Dana and Julie Go Abroad: We Saw A Dolphin!

Most times when someone readies themselves for a trip to a new place or country, they do some research so they know at least a little bit of what to expect. Julie and I? Not so much! We arrived into Dublin airport less than a week ago with not a single expectation for Ireland. I think this is the best way to arrive most places! We are always pleasantly surprised by what we find!

The Dublin airport made a great one-night accommodation for Julie and I in some cafe chairs before embarking the next morning to Galway by bus. We were still very sleepy when we boarded the bus, but after an hour or so of bus dozing we awoke to the wonderful landscapes of Ireland. We found lots of green pasture dotted with nice looking fleshy cattle grazing in their tiny stone-walled paddocks. We saw numerous old deteriorating stone buildings or castle looking structures all about. There were woods of evergreen trees and just so much green everywhere. Wonderful landscape to enjoy!

Once arriving in Galway, we spent the first day in this tiny city of 80,000 citizens including 30,000 students just relaxing in the hostel and taking a small walk about the town. We booked a tour for the next day to a nearby Aran island and to also see the Cliffs of Moher!

Friday morning came and we were off in a minibus to enjoy the beautiful land of an area called The Burren. Loads of animals graze these parts that are dotted with very unique rocks and stones and very old castles and buildings. Finally arriving in Doolin, we boarded a ferry boat and headed out to Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest of the Aran islands. About 5 minutes from the island we encountered an amazing moment! A dolphin swimming alongside the ferry!! How incredible to see! This dolphin stayed around the dock long after we were off the boat, too. Julie and I are still blown away by this experience! How unexpected and wonderful?! Amazing, really!

On this tiny island, Julie and I did a nice walk about and ate our lunch on the green beside an old castle-like structure. This island is covered with stone walls! The paddocks are so tiny because they have so many walls! We ended up near the far south side of the island and enjoyed a unique view of the cliffs on the Ireland shore from atop one of the stone walls! Such a fun and unique island to explore!

Setting off again in the boat towards the Cliffs of Moher, Julie and I remembered our last sea-boating experience. We remembered how our stomachs weren't then quite sea-ready. I'd love to say I've grown my sea legs and can handle the back and forth through the ocean waves, but I'd be utterly lying! Julie and I made it to the edge of the cliffs to try and capture some photos from the ocean, but soon had to venture inside to rest our head and stomachs. Between the fumes of the boat's exhaust and the very busy waves, Julie and I enjoyed the rest of our boat trip with our eyes closed and heads resting on the back of the bench. It was such a great experience, but we just may not be equipped for ocean boating just yet!

We were then able to go by land to see the cliffs and enjoyed them from atop the ocean. They are quite impressive and it was nice to stroll along the 'edge of the world' for a bit!

Back in Galway, Julie and I enjoyed the city at night by walking around the lit up cathedral, around some neat university buildings and along the canals as well. We are always game for a good walk!

On Saturday, Julie and I were all packed up and ready to go again! This time we were heading back to Dublin, the last stop on our trip before flying west to home!

We have spent the last three days of this unforgettable adventure exploring the beautiful city of Dublin and enjoying the city lights at night. We were also able to meet up with a friend of mine from eight years ago whom I studied with at Salzburg College. I love the connections we all make in our lives and the reconnecting is even better! We had a superb brunch, checked out some of the coolest museums and then each were treated to a Guinness to round out a wonderful day! If anyone goes to Dublin, be sure to check out the 'Bog People' exhibit at the free natural history museum. This museum has on show the preserved bodies of men found in the bog areas of Ireland from as far back as 300-100 BC. Unbelievable!

Julie and I walked a lot, woke up at 3 am to view the 'Blood Moon,' bought our souvenir chocolate for sharing at home, and packed our bags to be ready for our flights home.

This morning, the official last day of our adventure abroad, began with a run down the river at 6 am and the most beautiful colored sky as the sun prepared to rise over the city. We couldn't ask for a more perfect way to begin our journey home! And, hey, we saw a dolphin in Ireland and drank an awesome glass of Guinness with a super friend!