An Ode to Traveling

If you happen to be reading this (chiefly my Dad and possibly a chum), then you've realized I haven't been a regular blogger. Blogs are wonderful; they are tools to give advice and share our adventures. But I haven't been an adamant blogger, and so I'm going to sum up my winter travels in this post.

You've also most likely noticed that my posts are circuitous. I've come to think of these posts as a reminder that I'm doing something out of the norm--it's here to reassure myself and family members that I am abroad and that I am doing something fulfilling with my time. Now that I've established this, I'd like to share a quote with you.

“Foreign lands never yield their secrets to a traveller. The best they offer are tantalising snippets, just enough to inflame the imagination. The secrets they do reveal are your own - the ones you have kept from yourself. And this is reason enough to travel, to leave home.”  -Graeme Sparkes

Now this wise man's quote struck a chord with me. Because as much as traveling has inspired me to travel more, it also lead me to several conclusions about myself. Traveling taught me that I am a speck of the world, not in a harrowing way, but in a dense way. I am just one person among billions, but that is exactly why it's important I lead a life I find important. I want to pursue a life that will make me happy, and at the root of what matters in life is ultimately love, happiness, and purpose.

Like my friend Graeme says, leaving home reveals unknown truths about ourselves. Sometimes leaving our comfort zones encourages personal growth and also appreciation. Studying abroad and traveling have taught me the importance of family and adjustment. Overall, my perception of myself as a foreigner has mellowed. We sometimes cling to our identities because it is easy, but there is much more to the core of who we are than our nationality. And therefore it is essential that we do leave home, even if it be sparingly.

Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria, Spain, Ireland

I visited those eight countries. Each were amazing, each significantly different. I hesitate to use the word 'equally' because I cannot be the critic of countries I spent relatively little time in. But I'll tell you this, these countries are beautiful. And not just through terrain and architecture. These countries contain raw energy, they, like the United States and England, have human beings--human nature that sprawls. They contain grunge, and cleanliness. They contain brilliant gems and dull surfaces. They have the very brunt of humanity in their apexes. Because every place, regardless of its language and customs, is a part of this world. And the world we live in has both grime and grace, both loveliness and lividness. And those human emotions--anger, sadness, happiness, love--contribute to the beauty of life. Without them we would be nothing, but with them we are alive, we thrive.

Travel if you can. Travel is perspective.

Ireland

Here it is, a post about my adventures! It's ironic that I waited a whole month until returning to do so, and now I am only a month away from my next set of travels!

Ireland as a country is lovely. Although seemingly similar to the UK, the people and culture take on their own feel. In short, I found it charming and friendly. In Ireland, I visited Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Killarney. I was with my Mom for these travels, and we took a loose approach to where we would travel, deciding a few days ahead of time where we would venture next.

There were two parts of my trip that stuck as out as my favorites. The first was visiting Blarney Castle, which is close to Cork. I have a very fond childhood memory of playing Build-A-Bear games on the Internet, and one was a trip through Ireland. The little bear made its way up to the castle, and kissed the famous 'blarney stone', as legend say it gives the kisser the 'gift of gab', or eloquence of speech. The day we went to Blarney was windy and wet, so very appropriate for a 600 year old castle. The stairs up are slim and daunting, and I held tight to the ropes accompanying the climb. I will admit I was shaky at the top, fear creeping through my veins at the thought of slipping through the holes in the structure. I didn't kiss the stone--I know, anticlimactic, but I've heard that locals have peed on the stone, laughing at all the tourists who later kiss it. Now whether this is true or not, I don't believe I had the strength of courage to lay upside down and kiss the stone. I'll never know if I could speak more easily otherwise!

The second favorite memory was the Cliffs of Moher. We took a day-trip of the Burren region, outside of Galway. It was an extremely windy day, and my clothes were soaked several times by the rain. But again, it seemed romantic that the day was so stormy. The Cliffs are amazingly majestic, and one of the most beautiful sights I've seen in my life. However, the cliffs are marred by a somewhat sad notion. Tour groups constantly have to remind its members of the danger of the cliffs. From time to time, people lose their lives creeping over the edge. It's both a sad and curious way to die, but those who choose it must want to rest in peace somewhere ultimately beautiful. Yes, very morbid, but the Cliffs will always remain in my memory as extremely beautiful. Cool side note, the Cliffs of Moher were used in the Harry Potter series as the cave/ocean where Voldemort buries the Salazar Slytherin locket. You may remember that towards the end of The Half-Blood Prince Dumbledore and Harry go there to find said horcrux, and return with the fake locket. (Nerd moment over.)

While the other parts of Ireland were equally wonderful, I have a very soft spot for nature-centric travels. The bulk of my traveling this break was to cities, but what I always found most touching were the sights, the raw energy of the country's resources and land. But there's so much to be said for architecture and man-made beauty as well--however I'm not the astute tourist with the historical knowledge to recount those details.


I've enclosed pictures of the travels, and hope you find my pictures of Ireland as enchanting as I found the country!

The River Liffey in Dublin

The top of Blarney Castle

The Cliffs of Moher

Lambs are a popular animal in Ireland!

Train Rides!