Half of February is past...

I've not posted in a hot minute, eh? Things have been crazy and I've been trying to do as much as possible while I have the opportunity. I have a feeling that is why I am currently lying in bed in my hostel, happy to finally catch my breath. My body is also very annoyed with me, I suspect, as a cold has been brewing for several days now but I'm fighting hard with vitamins, large quantities of water, and the occasional scotch to stay on my feet. So are the trials and tribulations of traveling in winter.

I've been in Edinburgh, Inverness, London, Cambridge, and Oxford in the UK by now, and I must say Ireland was still more of a highlight. This I attribute mainly to its wonderful people. That's not to say the UK has been short on good people (although my favorites there were usually other travelers who weren't locals)! But Ireland was exceptional.

I've learned on this trip just how valuable people are to traveling. They can make the most dreadful weather bearable and lift your spirits when you're exhausted. Some people I only spoke to for a few minutes and others for hours or days. We talked about the rain, our studies, our backgrounds, feminism, boys, girls, Americans, Germans, Chinese, learning new things, our biggest risks, heartbreak, alcohol, drugs, hot chocolate, history, politics, Nando's, the awesomeness of Tesco, etc.

How crazy is that?

And now I have people I can ring up when I'm in southern Brazil and Austria and Australia and Paris and Singapore and Barcelona and Poland and other parts of Germany.

I've passed the halfway point and I think I've finally become fully comfortable with traveling alone. It's still awkward to go into a restaurant and tell the host or hostess that you would like a table for one for dinner. I don't know if that will ever go away. But that won't stop me from deciding to get out there on my own, climb some hills, hike up some mountains, eat some delicious food, take a tour, admire some incredible landscapes, and introduce myself to a new person.

Until next time, keep up that wanderlust!

Notes from Dublin

My oh my. What a precious, quirky little city.

Observations:

• You think Starbucks in the States is out of control? Come to Dublin!
• On the same note, Subway, Burger King, and McDonald's here are also everywhere.
• For a small city, it's sure got a lot of visitors and a lot of shops. 
• They really don't joke around when it comes to Guinness. 
• Gaelic is a thing. Everything is in Gaelic first and then English. 
• Their meals are heavy and should always be shared, which is perfect because the food is expensive!!!
• Everything but some restaurants and most pubs close really early. 
• There are a lot of Spanish visitors. You'd think they would prefer to stay in their own relatively warmer country in February. 
• Irish history is something that more people should know about. I'm someone who admittedly knew nothing about Ireland and it's struggle for sovereignty - shame on me! But the people here are very open in sharing some pretty painful history, as well as the occasional English snub. 
• Speaking of the people - my goodness!! So kind. The first woman I met was on the bus from the airport to the city center. She kept me company the whole ride. 
• Some employees at shops and attractions told me it was cool that I am from California when they saw my ID. That made me kinda happy :)
• I met an Irishman who told me he'd never met anyone like me before - an Asian girl with one of the foulest mouths he's ever encountered. I'm so proud!

Dublin was such a delight. I wish I could've stayed one more day to visit the Guinness Storehouse and to get lost wandering the Trinity College library. Next time!

I am currently on the train and I am still amazed by how green and lush this country is. And we just passed by some sheep. Ah, the pastoral life.

Fearless February

I am hours away from embarking on my first big solo trip. To be quite honest, I am scared shitless and have shed many tears over the past 24 hours; in fact, I may be borderline hysterical at this very moment. The scariest part is leaving and not having a "home" to return to at the end of the trip, all while having really no one to talk to if I get sad or lonely. As incredible as my host family has been, I don't really feel like Berlin is home yet. Normally, if I'm going anywhere, I have my mom, dad, and sister always there to welcome me with a hot shower, comfy bed, and tons of hugs and kisses.

I know this all sounds like one big first world problem. I should be extremely thankful that I even have the means to go on this trip which, despite my best attempt at backpacking on a budget, will cost simply too much. Don't get me wrong - I am so glad to have this opportunity, but it's undeniable that I am homesick.

...but we all had to leave home at some point, right? I felt the same way when I flew alone for the first time and when I moved into the dorms for my first year of college, and I'll undoubtedly feel that way again when I move away for work or to start my own family. These are all a part of life's travels.

Okay, Annie. Cut the sap and get it together. Just keep your mind open, be friendly (not too much), and don't be afraid to explore and have a good time!!!

To Ireland I go! Hopefully for one of these:

I'm traveling light, but I'll try and post a few times if I can. If not, bis März! Ciao!