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!
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4 comments:
Sounds like Ireland was fun for you. I've never been there.
So is the Guinness there different than what we get back here in the states?
I hope everything is going well abroad. The school year is already well underway here...there's a lot to do but I haven't forgotten about you. Drink some more cervezas for me and have a good time. Football season starts here in just a few hours. I'll have to buy you a few beers when you get back so we can catch up since we'll both be of-age. Go to Portugal for me and tell me how it is. I don't imagine I'll be going abroad again for quite some time...
-a
ILANA! for the love of pete POST!!!
ILANA! You should write more posts. I am also thinking about getting a new blog because I want to do more things with it than blogspot will allow.
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