Spring Break Shenanigans

The U.K. It's the closest I've been to anything American-like for the past two months, yet it was completely distinct and compelling all at the same time. In total, there were eight of us that decided to take a spring break to England, Scotland, and Ireland. Before this trip, I only knew of subtle differences between each, so I was surprised at how unique each place we traveled to was.

Kent, England [Beckett's Farm]

This was our first stop. A friend traveling with us has family from England, and we we're able to visit the farm for a day. In comparison to being rushed about on busy city streets, it was a good change of pace, and a lifesaving start to the trip. Her uncle was the epitome of an English countrymen,serving us hot tea, biscuits, and toast with marmite [not particularly my favorite spread, but they all seem to rave about it] and we got to venture around great fields trees and mud and smell the grass. Mmm. It was nice to be able to just sit and enjoy life for a spell.

London, England

Samuel Johnson [aka English poet] once wrote, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life canafford.” And I'd have to say he's pretty close to being right... I really loved London. There was so manythings to see from Buckingham Palace [where I'd hoped to have a casual run in with someone of Royalty] to the London Eye, Parliament, Big Ben [which is actually the name of the bell inside of the clock tower! bet ya didn't know that one] the infamous red telephone booths, and more [such as: Platform 9 3/4, Millenium Bridge, and all the other famous Harry Potter sights ;)] And in between the hustle and bustle, we found markets full of lively pubs serving freshly brewed beers and fish n' chips. How English of me.

Oxford, England

Of course, we had to take a day trip to Oxford. Itwas reallyjust how I'd always imagined... quiant and picturesque with cobblestone, and old buildings flourished with green fields and gardens. It was definitely a college town, but it had more of a proper/classy feel to it. I learned that Lewis Carroll was a student at the univeristy, and based a lot of his Adventures of Wonderland on the people and places throughout Oxford. Oh, and of course, the first and second Harry Potter movies were filmed there! [Iwalked up the stairs to get sorted, and right into the Dining Hall.. don't be too jealous.]

Edinburgh, Scotland

Kilts, whiskey, shortbread, haggis, and fried mars bars. Edinburg was wonderful. We stayed right across from the Castle on the Royal Mile [most lively/famous street] and took in all of their tradition. Besides being known from Braveheart and wearing kilts and drinking whiskey all the time, the Scottish have some other weird trademarks. They all spit on this heart in the middle of the city for good luck. They eat some concoction called Haggis with neeps and tatties [turnips and mashed potatoes], and instead of eating at Taco Bell after they go to the bar, they eat deep fried anything [cheeseburgers, haggis, chicken, but especially Mars bars] Oh, and didI mention The Elephant House? Yup, this was the cafe that JK Rowling would sit in, drink a tea, and gaze out the window to the cemetery [where you'll find the names of McGonagal, Mood, and Tom Riddle] and the school and castle [both were inspirations to the creation of Hogwarts]. You better believeI visited them all. I'm such a Harry Potter fan, it's ridiculous. [I wish you were with me, Michelle. I just needed someone to freak out with me!] Apart from the city, Scotland has some absolutely beautiful scenery. We went on a tour toThe Highlands and took a boat on Loch Ness [sorry, no monster] which just furthered my liking of Scotland.

Dublin, Ireland

Oh, all those silly Irish, with their magic and leprechauns and folk tales. I quite enjoyed Dublin. In the Temple Bar area, which is the main square, I'd say, you can find all kinds of pubs with Irish musicians and dancers entertaining everywhere. The food here was my favorite... Shepherd's Pie, Irish bacon and cabbage, mashed potatoes.. My favorite part was going to the Guiness factory where I ate the most amazing meal and actually enjoyed the taste of a Guinness while relaxing at the Gravity bar that overlooks the entire city of Dublin. Mmm. I could stay here for awhile.

Galway, Ireland

When I picture Ireland, I think of the ocean and green fields filled with sheep... Although Dublin was nothing like this, Galway definitely was. It's considered the "true" Ireland. We went to see the famous Cliffs of Moher [also filming spots for HP6 and The Princess Bride] and drove through breathtaking mountain ranges filled with wisps of rivers and grazing sheep.

If I had to pick a favorite, well I don't think I could. Every place I went was so unique and special in its own way, that the best I could do was appreciate each one individually for what they boasted. Traveling has taught me a lot, but mostly it has inspired me. I've realized that this world is incredibly beautiful. [I couldn't help thinking of my Mom, and just wanting to say "Good job God" to everything in sight] I've realized that this world is overwhelmingly much larger than me. I've shrunk in comparison to my perspectives of life. I've learned that I don't know everything. That there are things I'm just never going to see or do or learn. But, I've developed a burning desire to enjoy all of God's creations that I can be a part of to the fullest.