Trying to find the leprechaun

Ever since I was a bambino, whenever I heard about Ireland, I thought of leprechauns. Weird, yes. But I used to think these figures of Irish folklore actually existed. So, when I went to Ireland at the end of February, I still had to wonder...where's that pot of gold???

Okay, seriously, this year has been incredible because it has given me not only to opportunity to live in Italian culture and meet so many interesting people, it has also given me the opportunity to travel around Europe. Ireland was always on that agenda and I did it. One of my friends from SJU, Matt, is studying abroad in Ireland this semester so he was able to show me around Cork, Ireland for four days. Here's the story.

The architecture and feel of Cork was nothing like I expected. It's as if the architects and contractors throughout the history of Cork intentionally decided "Let's make everything in this city a different color." I say this not negatively, because I loved it. When looking around Cork, I didn't think it was beautiful like Rome. Cork had its spots of aesthetic appeal, but it was more of an interesting conglomeration than anything.

It was cloudy the entire time too, but again there was a unique vibe in the air.

Also, it was the first time in over six months that I had been in an English-speaking country. The funny thing is that I was actually out of my element. I missed speaking Italian everyday and hearing the local people speak la lingua bella. Yet, the Irish accent is great. If I had one goal in life, it would be to be able to speak English in every accent around the world...perfectly: American (in every region), British, Irish, Scottish, Australian, South African, etc. Okay, so maybe I should reaccess my goals...

The real beauty of Ireland came from two things: the small city of Blarney and the Guinness beer. Primarily the former, although a true pint of Guinness is hard to pint. So Matt and I hopped on a bus to Blarney and toured around the countryside and the Blarney Castle. I kissed the stone so I'm set for life. It's "cards on the table" time and the Blarney Stone can only help my odds.

There's me in the lower portion to show size relativity


Yes, very cliche, I know.

"So that's the Blarney Stoney?? The little gray brick at the bottom of the wall??" Yeah, that's what I said. One of the more awkward experiences of my life, but I'm glad I did it. My Irish ancestry has never been stronger after this.

Blarney territory

Exploring the woods

Ireland also gave me the opportunity to hang out with some fellow Johnnie students for the first time since I began my SJBVC adventure. Quality people indeed. The only weird thing was it hit me that I was the only Johnnie alum in the group. How did that happen so quick???

Bottom line: Ireland was great. Such a different culture and experience than Italy. I still feel "Italian" in my blood for some unexplainable reason, but I had to explore my Irish roots. And even though I didn't see any leprechauns, I'm still convinced they're real. Don't believe me? Watch this news story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nda_OSWeyn8