Letters from A broad: Indescribable

Fall Break 2011: Galway, Ireland.

I have heard of Ireland's beauty from more than one person, but the thing that drew me to Ireland for break was that one of my best friends, Chrissy, would be there. With the promise of a warm place to sleep, a beautiful countryside to explore and the company of a dear friend, I set off from my house in Brussels with nothing but a backpack and a plane ticket.

It was the first time I have traveled completely alone. I set up the plans and I made the decisions. I knew the broad picture of what I needed to do but the details were a little hazy. After making it to the right metro stop (I had gotten completely lost the day before and ended up in the west part of Brussels in the wrong part of town but a woman and her husband walked me to the safe part), I waited to catch a bus to the airport. This man came over to me talking half in french and half in english. Taxis go to the airport all the time and he had a seat that needed filled so, after completely evaluating the situation and asking more than enough people if this was a ride to the airport, I hopped into the taxi van. Somehow, in my stressed out state of mind, I convinced myself that the van was not really going to the airport (it was an hour ride so I had plenty of time to think about it) and that I was going to be sold into human trafficking. I stopped breathing at one point because I thought they poisoned the air. That only lasted so long. I deliberated on jumping out of the van. I have no idea why I am so paranoid but that was the longest van ride ever. When we finally arrived I hopped out and the taxi driver gave me a pat on the back and said "see? you are okay!". He, as well as everyone at that bus stop, saw my scared expression as I got into the van.

RyanAir is remarkably cheap because they do not specialize in making you comfortable. You fly late at night or early in the morning and they aren't very friendly. You get what you pay for :) The security guard went through my entire bag, taking everything out. Everyone else seemed to just walk on by.

RyanAir took my jar of speculoos. I will never forgive them.

I met some Canadians as I waited so the long wait, as well as the plane ride, was filled with good conversation and laughter. They had decided to backpack through Europe and left a week later. These girls were hilarious and carefree, laughing off every delay in their plans because that was all they could do.

After arriving in Dublin and taking a three hour bus ride to Galway, I finally made it at 2:30 in the morning.

I have never felt more at home during my abroad experience than here. There is something very special about being with someone who knows everything about you and loves you anyway. Chrissy and I have shared late nights, early mornings and absolutely everything in between. I am so excited to share her abroad experience with her and see her city through her eyes.

We have had great meals (she cooks so well), long walks, heart to hearts and absolutely beautiful views of this country. I love it here.

The first day I saw three rainbows. THREE! I guess that is a positive about living in a very rainy city. But since I got here there has been nothing but sunshine. Chrissy is shocked. I must always bring the sun :)

Saturday we went to Connemara and I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. As we bused through the country side I had to remind myself to shut my mouth because I realized it was hanging open. The grass was so green and the sky and water so blue as we drove through valleys, mountains, rivers and plains. I was in awe.

Typically I always have something to say but the majority of the day I was utterly speechless. All that escaped my mouth was incoherent babbling to Chrissy that sounded like "wow....beautiful....wow" Words cannot convey how absolutely stunning the Irish countryside is. Pictures will never do it justice. I really hope that when I die God models a part of heaven after Ireland (or maybe Ireland is modeled after a part already in heaven). This is mere human thinking. I cannot imagine what I will do when I finally see that beautiful place. I'll go up to God completely speechless with nothing but a huge smile on my face. I really hope Ireland fills up my dreams.

I must go eat potatoes but while I am doing that please enjoy.....