start. The weather excited my allergies and asthma and had me sleep through an entire day. My 30 hour nap and loads of medication helped me get better in time to see tons of shows, a couple of castles, haunted dungeon, ghost tour, crazy people, beautiful scenic country side and so much more. One of my favorite shows was the performance of the Military Tatoo. It's several groups performing traditional Scotish music and dance in front of Edinburgh Castle. Not what I would consider "my thing," but non-the-less AMAZING!

The group when home and I arrived in Dublin on Sunday. I found my hostel, met some Canadian girls who stayed in my room, then took to the city to roam similarily to how I had the first day in London. I made my way over to Trinity College where the most beautiful blue eyed Irish man gave me a tour around the campus. I fell in love...with the college that is. The last stop on the tour was the old library where I got to explore and learn about the Book of Kells and some other very old manuscripts. The writing and pictures where incredible. It really got my trip off to a great start. That night I saw some Irish comedy and had a pint of Guinness. (I'll be legal for the rest of my life now...though I won't be 21 until January!) Day 2 I saw the Guiness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and spent the evening with some roommates exploring some night life. Today I visited the National Gallery, National Museum, St. Stephen's Green and tonight I'll be going with some of my roommates to continue learning an important Irish tradition, drinking. (Legally, remember?!)

I was quite nervous about staying in the hostel, especially because I am in a mixed gender room. But I have been pleasantly surprised. I have met many really nice people (from Canada, Scotland, US, France, Australia, Poland and Italy) and I'm having a truly wonderful time.

I leave in the morning for Belgium. So bye bye to the UK!

Here I go on my European Adventure!

So I went through with a name change because I decided my blog was more about travel than my thoughts. Well, my perhaps my thoughts on travel...but anyway. I tried to make it @nomadlife, but nomadlife limits me to 14 characters, and I can't come up with a name I like that is short enough. Ugh. Let me know if you have suggestions.

I leave in less than 12 hours for my European Adventure. I'm so full of emotions right now, it's crazy. I still have a bit more to do in the way of packing...namely my computer box for shipment post my departure. Fortunately I am continuing my before big travel tradition of not sleeping the night before I go. This should give me the time I need to get all things in order.

I'm already having to overcome my first challenge, concerning my eurail pass. I suppose it is my second challenge, if you consider the fact that my less than 2 week old camera for Europe was stolen 5 days before departure. Worry not, the pictures will come...I got a new camera.

My thoughts are kind of scattered...a combination of nerves, excitement, tired-ness and knowing I still have many things to accomplish. Keep me in your thoughts as I begin my European Adventure.

*I hope that I get better at writing on this as I go.*