Galway: My favorite place in all of Ireland (thus far)

Today's journey proved to be one full of insight into understanding the heart of the Irish. Traveling to the opposite coast of Ireland, I was able to view a new side of Ireland. What I saw along the way and what I experienced in Galway was surreal. It was an experience I'll never forget. Although, it was a quick day trip--3 hours to the coast by bus, 7 hours in Galway, and 3 hours back to Dublin--we were able to delve into the heart of Galway and experience Ireland--the Ireland that I've always fantasized about. I say it's surreal because it felt like we were in a movie the whole time. The buildings, the shore, the feel of the sea wind against your face were all signs that we had indeed arrived in Ireland. The more I'm here, the more I feel like my heart could stay! I feel a part of it for some reason. My ancestors came from here. I have even found myself talking like the Irish--being surrounded by them, it's hard not to. The accent here is something that I love!

There is something about the Irish--a certain charm. They have a certain hearty character to them. I noticed this especially in Galway, where the people are sea people--they live right along the shore! There exists a certain roughness in their character; they're strong-headed and stubborn.

Last night, Maggie and I were able to experience, again, the friendly hospitality of the Irish people. Not but a minute after ordering our drinks at Temple Bar, two lawyers struck conversation with us--it lasted the whole night...and them buying all our drinks! They even brought us to the oldest pub in Dublin called The Stag's Head for one last drink! It was a night I'll always remember--full of good conversation!

So much is to be learned by those outside our own culture. Opening our mind to the world around us is so beneficial to our world view. It's not so much being open minded as it is understanding the world we are in. It is so easy to maintain a close view of the world we know. Without any understanding of how others live and interact, we set ourselves up for a life that can limit us and limit our understanding. A whole new world is opened when one allows himself to go beyond himself--to give of himself and to allow himself to be open to understanding and gaining knowledge of the world.