Well, I took a stroll down the ole long walk of the day, I ay I ay...

Overlooking Quay Street

There are so many things we’d like to say about yesterday....  but the one that is ringing in our ears is the fire alarm, that went off at the hostel in the wee hours of the morning.  Yay.  Well, not really.  Plus, we were so exhausted we didn’t bother to get out of bed,  We looked at each other, Kalena suggested we could jump out the window if things got bad, and we went back to sleep.  Or tried to.  We have a cute little private hostel with its own bathroom, overlooking an equally adorable pedestrian street.  well, its adorable during daylight - it morphs into an outdoor club at night. Despite that, we had a great night over pub grub, pints and walking through Galway.  

We stumbled upon a little street fair with a Christmas theme - lots of international food (it seems wrong to see a mexican food stand in Ireland, but oh well), local crazies, and things to buy.  We spent more time just wandering around the city - there were lots fof little hole in the wall pubs we wanted to venture into, but it had been a long day (or days at this point), so we headed back to the hostel relatively early at 10pm.  

But, prior to all this fun in Galway, we had had a very long, very fun day.  It started with our departure from SeaTac.  We exchanged gifts over bloody mary’s, and attempted a video blog, but are running into some trouble with it.  We will try again and post as soon as possible.  Megan and I played numerous rounds of InFlight Trivia (of which she won the majority) and then we settled in with a couple glasses of free wine (thank you international flights!) to watch some movies and fall asleep.  And sleep came...for some.  Kalena got maybe an hour total of good shut eye.  Between Megan’s bedhead hair and Kalena’s bloodshot eyes...we were a sight/fright.

We eventually made it to Dublin where we picked up our midget car (it’s smaller than a twin bed).  And the driving commenced.  With practically no issue, we made it out of Dublin and onto the M6 for our cross country journey.  We stopped along the way in Athelone to see King John’s Castle.  We don’t know who King John is, nor did we find his castle, but we did enjoy driving through the quaint little town.  What can we say about our first glimpses of this country? Heaven...with rock walls and sheep.  And the fattest ponies we’ve ever seen.  It truly is beautiful - from the shape of the trees to the simple architecture of the buildings.

We are heading out of Galway soon. Today’s adventure includes our first one lane roads, country side, and small towns.  We are heading towards Ennis and then onto find our cottage.  We are looking forward to an excursion into Tulla (4k from the cottage) for some grocery shopping and to stake out our favorite local pub.  The next few days will begin our real adventures - chasing leprechauns, hunting down a fox hunt, and riding pony carts through the barren Aran Islands.

So, with no further delay, we are off.  That’s all folks.

Cascade Cocktails,Dreams and Mile High Marys....

Like the true sister cats we are, we bought each other siscattymoon presents.... and when we exchanged the gifts over bloody mary's at the airport, we discovered, that in complete sister fashion... we had purchased each other the exact same thing. So now, we are proud owners of matching silver friendship necklaces. Twinsies. Bracelet buddies. We had about 2.2 seconds of embarrassment about it, and we're over it. We're awesome.

Now, these are not just any old necklaces. There is a story behind them, one which we shall share with you now.... In Celtic Spiritual tradition, it is believed that the soul radiates all about the physical body, what some refer to as an aura. When you connect with another person and become completely open and trusting with that individual, your two souls begin to flow together. Should such a deep bond be formed, it is said you have found your Anam Cara or soul friend. Soul friends are WAY better than soul mates. This we know to be true.


So, we attempted to video blog for you all...  only we got cut off in the middle.   Also, this was our first attempt at video blogging...  so bear with us, we are still a bit camera shy...  it only gets better!  

Slainte!

Chippie Wiki Wiki

We're read and reread every book we own on Ireland. We've spent hours pouring over maps and routes. We talk about Galway, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Inishmore, Doolin, Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Kilcock, Ballsbridge; places we can't wait to visit, and places that have names that just make us dissolve into fits of giggles. We call each other when Rick Steves has an Irish special on PBS and watch it 'together' over the phone. Almost every sentence we speak starts with "Ohmygodwe'regoingtoIreland....", spoken so quickly, it all comes out in a single breath. We've probably spent too much money on clothes, but at least we'll look good. We make up sayings, like 'Chippie Wiki Wiki,' which loosely translates into 'fish & chips really fast' when you combine Irish and Hawaiian slang (Hawairish?) - this also brings on the giggles. We countdown the days... and there are only 10 left!

This trip to Ireland is a big deal. For all sorts of reasons. For me, I actually debated permanently moving to Ireland 2 years ago. I was ready to make a change, and knew I had to move away from Spokane. There were two places I considered moving to: Ireland and Seattle. Seattle of course made more sense; I have family here, old friends, and I had a job waiting for me. And so I made the prudent choice, and packed all my belongings, the black and white doglet and moved to Kirkland. There is still a BIG part of me that wishes I had thrown caution into the wind and moved to Ireland. I have skills that make me employable throughout the world; I can build a Guinness with the best of them, and make friends with a rock. I pictured getting a job waiting tables, making coffee or slinging beers in the evening, and spending my days finishing the book I started writing a few years ago, but never quite find the time to finish. That was my Irish dream - the "if I could do anything in the world right now" dream.

I find the other reason this trip is so special kind of funny actually. Well, funny, but also sentimental. When we first started dreaming about taking a vacation, we spoke of Paris, Venice, Cinque Terra, Munich. We whispered about classic art, sculptures, and fountains made for wishing on pennies. We talked about quaint cobblestone streets lined with small cafes serving gelato and espresso. We brought up Ireland, but brushed it aside, both of us remarking that we were saving for our respective honeymoons. Well, honeymoon, shamoneymoon. We don't need to wait for men to take the trip of a lifetime. The time to live is now. We're going to Ireland. I'm coining this our Sistercatmoon. Sadly, this came to me the other morning, when I was... Oh, I hate to admit this, but for the sake of this story, I need to... watching Bride Wars. More accurately, I was watching Bride Wars and crying. Big, sloppy, emotional tears. The lines said during the closing scene of the movie struck a cord with me, and I will share them with you all now....

"Sometimes in life there really are bonds formed that can never be broken. Sometimes you really can find that one person who will stand by you no matter what. Maybe you'll find it in a spouse and celebrate it with your dream wedding, but theres also the chance that the one person you can count on for a lifetime, the one person who knows you sometimes better than you know yourself is the same person who's been standing beside you all along."

Such true words. And perfect, I think, to use when describing my friendship with my bestie, Kalena. So, with that explained, I think our Sistercatmoon is going to be the best one ever.... 8 days!

Enjoy craic, we shall.

Craic = The Art of Conversation

I've been feeling a little bit "off" lately, and not quite my normal, social, bubbly self.  I think I can partially credit this to some of the changes coming my way.  Sometimes, it just takes me a little while to adjust.  I think you can all relate.

But, off or not off, I made a commitment to come out of my shell in preparation for this trip.  Afterall, I simply cannot be that shy, sullen blonde girl, slowly sipping her half drunk beer in the corner of  O'Conners, or Kennedys, or some such aptly named establishment.  I must....I Must...I MUST be ME - conversing with locals, making friends with my brethren, finding some charming old man with a handsome son (and swoon-worthy accent) who wants to show me how he herds sheep...or harvests peat...or drives his pony & trap.  And the half drunk beer?  Nonsense.  Bartender, please...one more drink.  (Yes, I just inserted a little Dave Matthews Band pun.  Sorry.  No, I shan't apologize.  YOU are the one choosing to read this, afterall.  Know your author.)

Here's the thing:  Megs and I will have NO problem with this.  In my heart of hearts, I know this.  The only problem will be that we have a humor that is all our own.  We have a history of making words/phrases up, and then using them as if they make ANY SENSE AT ALL.  Some examples from the past:

Homojo - our "sense", if you will, of one another's thoughts, feelings, emotions
The eagle has landed. - Code for a certain someone we fancied in college.  There were many more phrases.
Angerland - Ireland.  Not cause it's angry...just...ummm...Megs?
mwuuuaaaahhhhh - Dinosaur speak.  We seriously used to talk in baby dinosaur speak.  Like twins.
Finger-worthy - A man worthy of family consideration. (After an absinthe drink, I somehow had an epiphany that a family can only have as many members as you have fingers on a hand.  So you want to pick the people who take up those fingers wisely.  Makes absolutely no sense)

*I recognize this seems completely retarded.  These things just happen over 18 years of friendship.

And finally...

Be Not Eel Food.

The story goes something like this:

"_________", Kalena taunted.
"Oh, yeah? Well, I'll feed you to the eels," shot back Megan with vengeance.
"I AM NOT EEL FOOD!" shouted Kalena.

Long story, eh?  Explanation:  We have started using the phrase "I am not eel food" when we feel we are being treated unfairly, to remind us of our worth...and I think it reminds us how much we value one another.  We know that, no matter what, we are stuck with each other for life.  It's just the way it's going to be.

I think it could catch on!  Ireland is the perfect place to test it out.  We'll start it with the craic.

Be not eel food, my friends.  I love you.

Screaming eels & faerie ponies.

I am not afraid of much.  Spiders…love them.  Dark, creaky forests…sounds peaceful.  Sharks…the closer I can get, the better.

However.  There are two things (and only two) in this world that scare the bejeezus out of me.  Ghosts…and…water snakes.  Why do I bore you with my fears?  Because I will be facing them both…in 22 days.  (Also, I apologize for the excessive use of the period.  I write how I talk.)

It is time to tell you about THE TRIP.  It is the stuff dreams are made of.

So, yes.  We are going to Ireland.  From November 19-27, we will be driving our little matchbox rental all over the magical isle.  Homebased in County Clare, our little cottage shall provide us warmth from the wood fireplace after long, rainy days traversing the limestone Burren, cozy couches to curl upon after guiding a pony and trap across the Aran Islands, a kitchen and full dining room from which we can host a Thanksgiving meal for our newly found Irish mates, and two bedrooms to dream away in after gaping in awe at the Cliffs of Moher.  The story goes that a group of faerie ponies threw themselves over the cliffs in the times of yore.  Ponies?  Faeries?  One of nature’s greatest creations?  Count us in.  We are pretty much smack dab right in the middle of the country, making it easy to take a trip up to Dublin if we so choose, go south to the Dingle Peninsula and have a Guinness with Bono, and have morning walks along quiet one lane roads in the middle of the country side.  Oh, and County Clare is known as the home of traditional Irish music.  Spontaneous jam sessions break out in the pubs regularly.  Bring your fiddle, Meggie.  Pubs…keeping Megan and Kalena entertained since 2002.

After this most amazing of weeks, we are returning the midget car to Dublin and hopping on a RyanAir flight (Hello!  8 Euros to fly?!  Yes please!) to Manchester.  Upon arrival, we will make our way to Anderton Marina where we will pick up our next mode of transportation/lodging (November 27-3).  A canal boat.  Narrowboat.  Small canals were carved into the English countryside in the medieval times to transport goods into the villages.  Over time, these fell out of use as industry and technology surpassed the slow moving barges that traversed these waterways.  They have been resurrected and now are home to one of England’s most popular holiday pastimes.  Boat rentals on the canal consist of one VERY long (60 foot), VERY skinny (7 foot) floating barrel of fun.    

The boat is steel hulled and tops out at about 4 mph.  Good thing since they basically just hand it over and set you loose.  Yes, you read that right.  We are responsible for driving this thing.  And drive it we shall.  Captain Megan and First Mate Kalena will explore England from a totally new angle, cruising quietly through beautiful countryside and villages, and mooring up wherever our mood suits us (and for our daily cocktail hour). 

We will maneuver ourselves through archaic locks, frighteningly high aquaducts, and pitch black mile long tunnels.  One such tunnel is reportedly haunted.  By a headless woman.  Who screams.  Not. My. Cup. Of. Tea.  Megan will probably have to tie me to the tiller just so I don’t abandon her and hide in the tiny boat bathroom.

This is a good time to mention the eels.  No, not the band (however, listen to this for pleasure to your ears).  Real eels.  The canals are stocked with them.  Some Englishman thought they might be a yummy dish, and unfortunately, have turned into delicacy when jellied.  Jellied Eels.  ICK. 

Last week, I had a dream that an eel actually jumped out of the water and landed in the boat.  Last night, Megan and I made a pact that we would not dance on top of the boat (yes, this would happen) for fear that we fall overboard and be subject to the eels.  Megan seems to think that if we tie ourselves to something, we’ll be ok because we can just drag ourselves back to the boat and back on board.  I am going to spend the whole week tied to a chair.

These eels thrive in dark, muddy crevices.  Now, remember the pitch black, mile long, haunted tunnel?  Yeah.   Eels and ghosts. 

I’d rather not be eel food.  Thanks.

What Ireland lacks in car rental policies, they better make up for in beer, music, and men.

CDW, DBP, TP, PAI, CDI... WTF?!!?

Really? I wasn't aware that I needed to have my decoder ring handy just to decipher Irish car rental websites. After what seemed like days spent scouring the internet for ideas on car rentals, help with car rentals, and people's various experiences renting cars in Ireland, we've finally figured it out. And, we have email proof of what they told us. Kalena is a genius, she's got it in writing. Apparently Ireland is a dangerous place to drive, because they require you have all sorts of insurance, just in case, for extra peace of mind.

In the US and many other countries, your major credit card will usually cover this insurance, in the event we forget to put the emergency brake on and let the VW roll off the Cliffs of Moher. In Ireland, this is not the case. They make you pay 14.80 EUR (or $20.68) DAILY for peace of mind. I keep thinking if we spent $20 a day on beers, we'd have another kind of peace of mind altogether, and really not give a care that the bloody car went rolling off the cliffs. Just sayin'. So for roughly $300, the smallest vehicle we could find (can you even call this a car?!) will be touring us over hill and dale and helping these two sister cats traverse Ireland. We're excited for the VW. We will inevitably come up with a spectacular name for our trusty chariot. Suggestions?

With the CRC (Car Rental Confusion) behind us, Kalena and I are back to looking forward to the many adventures that lie ahead. We spend evenings planning outings, reading Irish books... it seems as though EVERYTHING in our lives revolve around this trip. We've each started what we like to refer to as "Famine Diets." This actually has less to do with losing weight as it does with saving money. We're eating super, super cheap up until the trip. We're not going out until the trip, well, unless someone else pays for us, because we think the famished Irish would approve of that. Its just us being resourceful. And the Irish are known for their resiliency. Kalena is practically living off oatmeal, and I have finally made a dent in that 10 pound bag of rice I bought at Costco years ago. We'd rather eat rice and oatmeal for weeks than spend money here before we go. We went shopping yesterday with the sole purpose of purchasing clothes for Ireland. Outfits need to be planned. This is the trip of a lifetime, and it is not to be taken lightly. Yes... we realize the irony involved in not spending money on food, but then going shopping. What can we say, our priorities are in the right order. And you could say we have tunnel vision right now... Ireland. England. Fun. Laughter. Music. Dancing. Pubs. Boats. Its going to be amazing.

Megs

Welcome to the Big Top.

Yes. Welcome to the circus. For example, pray you partake in this little gem:

I really can't explain it. And this was before the sweet taste of alcohol flowed across our lips (well, maybe not before...but before too much.). This is simply what happens when Megs and I are left to our own devices, with one another, for extended periods of time. I believe we were supposed to be packing at the time we took this picture to go home for the holidays. We got far. And 10 years later, we are (at our cores) those same girls. We are sister cats.

Around the same this picture was taken, Megs gave me a card (that I am looking at and have kept to this day). On the front, it said "In another life, we were sisters. And cats. Sister cats." And inside, "You had two different color eyes, but it was cute." Now, Megs and I do not have different colored eyes (in fact, we have almost identically colored eyes. See the middle picture on the left in our header.), but the card was practically written by us...and I mean that it is something that we would actually say. We may not make much sense to other people, but we make sense to us. It doesn't help that at the time we were very interested in discussing our "old souls" and past lives. Oh, and we were living with three cats (cats is really not a good word for them as they were almost as big as my dog). So, it fit. And it stuck.

Watch out Ireland. You really have no idea.