Life on a Dartboard

Sorry I haven't been updating this blog lately. To be quite honest, I've either been quite busy or too tired to update this thing. The first two weeks of Ireland were manageable, as the jet lag wore off and we were ready and rearing to go. However, the fatigue of traveling and hour(s)-long bus trips are starting to take a toll on me. I occasionally doze off during the bus rides and I'm finding myself retiring to bed earlier and earlier every night. It's exhausting moving 50km (no idea how many miles are that) every couple of days. Not to mention that dreaded 3 hotels in 3 nights ordeal (Galway, Ballina, Killarney). But, it's been amazing to say the least. We're traveling down the western Ireland coast, were the bog land reigns supreme. The land is barely arable (yay, vocabulary words from high school! It means farmable) but it has its own distinct beauty to it. There's a stronger connection to nature that's been achieved and recognized the more we travel; I love it. Sadly, I have no pictures to post at the moment but I'll probably get around to it at some point tomorrow. Also, it's probable that I'll retroactively add posts, as well. Just to make chronological sense.

So, we have one midterm under our belt with our final looming at week's end. There's less than a week left on this trip! I can't wait to see what awaits us...

I was on my way to Galway...

So I haven't updated this in a quick second, so here's some of the stuff we've done...

Take off that silly ass hat!

Bam! New look!

Religion and Revolution

Sorry I haven't been updating lately. It's been particularly hectic the past few days. I've left Belfast and (London)Derry, meaning I am officially out of the United Kingdom and back into the Republic of Ireland! Woooo

Currently, we're in Killybegs, a small fishing town on the Northwestern portion of the Emerald Isle. This is the Ireland that I imagined: the small town with rolling hills and rough terrain. It's quite scenic (and smells like fish...you get used to after a while...I'm sure it's good for your lungs or something like that...).

So, what have I been up to? Glad you asked!

We stayed in the town of (London)Derry for a night. The town has an interesting story, with it being a walled city. It's completely surrounded on four sides by stone walls, used as protection from invaders. It was also the site of Bloody Sunday, one of the most politically-charged incidents during The Troubles. Parts of "Free Derry" are decorated with murals, depicting a story of strife and struggle. It was moving and definitely required a moment for reflection.

Before that, we visited Deluce Castle and The Giant's Causeway. Both were incredibly scenic, straight-up postcard status. The sights and sounds were amazing, nothing that a Discovery Channel special could capture. Giant's Causeway was crazy. There's a bunch of basalt deposits that form themselves into hexogonical shapes; they're staggered enough that you could scale them easily and put yourself right against the crashing waves. It was terribly windy and wet, as I nearly keeled over a few times. But the views were well worth it. Just crazy pretty...


The last day we stayed in Belfast was pretty amazing, too. We caught a live show with some rock bands for 50pence (about $1). They were pretty good bands though we haven't found any of their music online (they were local bands). You can't resist the temptation of good live music! Rock out, man!
Right now, I'm pretty wiped out. There's a good storm whipping up in Killybegs, especially since we're right on the coastline. I don't mind staying in for a night!

There's a whole lot more I didn't cover. I'll see if I can get to it at a later date. But for right now, I need some sleep!

Zombie...zombie...zombieeeee

I pretty much had the BEST night out in Ireland (and recent memory) ever! It was amazingly fun! I'm in such a great mood that I'll go to sleep and update in the morn. Have a good day, everyone!

You'll be introduced to the smell of fish...

YAY FREE WIRELESS!

Mega-update later...right now, Fish n' Chips!

The Adventures of Gimpy!

This is going to be a short entry since
1) I'm paying for internet usage
2) I'm tired
3) Gotta wake up in 8 hours

So what did we do today?
1) Dulace Castle
2) Giant's Causeway (AMAZING natural structures...great pictures, too!)
3) Watched "Bloody Sunday" (good movie...really sad, though)

What did I do yesterday in Belfast?
1) Belfast tour, including St. George's church
2) Watched Futurama
3) Went to a rock concert! (50pence, which is less than a dollar. It was great! Punk is alive and well in Ireland)

What I'm thinking now?
1) I wish I had more internet time
2) I wish we weren't only staying in this hotel for one night
3) I really am starting to miss California...especially you guys.

I slightly sprained my ankle but I should be fine and mobile by tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I'm completely fine! Hopefully I can push some pictures online next time around. We're headed back to the Republic of Ireland...goodbye United Kingdom!