I finally have a moment to sit and update you all on my recent travels and what not. I have spent most of the last two weeks in the uk. I first made a brief but worthwhile journey to Belfast in Northern Ireland. It is a fascinating city where the conflicts of the past are still very present. The majority of my pictures are of the murals that dominate both the protestant and catholic parts of the city depicting loyalty, hostility, and injustices. A wall still separates the two communities, though it can be crossed freely. I lucked out and got a free ride back to Galway with a backpacking tour, but spent the 6-hr ride perched on luggage in the isle because the "extra seat" was needed for luggage storage. Despite being cramped it was quite fun.
After Belfast I spent a hectic day in Galway in preparation to leave for good. Next came Stirling, Scotland where I met my dad's cousin Phyllis who was kind enough to put me up for a few days...and feed me, chauffer me, entertain me, and counsel me. She was great! Scotland was mostly cold and dreary, but enjoyable all the same. One of my days there I ventured to Edinburgh; a lively place in comparison to Stirling, and very beautiful.
From Stirling I made a 7 hr bus journey to London. Though not a time of great comfort, it was necessary to keep moving. London was fast and furious, with a brief catch-up with an old friend and a tour of all London has to offer within walking distance. I'm glad I didn't stay long, but it was fun while it lasted.
Now I'm in Brighton on the southern tip of England, taking it pretty easy with my friend Allyson from UPS. Yesterday we walked around in the quirkiness of Brighton, taking in some of the best culinary delights the cafes have to offer (just try and imagine 30 different flavors of hot chocolate...mind-boggling, isn't it?). Today we explored the magical little town of Lewes where every alley looks as though it belongs in Harry Potter, and again sampled the cafes. I am here for another day and a half and then catching a flight to Prague to visit my trusty traveling companion from last semester. I can't wait to revisit the little bit of eastern europe that i know and give the uk a rest. My travels are unfortunately but necessarily coming to an end- after prague i will return to ireland briefly and then fly home. It will be good to have a rest.
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