Galway, will you marry me?

Last week I was able to spend some time in the YAP office in Galway and get to explore the city.  I was excited to go, because literally everyone I've met who has been to Galway says that they love it.  The immediate response to my saying I was going to Galway would always be, "Oh I love Galway."  It was the only place every Irish person seemed to agree on loving.  After having spent a few days there, I can completely understand the enthusiastic response.  If Galway was a man, I'd want to marry it.

The city itself just has a genuine atmosphere.  It's hard to describe in words other than saying "It has an atmosphere..." and "It's so genuine."  It's just a palpable loveliness.  I was able to see the Salt Hill area, which was gorgeous.  Luckily for me the week was pretty sunny and clear, so I
walked around quite a bit.  I even did a day trip cycling around Inis Mór, also known as Aran Island.  It was a fantastic experience.

I was able to see just how vast of an area the YAP Galway office covers.  We spent literally all day driving from one area to the next.  It was a great opportunity to see a more rural side of Ireland as well!

This week also brought St. Patrick's Day.  A friend from Belfast asked me if I wanted to head up there for the day, so I said yes.  For those who don't know, I have spent a Paddy's Day in Dublin before, when I studied abroad, and I am well aware of the fact that it is pretty much internationals (cough cough Americans) who go to party in Ireland's capital.  So, I figured Belfast would be a much more representative of a true Irish experience.  Also, it was more time in a city I like, so why not?

This is classic and I love it

We missed the parade, but had a grand time drinking in pubs!  It was much more relaxed than in the States (and Dublin), and there was no trouble (so no worries Mom, Dad, Paul, Leah, and Janine).

Kissing him is good luck.  Those yellow things in the background BUILT THE TITANIC

Drinks on St. Paddy's Day

View from Inis Mór

I think I can see Point Pleasant

The world's smallest church

The Beach on Inis Mór

On a completely unrelated side note, I've just found out a town in Ireland has a time banking system.
http://www.clonfavour.com

SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Also, yes -
http://www.irishtimes.com/50-reasons-to-love-ireland-1.1327674