#13
As I sit and think about my time in Ireland on my last night many thoughts pass through this little brain.
I have learned so much about the history, problems, stories, beliefs and ways of life in Ireland during my adventure.
The fighting in northern ireland is real and it doesn't seem like it is going to end any time soon.
One thing came to me when we were learning about the fighting in the north between the Irish/English and the Protestants/Catholics: I'm sitting on a tour bus with 38 people that make up 8 or so countries. We all have heard generalities about these countries and know what a person from this or that country is supposed to behave like. Somehow that isn't the case; it is 38 people, that's it plain and simple. Everyone got along, treated each other with great respect and it was a group on a tour bus all trying to get the same thing out of it. I met some great people and it motivated me for my future travels with the hope of meeting many others that will become my friends and hopefully I can give to them as much as I learn and take from them.
Traveling in Italy, Spain and many other countries I've found that much of their history's revolve around religion and maybe a big war. Not to say that the Irish aren't big in religion, but their religion isn't necessarily what they believe, it is more just a part of who they are. To them it would be in the same category as having brown eyes; it's just something that is part of them.
Melted into the Irish way of life is tradition and stories. It is said that Ireland is the land of Saints and Scholors, I would like to add storytellers to that. The way Irish go about talking is less of a discussion and more of a story no matter what it is about.(Something as easy as asking for directions might turn into a lengthy story) Lots of the stories they tell about the history would fit in a category for us as something like Jack and the Beanstalk. They don't necessarily say that the stories are completely true, but they would never say they weren't true either because some of these stories and beliefs actually affect their lives. An example of this is you will see large fields that are farmed and in the middle of this field you will see a small prickly tree left alone. It is said that if this tree is removed, you will get bad luck from Fairy's because these trees are the ring of the Fairy. People won't really say there are fairy's but there is no way in hell they're cutting the tree down and taking a chance.
I really didn't know all that much about Ireland before coming here and I'm sure there is heaps I still don't know but my sister Chris was very interested in Ireland, good part because we are Irish and I have to say I was fascinated, a bit in awe and more than anything I can't believe how much I've learned already so early on in my trip.
When we arrived back in Dublin from our tour I was greeted by smiling faces of Shane and Jane, they are true Irish folk that I met a couple years back when I was travelilng in Australia.(We celebrated St Patty's day while in Australia and actually got our picture in the local paper-if that doesn't make someone a friend I don't know what will) They had told me that if I'm ever in Ireland to let them know and I'd have a place to stay. Little did they know that I'd actually come; you know how I can't pass on a place to stay with a meal thrown in. Anyways, not only were they nice enough to put myself up but also Brian, Caroline and Calvin. We all headed out for a wild night in the famous temple area of town and thrusted ourselves into the Irish life (drinking at a bar which could be said of most places in the world). This particular night however we knew in the back of our minds that the tour was over and we could sleep in as long as needed the following morning with no bus to jump on. (Needless to say we slept in for a while the following morning)(except for poor calvin who had an early flight). After finally awaking Brian, Caroline and myself headed to a hotel so I could give Shane and Jane a break from me and also since Brian and Caroline were heading out on a flight the next morning it was a good idea to get a good night sleep thought us.
The next day after seeing the two people I spent the majority of my Ireland time with off I met my Irish comrades for lunch before exploring the city of Dublin. I visited Trinity college, and then wandered for hours around getting a feel for the city. It wasn't until about 5 or so years ago that Ireland really had money as a country so there has been a big boom in the development since then and continues to go strong.
Shane and Jane- There is nothing like visiting friends in their actual country to see what everyday life is like; you spoiled me and I really do appreciate it;
Thank You!!! By the way- did you know Jeff Buckley is dead?
Brian- We didn't know each other that well before this trip, I think it's safe to say we will be friends for a long time (whether you like it or not) with great memories and stories (some we'll keep between us) that we had made between the green hills and misty seaside of Ireland. How quickly you picked up the backpacking lifestyle amazed me along with your great photography skills.
Caroline- You are a very patient and sweet person for putting up with me all week. You remind me of a babe, the babe with the power, the power of voodoo, the youdoo.
It is nice to know that I have another friend for life even if you are on the other side of the world; it just makes the world that much smaller. Be nice to Calvin even though he is from sydney.
Calvin- Thanks for talking to the stewardess while I fell asleep mid conversation. Now that I know you better I can't believe it wasn't you that fell asleep. Also, you look like a Jap.
Thanks to all of you that continue to care about what I'm doing or just feel obligated to reading this.
I posted the Iceland Pics link with the iceland journal.
I'm going to spend the next few days getting over this cold and try to get my hearing in my right ear back after the most recent flight; at least that's the plan.
Link for Ireland Pics: http://tinyurl.com/oa3ea
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