Travel is romance

I would not call myself a seasoned traveler but that is the goal I have in mind. There are so many reasons why I am drawn to travel- the experience, "escape", learning, chance, love  and all of that other cliché stuff. While I prep for my journey home I am also prepping for my week in London as well as a quick trip to France and Amsterdam. What can these places hold? Nobody knows for certain.

“Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.”Pico Iyer

I share this story that was recently posted on reddit about travel and true love. It's heart warming so I recommend pouring a glass of wine and grabbing a piece of chocolate. 

Dublin 2013

I returned this morning from a three day trip to Dublin with Rachel. I have never been to Ireland so I was pretty excited to figure out why they call it the Emerald Island. We took the plane with Ryanair which was pretty cheep and only a half hour. Despite coming down with a bit of a cold I still had a great time. The country side was beautiful, covered in fog. None of the pictures I took could do it any justice. I would love to return one day, rent a car and travel along the country side. Maybe I could meet a burly Irishmen and fall in love like some sort of romantic comedy.

First day in Dublin we spent most of the day walking around. Our plan was to visit some museums but we learnt that museums are usually closed on Mondays. We briefly walked around Trinity College but I personally didn't really understand what the fuss is about so we left. If anyone knows, pass on the knowledge please! We then went to Temple Bar and got an Irish coffee which is made with whisky of course.

 

The next day we made it to the National Gallery and seen some bodies that were found in bogs. Then we made our way over to the Guinness factory to pour our own pints and then the Jamison distillery to try out some Irish, Scottish and American whisky.

Tried some "Tim Hortons" which was just part of a corner store. Got a Boston Cream- was delicious

Guinness uses only the best water for their brew

Guinness for ants. This part of the factory was actually super cool. It felt like a scene from Willy Wonka. The one from the 70's not the shitty Johnny Depp remake.  

 

 

The third day we did a day tour outside of Dublin. We went to Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Dunmore Caves.

 

Delicious baking in Kilkenny

On top of a 'round tower' in Kilkenny that we climbed

Look how Green

The cave entrance

 

From the bottom

 

 

Lots of witches in the area


 

 

 

 

 

I miss home

I said it, it's true. I miss the comforts of home and I have given some serious thought about moving back to Regina. Although I have decided against that idea I am not embarrassed to admit almost defeat. At first I thought it would be embarrassing to return to Canada after two months but then I came across this article and realized that obviously traveling, moving, & living far from your loved ones is not for everyone. After face timing my amazing family I found support and confidence to keep going with my plan. If anyone is having the same thoughts as me or just wants a link to an amazing travel blog click on the link I posted above. Being away from home is hard guys but I like to think it is worth it. :))))

On a lighter note I will be seeing my friends Kalie and Sam in about a month. Will be a gay ol time.

The story of donut

It all started in the airport from Munich to London. I was hungry and only had a few euros left when this donut caught my eye. It was everything I have ever wanted in a donut. Cute like it came straight out of an episode of the Simpsons and more importantly, extremely delicious.

Here it is in all it's glory

So once in London I wondered if donuts tasted better everywhere in Europe or if it was just Germany. I bought another while at a sandwich shop and hallelujah it was so delicious I forgot to take a picture of the full donut.  

 

 



 

By this time I was borderline obsessed with the idea of donuts. You may think that's weird but whatever. It's true. In Canada I was in love with cookies. In Europe I was in love with donuts. 

 

Then the donuts began to taste only okay. They looked very nice and everything but they were just not up to the standard of the German donut. 

 

 

 

This donut was horrible. I don't think I even finished it. By this time I was upset that the donuts in London were letting me down so I let them go. I haven't had a donut in a very long time and probably won't until I return to Germany.

 

This is the last donut I have eaten and I believe it was on a bus from London to Liverpool.

That is the story of donut. I hope you don't think differently of me now that you know how attached I can get to food.

 

Looking around Liverpool

I know I haven't posted in a while and to be honest it is because I feel I haven't really done much worth posting about. Me and Rachel did the free tour of Liverpool and it was actually not the greatest. We were the only two on the tour which wasn't surprising but it was also very cold and just somehow turned awkward and I was happy when it was done. In better news we both received a job with Mint staffing which is a company that provides staff for various events. Sound like it will be fun and I can not wait to start!

Cute tea shop we visited in Liverpool. Don't remember the name but probably won't return. 

Bonfire nigh fireworks 

Sefton Park 

Work uniform 

Missing Munich