This past month there hasn’t been a weekend that I’ve been home. Instead, I’ve been taking mini-trips around Europe visiting various friends. From Cork to Swansea, I’ve been re-covering familiar territory.First stop on my February trips abroad was Swansea. A friend from London came along with me, so I knew I had to show her a good time. While Swansea itself is fun for a night out on the town (which I highly recommend if you’re American- you’ll be the talk of the girl’s bathroom with your accent at any nightclub or bar on Wine Street), during the day you just have to get out and explore the natural beauty of Wales. My favorite accessible area (note: renting a car is probably a must to explore some of the more remote places in Wales) is Rhossili Bay.
You may remember, I’ve been before, and not so long ago.
But this time, the weather was much nicer, so we were able to get out and explore much further afield than the first time.
We hiked the mountain closest to the beach so we could see the bay…
…and the town below.
As you can see from my pictures, the weather was ever-changing, so we popped in for lunch and tea at the Bay Bistro.
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After warming up and getting a bit in the spring mood with the fresh flowers and sunshine on our table, we headed out for a walk along the cliffs.
Unfortunately, spring is only just trying to come out in Rhossili. The wind was cold and extremely strong, we took refuge on the beach itself, which is huge. Walking along it, we came across the ruins of an ancient Viking ship. We just don’t have things this old in the States, do we?
The next weekend I was in Cork to visit one of my lao tong and her husband. It had been about a year since I’d last been to visit them for their wedding, so it was high time I made another trip!
On Saturday we braved the very Irish elements to go to the Gap of Dunloe.
Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love the rain– but I don’t really like rain that blows sideways. It was also quite windy. So, as I always say, if you can’t beat ’em, take a funny picture.
After Gap of Dunloe, lao tong’s husband took us to Aghadoe Heights Hotel for a mid-day tipple. This happens to be a very special place for my favorite couple, as its where they got engaged. The view is fantastic from the balcony of the bar. I’m coming back for a stay very soon!
Finally, we made a pit-stop at Ross Castle in Killarney before being absolutely rained out.
I am starting to feel quite at ease in these homes away from home. After all, home is where the heart is, or so they say, and what’s closer to my heart besides my friends and family?