Random Ramblings of a Wanderer

Well, I finally made it! To tell you the truth I am kind of at a loss for words...too many things to say and not enough time or space to do it. I arrived into to Dublin at around 8:30 AM this morning and spent the next hour or so going through the passport line, but made it through without any major hitches.

Then came the next adventure. Trying to figure out what bus to take to get to the city center. I can only describe it as if taking a craps shot. I got lucky and mainly just tried to follow the crowd. The ride itself was terrifying...riding in a double decker bus going 40 mph on the wrong side of the road (for us Americans anyway) down three lane streets that are so narrow they should really only be two lanes. Once I was in the city center I had about a 2 mile walk with almost 50 pounds on my back to the place I am staying so I could check in. I decided to stay in a small B&B for these first few days in Dublin...figured it would help me get acclimated to life on the road. It's too long of a story for now but remind me when I am finally home to tell you about my first experience at this place. All I can say is chaos. Anyway, I was so tired from the trip over that I crashed for about 2 hours and finally made it back out to the city center.

Unfortunately, not too many pictures this first day as I have spent most of it just wandering around the city trying to get my bearings. Let's just say I am still looking for them. I feel like I have been dropped into the middle of the desert with no idea where I am. Not that this is a bad thing...just something that I am going to be experiencing quite a bit over the next few months. I think once I am out of the city and in smaller towns throughout the country it will be a little easier to find my way...hopefully.

As for Dublin itself, it is a crazy city. Very diverse group of people...although I think there are more foreigners here than actual Dubliners. Somewhat of a dirty city but gorgeous at the same time. Modern meets old world charm. At times I feel as though I am in New York there are so many people. As for the next few days here I will hopefully be a little more organized and able to not get lost so much. I have seen thousands of other travellers like me with massive packs that weigh as much as the person although most of them are usually speaking other languages.

As for myself, my mind is flip-flopping between thinking "this is amazing" and "what the hell have I gotten myself into?" I think it will be this way at least for a few more weeks until I really get into the swing of things and get accustomed to a life on the road. That's what this is...not a 5 month trip but rather a new way of life that I am only beginning to figure out. It will come in time though.

I already miss everyone but know that you are all keeping me in your thoughts and wishing me the best. I will continue to keep in touch and look forward to telling you of more interesting stories from my travels. Until next time, take care and wish me luck in finding my way back to wherever it was I came from. For now, it is back into the crazy and amazing world of Dublin, Ireland.

Oh, I almost forgot, my first experience with coffee in Europe was amazing. It makes Starbucks seem like Folger's Instant Brew. And I'm not even in a country known for its coffee. I can only imgagine that it gets even better. Next on the list for this evening is a nice pint of Guinness in an authentic Irish pub. I will let you know how it goes. Take care and talk to you all soon.