Dublin, Sweet Dublin

Hello everyone!

I arrived in Dublin for the second time (and not the last). After riding bikes all day yesterday across the Aran Island of Inishmore, I am very exhasted and ready for a quick rest today. (google pics of Inishmore, gorgeous. it's also an island where the citizens speak irish first and english second) Although many people dislike Dublin, I find it very efficient because it's so tourist friendly. Like I am able to get cash, use a phone (for very cheap), and log online to keep you all updated. Another reason I like it here is that the weather is much more similar to California, sunshine and very little rain!
I am just about finished with my Ireland tour and I must say despite the rain I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. The Irish are so hospitable and extremely welcoming. Just about any person will sit down and talk to you in a Pub, they are so interested in your story because they are storytellers by nature. (This place really feels like it's a part of me) There is also such rich history here and I love learning about the various struggles and battles these hardy people have endured. They don't associate the Irish as fighters for nothing. Definitely the next time I post I will be in England so I will be parting with the Land of Erin and seeking new adventures in England.

Cheers to a wonderful place!

Plan B: Straight to Galway and The Aran Islands!!!

Hello All-

I left Cork behind just as planned. But sadly I missed a transfer bus because of these darn Irish Public Transportation (Bus Eiranne, curse you!! haha) I took a straight shot up to Galway and went to this amazing pub called The Crane Bar. In Galway there's this main tourist street called Quay Street (pronounced "key") and I went passed this across this bridge to another part of town where all the locals were and I listened to some of the most amazing traditional irish music for like 2 hours. I'm going there in a little bit again!!! Tomorrow I catch a bus to Dublin and then it's off to England!! I plan to come back to Northern Ireland at the end of my trip. Thanks for checking this page and thinking about me. I miss you all and hopefully we can talk soon!!

Hugs and love,

Ben

Rain rain go away

Hey Gang-

I am almost done with my trip in cork. Yesterday I went to Blarney Castle and kissed the famous stone and took a tour around cork city. lucky the rain stayed away for a little while. Today I rode on a bus west and saw alot of Irish country. Although it was pouring rain and extremely windy, there were some stunning views. In some ways I feel this place is where I belong. I had someone tell me that until I spoke I looked like I was Irish. I have a very busy couple of days a head of me so I probably won't be near a computer or phone, so here's my planned itinerary: I leave 7:25am tomorrow for Doolin (Cliffs of Moher). From there I head north to Galway on the 28th. and Then I plan to journey into Northern Ireland staying in Derry and seeing The Giant's Causeway. It's so cool to be on my own going wherever I please and having adventure after adventure! Hopefully I can get in touch with you all once more when I get into Dublin just before I go to England.

Sincerely,

Ben

On to Cork!

Hey all. i'm still alive and safe. thanks for your prayers. i've been in Dublin for a total of 4 days now. After settling in i've really begun to love this place. I went to an Irish Premier League Football (soccer) match. Which was alot of fun. I must say the fans here are insane!! I went to Trinity College and played football with my 5 new English roomates who are a blast. I've known them for a total of 36hrs and I'm probably going to stay with them when I get to England. I did a history tour of medieval Dublin and learned alot about Ireland and the conflict between Ireland and England which was awesome. I'm writing alot of this down in my journal so I can give details later. But tomorrow I will be taking a bus to Cork which is in the Southwest region of Ireland some would say this is the direction you have to go to get to the REAL Ireland because there is a more Gaelic Presence and less tourists as well (also that you have a harder time understanding their accents). I'm very excited and can't wait to see you all soon.

Love, Hugs, & Cheers!

p.s. will post pics when possible!!

Day 1: Dublin

Well I arrived in Dublin today at like 8:45am all is safe and sound.  I'm so tired but I'm forcing myself to stay up at least until after the Germany vs. Portugal Quarterfinal game so that I can catch up with the time change and hopefully skip as much jet lag as possible.  Dublin is sweet.  I can't believe I'm doing this whole trip with only one backpack.  Tomorrow I plan to visit some of the medieval side of Dublin and see St. Patrick's Cathedral.  This is still like a dream to me.  I can't believe I'm in Ireland!  Until next time,

Ben

p.s. will try to take pictures soon.

Ireland or Bust!!

I just emailed a few of you guys last night to give you a brief run down for my trip coming this next week. About five minutes ago I decided I would make a blog. It seems to be the best way to keep in touch with everyone. It's extremely accessible, I will update it daily (hopefully), and you guys can comment me back or check out the pictures I post. Will post more as soon as possible. Have a great weekend!!!