The journey to get to Dublin from London was about six hours via train, another train, and a ferry. It was such beautiful countryside, and part of it went right by the water and then through a castle! Oh and one of our trains had to go through a different route and so we were a little late getting to the next station, and literally as I was walking over this bridge to get to my next train it pulled up! Timing was perfection. No wait at all just hopped on and was on my way to Holyhead, and then from Holyhead to Dublin. The landscape was so lush, a lot of cows, horses, sheep, and birds. I spotted a golf course and there were sheep walking across it while some golfers were playing. Ha! So chill.
When I arrived in Dublin and was going through the passport checkpoint they didn't ask me a single question, but they asked the people in front of me! He was like "what's your reason for coming?" and I said "just visiting" and that was it. Shweet. Here's where it got interesting. When I walk out I notice there is a bus and I was aware the actual city was a ways away, but I had to use the bathroom first. So when I get back out and ask the people if it costs money to take it they said that that was the last one into town for the day! And I said "looks like I'm staying the night then" ha. Just joking around. And then I didn't even hesitate, grabbed my water bottle and filled it up, whipped out an apple and was on my way. I wasn't gonna waste money on a taxi. No way. The walk took a little over an hour and consisted of me almost going down a "dangerous part of town" according to a local that helped guide me in the right direction.
I was gonna couchsurf this night but I didn't feel like finding an internet cafe so instead I looked for a hostel. I eventually found one but they were full, so they told me about another one. When I arrived at that one (Abigail's) they literally had ONE spot left in the entire place. Worked out like a charm. As I was waiting for them to make the arrangements I met Johanna from Switzerland. She is so great! She grew up in the Swiss Alps. Like geez what a dream! And I was laughing every time she talked because of the accent. I told her, "We should get a dictionary so I can hear you say a bunch of different words hahaha." That night was a blast, we got a little crew together and wandered around Dublin. Seth from Oklahoma, Cameron from Toronto, and Johanna from Switzerland! Dublin has the most poppin' night life I've ever seen. Live music from great musicians on every single corner. It's crazy! Not only that but people are dancing, singing, and just jammin' everywhere. The Irish that I've met have been some of the most down to earth people ever. They know how to enjoy life for sure!
Today we got another crew together and saw some castles, St. Patrick's church, and a museum. It was unspeakable. The architecture and uniqueness of the city is something else. We were walking and I saw a sign that said homemade dutch apple pie and I was reeled in like a fish going to his death. Ha. I had that and then a pesto pasta salad with beets marinated in a balsamic, garlic, and yogurt sauce. It was so delish. We ate in front of the St. Patrick's church and what a day it was. The locals were saying it's not this nice very often. I love how this culture is and I've only been here a day. Everyone outside in the parks, talking, playing with dogs, kids running around, and just enjoying life. The accents are sometimes very thick but the people are wonderful. We all ended up taking a nap in the park because it was so nice!
I also was able to contact Roy and his wife, and will be taking a bus tomorrow into Mountrath to work on his farm!! So excited for that. London was amazing, and so was Dublin, but I'm really looking forward to getting out into nature with few people around. Although I appreciate getting to know different people and enjoy the entertainment the city can provide, there is so much mental noise. And I'm not saying it's bad or good, but it's noise nonetheless. So many things aiming for your attention and energy. Anyways, one more thing before my internet time is about to run out. I walked to the train station to get my ticket today and fell more in love with the culture. Ok, so imagine this. The train station is inside, and there are birds flying and walking around! I don't know why but that is so cool to me.
See ya!
When I arrived in Dublin and was going through the passport checkpoint they didn't ask me a single question, but they asked the people in front of me! He was like "what's your reason for coming?" and I said "just visiting" and that was it. Shweet. Here's where it got interesting. When I walk out I notice there is a bus and I was aware the actual city was a ways away, but I had to use the bathroom first. So when I get back out and ask the people if it costs money to take it they said that that was the last one into town for the day! And I said "looks like I'm staying the night then" ha. Just joking around. And then I didn't even hesitate, grabbed my water bottle and filled it up, whipped out an apple and was on my way. I wasn't gonna waste money on a taxi. No way. The walk took a little over an hour and consisted of me almost going down a "dangerous part of town" according to a local that helped guide me in the right direction.
I was gonna couchsurf this night but I didn't feel like finding an internet cafe so instead I looked for a hostel. I eventually found one but they were full, so they told me about another one. When I arrived at that one (Abigail's) they literally had ONE spot left in the entire place. Worked out like a charm. As I was waiting for them to make the arrangements I met Johanna from Switzerland. She is so great! She grew up in the Swiss Alps. Like geez what a dream! And I was laughing every time she talked because of the accent. I told her, "We should get a dictionary so I can hear you say a bunch of different words hahaha." That night was a blast, we got a little crew together and wandered around Dublin. Seth from Oklahoma, Cameron from Toronto, and Johanna from Switzerland! Dublin has the most poppin' night life I've ever seen. Live music from great musicians on every single corner. It's crazy! Not only that but people are dancing, singing, and just jammin' everywhere. The Irish that I've met have been some of the most down to earth people ever. They know how to enjoy life for sure!
Today we got another crew together and saw some castles, St. Patrick's church, and a museum. It was unspeakable. The architecture and uniqueness of the city is something else. We were walking and I saw a sign that said homemade dutch apple pie and I was reeled in like a fish going to his death. Ha. I had that and then a pesto pasta salad with beets marinated in a balsamic, garlic, and yogurt sauce. It was so delish. We ate in front of the St. Patrick's church and what a day it was. The locals were saying it's not this nice very often. I love how this culture is and I've only been here a day. Everyone outside in the parks, talking, playing with dogs, kids running around, and just enjoying life. The accents are sometimes very thick but the people are wonderful. We all ended up taking a nap in the park because it was so nice!
Guess the duck ride in Seattle got their idea from Viking Splash Tours!!
I also was able to contact Roy and his wife, and will be taking a bus tomorrow into Mountrath to work on his farm!! So excited for that. London was amazing, and so was Dublin, but I'm really looking forward to getting out into nature with few people around. Although I appreciate getting to know different people and enjoy the entertainment the city can provide, there is so much mental noise. And I'm not saying it's bad or good, but it's noise nonetheless. So many things aiming for your attention and energy. Anyways, one more thing before my internet time is about to run out. I walked to the train station to get my ticket today and fell more in love with the culture. Ok, so imagine this. The train station is inside, and there are birds flying and walking around! I don't know why but that is so cool to me.
See ya!
Wow, sounds like you're having an awesome time :) Love you Andge.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Andrizzle! Send more of landscape ones if you can! Don't forget a kilt and running on top of the Grambling Mountains like Braveheart in Scotland and of course, you know what in Paris, France. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Looking forward to hearing how the farm experience is. We miss you, but are grateful you are having such an epic time. Love you, son.
ReplyDelete