Ireland: Guinness, Gaelic, Gorgeous

Ireland is called the Emerald Isle for good reason. Ireland is not just green, but a stunning emerald green that genuinely takes your breath away.  Living in England, I have seen green country sides, but I have never seen anything like this before. The cities in Ireland are cute and filled with history, but what really makes Ireland great is its natural beauty.

Dublin

Our first stop in Ireland was Dublin, which was great fun. There are many cute pubs, churches, parks and places to eat, but the most exciting thing to do in Dublin definitely was the Guinness Factory.

The Guinness Factory was very interesting, you learn how Guinness stout is made, you see all the steps, then have a taste test.

The inside of the Factory is shaped like a massive pint glass and you slowly work your way up and around to the 7^th and 8^th floors. My favorite section was the advertisement section where you can put on headphones and watch all the commercials and look at all the old classic Guinness posters. Its interesting to see how long Guinness has been around and how the advertisements have changed with the ages.

Next, was the “poor your own pint” which was so fun! To poor the perfect pint you have to fill Guinness up about three quarters of the way full, let it sit for 2 minutes, then top it off. After you poor your own pint, you get to drink your pint on top of the factory looking over the entire city. That was definitely the best part. Sitting down, with your friends, chatting, comparing each others pints, and looking over the beautiful 360 degree view of the city; to top it off, it was sunny out while we enjoyed our pint!

The Guinness Factory was the most entertaining and most interesting thing to do in Dublin, unfortunately I hate Guinness! I finished my two free pints, as you have to enjoy Guinness while in Ireland, but it definitely is an acquired taste. The Guinness Factory is a great way to start off a trip to Ireland and is A MUST DO!

After our day in Dublin, it was off to see the rest of Southern Ireland. Ireland has so much to offer, from castles and ruins along the side of the road, the adorable cows and sheep’s on the farm lands, the beautiful coasts with water so blue it seemed like it was water from the Caribbean or Hawaii.

A mandatory "to do" in Ireland is to kiss the Blarney Stone on the top of Blarney Castle. However, this is not so simple. One must climb to the top of Blarney Castle, up a tiny stone spiral stair case, about 7 stories high. Once you reach the Blarney Stone, you must lie on your back, reach out about a foot or so backwards, and kiss the stone upside down! Then one will be granted with the gift of gab (not that I need it). It was a little scary, but well worth it!

A Bee Hive

We ended our first day in the little town of Killarney and went out to the pub for some Irish Folklore and storytelling from a man named Pa. Let’s just say that was an experience in itself. His story was about a man who lost his pub, it was about a 90 minute story, and Pa managed to finish off 6 pints of Guinness and 2 shots of Jameson! By the end I couldn’t understand him, but it was great fun. We ended the night with Irish music and danced the night away with the locals. The Irish definitely love their pubs, Guinness, and Irish music. I felt I had the luck of the Irish as I was sightseeing by day and drinking with the locals at night. The first day was absolutely perfect and it only got better.

After a fun night of trying to keep up with Pa, we spent most of our morning driving along the Irish Coast; which was absolutely stunning. We drove through the famous Ring of Kerry. I also got to see the oldest buildings in Ireland, which were over 4000 years old and looked like beehives, and ironically enough, were called the beehives.

Along the Ring of Kerry

Another reason to love Ireland is all the Gaelic Irish Folklore stories and beliefs. The leprechaun is one of many Irish myths. What makes these stories even more interesting, are that they are still very much a part of Irish culture today. Ireland is a country with a colourful history, as well as mystical traditions. One of my favourite stories was that if you put your feet in the sea, part of your soul will stay in Ireland. If you don’t go back within 20 years, you will never get that part of your soul back. Well, of course, now I have to go back to Ireland; what a great excuse!

The Irish coast is remarkable and jaw dropping with rolling green hills, steep cliffs, and pure blue water. On day three we headed towards the Dingle Peninsula to drive along even more of  the Irish Coast. Then eventually to see The Cliffs of Moeher. These cliffs are so gorgeous and unique, they currently are in the running to be part of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

Cliffs of Moeher

Dingle Peninsula Beach where I left part of my soul

Cliffs of Moeher

After we wandered through the amazing Cliffs of Moeher, we travelled along the Dingle Peninsula up to The Burren. The Burren is an instant massive transformation from rolling green hills and cliffs, to literally barren rounded rocks. It literally looks like you are on the moon. Even though there was a lack of greenery, it still was lovely. Beautiful black rocks that reflected the Galway bay. The Burren changes everything you know and shows the diversity of Ireland's natural beauty.

The Burren

Ireland is such a great country filled with a fun loving culture, history and a beautiful landscape. I am looking forward to my visit back within the next 20 years, however, I wouldn’t be too disappointed if I left part of my soul in Ireland.

Cashel Castle

Peace, Love, Happiness... The St. Pauls Carnival of 2011

One of the top things to do in England is to go to a festival. Every summer there are hundreds of different festivals through out the UK, but so far my favorite is the St. Paul's Carnival. Some festivals are about food, some are about music, but this one is about community.

The St. Paul's Carnival is an annual carnival that takes place in the St. Paul's district of Bristol every year. It is in celebration of the Caribbean-African culture that has shaped the St. Paul's community. It was started in 1967 and has ran continuously every year on the first Saturday in July. Lucky for me, I have been able to come to this carnival two times; both occasions the weather has been perfect, the food has been perfect, and there is this overwhelming sense of pride and community.

The Malcolm X Centre

When I first moved to Bristol last year, I was worried about going to this massive festival where I didn't know anyone or have a sense of the community's history or culture. I was very home sick, hadn't made any friends and didn't think I would be able to enjoy myself. Well, I was totally wrong! I absolutely LOVED it!

The carnival is a complete celebration of community and the people who live there. They are so proud of their Caribbean past, their new lives in Bristol and their sense of belonging to their new home. My first time there, I only had been in Bristol for one month and I had just moved from across the Atlantic to start my new life. My history is quite different, but I was there to celebrate the same thing; a new beginning, a new life in Bristol.

Joe with some St. Paul's Street Art

The St. Paul's Carnival of 2011 was even more fun than last year. Now that I have been here for more than one year, I finally have a sense of belonging; Bristol has now become my home. I went to the carnival with one of my best friends, Joe. I originally met him in Australia 2 years ago and we became instant best friends. I also went with  my husband and my newest friend, Lina. She, ironically enough, is an American girl who has travelled recently to Bristol, because like me, she fell in love. We had so much fun together embracing this annual Bristol carnival that is now a part of our new lives. Being with close friends and celebrating love and life is what the carnival is all about. This years experiences were even better because I was with the people I care about, and who care about me in return. We were able to just simply enjoy ourselves and have fun.

LOVE

The carnival was filled through out the day from any where to 40,000 - 60,000 people, but it didn't feel crowded or claustrophobic at all. Instead it was filled with this sense of kinship. It was an exciting time of celebration with the focus on love and happiness. People were dressed up with face paintings and wacky out fits, drinking, dancing, and having fun.

HAPPINESS

Everyone who lives in the area opened up their houses and backyards to everyone at the carnival. They were selling jerk chicken from their barbecues and even letting strangers into their house to use the bathroom. It was a massive out door street party that the entire community was involved in. We went from back yard to back yard dancing to different types of reggae, and if we wanted a change of pace, we would just walk to the next house. The DJs were the home owners so there was a great variety of music.

The biggest party was at the Malcolm X Centre where everyone was dancing to drum and bass. The entire festival was an interesting mixture of smaller street parties with big out door clubs with well known DJs and stages.  We ended the night in the middle of a random street with a random DJ playing dance music.

All the streets were blocked off the entire time so everyone could just enjoy the booze, the food, and the music. The celebrations started in the early afternoon and carried onto the early morning of the next day.

When you are at the festival, you can't stop feeling happy and just give into the music, the laughter, and the fun. Everyone has different experiences, but for me, what really made this carnival great, was being with great people.

Street Party

Incredible Istanbul

Okay so I must tell you about Istanbul because it absolutely blew my mind and was an unexpected gem.

I was so excited to go to Istanbul because I took a history course in Turkish Islam at University. I was so curious to see it first hand.

Istanbul was such a fascinating city. I experienced this city with my husband Jayda, my good friend Joe, and his girlfriend Chloe. We had such a fantastic time.

To be honest, I was a little apprehensive at first, as Turkey is a mostly Islamic nation, and well, I am a Westerner.

The only real reason why I had a little doubt was that I heard so many BAD things from my American friends/family before I left. When I got to Istanbul, I instantly realized the ignorance. My friends/family heard Istanbul, they then thought Middle East, then after that they instantly were blinded by hate. Too many Americans still think that anyone or any thing in the Middle East is bad. My experience in Istanbul simply strengthened my belief in the importance of travel and how it is the easiest way to educate and get rid of unnecessary hatred and ignorance.  I really hope my experience of Istanbul will inspire people to travel as well as have a will to become more educated before making racial ignorant comments.

As soon as Jayda and I got onto the subway into the city I noticed immediately the respect the Turkish people had for each other.

Men would move instantly to let woman and children sit down. As soon as I walked in, an elderly man gave up his seat for me. I told him no, (as best I could) but he wouldn’t accept. So I got a seat. Even though I was  younger than him. After living in England for so long, I definitely am used to public transport, but what I was not used to was common courtesy.  In England, no one even gets up for a pregnant woman. I instantly thought that the English could learn a lesson from the Turkish

Another tiny worry for me was how to dress as it was an Islamic country, but if you are not a Muslim, they don’t expect you to cover your hair or body. They are very understanding of other cultures and religions as well. Never once did I feel ashamed for showing my hair or skin. Which was a major relief. Even though I knew it wouldn't be like that, it was always reassuring. I do not know if the rest of Turkey would have been like that because Istanbul is broken into Asian and European influences, but from my experience I was genuinely impressed with how accepting of other cultures Istanbul was.

When we first got of the subway, the first thing we saw was the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia (one of the man made wonders of the world) with all 6 minaret’s and everything. After walking with our back packs on in the 90 degree weather we found our hotel (it was amazing to feel sunshine again!). The hotel man at the front desk greeted us with a big smile, was completely helpful, and even took us to our room personally.

View from our Hotel

The room was small, but very clean. Everything was a little crooked and I still don’t know if that was the design or just the quirkiness of the old building we stayed in. The first thing we did was head to our roof top terrace and relax on the terrace with a cup of tea (many different tea’s are in Istanbul. My favourite was flower, apple, and love tea). The terrace was amazing and on one side there was the Mediterranean Ocean, on the other a perfect view of the Blue Mosque.

That was when I heard my first afternoon prayers.

As it was an Islamic country with mosques everywhere, when it was prayer time you could hear it anywhere and everywhere in the city. It was honestly the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I couldn’t understand what they were saying as it was in Turkish or Arabic, but the prayers were in song and it was beautiful. That is how Jayda and I started our days and ended our evenings. On the roof top terrace in the morning sun, or watching the sunset over the magnificent mosques listening to the morning and evening prayers.

Turkish Coffee

Also, the food was gorgeous; Mezzes (tapas like food). Breakfast was an array of savoury pastries, olives, fresh cheese and marinated vegetables. Delicious and a little bit of heaven. As Turkey is on the Mediterranean, it was Mediterranean food of course. For dinners we had fresh Kebabs every night, from lamb, chicken, to eggplant and mushrooms. SO GOOD!

Also, Turkish coffee was very tasty. It is blended in such a way where they boil it in water and sugar. Then they put it in a tiny glass (grains and all). They serve it to you in a tiny tiny cup, you let the grains settle and drink it. It was super strong but super good. My souvenir for myself was Turkish Coffee and the tiny pot to boil it in. I can’t wait to try it at home. However, I have the feeling it won't quite be the same.

That was what our days were like, wake up, enjoy some sun and food, enjoy some coffee. Go into this café here, that café there. Appreciate the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the city, then at night eat at a restaurant with a roof top terrace to enjoy the view and food.

Blue Mosque

In Turkey, no one drinks, but everyone smokes. So our evenings were filled with tea and Shisha (flavoured hookah). We would just relax and sit on big couches (it reminded me a bit of Aladdin) and smoked shisha and watched the locals.

One night (after a few drinks as we managed to find a bar or 2) we ended up at our local café. It was outdoors with tons of cushions and very Aladdin again! It was like 12:30 at night and we weren’t ready to head in, so we went there for some Hookah and tea. It was very relaxing, then Joe’s girlfriend, Chloe, asked our waiter if there was any music. It was too late to play any, but this group of Turkish men were across the way and over heard us.

Apparently one of them was a famous Turkish Guitar player (or they claimed) but he did have a legit looking case. He took his Guitar out and another guy took out his drum and they came to our table and played for us for like an hour! How nice was that? They sang as well (not that I understood them), but it was so much fun and so cool and soooo beautiful!

They were so happy that we loved their music and singing. We were also enjoying ourselves so much that we stayed there until 230 am! Just hanging out, smoking hookah, and enjoying the music. Our waiter didn’t charge us for a lot of tea’s either so we left him a big tip. We left to go back to our hotel feeling very welcomed into Istanbul and the culture. It was a first hand view of seeing what life in Istanbul was like.

Although, (the one thing I did notice is that no woman were out and about that night unless accompanied by their husband) just a bunch of men drinking tea and singing together. So innocent, but so interesting as well. It was nice knowing people could have fun and enjoy themselves with out alcohol.

In front of the Hagia Sophia

Sultan Palace

The next day we took a cruise down the Bosporus river which separated the European side of Istanbul and the Asian side of Istanbul. It was such a beautiful day and we saw the Sultans Palaces along the river from the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, the Wall built by the Crusaders when they invaded, and an amazing view of the city.

We also visited the Spice Market, which was amazing and smelt delicious! Spices were every where, fresh tea, coffee’s, spices, and Turkish Candy. I bought coffee and some of the Flower/ Love tea I loved so much. Joe and his girlfriend bought Lemon Salt and a bunch of spices. It was truly one of the coolest things we did. Especially since we made friends with the Turkish man we bought stuff off of so he let us taste and smell and touch everything we bought. Plus gave us a massive discount.  It was fabulous!

We spent 4 full days there, and it went by so fast. The people were so friendly and welcoming, the food was delicious, and the city was stunning. I would recommend it to anyone.

It was the perfect mixture of the Old Ottoman Empire and the new modern fast paced culture of the world. Old dirt streets and buildings, but the interior of the buildings were spotless and modern. Istanbul is split between the the Asia side and the European side and the culture reflects this brilliantly.

Still, after everything I did there, my favourite thing will still be enjoying some coffee or tea on the terrace; listening to the evening and morning prayers while admiring the mosques. Honestly, I can say that Istanbul is Incredible!!