Here I am again, trotting the streets of Galway, Ireland! Despite the economic downfall and the cold rainy weather this country is currently facing, I would have to say that the energy in Galway is on the rise! The streets are packed with people and musicians and the air is infused with the smell of beer and tobacco smoke.
We arrived in Dublin on Tuesday morning and our very bright and factual bus driver Michael drove us to Galway while he briefed us on the economic status of Ireland. Since my last visit to this country, the market value of homes has dropped by up to 50%, construction projects are visibly on hold and the VAT tax has dropped from 20% to 13.5%. On a positive note, tourism is on the rise and partly because of Obama`s visit in May! Nonetheless, Michael assured us that “the locals still have the price of a pint in their pocket”! Good news!
It’s been pouring since we got here on Tuesday so I have kept it pretty low key. I started my day on Wednesday with a yoga class in the city. There`s something hot and unique about an Irish man with an accent guiding you through your practice! I also met a local girl at yoga who just finished some volunteer work in Nepal. She spent 4 weeks in the mountains teaching local students and living with a host family. We got to talking about gender inequalities and how she saw first-hand that women are second class citizens in this country and aren`t given the proper tools and opportunities to be empowered. Our conversation inspired me to look into volunteer opportunities to possibly work on literacy programs and educational training for women next summer. I`m glad I woke up and went to yoga despite the jet lag!
Wednesday night we checked out the Galway Film Festival. We viewed a film on the economic status of Iceland and what individuals are doing to stop consumerism and rebuild a stronger sustainable country. The documentary was alright...I really enjoyed the Iceland vodka served afterwards! J
Yesterday we spent the day at the Aran Islands. I think I fall in love with that place more and more each time I visit. My coworkers and I rented bicycles and rode around and took pictures all afternoon. Their way of life is so simple and pure...it's as though you`ve warped back a few years. Stone wall divide all the properties, horses trotting along the roads and locals hard at work outside. They seem to have a lot of pride and all their properties are pristine.
Last night I went to Taaffes Pub for a few Smitwicks and some good old Irish music. Soooo fun!! I had a perma smile all night...I just love the vibe in the pubs here! The music was fantastic!
On a final note, if you`re ever in Galway, wake up early on a Saturday morning and walk down Griffin street to watch the locals start their day. You will find people walking with baskets picking up fresh produce and newspaper while shop owners are prepping their colourful store fronts for the day. It was lovely to watch!
I am having a grand time here in Ireland and will share more stories in the days to come!
| It is good to collect things, but it is better to go on walks -Anatole France |
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