Classic Donna

I survived St. Patricks day. Just.
Lucy and I arrived in Cork late last saturday. I knew I liked Ireland from the second we landed. Irish people are SO Irish it's ridiculous. Ridiculously ADORABLE. They say things like "tis grand" and "to be sure" and "I'm just tuggin' your socks"... I loved it. But I digress. Once we checked in at the hostel we went out to dinner and then to a traditional Irish pub down the road. We thought we'd just ordered a beer but soon realised we'd ordered a guinness. Well the Cork version of guinness: Murphey's draught... and oh be-jesus it was like drinking a beer/a loaf of bread. But After the first few sips it's surprisingly enjoyable and we felt like total locals drinking it which was a bonus. The next day we got up early to go see the sites but apparently Cork doesn't open on Sundays. The only things open were pubs. Typical. So we did what any self respecting tourists would do and and went on a Cork pub crawl starting at 11am. We didn't see much but we sure did soak up the culture.

The next day we were much more productive. We got the bus down to Kinsale which is a small town on the coast about 45minutes south of Cork. We walked along the coast about hour to Charles Fort (a fort built in the 1600s or something. A big deal apparently) It was beautiful. Everything was so lush and green and the ruins of the fort looked incredible. We spent almost 2 hours there just exploring. It was one of the most amazing things I've seen so far. We headed back into town to meet up with Lucy (no.2) and Tess who had driven down from Dublin to meet us. We grabbed some lunch and then drove back to cork where we then ate (again) and drank (some more). Next on the agenda was Blarney Castle. Which, in true Irish form, was also like a mystical, magical, fairy land. We went to the top to kiss the stone which wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. There's nothing even on the rock. It's just... a rock. And I had to kiss it. gah. Oh well. After that we drove to Cove. Another seaside town. We got a beer at a pub right on the water and then went back to Cork for more drinking and Irish festivities.

The next morning we got up bright and early to drive up to Dublin. I drove. I was nervous. But it was in the middle of nowhere so there wasn't really much to crash into. We drove via Tipperary, cause Lucy's family is from there but other then that it was onward to Dublin to get ready for Paddy's day. WEOW!

By the time we got around to booking our accommodation for Dublin all the hostels were booked out so we had to resort to booking a swanky hotel. Best thing we ever did. It was so nice. Room service. Cable television. Fresh towels. ah. heaven. It was a splendid two days. When we first arrived we went to the Guinness factory. We only got there an hour before closing though so we pretty much sprinted past all the exhibits to the top floor where you claim your complementary pint of Guinness. Worth it. The next day was Paddy's day which was pretty much what we expected. Guinness Guinness Guinness Whiskey Whiskey Guinness Whiskey. We started drinking at 12pm and got home at 3am. It was EXHAUSTING. The more Irish people drink the friendlier they get but also the less coherent their speech gets. It was certainly a struggle but if ever we didn't understand anyone we just sang and hugged and everything was good. I think I heard that song (that p.s. I love you song) "her hair was black and her eyes were blue" about 50 times. Not even exaggerating. Or complaining. Great song.

So I've been back in London for about 4 Days. Just chilling out. I went to Hyde park yesterday. It was beautiful. I just sat there for 3 hours or so reading my book and observing the squirrels. I. Love. Squirrels. They'd come right up to me to say hello, but as soon as they realised I didn't have any food they'd piss off again. On saturday there's a big rowing race on between cambridge and oxford. Apparently it's a HUGE deal so we're going to pack a picnic and some drinks and head down to the river to observe. How English am I?? Answer: Pretty English.

Other than that not a whole lot has been going on. I thought I had secured a flat but the girls currently renting it gave me the wrong information so that's not happening anymore. Instead I've decided to just travel until end of June/July and then come home. Places I want to go include: Scotland, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland... mmmm yep. Although one of the girls I'm staying with at moment is thinking of going home in April so If she does I'll take her place here. I have a feeling she won't decide til the last second though... which is annoying... but oh well. Spontaneous Jac will deal with it.

I think thats all.
starving
xx