A Little Bit of This and That

Some tid-bits taken from journal writings, some just to update you with pictures :) 

#1 September 14
"In no right mind should anyone put buttons on a pillow. I mean, for goodness sakes, really? Honestly, I didn’t hold much of an opinion on the matter until around 4:30 this morning as I awoke, unable to lift my head from my pillow due to the mass of hair attached to this nonsensical excuse for comfort. After minutes of fighting with the entanglement that was once neatly braided before bed, I yanked the button off the pillow without the slightest remorse. And if the hostel questions me, I will tell them exactly how I feel about their choice of décor."

#2 I now know where the “other side” is. I’m in it. 

The grass is greener in Ireland.

#3 Most awkward/embarrassing moments thus far:

A)   On my last day in Dublin I actually got up for the hostel breakfast. I sat with three French boys, and after a few minutes of talking they asked me where I was from. **It’s essential to note that the night before, I had been wearing my Ducks shirt with “Oregon” written across the front. It’s also important to note that, come morning and unbeknown to me, I was no longer wearing that shirt underneath my button-up sweatshirt.**

Continue:

French Boy: “What part of the states are you from?”

Me: Parting my sweater to proudly display Oregon, “Oregon.”

French Boys: Puzzled, perhaps slightly uncomfortable.

Me: Looking down, mortified to see that I’m wearing my black tank top and realizing I just gave a horrible impression of Oregon girls.

Well, I may have encouraged more tourists to visit our beautiful state. So...you’re welcome?

*B)   I’ve found that, for the most part, dancing in clubs is just an excuse for people to get away with raunchily rubbing up against the opposite sex as much as possible without requiring a room. The most skill that came from me on the dance floor in Dublin was a strictly skilled technique I like to call “Dodging the Drunk Kiss.”
For some reason, a boy who shall remain nameless, thought it’d be okay to make his move on the dance floor, which then caused me to do this matrix-esque back bend followed by a Rush Hour-Jackie Chan head/shoulder roll with as much tact as possible (a high level of talent required, of course), topped off with my response of, “I don’t kiss boys.” I figured he could interpret that any way he wanted. Awkward moment for sure.

C)   I had to use the restroom at the station in Limerick before switching buses to Galway. I’m not sure if we have these in America, but in some public restrooms in Europe they have these long cords hanging by the toilet that you can pull for assistance or in case of an emergency. So I’m using this bathroom in the middle of the station, and I accidentally pull this cord.  All that was running through my mind as this annoyingly high-pitched alarm was sounding was, “Oh my goodness. Some man is gonna come bustin’ in this restroom—there’s no emergency, and I’m definitely in no need of assistance.” I’ve never left a restroom so fast. As I was bolting, a rather old man (I’m still trying to figure out how he’d assist an, ideally, equally old person) was coming to make sure everything was okay. Red-faced, I nodded and apologized for the inconvenience. My very short stay in Limerick left an impression.

*D)   I hate to make men seem like dogs, and most, when not under the influence, are perfect gentlemen. But last night I was having a fine, even enlightening, conversation with a redheaded Irish guy sitting with our group. He was from Dublin, just taking a couple days off to visit Galway with his friend. Much later in the evening, as everyone was heading out of the pub for closing, I’m talking to another man from the area when all of a sudden someone grabs a handful of ass—this is no flirtatious tap mind you, but just full hands-on, and I screamed. You can imagine, as most of you know how well I deal with startling situations, the attention that drew. I turned thinking I’d see Hannah or another girl from our group and here stands this redhead. I hit him on first instinct and told him if my palm weren’t cut up I’d slap him. He apologized after seeing how much I did not appreciate the gesture.

*Note to men: please don’t ever treat proper ladies like examples from B or D. Thank you.

#4 I can’t prove it, and I know more logic is stacked against my theory than anything, but I’m still pretty sure Hannah and I were separated at birth.  We mesh like none other, and I love her sincerely. We’ve laughed so much together. One of THE funniest moments we’ve had was in Killarney. My camera can be set up to take three consecutive pictures after a ten second pause, so we set it up on my bicycle and ready ourselves for the pic. Keep in mind that it’s awfully windy, and as we’re waiting, my camera tips slightly. This being my brand new, fairly nice camera, I completely bolt from Hannah’s side to rescue it. And she follows after me. We thought the three pics had already been taken, but after I grab my camera and look back, we realized the three pics caught us in our frantic rush for it. I know this may be one of those moments you have to be there for, but I promise you, I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.

Shot #1, our facial expressions: priceless.

Shot #2, running for it

Shot #3, got to my baby

#4 A few of the most entertaining minutes of my stay here have been walking behind these three girls in Galway:

First of all, in case you cannot tell, it’s not exactly sunny in Ireland. Nobody is wearing shorts and skirts, some (like we were this day, and most other days) are wearing coats and jackets, and absolutely no one is wearing neon-colored, Hawaiian-printed, stretchy pieces of clothing that barely cover our bodies. These girls definitely thought they were the best things to hit Galway’s streets. Best, most entertaining expressions received. Ever.

#5 I live off these protein bars. Enough said.

#6 Please take full notice of Hannah’s irresistible quirkiness here:

Situation: We have finished our long bike ride. It is raining and very cold, as you may be able to tell from the pedestrians, and yet Hannah decides it’s a perfect time for soft serve ice cream and a mango soda. Ha.

#7 And the award for tiniest hostel room ever goes to…Bru Bar & Hostel, Cork. You can see the post of my bed, and my butt nearly touching the wall. Now I know I have an inherently large backside, but c’mon, what an awkwardly small space, especially with four people! 

 #8 Holes in the flesh make several things uncomfortable … I’m healing up pretty good, though. 

 Also, for any future flying references, British Airways provides the cutest miniture toothpaste for your convenience (airplane socks, eye cover thingy, and toothbrush also provided--not as cute, obviously).