The last few days of our trip we settled into Dublin, Ireland within walking distance to the Temple Bar area. Temple Bar is blocks upon blocks of shops, pubs, art studios, and herds and herds of people. I wasn't thrilled about being in the big city, and even less thrilled to be so close to such a hip and happening place where the people walked like cattle ready to slaughter. My small town mentality had a hard time grasping what fun there would be walking amongst thousands of other tourists as we attempted to locate some music and food. However, I actually found Dublin to be much more entertaining and likable than I could have ever imagined. It wasn't my favorite place during our three week holiday, but it was one of the best surprises..the surprise being that I didn't actually hate it! Walking through the streets that make up the Temple Bar area was like being in Vegas. Lights flashed, people handed out flyers, music was pouring from various pubs, and sidewalk performers made the walk interesting. And the shopping...well let's just say I bought my fair share of t-shirts...more than my fair share.
Now home for exactly a month, it is as if Scotland and Ireland never happened. I haven't taken the time to review my photos or been able to stop long enough to simply bask in the memories that were made. I've been busy packing, moving, and transferring to a new town for work. Every now and then I look out the car window as I drive to work past a park. The leaves are on the ground and I catch a glimpse of the river and I simply smile. I think about how beautiful Scotland is, how majestic the shores of Ireland are and I am reminded that Oregon, with it's rain and recent cold weather snap, is majestic itself. I now notice that the fog rolls across the country fields, the rain leaves beautiful drops on the leaves and that the river behind my house sounds like a beautiful song I've never taken the time to hear.
Perhaps the beauty of travel, the real benefit, is that you take time out of your normally busy life and actually look around. You finally see things that life generally hides from you...like the leaves that have changed colors and fallen, and you take the time to follow the roads that could lead no where. Maybe the key to a happy life is being able to see those things no matter where you are or who you are with.
Now home for exactly a month, it is as if Scotland and Ireland never happened. I haven't taken the time to review my photos or been able to stop long enough to simply bask in the memories that were made. I've been busy packing, moving, and transferring to a new town for work. Every now and then I look out the car window as I drive to work past a park. The leaves are on the ground and I catch a glimpse of the river and I simply smile. I think about how beautiful Scotland is, how majestic the shores of Ireland are and I am reminded that Oregon, with it's rain and recent cold weather snap, is majestic itself. I now notice that the fog rolls across the country fields, the rain leaves beautiful drops on the leaves and that the river behind my house sounds like a beautiful song I've never taken the time to hear.
Perhaps the beauty of travel, the real benefit, is that you take time out of your normally busy life and actually look around. You finally see things that life generally hides from you...like the leaves that have changed colors and fallen, and you take the time to follow the roads that could lead no where. Maybe the key to a happy life is being able to see those things no matter where you are or who you are with.
" Maybe the key to a happy life is being able to see those things no matter where you are or who you are with."
ReplyDeleteI think you're on to something there...