Well, I made it back in once piece! The vacation was AMAZING and exactly what I was hoping for. Ireland is a beautiful, peaceful country and the people couldn't be any friendlier. I've been looking over  the nearly one thousand photo's I took, and remembering all the little details, and wishing I was still there.

I'm so proud of myself for taking this adventure, being brave, and following through on my dreams of travel. I learned a lot about myself, and tapped into skills I wasn't sure I really had. It's funny how one week in a foreign place all alone can change so many things, so subtly. But they have, and I am happy.

Woah guys, its been a big day. 252 photos big. But not to worry, I'll give you the cliffs notes version :)
 I spent today with the Galway Tour Company vising the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Sarting at 10, we headed south went  towards the Burren. The drive alone was spectacular.

We saw thatched roofs, crumbling buildings, castles, fields of sheep, lush green grass, and quaint little towns. Be sure to notice the rainbow in the photo above. First one I've seen all year, and it made me so happy!!! It was one of about five that made an appearance today since it was raining off and on.
The burren translates to "rocky mountain" or cliff...I think? The terrain started to change, and rocks slowly became more dominate than the green grass I love so much.
Once at the top of the mountains we stopped at the Poulnabrone Dolmen. This small monument is a type of grave marker that predates the egyptian pyramids. Crazy isn't it!

Leaving the Burren we stoped to view some high crosses in Kilenora. I love gravestones as it is, so these celtic crosses were to die for. I was so bummed I didn't have a crayon and sheet of paper. They were beautiful. Did you know that the celtic crosses combine a circle to represent the pagans belief in the sun and the traditional christian cross?
This is me totally in love with Ireland. After stopping in Doolin for lunch we got our first peek the Cliffs of Moher, and the Atlantic Ocean.
As you can see, the water was very rough today. The tour guide said he hasn't seen the water like this in three months, and we were very lucky to view the cliffs today. No boats are sailing the waters in this weather.
We finally arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, and I was absolutely amazed. They are honestly the most breathtaking thing I've seen in my entire life.
Just to give you an idea of size, a lookout tower is on the edge of the cliff in the photo above. It's
not huge, but at least a few stories tall.
And those are people at the top of the cliffs in this photo.  Majestic is the best word I can think of to describe it, and I feel truly lucky to have seen such an amazing part of the world.

I've decided to forgo the day trip I had planed for tomorrow so that I can have a more relaxing day exploring the city of Galway.

It's my third day in Ireland, and I'm finally falling in love with the country. It only took about 20 min on the bus leaving Dublin before it hit me! This morning I traveled to Galway city, which is on the west coast of Ireland.  The bus ride took only 2.5 hours and was actually quite enjoyable. I finally saw the rolling hills, sheep and stones walls I was waiting, and hoping to see. I know I've said it before, but the grass here is so different that back in the states. Velvety, green and glowing. The photos I've taken don't do the grass justice, as they were taken through the bus window. I'll try to snap some more shots for you.

Once I arrived in Galway city, I checked into my hotel and waited for the rain to pass. It didn't take long, and I was off to check out the city! I had lunch in a small pub just down the street from my hotel, then continued on to Eyre Square and the shopping promenade.

The buildings her are beautiful, decorated and old. I love the small town feel and the friendliness of the town.

Through exploring I stumbled upon this fantastic florist shop just off the main road. They has beautiful plants, shrubbery, window decor, and a decorated allyway. I bought a sprig of Japanese lanterns because I just couldn't resist :)


Next I headed to Galway Bay. One of the most beautiful places I've ever scene! It was very windy, and clouds were moving in quickly, but it didn't matter- I was still blissfully taking pictures. I plan on going back every night that I'm here.



Dinner was at a local pub and was accompanied by a delicious Guinness. When in Rome.... Going to a local pub was the most intimidating idea to me since I'm vacationing alone, but I conquered my fears tonight!! I chose a pub that had live music, and dancing. Again, bravery paid off!

Yesterday was such a blur! A good nights sleep was all I needed though, and I spent the day taking in this wonderful city.
Things I've learned about Ireland so far: The people are incredibly nice. Just as nice as you've all heard them to be. (aside from my concierge, who is just annoyed by me. But that's only because I've asked her about 3,409 questions, and I'd be annoyed too!). There are beautiful, huge arrangements of flowers everywhere you look in Dublin. They clearly value a clean, aesthetically pleasing city, and work hard to maintain that. Dublin is a small-ish city, and you can walk most places. Its also a very American feeling city. I wont deny my disappointment in that, but Im hoping the farther from the city I go, the less American it will feel.  There is music playing everywhere you go, either street performer, or live band. It's impossible to to appreciate and feel happy from all the music. The grass here is a whole new kind of green and plush here. I wanted to roll around in it at Trinity college, but I controlled myself. The Irish do indeed say "top of the morning to ya". Yay! And lastly, American hair straighteners blow Irish fuses.
Im having such a great time, and the trip is still only just beginning. I like who I am in this new situation. Assertive, bold, friendly, curious. All of the awkwardness and nervousness has all been worth it, and its becoming less and less.  Give me a few more days, and it will all be gone!