Today was the best day I've had so far on my trip, I think!!!! Before today, I was feeling frustrated that I hadnt' taken in more of the city, Ireland, overall that I hadn't done more. Of course, I've only been here exactly three weeks (oh man, it feels like more..) but I want to do as much while I am here as possible. I decided to start small and just explore Galway City, so yesterday I made the decision that I would wake up at a decent hour today, get dressed, and go out on my own as soon as possible.
I amazingly left my dorm at 12:30 (I woke up at that time yesterday), and headed out towards the City. It didn't take long before I was distracted by the bike shop around the corner. I have been seriously debating getting a bike since before I even got here, and until today I had pretty much convinced myself not to get one, for fear of getting hit by a car or something. But today, I strolled into the shop to inquire about getting a bike, and was deterred at first because the man said he didn't have any bikes under 100Euro (thats 150 dollars). So I tried a few expensive ones, and out the old shop guy comes with a little purple bike thats 70 E (the one I was on before that was 140). I said yes immediately, and rode it into the city...and didn't even die! I'm seriously thrilled--- it's so fun to have to get around--- everything in the city/on campus is significantly quicker to get to now!
Then for the rest of the day, I wandered around Galway. Shop street is the main shopping street (go figure...) it's huge-- and only for pedestrians. Every building is stunning and colorful, has so much character. I see what people meant when they said it was a young city-- it reminds me of the Village actually-- but bigger (though not much... I'd say Galway is the size of one or two neighborhoods in New York City put together). I went into all the shops that looked interesting, and made a few fantastic purchases. As a business expense, I bought hiking gear and a backpack (for the bike/hiking) at a place called "The Great Outdoors"...so clever. I also bought a Claddagh ring, which is a famous Celtic symbol, famously sold in Galway, and it has a heart between two hands with a crown on top. They symbolize love, loyalty, and friendship, and to wear it facing out means you are single. The man at the store told me I'd have plenty of Irishmen buying me pints once they saw it was facing out.
I wandered into a store with some candles in the window that were pretty, and it turned out to be a sort of New Age type of store that sells fairy figures and crystals... all that stuff I loved freshman year of high school (go ahead, bring on the rain jokes.). In it, I was chattign with the woman who worked there and I asked her where I should explore in and around Galway, and said i was looking for a good adventure. She told me "The best adventure takes place inside, because no one else can go there." And it just struck me as so true, and unusual-- how often do we really process the fact that the most unique and exciting experiences we have are within ourselves--of course, I'm spending a lot of time in there while I'm here in Ireland as well-- the potential for self-exploration is already overwhelming, and I'm both frustrated and really pleased at times with what I find and with the process.
During the day I also bought a WONDERFUL pair of boots that were on sale, and a cap that a hilarious little old Irish man helped me buy. I thought he worked at the table in the market, but after he convinced me that I found a hat that was the perfect fit, that he and I both adored, he wandered away!! I asked the man behind the table if he hired the old man to tell people he liked the hats and the owner just said, "I thought he was your granddad!" So I suppose you can't ignore the opinions and company of strangers! Actually today I chatted a lot with people I ran into in stores, and they all had such nice things to say and advice to offer about where to go and what to do.
I really am just enamored with Galway. It's a small city-- but its amazing to wander around. There are tons of cafes, 600 pubs, clothing stores (and affordable ones too), wonderful people, charming men, and all sorts of surprises to find. Gonna go now, but I'm full of exciting stories to tell... Hopefully I'll have a chance to relay them soon!
Oh and if any of you would like a more personal message facebook me, e-mail me (melissa.joy.goldberg@gmail.com), or IM me onlylvggirlinny.
Much love and if anyone is reading even thanks!!!!!
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