Kerry

We eventually hit the halfway point of the study abroad trip as we arrived in our country cottages.

This was our most secluded portion of the trip.

A stark contrast from Dublin.

We stayed in the cottages for 3 nights.

They were really homey which was nice after all our hotel hopping.

 I spent most evenings curled up in that fuzzy white blanket in the sitting room.

That's what life is like when you're single.

 Hilary spent most of her time doing cooking, cleaning, and doing dishes.

That's what life is like when you're married.

During the daytime we ventured out to a couple of different places.

The first being Killarney National Park.

I have never seen so much moss in my life.

Seriously. Even the tree trunks were covered in moss.

Hilary & I filmed another episode of video footage while hiking through the Wicklow Mountains.

Speaking of the leprechaun hole we mentioned in the video...

we also ran into a real leprechaun.

Maybe he was just a child with red hair... but maybe not.

 In the national park they refer to hiking as walking which is super great because it makes it seem so much less intimidating.

We chose the walk to the Torc Waterfall.

 At the end of the trail we must have missed a turn off because we ended up having to walk along the street.

Scariest thing ever.

Those roads are narrow and those cars go FAST.

We had to literally dive in to the brush several times, but we survived.

After our day long venture through the woods of Ireland we hit the hay and rested up for the next day.

Which entailed a looong boat ride to Skellig Michael.

 I didn't ever know I was so prone to sea sickness but the boat was small and those waves were big.

It was so worth it though.

The Atlantic Ocean is incredible.

I loved being on it.

 We made a video of the experience, of course.

After the 45 minute boat ride we arrived at our destination.

It was a big mountain with a 600 steps carved into it to climb up.

No handrail, no nothing, just you and the steep terrain.

 We cruised to the top no problem.

The journey was called a pilgrimage for many of the monks and supposed to be a very spiritual experience, which makes a lot of sense.

Being on that secluded island was very peaceful. 

My teacher made a nice analogy for me.

Journeying on a rowboat to this land mass and building beehive huts at the top is similar to the 18 month pilgrimage I'll be taking to Brazil, on an airplane, to teach about what I believe.

Apparently these types of journeys are common in every religion they just appear a little different.

Here I am on my practice pilgrimage.

It was such a good experience.
I was enjoying it too much to take more pictures.
A girl in my group got some better pictures and posted them here.

I wish I could take everyone I know and love there with me because words really don't do it justice.

Basically I loved spending time in Kerry & Killarney & sleeping in the quaint cottages.

More to come!