My time in Éire comes to a close

As evening approaches on my last day here in Ireland I've have so many mixed feelings. There is a part of me that wants to cancel all my tickets, find a cheap apartment and just stay here for the duration of my trip. I can't believe how quickly I have fallen in love with this city. It is so different from anything I have experience and yet feels so much like home. The Irish people I have met here have been nothing but inviting, friendly, helpful and loving. The culture is infused with pride over its long and for many times distraught history. I have learned more about this beautiful green place in the last week than I have my whole life. Everyone is eager to share tidbits here and there and there is so much to share that I have become fascinated with gleaning as much knowledge as possible. Match that with the fun loving, easygoing but kinetic vibe of the city of Dublin and its not surprising that I don't want to leave. But leave I shall, in the wee hours of tomorrow morning in fact. 

I am very excited to go to Paris, there is a part of me that is very anxious though, a part I have been completely ignoring because I haven't been willing to engage it. This will be the first leg of the journey that I am truly alone in a foreign place. There is a huge amount of discomfort there but I have made a few solo journeys here and am confidant I can look like a local even when I have no idea what the f*** I'm doing :) Even still, I am... Intrigued by Paris. This is the part of the journey that I need most, to force myself out of my shell and embrace the discomfort, wear it like a shawl and wrap it tight around me. This is the part where I teach myself how to be free of my reservations. Wish me luck!

Some things I have learned so far:

Shoes are both wonderful and they suck, tendinitis is also a bummer. But solutions are never far and sometimes the world surprises you when you think your staying in a house full of young musicians (which you are) but they all turn out to also be doctors. 

When traveling always make sure your pack is carry on size. My backpack is just 2 inches too long and while I'm sure I could sneak it on I'm not willing to take the chance when gate checked baggage is so much more expensive. C'est la vie, you live and you learn. 

Lastly, people are delightful, get them talking and you will be dazzled by the things that spill out of their mouths. I guess I already knew this one but it has certainly been reconfirmed for me. 

Here are a few more snapshots just for fun, 

Some rolling hills. 

Found Greek Street

My beautiful and amazing host Alfonso.

Much love friends, 

See you all soon!

A