Ireland

She is back. Arden.Leigh steps out of the fog today, March 20, 2012. I'll start by making it up to you with this photograph:

Luck brought me to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day this year. I have a couple papers to write by tomorrow. This post will be my warm up for 2:30 am dirty chai lattes.

If you are fortunate enough and run by the opportunity to visit Ireland, stop running and fly Aer Lingus into Dublin. Annie and I spent six nights in Galway and two nights in Dublin. For lack of better wording: unforgettable. Galway is your pub and Dublin is your weekender. I walked into The Quays, a pub in Galway, geeking at the duo propped on the balcony performing my kind of "Somebody that I Used to Know." That's one of those moments. I don't mind tapping my feet and swinging arms with the Irish either, or the Swiss.

My WOW [words of wisdom] via the Ireland experience:
I've traveled to Europe before and have yet to be disappointed. Ireland wrote a different story in my book. I had my doubts of bangers and mash but stumbled upon a hole in the wall, a keepsake, and a made the list while in Galway [Look below for my must-eat-at bullets below]. I raise the flag for Ireland. My list of priorities is revised and finalized:

1. Go back
2. Study abroad
3. Marry the Irish

Favorite experiences are ones that open eyes, nurturing foreign perspectives. My eyes are open. Wide open, simple and vulnerably taken by moments of unconditional admiration for the people I'll embrace, the food I'll relish, one of those moments.    
Live simply and travel, down the street or to Galway Bay. Spend all your money to get there but save just enough for food and wine. 

Favorite eats:

The Grainstore
The Market Kitchen
Ard Bia
Food 4 Thought

Favorite drinks:

King's Head
The Front Door
The Quays
The Temple Bar (Dublin)