Back home! I'm not sure if it was the 20+ hours awake, or the big truck tacos I was welcomed home with, but this girl slept a solid 10 hours and it feels great to be home. Take that, jet lag!! I told you all I'd have some final thoughts from the travels home...so here goes.
You will never feel like you have enough money, time off work and there will always be a reason you shouldn't go (take it from somebody that made that excuse for a long time.)
Get your butt on an airplane and just go.
To Ireland, that is...
...and when you do, here are some things to know:
Pray for a drought, which is only three days of no rain, then pack a good raincoat just in case. Ireland is even beautiful during a rainstorm.
It's impossible to grow tired of the lush green landscapes, so take all the pictures you can, even though most of them will look vastly the same.
Speaking of greenery, be a vegetarian the week before you come, vegetables are most commonly a garnish here, rarely a side or let alone a meal.
When you enjoy a meal or a pint, only tip if something is exceptional, then, only tip a max of 10%. It will feel awkward but you will look normal.
Yes, I called it a pint, not a beer. Learn the lingo and use it.
Take advantage of the fact that they love Americans and talk to every single person you can. You will always learn a lot of history, plus its the best way to find out where you should eat and grab that said pint.
On that note, try a Guinness. It really is different than in the states, but if you don't like it, no one judges you. They just know you aren't a local.
Learn to like whiskey, or at least learn a little bit about it. They take it very seriously over here.
There isn't really such thing as Irish food, its more of a focus on pub style food in the big cities, but the food gets even better in the smaller towns. All of the meat and cheese is local and grass fed, make sure you eat it every chance you can.
When you look for places to stay, look at the local B&Bs - its the best way to experience the local culture and get good advice for the town you're in, plus...Irish breakfast!
There is no air conditioning anywhere, so always ask your hotels if they have a fan and open your windows! There are hardly any bugs, but beware, the entire country smokes, so you may have to battle that.
...oh, and top sheets are not a thing.
When you fall in love and decide to buy a home here, get an extra room because chances are I will be moving in with you.
Until next time... Sláinte!
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