by Katie Reed
Universidad de Navarra, Spain
Getting away from Pamplona for a little bit was definitely exciting and
very much needed. Getting to Ireland, however, not as easy as I had
anticipated. I left Pamplona at 1:15AM Friday and rode the bus to
Barcelona. Once I got to Barcelona I had to get a taxi from the bus
station to the airport. However, when I google mapped the distance
between the two it pulled up the wrong location, so I was much further
away from the airport than I thought. It was over an hour taxi ride
therefore resulting in a 200 euro payment. I was about a nervous wreck
by the time I made it there. Thankfully my taxi driver, Antonio, was
super nice and talked to me the entire way and even got my number so
that he could come back and pick me up on Monday when I returned and he
would be there waiting for me. I made it through the small airport and
got to my gate. When we got ready to board the plane I realized this
was like living decades ago before technology because we didn't just
walk on the plane we had to go outside, be escorted to the other side of
the airport, then walk up steps to get on our plane. Once I got on
there there was no seating arrangement, so being Elizabeth Reed's
daughter this disorder was slightly unnerving to me. Once I sat down I
had the feeling as if I was leaving Tennessee all over again. I don't
know why but it was very strange. However, I finally landed in Ireland
and got through the airport. Once I got to the passport check they sent
me to a different line because I am "non-european". When I walked away
I found two Venezuelan guys who were also looking for where to go.
After finding it we walked the rest of the way through the airport
together. Once I got outside one of the guys started asking me where I
was going to. Then he proceeded to ask me if I wanted to share a taxi.
I almost had a heart attack after having watched the movie "Taken".
Needless to say I left that scene quick, got on my airport bus and
headed to Stevie's apartment. When I got to the stop I asked the bus
driver to make sure I was at the right place. This was when I realized
that not only was their English almost impossible for me to understand,
but they could barely understand me at all! However, I got my stuff and
headed across the street...just one problem...How do they cross the
streets here?? I started walking down the street, found some people
waiting, followed them across and then headed into what I thought was
her apartment. Yet again, my attempts were unsuccessful, I was in the
wrong building and had to go one building over. I made it in, got up to
her apartment and was able to chill and call mom for a bit. Finally
feeling comfortable and so glad to be there! Stevie had left me this
really sweet note, a map and pamphlets out to look at. I called mom and
told her about the trip over then called Stevie. After about 30
minutes she arrived in from work and our adventures began!
We headed out, got a bite of nachos where we got told we had a "lovely"
accent (first time I have heard that since being abroad), then went to
Temple Bar to listen to some live music and have a drink. I tried my
very first Guinness! As we were sitting there we had a very strange,
pushy older man join us. After a little while we had had just about all
we could stand of him so we headed to TGIFridays for some wonderful
dinner. Finally some American food! After dinner it was time to go
rest. The next morning we got up and headed out to see the Dublin
Castle, then had lunch at the Brazen Head (Ireland's oldest pub). That
was definitely really cool and definitely enjoyable.
Next we headed to the Guinness brewery for a tour. It was very
interesting to see all about how they make the beer and the things they
use. Next we went out just walking around for a bit then headed in to
rest for a bit before going out. That evening we headed out to several
local pubs then had calamari and pizza for dinner. At our last stop we
were able to sit in the pub and watch the Kentucky Derby with all the
older men. That was fun for sure. After a long day it was time for
bed. Sunday we slept in a bit then headed out about noon for some fish
and chips! Another very yummy meal for sure. Then it was time to do
some shopping. I earned a good 20 daughter points on this trip! I was
able to find some neat Irish gifts for Mom, just can't say what they
are...it's a surprise! After a few hours of shopping we got some Kinder
bar and cheesecake gelato and headed back for a rest. We watched
"Yours, Mine and Ours" on TV and by the time it was over it was time to
head out again. We went to Temple Bar again for some more live music
and met some really nice German people and there I tried my first "Baby
Guinness" and Irish Cider. Love them both!
After a few drinks we went to have our typical Irish meal. I was
actually very impressed; it was very good! I had a homemade crepe with
prime rib inside in a mushroom and onion cream sauce. After dinner we
were exhausted so we headed back to get some rest since I had to be up
bright and early the next morning. On the way home we saw a guy passed
out laying on a big flower box in the street and as we passed I learned a
"what not to do" as Stevie says. Monday morning I got up at 4:15 to
get ready to head out. While waiting for the airport bus outside the
apartment in the rain I noticed it was running late. One taxi driver
stopped to tell me that the bus had wrecked and was going to be at least
10 minutes late. A few minutes later a taxi van pulled up with at
least 10 people in it and said hop in we are going to the airport. I
crammed in the front seat with two other people and we headed on our
way. Once we got there, I headed in, got checked in, got a bite to eat,
and waited for my flight. While waiting Antonio was already calling me
to make sure that I was going to be at the airport. On the plane I met
just about one of the cutest kids ever sitting in front of me and we
started playing. He kept throwing his blanket at me until he threw it
to far and hit a lady two seats down. Needless to say no more playing
for him. Once I arrived I waited on my bag and before I even made it
out Antonio was calling me again. Before I could get the phone answered
I saw him standing there waiting on me. He was so nice, had me sit in
the front seat with him and we headed on our way to the bus station
talking in Spanish the whole way. I made it to the bus station, got me a
sandwich and went outside to wait on my bus. Once I got on it we had
to make what seemed like a million stops along the way making the ride
much longer than anticipated. Once I finally arrived back in Pamplona
Amanda was anxiously awaiting to hear all about it. Going to Dublin was
definitely a great experience and being about to hang out with Stevie
made it that much better. It was so nice to have someone like her to
talk with and hang out with and especially who can relate to me just
from being from the same area because in Pamplona I am pretty much the
only one from anywhere in the South of the US. Definitely love Ireland,
but now that I am back to Pamplona, the 7 week countdown of going home
begins!