Fall Break Part 1: Ireland

Okay so there is no possible way I can blog my entire fall break like I have been, telling pretty much every detail. It would take WAY too long so I've thought of a solution. I'm going to only blog about my favorite parts/days and leave the rest to your imagination.

We (surprisingly) got to Dublin, Ireland with no problem. We took Ryan Air which is an extremely cheap airline that we have heard was really strict on every thing. One funny story from the airport that will always give me a good laugh is.... Autumn "accidentally" went through security with a pocket knife in her backpack HAHAHA all the while having a book on terrorism in there as well. We have assigned books for CIV202 and hers happened to be terrorism. Classic story. So we get all settled in at our hostel, went out for dinner, and walked around Ireland amazed we were finally there.

We signed up for a Celtic tour, we didn't know it then, but it was the best decision of that trip. We loved Dublin, but the country side of Ireland was my absolute favorite. Our first stop of the tour was Blarney. We got to see the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. The Blarney stone was so different than what I thought it would be. I had no idea you had to lay down and kiss it upside down. Here are a couple pictures from Blarney.

Kissing Blarney Stone

The whole gang 

Al and I with Blarney Castle in the background

We shopped around in Blarney and were soon on our way to the next destination. We spent the night in Ennis, Ireland. I didn't really get to explore the town because it was pretty dark and rainy when we got there. Our tour guide, Kev gave us a task for the pubs that night. We each had to get a "souvenir" from where ever we went that night. We couldn't steal it and couldn't pay any more, they simply had to give it to us. We had a great night drinking Guinness (my first time) and listening to live music all the while playing the souvenir game. I ended up getting a really bad souvenir. I only got a really old book with three bartenders notes to me. The winner, Whitney, got to the bartenders to let her pour her own guinness and two kisses on the cheek from some Irish men.

The next morning we left Ennis and had no idea what was in store for us in the next hour. Our next stop was the Moher Cliffs. I knew they were going to be beautiful but had NO IDEA how beautiful. Immediately once we got to the cliffs the most vivid rainbow appeared. The rainbow ended right into the water. I have never been so amazed by this kind of beauty. We were almost in tears. We took countless pictures and I never wanted to leave. That moment right there made Ireland my favorite place in the world. When I think of a "happy place" I will go right back to Ireland at the Moher Cliffs.

Limestone Cliffs 

In awe

After we left, we got to stop at some limestone cliffs which was also, not a bad view. We got back on the bus and headed for Gallway. The drive from the cliffs to Gallway was gorgeous. I couldn't believe I was in Ireland and that it was living up to all my dreams and expectations. It was WAY prettier than what I had imagined. We got to Gallway and didn't get to experience every thing I wanted to. We really only had time to shop. It was fun, but I do wish I had more time in Gallway. That was our last stop on our tour, so we headed back to Dublin. That tour was worth EVERY PENNY. I would definitely recommend, if you get the chance, to go to Ireland. I am going back.

We had only one day to really explore Dublin. We went to Dublin University, Dublin Castle, and Christ Church Cathedral. Of course, we had to go back to Primark, the shopping store we went to in Berlin. I, again, spent way too much money but I couldn't help it. That store is the best in the world. We went back to the hostel to get ready to go out. We decided instead of doing a pub crawl to go to a traditional irish show. It included a three course meal, Irish music, and traditional irish dancing. This was a great experience! The food was delicious (I even tried and liked Salmon), the music was very entertaining, and the dancing was incredible. We didn't want to end the night there, it was our last night in Dublin. We had no idea where to go and the band told us a bar they were going to play at, so we decided to go there. It was so much fun. I think we got a real authentic irish pub experience, which was exactly what we were looking for. These are the times I am so happy and thankful I have gotten to experience everything I have while studying abroad. Ireland was SO MUCH FUN. I couldn't have asked for a better all around irish experience!

Next up, Barcelona Spain.....