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September 03, 2004
Galway, Ireland
I'm in Glaway, Ireland, with Greg. I've been traveling for 3 days without a break. I went over 30 some hours without sleep and finally got a half nights sleep at a Hostel in Belfast last night.
From Iceland I landed in Glasgow, Scottland with a couple hours to spare. It was a great city with lots of beautiful, old architecture and pedestrian walking areas. I was a little disappointed to find the gentrification I found in all major cities of the US had followed me. I walked by Gap's, Starbuck's, McDonalds, United Colors of Benington, etc.. I ended up at the bus station with time to kill so I found a nearby Irish pub. Why go to an Irish pub in Scottland? Cuz it was nearby and looked cheap. Inside I talked to the bartender for a little before a Glasgow native named Pattrick 'patty' sat next to me. He was super nice and the 1 pint I was going to have before my bus turned into 3 thanks to his generosity. The scott was hard core. He had his favorite football team tattooed on his arm, the Celtics I believe. He talked about going to Australia and out-drinking the ausies. He had some other story about being in Australia and having a drink with some aboriginals when he heard some brit making a racial comment. He asked the bartender whether the bar was insured, found out it was, and proceeded to crack a chair over the brit's head. Super nice guy though. Remember, there are no alcoholics in Brittan just like there were no 'colored' people in Zimbabwe. :)
After more buses and an awesome ferry ride I finally made it to Belfast where I took a cab to my hostel. Didn't get there til 10pm (after having left my Uncles in NYC at 2pm EST the day before). After talking to my roommates for a little, I finally got 6 hrs sleep before I had to run to the bus stop and get on a 9 hour bus ride to Galway, where I am now!
At some point in my sleep deprived state I started realizing I was on a different continent. This realization isn't as obvious as you'd think. The ground is still hard, trees still grow towards the sun, people breath the same air and drink the same water. They love, hurt, laugh and struggle just like anywhere else. People may be different, but all are essentially the same.
Tonight we're meeting some people for dinner and then likely Greg and I will head for the south of Ireland to check it out.
I think I'll send my laptop back with Greg. Having it has been a pain. Its heavy and valuable, both of which mean its a nuisance. This is the first time I've even opened it. I don't feel comfortable opening it in most situations because of its value. I've been very protective of it, which I need to be, but thats also a pain. Without my laptop, I have nothing of value to worry about. I'l be with Greg for the next 7 days with my laptop, so I'll decide then. If I had something smaller and cheaper, I'd not mind as much. I'm probably also gonna send some clothing home with him. Its best to go light.
I'm reading The Way of the Peaceful Warrior and I believe its beginning to have an impact. I can't really describe how at the moment, but I'm sure I'll be writing about it in the future.
Posted by wonko at September 3, 2004 10:33 AM
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Comments
I had a good laugh at your story. The name of the football team is "Celtic" by the way.
Did you enjoy your time in Galway?
Posted by: Patrick from Ireland at October 13, 2004 10:37 AM
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