Ireland, Day One: Ennis

 Excerpts from the travel journal:

September 12, Somewhere over Newfoundland
I'm finally on the plane to Dublin City! The flight to Chicago was super bumpy and kind of terrifying. I'm on a different line now, and it is fantastic. As an American, I'm in heaven because of the accents. I have this crazy hope that when we get to heaven, this is how we will all speak. We're flying over Newfoundland, and the view is gorgeous. It's amazing; here we are soaring through the clouds. I am so blessed. I love this!

 September 12, Ennis, Ireland
We made it! That was the longest, most rigorous 32 hours of my life. It has been amazing, though! I only wish I had been awake enough to enjoy it. We've done so much already! We were the first group to leave for Dublin, and we were so excited to be the first to set first there. Oh! It's so beautiful. The people are amazing. The air is fresher than I've ever felt. It hits you, the moment you step on Irish ground, and you feel healthy! My group landed in Dublin 5 hours before everyone else, so we had to wait in the baggage claim area until the next plane arrived. We were so tired and punchy! Our lifesaver: An Irish vending machine (Note: Hazelnut "Buenos" are AMAZING!). When everyone finally made it to Dublin, we left with our amazing coach driver for Ennis. We were so tired. I this is the longest I've ever stayed awake- 32 hours. 

Ireland is magical. I can't even explain how beautiful it is. Pictures can never, ever do it justice.

We all fell asleep on the bus, unfortunately, right as our driver was trying to relay important information to us. He looked back, and was grinning about it. We all woke up to him saying, "And your ALL sleeping!"

One of our first glimpses of Ireland-- a hurling field. How appropriate! 

 Our first stop was Malahide Castle, just outside of Dublin. It was beautiful! My favorite was the Oak Room. When you walked in, you just felt how OLD it really is. I loved the carvings everywhere; Adam and Eve, and the Annunciation (famous for disappearing and then reappearing during various time periods), in particular, were amazing. The tour guide told us that the Oak Room was used during Saxon times, and would have had mats on the floor made of different vegetation. Insects and small animals made nests in the mats, hence the term "moving floor" when describing floors from the era.

 Malahide castle is, of course, famous for its ghosts, and we heard plenty of frightening tales. But you can't help loving the atmosphere and the sense of importance the castle brings. I loved the dining room, featuring the huge "Battle of the Boyne" painting.

 We hear so many wonderful stories. What I love most about the Irish people is their love for their country. Each story about Ireland's history is told as if it was the individual's personal history, because it is. They are Ireland. I've never seen a people so unified and grateful. Their love for their own land is inspiring.

 We're staying the night in Ennis, County Clare. I LOVE COUNTY CLARE!!! Ennis is so pretty.

I won't even say how long it took us to figure out what this meant. "Maybe it means the toilets are this way..."

 We were exploring tonight, when we came across this church. We were peeking inside, when the priest kindly let us in and began answering questions for us. He told us some of the history of the church, as well as County Clare's history. He was so kind to us-- he even gave us a wonderful book explaining the importance of the church building in County Clare's history. What an adventure we've had already! I've been learning to work by the spirit.

 Goodnight from Ireland!