Hello, Ireland (:

After spending four nights in Scotland, we ventured towards Ireland via ferry. I was expecting a small boat like seen in the movies; however this ferry was the size of a cruise ship. It even carried cars! Boasting many cafes, a game room, a cinema, and more the ship was quite luxurious. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had not gotten my first case of sea-sickness, though. When I stepped foot on Ireland I was definitely ready to be off of the boat.

 Finding a taxi large enough to transport seven people to a hotel is tricky, but the first cab we encountered managed to cram all of us into one.

Finally made it to Ireland!! The first night we staying in Belfast in Northern Ireland, which is still a part of the United Kingdom. Because this was only a stop on the way to Dublin, much of the city remained unexplored, but we did get to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was very beautiful. St. Patrick was a 5th-century bishop in Ireland. His death day is the date we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, which is intended to be a celebration of both the saint and Ireland itself.

From Belfast we took a two-hour train ride to Dublin, Ireland. I cannot contain my excitement from being able to say that I am currently writing to you from here! J While the rest of the crew rested, Brandon and I went out to explore downtown. Everyone seems to be super nice here, and do not mind to give directions to a couple of lost American tourists. As suspected, the majority of Dublin’s buildings are pubs and bars, which proudly advertise Guinness beer that is brewed here in the city. The atmosphere here is pretty much dominated by the music and chatter coming from the various pubs, yet it is not trashy but classy and exciting. Of course, Brandon and I had to obtain the experience of sitting in an Irish pub. J

As our adventure draws to a close, I want to say a HUGE thank you to my grandfather for allowing me to accompany him overseas for a fourth time, and I’d like you all to know that I believe everyone should get out of the US at least once in their lives. Go explore. Yeah, it is a little scary and unnerving sometimes, but being able to tread on soil that is foreign to you, take in air you’ve never tasted before, witness the different architecture and ways of life, and broaden your worldview is such an amazing, brilliant, and wonderful experience.. I have one more day here in Ireland before I head home to Tennessee, so I will post one more entry about what happens tomorrow. But thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed keeping up with my adventure! Go have an adventure of your own!

Jessica Nicole Shultz