Leprechauns, Nuns, and Sheep. Oh My!

Today was day 2 in Galway, and most of it was spent on the road. We've done a lot of driving this trip, which I don't mind at all. Being able to look out the window and see the vast biodiversity Ireland has to offer is just as fulfilling as walking through ancient castles and fortresses.

We drove along the beach, and nearly got blown away trying to take a picture. Our bus driver, John—the greatest man to ever exist—said that there are always people swimming in the water off of Galway no matter how cold it is or what the weather is like. For us, the wind was enough to blow us back into the coach even when we were completely dry.

Through the countryside we drove, the rolling hills elongating into mountains. We saw Seamus the Leprechaun's house right on the water, and John warned us that he might've gotten into the bus while we got out to look at the view. Seamus must have been sleeping in because all our belongings were just as we had left them when we returned to our spots and continued our way west.

Another stop we made was for hot chocolate and souvenir shopping. I got myself a necklace with Connemara marble in it and a delicious cup of hot cocoa. The hot chocolate had to be bought in the back of a bar, which really polished the stop with Irish charm. Near the window of the bar, a group of older men were drinking Guinnesses and talking (from what I heard, mostly about football). As we walked past, a much younger man crawled on the windowsill, knocking on the glass and giggling at those who pass. Just to be clear, the toddler in the window did not have a Guinness, he was just giddy with the wonders of the world. In a place like Ireland, I can relate.

The main attraction of the day was the Kylemore Abbey. With stunning views of the mountains reflected in a glistening lake, and gothic architecture dating the mid-19th century, the Abbey provided a lovely history lesson into the Irish elite. The main castle was the home of Mitchell and Margaret Henry, the former of whom represented Galway in Parliament. Then, it was transformed into an Abbey and a school although the last exam taken in Kylemore was in 2010. Now, it's just an Abbey with gorgeous sights and historical beauties.

I fell asleep on the drive back, even though I tried to stay awake. Since we leave the day after tomorrow, I'm really trying to soak up every second in the country I can. We've covered so much ground, learned so much history, and gotten so close as our little "family" of eight that to even think of leaving saddens me. The whole nation radiates belonging, a notion I've always somewhat struggled with.

In the end, to leave this wonderful island just means I can start planning for when I will return.