The Grand Finale

I am writing this at my gate in the Dublin Airport waiting to board my flight to the United States. My two week trip was amazing, full of unexpected and spontaneous decision.

My final day in Amsterdam I decided to rent myself a bike and ride around for a few hours before I had to fly back to Ireland. I rode to the north of the city and then all around finding nice parks and many parts of the city I had not yet reached. Once back in Dublin I was immediately greeted by a German who was staying in my room and invited me to come have drinks with them at Temple Bar. Of course I cannot turn down a Guinness. A good conversation about our respective countries and the rest of the world ensued.

The next morning began my final European day of adventure. My first stop was Kilmainham Gaol, a prison used by the British to house Irish revolters. A great amount of history in that building, very interesting. From there I went to the biggest city park in Europe, Pheonix Park. Full of hurling and cricket pitches as well as a nice monument and gardens. After that I could not resist any longer, and I started off for the Guinness Storehouse. A 7 floor experience of the making and tasting of Guinness was a wonderful way to cap off my time in Ireland. I had my fill of Guinness and enjoyed the nice view of Dublin from the top floor. Trying to squeeze as much in as I could, I rushed from the storehouse to the National Museum and then next door to the National Library. I was starving at this point so I was pointed in the direction of the Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin. A traditional Irish meal and another Guinness would be my last taste of Ireland.

My trip has been everything I expected and more. I was anxious about traveling on my own and having planned so little when heading across the pond. But things fell into place and I had an amazing adventure. I learned the benefits of being a solo traveler. I met people from Italy, Finland, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Uruguay, Israel, Netherlands, U.S., England, China, Japan, Australia and others I'm probably forgetting. The world is an amazing place and I intend to see it all.