the emerald isle.

if you are reading this, and you have never made the trip to ireland, i suggest you go and book one now. seriously. it was amazing! carolynn and i had a somewhat relaxing, rejuvenating time.

the highlight of our journey was our trip out to the aran islands. the largest of the three islands, inishmore, is the equivalent to stepping back in time. after stepping off the ferry, you experience a wave of calm. everything moves at a different pace, the locals speak irish, and bikes are the major form of transportation. the best ten euros i have spent so far, were on the bike rental for the day. admittedly, i am not a pro-star biker, but after sweating it out on the first few hills, i was good to go! we went to the major tourist attraction of the island: an old celtic stone fort built in c. 2000 BC. once i learn to attach pictures, i promise to add some. (warning: this may take me awhile!) afterwards, we went exploring and discovered a worm hold at the end of the ocean. it is difficult to explain, but it is essentially an olympic size swimming pool that has been naturally carved into the stone. it is surrounded by what looks like worm holes carved into the rock. really astounding. we stayed at a cute bed and breakfast, and after being out partying until all hours the night before, we actually fell asleep before 8 o´clock!

we ended out trip in ireland with a day trip to the cliffs or moher, which are a little touristy, but a definite must see. it is crazy at times to think that there are so many beautiful places on earth.

i am in madrid as i write this, and have much to say. but internet time is running short, so i will have to post tomorrow. my first impression of spain is that time is certainly on a different schedule here. no one eats until ten o´clock at night! oh, and tapas are a dream.