Surgery Visit at the GP's

I am an avid fan of travel blogs, books & websites. In fact, these resources have been a major help when planning for my trip. It is also where I have heard many horror stories of fellow travelers that have gotten violently sick while traveling abroad. As an amateur traveler & a relatively healthy person, I was confident that I would be able to avoid any type of illness during my journey. Well, this unrealistic hope came to an abrupt end when I woke up Monday morning with a cold. As with any other head cold I’ve ever had, I drowned myself with fluids, vitamins & sleep. This usually does the trick for me. After feeling a little better on Wednesday I thought I was right on track. That is until I woke up around 4:30am & the entire room was spinning, going side to side & up & down. I thought for sure it was food poisoning. Of course my 1^st & only instinct was to call my dad. I swear if he wasn’t a minister, he would be a doctor. He told me it was probably a sinus infection that would cause this kind of dizziness. After a night of no sleep & vomiting I came downstairs & told Noel that I needed to see a doctor. He said he would call the “GP” right away. In the other room I hear him on the phone say, “Hello, I was wondering what your surgery hours are?” All I’m thinking is, “Uh, does he think I’m dying!?” In Ireland, they call doctors “GP’s” and a regular office visit would be considered “surgery.” Oh, another fun fact – the doctor’s offices are open in the morning until 12:30pm. They close for the afternoon & then open again at 5:00pm. I’m still trying to make sense of this.. Anyway, I made it right in time to visit the GP. After asking a few questions & taking my blood pressure, he says “Well, it looks like you’ve contracted an infection that is causing vertigo. It usually lasts a day or two so sit tight & read the paper.” Maybe I’m too Americanized & expect a medication for every little illness but I think the look on my face said it all – I needed something! I wasn’t about to pay 50€ to have a doctor tell me to go “read the paper.” He then offered to prescribe me something to help with the vertigo. I spent the rest of the day in bed & woke up this morning feeling MUCH better. Hopefully this will be the first & only story about illness during my travels!

As with any story, there is usually something to be learned. Right now I am reading a book called “The Kindness of Strangers.” It is a collection of stories from travelers who write about times when they found themselves in compromising situations while on the road. In each tale, they explain how a complete stranger went out of their way to help them out. Reading these stories is very inspiring. It is a great reminder that in a world with so much violence & hatred, good people do actually exist. I met my “good people” three weeks ago when they picked me up at the train station after arriving in Ireland. Yesterday when I thought I was nearing my end, it was the kindness of the McCoy family that helped me get through. Between Noel speeding me to the doctors as if I were in child labor, Lorraine checking on me every few hours to make sure I was okay & Matt & Cara delivering me tablets (medicine) & tea, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have landed in this beautiful home, even if it is only for a short time.

There is no better place than your parents couch when you are feeling sick but I have to say I am very thankful to have a “home away from home” in Ireland!

=)

Not Quite the Hilton: My 1st Hostel Experience

I've been researching, reading & learning about hostels since I started to plan my European adventure months ago. For those who are unsure about what a hostel actually is, I will fill you in now. Imagine an old, stone building probably built centuries ago located smack dab in the middle of a village or city. Inside you’ll find a small reception area where more often than not, another international traveler is working. After getting checked in & spending a whopping 20€ ($25) per night, you’ll be lead through the common area & kitchen where you’ll find people from ALL over the world sharing stories, playing games, making dinner together or listening to music. After being lead up a dark stairway, which can only be accessed if you have the secret pass-code  you will find your 5-Star room awaiting your arrival. Inside, you’ll see about 6 beds that look exactly the same – one of which has your name written all over it! After getting settled you may need to use the Lou so make your way back down the hallway to the bathroom, which looks more like the stalls you used at overnight camp when you were 10. Now, lock up your prized possessions in a locker & head back down to the kitchen for some good craic with your new friends…and roommates!

Now, some of you may be thinking, “What is she, crazy? Spend an extra $20 & get your own room at a B&B!” I could do this. I could spend just a little bit more for a hotel. I’d probably get better night’s sleep, have a big comfy bed to myself & have much more privacy. But by doing so I’d be taking out all the fun of my adventure. Traveling isn’t just about being in a city that you’ve never visited & eating the local cuisine. Traveling is about putting yourself out there, going out of your comfort zone, saying YES when you really want to say NO & meeting people from all over the universe. Hostels are the perfect avenue for any person that desires to do these things. After experiencing this for the first time this past weekend I have to say there is something humbling about sitting at a square table with two people from Spain, another from Germany & another from Canada – each with their own story to tell.

After sharing a couple drinks with my new friends at the hostel, we made our way to the famous pub in Westport, Matt Malloys. This pub is known for playing traditional Irish music every night. Here we ran into a 30^th birthday party, a wedding party & a “stag” party which in America we would call a bachelor party. The bachelor was actually wearing a full bridal gown! Interesting to say the least. After that we went to Cozy Joes, which catered more to our age group. We made some new friends & danced the night away (to American music!).

Check out was 10am the following day. We managed to drag ourselves out of bed around 9:45 & headed downstairs where homemade scones, tea & coffee were waiting for us. This was of course included in the 20€ that we spent to stay at the hostel. What a deal, eh?! After that we caught a ride to Croagh Patrick Mountain. This mountain is one of the most famous in Ireland. It also has significant religious meaning as well. It is said that St. Patrick fasted on the summit for 40 days & 40 nights. On the last Sunday in July of each year over 80,000 people make the pilgrimage up the mountain, usually barefoot. At the summit a mass is held in honor of St. Patrick. Unfortunately, due to dangerous wind & rain, we only made it about half way up the mountain. It was still an adventure & yet another beautiful view of Ireland.

The weekend concluded with the famous “All Ireland” match on Sunday. I’m going to need a full day to write a post about this event though! Cheers for now!

Irish Tunes You'll Love

Some easy listening for your Thursday afternoon =)

Galway Girl by Steve Earle

Whiskey in the Jar by the Dubliners

A Weekend in Donegal

This past weekend I was kindly invited to a small family reunion in Donegal, which is where Lorraine is originally from. Donegal is about two hours from Belcarra so after school on Friday we packed up the car & made the trip up. One thing that I love about Ireland is that no matter where you go, no matter how long the drive, you are bound to have a scenic journey. 

Another thing that I love about Ireland is the hospitality & friendliness. Since I arrived two weeks ago I have not been hungry, thirsty or uncomfortable once! The entire family is always checking in, making sure I am okay. This past weekend we arrived on Friday evening at Lorraine’s dad’s house. Dinner was waiting for us. After dinner is tea. & then wine. & then snacks. & then more wine. Sometimes I feel like I am at a bed & breakfast! One thing I can honestly say about the Irish is that they are some of the most welcoming, approachable & friendly people I have ever met.

After a full night of music & craic, I woke up Saturday & went for a morning stroll with my new English friend, Sheila to see more of the beautiful countryside. After that we went to Rossnowlaugh beach for some sightseeing. It was a gorgeous day – about 60 degrees & sunny. After wandering up & down the beach for a bit we walked up the hill to an old monastery that was built in the 1470’s. It was destroyed  in the 1600’s & then rebuilt as a full functioning church in 1952. The grounds were filled with history & lovely gardens.

After the morning adventures we arrived back at the house with yet another meal waiting for us on the table! & when I say meal, I don’t mean grilled cheese. The food here is AMAZING! I’ll need an entire post to write about that =) After lunch I went into Donegal town with my two new friends from England. We first visited the Craft Village, which was way out of my price range so I quickly found my way to the coffee shop. After our afternoon mocha, we walked into town. I went off by myself & wandered the streets for a bit. The villages are quaint & everything you’d picture it to be. A group of lads started up a conversation with me on the street. After my sweet “hello” they blurted out “SHE’S AMERICAN!” Am I that forthcoming? =) After chatting for a bit one guy asked me if “I’d like a fag?” Luckily I had heard this term earlier in the week & knew that a “fag” is a cigarette. I can only imagine what my reaction would have been if I hadn't known! When we got home I realized that my phone is semi-broken & would not turn on. To make a long story short—MINI HEART ATTACK! After that, another delicious meal & more music all night.

It was a busy weekend but I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. This weekend’s adventures are in the making right now! 

A Place to Call Home

A week ago from right now I was just boarding my first train from Syracuse to NYC. I can’t believe it has already been a week! Time is going by very quickly but I am happy to say that I have settled nicely into my new home in Belcarra =)

 

I couldn’t ask for a more welcoming family than the McCoy’s. They go out of their way each day to make sure I am happy & comfortable. The kids, Cara & Matt, are so lovely. I really enjoy spending time with them. On a normal weekday, I would have some light house work (“hoovering,” ironing, dishes, laundry, etc.) to get done in the morning. I have until 2:50 to myself & then I walk to the school to pick up the kids. Lorraine & Noel get home around 5:30 & then we all usually sit around the fire watching TV or reading. Every evening so far Lorraine, Noel & I have stayed up past 12 chatting, which I think is so nice of them considering they have to be up much earlier than I. The weekends I have to myself & I actually have every weekend up to October 18^th (when I leave Belcarra) booked with trips!

 

As you can see the landscape around Belcarra is gorgeous. Even on a rainy, gloomy day I am still astounded at how beautiful it is. Around every corner there is another mountain, farm or field of rolling green hills. I have been running every morning & taking different routes & each day I am more amazed.

 

 

Last night Lorraine had to go into town (Castlebar) for a couple of hours so she dropped me off on the way in so I could do some exploring. In Castlebar you would find shops, grocery stores, cafes & pubs. Unfortunately, customary to European culture, the shops & cafes close around 5:30 every day. So after taking a walk around the lake I decided to go to a pub, alone. This was probably the most intimidating thing I’ve done yet. Going into a social setting in a completely unknown area, not knowing a soul was certainly not an easy thing to do. But I’m here to make the absolute best out of every situation so going out of my comfort zone is going to be mandatory. I walked in & situated myself next to 2 other people who were alone. One woman immediately welcomed me & we started chatting. She may or may not have been a littler off her rocker. After hearing about her ENTIRE relationship history, her fascination with African American men & subsequently listening to her fight over the phone with someone, I decided it was time to go meet Lorraine. Definitely not what I expected from my first pub experience but hey, no complaints here! Chatting with a crazy woman is better than chatting with no one at all!

 

What's the Craic?!

Many of you might have seen a comment left by someone in a previous post that read, “How’s the crack?” Now, many Americans might misinterpret this so I want to explain exactly what this person meant. Craic is an old Gaelic word that is used in everyday Irish conversation. Although it can be used in a variety of ways, it basically means “news,” “fun” or “gossip.” For example, last night Lorraine asked Noel, “Any craic on Facebook this weekend?” What she meant was, anything interesting going on? Another way it is used is at pubs. Often you’ll see a sign that says “Music & Craic,” which means Music & Fun. So for the few who might have thought I came to Ireland to do crack, I do apologize for the misunderstanding.

 

This weekend was very laid back. I went into Castlebar, which is about 15 minutes away from the village that I am staying in. I shopped a little & got to know the area. Upon arriving back home, Grandma Kathleen & Grandpa Gerry had come to stay for the night from County Sligo (about an hour away). For those who don’t know, Ireland is split up by county, almost small “states” within Ireland. I’m learning that each county has their own accent. Well, I quickly discovered that Grandpa Gerry was quite difficult to understand. I felt incredibly rude as I kept saying, “I’m sorry, what was that?” Not only do the Irish have their own words & phrases but many also speak VERY fast! But by Sunday evening, Grandpa Gerry & I were conversing without my rude interruptions. Grandma Kathleen made some homemade Irish soda bread & boy was it delicious. I think I might have eaten over half the loaf. The food that Noel & Lorraine make is AMAZING! I plan to write an entire post about the glorious food here in Ireland.  

Well so far today I have taught myself how to iron, got stuck in a rain storm with over a mile left in my run & attempted to talk to the painter who is at the house (he is also difficult to understand!). Time to go fetch the kids from school. Cheers!

Never Trust a Girl in a Pink Track Suit

So, I finally made it! It was a long trip but I think I have conquered the jet lag. As you can see in the pictures, Ireland is beautiful & everything I imagined it to be. I only started my journey 3 days ago & it has already been an amazing adventure. Thus far I have met a gal from Paris, whom I made friends with & exchanged emails so I can meet up with her when I get to France. I sat next to a very inspiring elderly woman on the plane. She was about 70 years old, widowed with 5 children & many grandchildren. She was on a group tour through Ireland. From there I met a middle-aged couple from Texas who were taking 6 weeks off to backpack Europe. How amazing is that!? I also met a young lad (yes, I just said lad!) on the bus who offered me excellent advice about Ireland.  I also met my first pickpocket. Here I am waiting 6 hours at the freezing cold train station in Dublin around 7am. I hadn’t slept in close to 24 hours so I was quite exhausted. All of the sudden a young guy runs up to me asking for the time. Luckily, I was too tired to look for my phone. So I just guessed. He gave me an odd look & sprinted off. Behind him was a Spanish guy & a girl wearing a hot pink track suit (running as well). I immediately felt uncomfortable & had a bad feeling about them. Since I had about 6 more hours to kill, I watched them for a while. They would pretend not to know each other & then meet up in a hidden area by the restrooms. They would then come out, looking for distraught travelers in hopes that they would distract someone enough to snatch their purse or back pack. After a while the same guy who had asked for the time came & sat directly behind me. I knew that I had nothing to worry about. I had already made friends with one of the security guards at the station. But these 3 people just gave me the heebie-jeebies so as soon as he disappeared for a moment, I went into a restaurant until my train arrived. Although this was an unfortunate event, I am happy that it happened at the beginning of my trip. You hear about pickpockets & think, “This won’t happen to me!.” Well I now know firsthand that it can & will if I am not extra cautious.  

The McCoy family (my host family) is just wonderful. I’ve spent less than 2 days with them & I already feel a part of the family. Last night we stayed up past 2am around the fire drinking wine, eating cheese & chatting about many different things. I enjoy just listening to them talk. It’s very interesting to learn the different words they use for things. & some of their phrases make me laugh. As I’m sure some of the things that I say make them laugh as well.  

I am already in the process of planning some weekend getaways. Next week I am going up to Donegal. I can’t wait to start exploring! Today is a rainy day so Cara (the 7 yr old) & I are just relaxing on the couch watching YouTube videos. Until next time!

And So It Begins!

I’m about 1 hour into my 27-hour journey to Ireland & I’m already feeling anxious! Unfortunately for me, I have no one to ask, “Are we there yet?” This was acceptable when I was 5 years old on our annual summer drive from Indiana to Iowa. But I can only imagine the train conductor would be less than thrilled if I barged into his compartment wondering what the ETA is. So I will just sit tight. I think I kind of look like a seasoned traveler right now. I’ve got my ear phones in, sipping my coffee while writing on my laptop. I could get used to this :)  

Over the past few weeks many of my friends and family members have been asking if I’m nervous about my trip. My answer was a consistent, “No, I’m just really excited!” I kept waiting for the nerves to come but they didn’t. Until last night, that is. I laid in bed going over every possible scenario. What if I don’t like it? What if the family doesn’t like me? What if I don’t make friends? What if someone steals my money? What if customs doesn’t let me in? What if I miss out on something back home? What if something bad happens? I know it’s natural to feel afraid but it’s still hard to get these thoughts out of my head. I’m learning that the best way to cope with the nerves, fear & excitement is to just Let it Be. What’s going to happen, is going to happen & my worrying isn’t going to change that. And to be honest, this trip would not be nearly as exhilarating if I had it all mapped out & knew what was around every corner. So again, I will sit tight & embrace the unknown.  

Okay, so between the nerves, excitement & coffee I think I am the most ambitious person on this train right now. I accidentally just turned on my Pandora without attaching my headphones resulting in traditional Celtic music blaring on this peaceful train. Time for a nap… Until next time!