Europe 2024: Northern Ireland

October 19, 2024

... I landed in Dublin, Ireland last night. I've officially had the proper welcome. After navigating my way from the airport to the Airbnb, I ventured out for a beer and burger at a local pub. I'm staying in a cozy little guest house on a farm property in the Irish countryside. It's idyllic. This morning, I headed out to find coffee, a must no matter what country I'm in, and something for breakfast. Upon leaving the driveway, I was greeted by a sheep in the road. The sheep had gotten out of the pasture fencing, somehow, but seemed quite content to stand there and greet me. The farmer in me knows to well the feeling of a loose sheep. Alas, I continued on my quest for coffee.

I headed west towards Belfast for breakfast and then north to see Giants Causeway. The drive through the countryside was breathtaking. There were fields of sheep and cows for miles. Something about Ireland feels like home to me.

Navigating roads in Ireland has gone surprisingly well. I expected to have a more difficult time driving on the opposite side of the car and the road but so far, so good. It seemed intimidating at first but then I told myself things like "Drive it like you're driving a go cart" and "Forget trying to focus on the speed limit. Just go with the flow of traffic" ... For some reason, that made everything 100% easier. I'll be adding "European Driving Skills" to my resume. I'm quite proud to have navigated my way through Ireland alone.

After visiting Giant's Causeway, I found a little restaurant in a local town with the most delicious fresh seafood chowder. Salmon and white fish with local potatoes (duh), carrots and leeks. It was absolutely wonderful. Easily one of the best soups I have ever had. I got a latte and a cookie on my way out of town. Then it was back to the Airbnb before dark.

Tomorrow I'll head north to see family and hike a bit more. I've got 3 days up there so there will be a lot of tea sipping, reminiscing and hopefully, some beautiful views!

October 22, 2024

It's been an incredible couple of days here in County Donegal. On my journey through the countryside, I stopped at Devil's Thumb, which might be one of the most beautiful (and by far the windiest) mountaintops I've stood on. I stood at the edge (not really) of this mountain top and was in shock of the beauty. For all my chick flick fans... You know the scene in Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth is dreaming about standing on the mountaintop? That was it. I was standing on the edge of the mountaintop, the wind in my hair, and the beautiful view of Ireland in front of me. I felt a joy I hadn't felt in a really long time. If you know me well, you know that one of my favorite things in the world is a beautiful view.

I have experienced my fair share of loneliness on this trip but staying with family has filled my soul. My cousins have been the family I needed, showing me around town, telling family stories and drinking endless amounts of Irish tea.

We wandered around town, visited Londonderry, and enjoyed a local pub for dinner. My cousin introduced me to my first Guiness which to my surprise was actually very delicious. Although now I think I can only have Guiness in Ireland. I went for a 5-mile hike through the Irish countryside one morning. It was quite lovely to walk along the rocky path past flocks of sheep. It was quiet and other than the sheep, all mine. The ocean breeze is fresh- this area reminds me so much of home. It's October and yet still so green here. If I ever lived in Europe, Ireland would very much be in the top 5.

One Top of Devils Thumb

My cousin took me to see Glenevin Waterfall before enjoying more seafood chowder at Nancy's Barn in Ballylifin. This restaurant has won awards for their chowder recipe, and they didn't disappoint.

I do, very much, miss my people at home. Being an ocean away isn't easy. And at a time when my life has gone through so much change... I'm searching for answers. Searching for who I am. Who I was created to be. I know that the Lord will reveal that to me in time. For now, I will enjoy the company of family, the beautiful scenery, and the never-ending cups of tea.

Off to Paris soon...