Ole Ole Ole Oleeeeeee: Welcome To Dublin

So it is St. Patrick's Day and Kelly and I have arrived in Dublin to the roaring crowds singing "Ole Ole Ole Oleeeeeeeee!" What a greeting! So here we stand unsure of where to go and what to do in a sea of drunken locals covered from head to toe in Green singing some old Gaelic songs. Oh it feels good to know how my ancestors used to live :)

But we eventually find our bed & breakfast along the back streets that were covered in a substance one can only guess were the remains of someone's dinner from before.... No worries - we arrived to a cute little old man straight out of the movies to help check us in. Then we climb up four flights of stairs with way too much luggage and reach our room. Such a nice little room with a double bed and a TV. Oh god. Such a heavenly site; and attached was a little bathroom. This looked so nice! But looks can be deceiving as we quickly found out the next morning... I'll come back to that...

So we drop off our things and head out to join in the festivities and start next door at the local pub. We are quickly thrown into the mix; being grabbed left and right to either dance or cheers with our neighbors. I love Ireland. But we decide to check out another place and just wandered until we stumbled into another small random pub playing journey. This must be good. This is were we met a group of Germans and proceeded to hang out with them all night... This was not as easy as it sounds for the sheer fact they spoke little english except for one. So as he translated for the group; St. Patty's Day turned out to be a great success! So we head back and head to bed because we had to be up bright and early for the Guinness Factory Tour!!

Ok we wake up... 7am. Booo. But no worries - yet. So we hop in the shower.... and this is where things go awry... The shower decides it doesn't want to work and drips roughly six drop of water out at a time... Hmmm. Well we make do and head out anyways. So we fgure out the transportation after being stopped by a ...."woman" dressed in silver sequin pants and a tube top with a pink trucker hat and 4 teeth who proceeded to ask us for money. ooohhhh. this is awkward, so we just turn the other way. hahaha

Well we eventually find The Guinness Factory and begin the tour! This was a lot of fun!!! Similiar to the Heineken experience, but yet different. 6 levels of Interactive games/stories/activities.... Love Love Love! But then we finally reached the top after dawdling around for a bit and we each get a Guinness.... Boooo. Ok so this beer is quite a beer. I mean the pour, the color, the head.... everything about it is tempting... except the taste. But I promised myself I would finish a full pint. A pint! That is all!!! And yet it still took me roughly 20 minutes of pure displeasure to drink this glass of what I would say consisted of a taste similar to ground up dirt mixed with a musky cologne and moldy bread. Not enjoyable to say the least...

But afterwards we stopped at a typical Irish Pub and this helped mask the taste! So good! I got an Irish stew of mashed potatoes with carrots and beef and so much more. It was DELICIOUS. Kelly got a chicken dish that had a kick to it! A Spicy, non-indian food dish?! Are we in America?!

Well so after we decided to just continue exploring and ended up at Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and a few other places before we headed back for a nap. Afterwards we went out to dinner to a restaurant titled, "From Mexico To Rome." Well this is clearly legit and we stop in... We come to find it literally is a restaurant split down the middle with one side having bright lanterns covering the walls and colorful templates representing Mexico, and the other side consisted of blue and white shades with greek gods painted on the walls. Wow. Couldn't help but laugh - but after another amazing meal we head back yet again where we are stopped on the street by a couple guys. They were nice but one was a bit.... "tipsy" and we just had a nice chat before being stopped by a gentlemen that sat next to us on the flight out there!! What a small world. It was unreal. But we finally say our goodbyes and head to bed for be had to wake up at 5am for an epic day in Cork and Blarney.

Well we wake up hoping our shower problems would be fixed; but unfortunately they just got worse. The water not only barely came on, but it was freezing cold, and turned off in the middle of the shower 4 times. We made due again by finding some cups and pouring water from the sink to shower. Wow. But we head out again and this is where everything is a rush. Literally.

We walk over to the tram to take us to the train station and miss it by 1 minute. We wait and wait and wait, and finally another one comes so we hope on and reach the train station. Our train departs at 7 and it is 6:51 right now - so we rush to pick up our tickets and it turns out we have the wrong tickets. So we spring to the ticket counter and pay an extra fee and then make a mad dash for the train. It is now 6:57am. 3 minutes to spare and it just so happened the only gate left open was at the OPPOSITE end of the track. Wow. Well, we made it. Barely and then just relaxed for we had a 3 hour train ride ahead of us. Caught a little shut eye as we passed through the most gorgeous countryside! Rolling hills, sheep everywhere, and GREEN. I missed seeing grass and shrubery as sad as that sounds.

But we arrive and look for the next bus to Blarney and go exploring while waiting. We find a cute shopping area, but then the time came for our bus so we headed over. Well it turned out our bus was late, the driver was nowhere to be seen, and the line appearred as if everyone wasn't going to fit! So Kelly and I pushed our way to the front when the bus finally arrived to ensure a place and took the twenty minute journey through the winding little streets to Blarney. This is where we caught a bite to eat before finding the castle.

Well the weather wasn't ideal, but no worries! We eventually find it and begin exploring. Ok let me tell you something - if you are obese, hate stairs, are afraid of the dark, or don't enjoy uneven walking grounds - don't go here. I personally loved it! The history, the architecture; everything! But it was literally an old castle with tiny walkways, steep twisting stairwells, and dark back dungeon rooms and what not. But regardless, after a couple close calls walking up the steps we make it to the Blarney Stone. Ok let me just tell you the Blarney Stone is actually hard to reach. I mean you lay upside down while a "helper" holds you and pushes you upside down towards the stone where you hold onto some railings so you don't fall. Quite a scary feeling actually. So I went first and.... ok I am going to be honest... I didn't kiss it. For two reasons - Number One - I couldn't reach it!! My neck can only stretch so far!!! Number Two - as one Irish local proceeded to point out... it would be like kissing the world's biggest whore.... This got me thinking so I was a bit weary to begin with. Sorry! Guess I didn't get the luck of the Irish :)

But then Kelly went and did she ever kiss the stone! Wow quite the moment ;) So after an epic journey here, we stop in another irish store for some more shopping; grab a couple souvenirs and decide to head back so we can catch our 3 1/2 hour train ride home. Well then the rain set it and it became freezing cold, our bags were not waterproof and broke and ripped and everything was falling everywhere, and the wind decided to pick up. But we finally made it; a bit crabby, and soaking wet; but the train was here. We were almost home!

So we get on the train where we meet the two people across from us, a mother and her son. They were interesting to say the least. The son was 13 years old and knew more about everything then I bet most highschoolers. It was unreal the analogies and references he would make. Not sure if this was because his mother sends him to boarding school; or if its his backaground in speaking fluent gaelic and spanish. Regardless I was stunned. and the mother.... well she was quite the character as well. Seemed very... proper. Wanted things her way and seemed like she forcuses more on school/things then time with family. At one point she made the comment to move on from home and basically said it is pointless to keep touch with them. Her persona was almost snooty I would say; but no worries. It was company and it was nice to have someone to talk too; even if they thought they were better then us hahaha

Well we arrive home yet again and basically pass out after eating some Subway (so Irish I know). The next day was our last day and we decided to keep it low key and basically find what we find. So we went and explored Trinity College and then discovered this adorable shopping center and park. It was called St. Stephen's Green and I think this place was probably my favorite in all of Dublin. It helped that we had an amazingly beautiful day to spend there, but then after a couple pictures with some scottish men in kilts; we headed out to catch our plane.

So we arrive at the airport quite early, but no worries... it felt nice to just sit and relax. Poor Kelly had to deal with me being crabby from being over tired, but no worries cause we finally boarded and reached home. Oh London. How I missed thee. Kindof.... hahaha

But Kelly stayed a couple days later and soon left on Tuesday. During this time though we went and saw Avenue Q (amazing as always... though interesting to see them do an American Play and change the jokes to suit the British), visited St. Jame's Park where we fed the wildlife, visited Abbey Road (mind you this was so difficult because this is actually a really busy road and we had to wait for an opportunity, quick run out in the middle of the road, take a picture and run back), and just hung out. A good last couple days; minus Sunday where we sat like lazy bums all day.

It's crazy how fast 12 days with her went, but it was nice. She treated me to so much; food, plays, treats, shows, gifts, and so much more! But we said our tearful goodbyes at the train station, as I won't see her for another two months, and we are back to two. I didn't realize how spacious our prison cell was until we had three people in it at one point hahaha

But here we are; SPRING BREAK! We begin our tour of Italy and Greece for the next 16 days and I cannot wait. Hopefully the weather will be in our favor, and my skin may actually see some sun!!

The Walt Seesters Take Over London

Ok so I am 2 months in and I finally got a visitor! My seester is here!!!!

She arrived here on a Thursday after flight delays, transfers, cancellations and so much more. Very unlucky - but one would not be a Walt if we travelled with no such problems. So being the good student and sister I am, I skip class to meet her at the airport.

Well after an hour long tube ride next to probably the smelliest man in the world and 2 transfers later, I arrive in full throttle at the airport.

I stood at the gate - so excited - a familiar face from home - I cannot wait!
But wait I did... But eventually I see a girl walk through the gates with more luggage then she can handle and a very confused look on her face that I often find myself making as well... must be SEESTER! So I yell her name and she turns the other way. Yep. She completely ignores me.

But not really, just bad hearing (it's a Walt thing?) and so instead of yelling her name again I decide to run and almost knock her and all the luggage over in the biggest hug. Wish there could have been a film crew there... I mean this was straight out of a movie where two loved ones are reunited for the first time in a long time and they share a long embrace and... ok well ours was really just like "Hey seester - stop walking away from me" kind of a hug but eh... you get the point. (I am trying to make this sound more sentimental then it really was)

So then we decide to take a Taxi home seeing the tube would be very difficult with all that luggage and what not and how expensive could it really be?... Well $100 american dollars later we finally arrive at my housing, NIDO. Welcome to Prison :)

But everything was good - we head upstairs and attempt to make room in this cell and eventually kind-of find places for all the bags and what not before I am surprised with all these goodies from home she brought me! Mrs. Grass Soup, Charleston Chew Bars, Candy Foam Saucers, Hair Products, and More Underwear! Yes! Now I can wait even longer to do laundry :) (sorry if that is too much information?)

But I rush her to hurry up before we head out and do some shopping before dinner and a couple drinks. So nice to catch up in person and just hear from home. But the next day was epic. We walked and walked and walked and walked all over London and eventually found the big monuments and had a classic English Lunch and just hung out. It was chilly, but very nice. And we eventually ended up at the most famous store, Harrod's where we discovered the most delicious piece of artistry since StroopWafels.... Whoopies!! They are almost like a mini-cake sawed in half and filled with a creamy substance. They come in all different flavors and are so beautifully decorated. We went for the red velvet (my personal favorite), cherry, and classic whoopie. I officially am in love with Whoopies. Unreal.

3 Whoopies Later, I decide to show Kelly some of the London Nightlife and take her to the club Tiger Tiger. So after some negotiating we get in and just kind of hang out before being ambushed by dirty 40 year old somethings... as usual. So we quickly walk away and discover some new friends - Mark (a well groomed middle aged man dressed in suit and tie) and Tyson (a caribbean involved in architecture)...interesting mix, but whatever.

So we had a good night overall, caught a cab home for really cheap cause I am too lazy to try to figure out the night buses and we hit the sack.

Then the next day I stayed in in the morning doing some homework (believe it or not) while Kelly went and explored Portobello Market before we went and saw Chicago (amazing by the way), and then I took her to visit Covent Garden and a few other places before we rested up before heading out.

Well we weren't feeling that ambitious so we headed to a pub called Miller's just down the street. It was interesting because we walked in and we were the only two females out of maybe forty men in the whole bar.... Oh no... is this one of "those" places we kept asking ourselves... but eventually we made friends and had one of the cheapest nights yet! Amazing!

So Sunday again I was stuck here doing homework all day while my sister went and explored. Sad day. But we got a lot done before we headed out to dinner at a chinese restaurant that was so cheap and delicious!!

Then came Monday where there was supposed to be a lunch scheduled with Chancellor Gow from La Crosse! One can only dream! So we got Kelly in and I got to shake Joe Gow's hand in London. Be jealous. Oh it was amazing. and after that we went out to explore the happiest place on earth outside of Disney world - Hamley's Toy Store! Oh goodness - five floors of pure heaven. We went up and down exploring and playing with anything touchable!!

This was all before another night of going out. Yes we went out on a monday, but no worries - a good night none the less before Tuesday when we decide to kind of hang low and get our hair chopped off. Very interesting and random, but change is good? Oh well, we got bored and so that is what good sisters do... make bad decisions.

But later we decide to go to a small comedy act performing at some pub and it actually turned out to be very funny. It was 3 gentlemen who stood on a tiny stage upstairs in a pub and performed random skits they created. Our favorite skit was either the one I got pulled on stage and they did a little mini-version of the full monty to make me uncomfortable and we also enjoyed the "Uncle Party Skit," where a man who has lost everything creeps over to his sister's to find a party and bring some jellies and "Boooooo's" everything that is a debbie downer. Hard to explain, hilarious to watch!

So then comes Wednesday - St. Patty's Day!!!!!! Well here begins an all day drink-a-thon beginning with mimosas after class, moving onto vodka redbulls and beers on the train before the plane to Ireland, and ending with Germans and way too much beer and some Journey "Don't stop believin" played in the background.
An epic day for sure in Ireland, but I will get to Ireland in a seperate blog...

So we arrive back to London yesterday after an amazing time in Ireland with my sister visiting our roots, and decide we need to go out atleast one more time. Well we had all the intentions of finding a fun club, but the rain set in and us being really smart and not bring umbrellas threw our coats on our heads and ran to the closest pub - Millers. I mean last time wasn't so bad, right?

Well sure enough we are the only girls yet again, but no worries... we eventually met some preteens who treated us to free drinks all night! Thanks a bunch guys :) but then when we wanted to leave and head to another pub, they followed us. Ugh. We were over them at this point and they didn't really catch on; but they were nice so whatever... but we get to the other pub where we find ourselves immersed in a hot bed of 200 sweaty drunk college students all packed in this place like a tin of sardines. Ohhhh it feels like home once again! But soon we were over this fact too and head out before being chased around by a couple of guys dressed as smurfs that turned our skin blue! Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

But the adventure is winding down with seester heading out soon, but no worries because I will be going to Italy and Greece for a 16 day spring break in a week and then my parents are visiting as well! The days are flying by! 75 Days till Departure....