The Luck of the Irish

DISCLAIMER: Ok, I really do not want this to be "I spent my spring break in a beautiful country and life was SOOO hard, woe is me". I don't like to complain about travel, partly because I love and partly because no one wants to hear someone whine about their fabulous experiences.

However.... Let is be noted that Ireland is a country with a tragic history: famine, oppression, civil war, economic depression, an entire county that thinks they're better off with Great Britain. Irish news, music, even the people themselves have this sort of cynical: "yes, that WOULD happen to us" type attitude. "Luck of the Irish" is said there with great sarcasm. This was my luck of the Irish.

-We had to stand in the immigration line for two hours in London, making us miss our hostel booking (the place had closed for the night- Who does that!). Since our next flight wasn't until the next afternoon, we got another, much more expensive place. Unbeknownst to me, I was still charged for the first booking. Opps.

-We were supposed to meet up with friends for St. Patricks Day so they could stay with us. We never found them, and they ended up taking a four hour bus ride to Cork to find a place to stay. I hope they are still our friends.

-I got a little water on my computer, and it wasn't working. So I took it to the apple store to see what the problem was. Turns out the water ruined my computer, which isn't covered by my warranty. I had to buy a new computer, which blew my budget for the rest of the semester.

-I had my wallet stolen while in a pub. I only lost ten euros, but my drivers license and debit cards need to be replaced, which will take an indefinite amount of time to get them shipped here.

-I missed my flight at 6:30am this morning. Apparently daylight savings time is on the 25th of March in Ireland. I go to check into my flight at 5:22, and was informed that it was actually 6:25, and my plane had just left. I had to borrow money I don't have to rebook the flight. Bugger.

On the PLUS side.. I spent Saint Patricks Day in Dublin. I got to eat Irish Breakfast, with extra bacon. I saw the coast, which is beautiful and rugged and wild-feeling. People were so polite and and friendly. The beer was tasty, the music fun and the pubs exciting. I felt at home in the countryside with the farm-smells and green, open countryside. And now I have great stories of being lost, broke, and I'll admit, occasionally a little bit dumb. Live and learn. It's the luck of the Irish!

Photos coming soon!