Local Colour

Right as I was getting used to Dublin we decided to leave, but I guess that's what makes it a road trip. Dad went to pick up the car and when he returned I quickly found out we were in for an adventure. As we headed down the road we quickly found out that the car's stick was almost impossible to put into reverse. Not to mention my dads initial difficulty to drive on the right side of the car on the left side of the road. I have to constantly tell him when he drifts too far left. Of if I find him driving on the right side of the road.

Regardless, we found our way to our big tourist location for the day, Newgrange. If you don't already know Newgrange is a Celtic rock tomb that was dug up 300 years ago that dates back to before the Pyramids. Unlike the book of Kells, Newgrange was worth every euro of admission. The tour guides knew exactly what they were showing us, what to say about it and how long to keep us there. Not much is known about Celtic religion. But when I said that magic may still exist in Ireland, Newgrange is a wonderful testament to that theory.

From the outside, Newgrange appears to be nothing more than a wall of stones that look pretty from a distance. That being said, when the tour guide takes you around to the front there can be no question that it is much more than that. At the entrance there are carvings that are speculated to be in worship of the sun. As the tour goes on, you are brought inside the rock tomb and are taken into the centre of this big structure. Inside we were unable to take pictures but the walls were lined with ancient writings from the original creators and with graffiti from its original discoverers.

If you every find yourself near Newgrange, it is definitely a site I would recommend quickly. The ancient beauty and clear history are easily worth the price of admission.

Despite this, the real adventure for my dad and I was later. When we tried to make our way to Galway. As it turns out, maps in Ireland just aren't accurate. Either the roads aren't tabled, or more likely the map isn't. With my dad's great ability to remain calm in a crisis he really made me want to take up driving (sarcasm). Dad and I drove through wrong turns, down wrong highways and in a small lightning storm. To say that we got lost sometimes wouldn't be a large enough understatement. Evey map is either incomplete or inaccurate, which would be fine if anyone in Ireland could give decent directions. Somehow we still managed to enjoy the ride.

On the 2 and a half hour drive I noticed 2 things. 1) the Irish countryside is stunning, but so far repetitive. (similar to home, if we didn't have evergreen) The only thing prettier than the Irish countryside is the skyline. The clouds were so crisp and large that it was no wonder that ancient people believed the sky to have great power.

After 2 and a half hours we finally arrived in Galway. It feels like a nice small town, but still has plenty of tourists and even had a place to grab some Indian food for some much needed vegetables. After giving our bodies their desired nutrients, we did the only thing any sensible person would do. We checked out a few local pubs. The first pub was just a small little hole in the wall place. Wasn't the place for tourists, but my dad and I stayed anyways. I'm very glad we did. We were quickly approached by a very drunk unpatriotic Irish man who seemed keen on talking to us. And I have never seen anyone with so many bad things to say about their country. Most of which made literally no sense. However, he seemed to like us and he even bought me a second pint when he learned I was 18 and wouldn't be able to drink for another year back home. Tony, said “get drunk enough to last you to your birthday”. After covering that my dad only cared about money, that Matthew was a much better name than Matt and that I needed to be kicked onto the street to fend for myself Tony eventually talked himself out. So we bought him a drink and continued on our way.

After walking around Galway and getting another drink we headed back to our “hostel” emphasis on the “”. I only say that because the place I now write to you from is better quality than yesterday's hotel, and just as expensive. But I can already see, it is a much more happening place. Young people from all over the world are hanging in the lobby together.

Sorry if this entry seems a little rushed, or if I have missed any large gaps of information. But I've had a bit to drink and I'm tired, so this is all I have for today. I wanted to keep you guys posted as to what we're doing over here. Even if it's just briefly.

So I'll catch you guys tomorrow. For anyone checking the itinerary you will notice we have no plans as of yet for tomorrow... This can only end well...

-Matt