Wheeewwwwwww! Ladies and gents... I am officially back from the trip of a lifetime to Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England. This trip was absolutely fandoubidoisie- a word we learned from one of our Scottish bus drivers that means beautiful. I experienced completely different cultures, LOTS of different foods, met wonderful people, and developed a greater appreciation for my love of history, but especially where I come from. I am thankful to be an American, from North Carolina, who lives in the small in the middle of nowhere place called, Westfield.
Before this trip began I was extremely nervous. I had never flown before, never been out of the country, and never really been away from my parents, or Jordan for more than a week (except during Graduate school during thesis work). Luckily, I was able to talk one of my best friends, Kelsie Roper into doing the trip with me. We seriously had the best time. Kelsie doesn't live as close as each of us would like, so spending 11 whole days with her was an absolute treat!
The trip started off rocky, we had flight delays, and then cancellations, and actually missed two days in Ireland because of them. I was FREAKED! I was like geeze... am I even supposed to be taking this trip? But we finally were able to get on a flight, and Kelsie and I were off to Shannon, Ireland.
We were ready to go!!!
We made it!!!! Well... sorta.
First, because of all of the delays and issues with flights we had to take a pit stop in Manchester, UK. Of course we didn't mind because that meant we did not have to spend 13 hours in the Manchester airport waiting for our flight to Shannon.
While in Manchester, we toured around the city and saw lots of unique architecture.
We even got to tour and visit one of the places Manchester is most well known for, football (American soccer).
This is the Manchester United Stadium. It was amazing!!!!! Kelsie and I get super excited for baseball, but boy they love their football!
Finally, we were able to catch our plan to Shannon, Ireland. This is the plane we rode; it was extremely small with propellers on the outside. After, the plane ride, and due to the time changes, and it being so late, we had probably about a 4 hour bus ride to our hotel where we were able to get three hours of sleep before we had to get up to go to Blarney Castle.
We were exhausted due to the lack of sleep, but boy was it worth it!!!! Blarney Castle was gorgeous.
Can't you tell :)
Also, we had the BEST group of the entire trip!!! This is just a few of us!
It was a beautiful view at the top of Blarney Castle. You could see for miles!
You could see for miles!
And yes, I kissed the Blarney Stone. It is supposed to give you courage, persistence, and agility. Also, a little bit of good luck!
This is the quaint little town center of Blarney!
After our time in Blarney, we take a bus ride to the capital, Dublin, Ireland. That night we enjoyed a dinner/dance show with Irish River dancing!
They were a very energetic group!
The next day, we went to Saint Patrick's Cathedral. The stained glass windows were gorgeous, and we learned that you read them from bottom up, left to right, and do the middle last.
Me in the cathedral.
The outside of the cathedral.
We were able to experience part of Dublin...
Trinity College, the location of the Book of Kells 4th-5th Century.
After Dublin, our tour took us to one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen, Wales.
I made it!!!
We made it :)
This reminded us of rainbow row in Charleston, SC. It was so pretty!
I absolutely loved the view. Water, mountains, boats... what more could you ask for?
We loved it there!
Beautiful sailboats!
There were beautiful, little quirky areas!
This castle was also located in Wales. It was called Beaumaris Castle, right on the waterway.
Why wouldn't you have built your castle here back in the day?
More beautiful views of Wales.
Eeehhhh Sailboats!! :)
On our way out of Wales, we stopped in at a little place called Grasmere. It was adorable.
I loved the stone buildings with all of the trees, and creeks located nearby.
Rydal Mount
After visiting Wales, we made it to my favorite place of the entire trip, Edinburgh, Scotland!!!! The Gothic architecture, history, and beautiful views were simply amazing. This is a view of Edinburgh Castle on the skyline behind the church.
Edinburgh Castle.
Kelsie and I at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle on the hill.
On the top of Edinburgh Castle.
Now this is what I think of when you say "castle." Edinburgh Castle was like what you think of from Disney movies. It was breathtaking inside and outside.
One of the Scottish guards.
Hello Edinburgh!
Isn't it beautiful?
We loved this Castle!!
They Royal Mile, Scotland.
While in Scotland, we tried an authentic Scottish dish called Haggis----> Sheeps stomach. It was interesting to say the least, and I only ate my turnips and mashed potatoes.
Edinburgh Castle again....
I promise this is the last from Edinburgh.
We left Edinburgh late at night, and rode a train all night into London, England.
I did not think we would get any sleep at all, but it actually was not that bad!
This is London Tower, where the Crown Jewels are located.
Saint Paul's Cathedral.
This is Kelsie, me, our wonderful tour guide Robin, and Sonya!
Westminster Abbey.
Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace!!!
Buckingham Palace!!
Changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.
Yes, I rode a double-decker bus. You can check that off the bucket list!!!
This was one of the most exciting things from London that we just stumbled upon!!! Next year, my last name will officially become this... of course this is the English way to spell our version of Jessup. This made me really exited to get home to Jordan!
Ohhh you know, just hanging out with Big Ben on the 4th of July
Loved this landmark. (On the train over to London a Londoner-- actually said to me "happy day of your independence from us"... I replied "thank you"... and he whispered... "we miss you!" It made my day)!
And so did Kelsie!!!
Big Ben.
Ohhh you know, just the typical London phone booth picture!!! :)
London Eye!
We LOVED the London Eye..... The views from inside the pod were incredible.
Tower Bridge.
River boat cruise down the Thames River!
It was good to see you London.
This is our group. We had the absolute best time, and I came away with so many memories that I could never be able to write them all down.
We were so excited to be heading home, but so sad that our trip ended quickly. The eleven days went by in the blink of an eye, and I would not have wanted to spend it with a better group of people, and a better friend! Love you Kels!
Here we are one last time before the plane took off!!
Flying over the Atlantic!
Almost back to Charlotte.
This trip was definitely a trip of a lifetime, and to be able to take it with one of my very best friends was something that I will never forget. I am thankful that I took this trip, and that I was able to see so many of the places that I talk about within my history classes, and walk down the streets that many important historical figures once walked.
While on the trip, Kelsie's other half Taylor, and Jordan both told us, "Enjoy every moment, and take it all in, because soon these moments will only be memories." Oh were they correct. These are just our memories now, but they are vast, and amazing, and although I am thankful to be home, I wonder whats on the other side of the distant shores......
