Spring Break

Hey all,

Here are some pictures from my spring break. I decided to travel on my own to Spain and Ireland. Within the course of ten days, I went to Madrid, Barcelona, and Dublin. Traveling alone is an interesting beast. I thought that I would enjoy it immensely, being the prototypical Smerkanich. However, I must admit, it did get somewhat tiresome having only myself to keep me company. During the days, it was fun to explore on my own but nights were difficult. One thing I have learned is that there is nothing more depressing than eating alone in a restaurant.

Okay, enough of the "herp a derp derp I was lonely" nonsense. I was in Spain and Ireland for Christ's sake! Spain was gorgeous. I had never been and I was not disappointed. Of the two cities, I must admit that I liked Madrid better. It had a great city feel to it while being quintessentially beautiful at the same time. I was able to spend a whole day at the Prado and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. And I would just spend hours lounging and napping in the parks with their beautiful views.

My feet, lounging

To get to Barcelona I took the highspeed train, which was awesome. It was by far the most expensive mode of transportation I took but it was totally worth it. I was in Barcelona in 2 1/2 hours and had an extra half a day to explore. Gaudi's architecture is stunning and the streets have such an open feeling to them. My hostel was somewhat off the beaten path and it had a great homey feel to it. I would call Barcelona the "sexier" of the two cities, I don't know why but there it is. I saw the Picasso museum and scaled the mountain to see the seaside fortress, oh and I had an all you can eat Asian buffet. Oh yes. They lost money on me.

This man knew what was going on.

For you Dad

And then there was Dublin. My god, do I love Ireland. Though there is no part of me that is Irish (that I know of), there is something about the country and the culture that I am in love with. Now I had been there once before, so it was nice to come back and re-explore. The perfect way to wrap up Spring Break. First day, Jameson tour. Second day, Wicklow day trip and a romp around Trinity College. Third day, Dublinia, an amazing Yeats exhibit at the National Library, and yes the Guinness Tour. On the fourth and last day I took the Dart to the fishing village of Howthe. I wish I could have stayed longer to do the hike around the whole cliffs but I wasn't prepared so I just had a quick look in the village and of course the local pub. My last night in Dublin was one of the best nights I have had on this trip. My friend met me that night and we spent the last of our Euros in the nosiest pubs in the Temple Bar district. By the end of the night we had sung at the top of our lungs the quintessential American and Irish playlist and we certainly spent the last of our euros.

I want to live in Ireland. That is the long and short of it. If I could act in Masterpiece Theatre Drama series and live in Ireland, I'd be a very happy man. And yes, I have a great great appreciation for Czech beer now, but there is something about Guinness that is indescribably wonderful. Maybe because it is a meal within itself, who knows. Oh and being able to speak the primary language of the city and country I was in was simply wonderful. I do miss just to be able to order a meal or ask for something without fearing a total failure in communication.

The best Irish coffee in my life. John Jameson for sainthood!

My first Guinness of the trip.

The remains of it.

They say if you hug that cross and get your fingers to touch then it is good luck. Well, last time I did that, let's just say I say I saw what an Irish emergency room looked like at a midnight on a Friday night. NOT THIS TIME IRELAND! :)

Ah, the mad-cap times at Dublinia!

Need I say more?

A view from Howthe.

That about sums up my Spring Break, my last Spring Break I just realized. It was an amazing experience to travel totally on my own and to plan the whole thing on my own. I hope you enjoy the photos!

Best,

N