June 30th- Galway, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher. More like Cliffs of Mother of Pearl. These sights are amazing. It is hard to believe all of this beauty surrounds us on a daily basis. Makes me feel less lonely in this big ole world. That is something I have learned here, or rather put into perspective- how small our world is and how similar we are to everyone around the world. It is amazing to think that no matter how different your backgrounds, we are all the same. In the same boat, making the same living, on the same green earth, towards the same ends. 

We started the tour around 9:30 and we stopped at a number of spots on our way to the cliffs. Our guide was hilarious. His name was PJ and he taught me how funny the Irish people are. We saw an Abbey and a portal grave (super cool) and a castle and ld Celtic settlement all  from various times in Irish history dating as far back as like 300 BC. Insane. How can places be this old and still standing?? Its a wonder people, just standing near something that old is wild. 

The cliffs were gorgeous. It was a great day with no rain and no mist or low clouds blocking my view of these gorgeous sea side cliffs. The Atlantic is beautiful from this side. I had made a friend on the bus-Kate from Arizona- and we hiked out passed the cement wall to the edges and hung our heads over the 216 meter fall. It was crazy- I was like crawling on the edge in my dress because I didn't want the wind to blow me off- you know because I am soooo thin and this kind of thing would happen. I can say I did it though. We only had a short time to visit the cliffs before we had to be back at the bus so after what felt like 25 individual photo shoots we headed back. The visitors center is built into the side of a hill and is 1. huge, 2. state of the art, 3. really cool and looks likes the teletubbies house. 

I chatted with Kate the whole way back and when we made it to Galway we made plans to grab dinner together and then go out for music and drinks. We met at Quay Bar for dinner and it was a trip. First of all Kate found wire in her Lamb stew and katelyn cut her finger on some loose glass from her pint glass. I suffered no injuries that I know of but I was living in constant fear I tell you. We went to the bar PJ (the bus driver) suggested for music. It was called Crane bar and was a little ways from the beaten path. It was super local and therefore really cool! We had a few pints while we listened to locals play their various instruments and sing together. What a cool experience! 

We headed to Quay bar again then hoping to catch some river dancing but were instead met with a pleathera of tourists and a band playing American covers. Not my cup of tea in Ireland honestly. We just had one beer there and headed back. I was however introduced to a great Stout if you are in the market for one. Murphy's Irish stout. It was really dark and smooth with a strong coffee flavor. A top choice! My friend Jelmer actually told me about Murphy's. He lives in the Netherlands but spent some time in Ireland. He prefers the Irish Red so if you have had it let me know how it was- I wasn't able to find it at these bars. 

It was a good night all in all but nothing like what I hoped or expected the nights in Ireland to be like. I want to come back and experience the true Irish culture and share pints with locals. It's all about the culture for me you know.