These two things go together because they were actually the same day. But, before I start on this conundrum, I have a few thoughts on my preparation process. In essence, my expectations as to packing specifications and regulations were not realized; I was expecting a nightmare of grueling security checks and customs exchanges, but I was instead met with a fairly relaxed process. I spent at least 3 hours checking to make sure that my checked bag, carry-on, and personal item would be accepted by the travel gods. When I went through security, I was not forced to prove that my bag met the qualifications nor was I prodded to insist that I was not harboring narcotics in my quart-sized bag of under 3.5 oz liquids. All of the nightmares regarding the security and specifications process went by without appearance.
To be honest, I said a quick prayer before the first flight started its take-off process, but, as soon as we were in the air, I had the biggest grin that I could not wipe off my face. I LOVE flying! I never knew it! My favorite parts about both flights were the take-offs and the landings. Seeing the ground rush past at a ridiculous amount of speed or come closer with the promise of another adventure was thrilling beyond belief. Even the flight to Dublin had its perks with the infamous addition of airplane food which was sufficient though lacking in imagination.
The worst part about traveling for such a long period of time was the amount of sitting that had to be done. Leaving Neosho at 6:30 am and arriving in Ennistimon at 3:30 pm the next day took its toll on my body. In essence, my ankles are like puffy marshmallows. Another thing that I would try to avoid or do differently is take the time to better research how basic things like travel through airports or customs worked.
Well, eventually we arrived at 6:00 am in Dublin. The first thing that I noticed was the multiple languages on all of the signs. The first language was Irish, and the second was English. In Ireland, the recognized national language is Irish though schooling is conducted in English. Students are required to learn Irish, but there are few villages that proclaim Irish as the primary language. The second thing that I noticed was that Irish drivers drive on the Left side of the road; in my research, this fact escaped me. The third thing that I noticed was how quickly the development of the city gave way to more of the rural parts of the country.
Our first stop was at the Barack Obama Plaza. This gas station, rest-stop, landmark was surprising to me because I had no idea that President Obama had Irish heritage. He does, and when he came to discover more about this in 2011, the Barack Obama Plaza was formed. Here, I got my first taste of both Irish cuisine and the Irish people. The food was not necessarily authentic despite my "Mini-Irish Breakfast" order, but the beans, tea, eggs, sausage, and bread literally were my first taste of Ireland. Also, I figured out that people are people no matter which country you happen to be in. The people there were so helpful and kind! With this meal and lesson under my belt, we headed to Limerick.
In Limerick, we were given the chance to explore the city built on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or England. After walking around the city, my group decided to tour King John's Castle which began its construction in the 12th century or so. The history here gave me a real-life glimpse into Ireland's turbulent evolution of takeovers from the Vikings, the Normans, and the English. I also got to touch a castle that was in existence before the Americas were discovered by Columbus.
On a side note, it was raining. My cheap umbrella decided to break. Life lesson: Don't buy cheap umbrellas.
After our Limerick excursions, we boarded our coach and made it to Ennistimon (or Ennistymon; I've seen both on signs on the way in to town and on businesses in the town). After a dinner at the hotel, some of us decided to experience some of the local life by going to pub. Completely unexpected, the owners found out that we were a singing group and invited us to sing in the pub. So aside from multiple first hand experiences of how normal, kind, and down to earth the Irish are, I can also say that I have sang in an Irish pub.
There have been so many wonderful and exciting things that have happened today, but I cannot fit them all into one post. I feel like this experience has not been real which is because of the 48 hours I've gone without more than 2hours' sleep, so I'm going to bed. I will post pictures of this adventure soon!
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