Here's Ba and me during Christmas one year. I'm sure she's hugging me because I gave her the best present ever, though I don't remember what that could be at this point. Maybe a seal ornament or something. Either way, it was probably awesome. 
Okay, so now that I've acknowledged my Czech/gypsy heritage, I would like to continue on with my adventures. I have discovered that I am really at peace with travelling to places I have never been, and I didn't really understand this until I came to Ireland. I believe that overcoming a fear of leaving everything I've ever know to go to live in Dublin for a year has proven to me that I can really go anywhere at this point, and I can survive it just fine. I am a wanderer, and I'm fine with that.
When Nick, Andrea, Morgan, and Freddy got here we departed for Galway County, Ireland for a couple days. It's on the west coast of Ireland and has some of the best oysters on the islands. Here's a picture of the Galway Bay.
I thought I would also include of picture of the harbour on a windy day. I thought it was beautiful. Galway is also home to the Galway Hooker, a common fishing boat.
This is the inside of one of the churches out there. It was absolutely stunning. I found myself becoming emotional because of the pure spiritual connection. I did some praying, actually, and felt wonderful after leaving. This picture doesn't capture its essence, smell, or energy, but it'll have to do for now.
After my four mates left Ireland, I had a little bit of down time to get some work done before my next visitor came out. None other than my friend Christa, who I hadn't seen in quite a while. We had a really interesting, though really important, couple of days. We took a walk along the River Dodder, or as I call it, Narnia. This was on the night of the Supermoon. I loved the colors the sky reflected back on the earth.
Christa was only able to stay for the weekend, but the following day my cousin, and good friend, Gabe flew in. We had a great time hanging with Craig at one of my favorite pubs. Good craic all around.
We evetually flew to Galsgow, Scotland where the Blues Brothers welcomed us to town at Americandy. I did not go inside. I was afraid.
This statue always has a cone on his head. If someone removes it, it is replaced as soon as possible. It's become a landmark for the locals. I also like the seagulls on the fornt and back of the horse.
Me and Gabe on what I think is Sauchiehall St.
At the last moment, we decided to hop a train and head to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Here's a picture of us on an open-topped tour bus.
And, of course, we met up with William Wallace.
We went inside the catsle and roamed the buildings there.
After leaving Scotland, we had another night in Dublin and then the next day we decided to take a day trip to Howth (rhymes with both). We met Barry the Seal. He's a pretty cool dude just hanging out in the harbour.
Me, Andrea, Nick and Morgan at the Galway Bay during sunset.
We left Galway to take a longer bus trip on the west coast and we stopped at a cool castle along the burren. Here's the five of us!
The picture below is of the Poulnabrone Dolmen. Scientists have estimated it to originate from the neolithic period somewhere between 4200 and 2900 BC. During excavation a while back, somewhere around 18 adults and 6 children had been buried there along with items of the time.
Amazing that it still stands.
From the Burren we went to the Cliffs of Moher. It's an amazingly powerful place with cliffs that rise from 400-700 feet depending on where you stand. Around 14 people die each year from falling or jumping of the edge.
Here's O'Brien's Tower off in the distance to the north.
Another shot of the Cliffs and O'Briens Tower.
So, naturally, I jump the barrier and I do not heed the cautionary tale:
It was just far too exhilarting to live on the edge. Don't worry; the picture looks worse than it actually was.
So after we returned to Dublin, we set out again but this time for Barcelona, Spain. I freaking loved it there. Palm trees everywhere. Here's Nick, Morgan, Andrea, and Freddy.
While in Barcelona, we made it to Sagrada Familia, a church that began construction in 1883. It's still not complete, but it's amazing either way.
The interior is designed to look like a forest of trees. It's massive in there.
The cool thing about Barcelona are all of the alley-way establishments. Here's me, Nick and Andrea rokcin' some sweet glasses over a couple beers in a random alley-way bar.
After my four mates left Ireland, I had a little bit of down time to get some work done before my next visitor came out. None other than my friend Christa, who I hadn't seen in quite a while. We had a really interesting, though really important, couple of days. We took a walk along the River Dodder, or as I call it, Narnia. This was on the night of the Supermoon. I loved the colors the sky reflected back on the earth. 
Christa was only able to stay for the weekend, but the following day my cousin, and good friend, Gabe flew in. We had a great time hanging with Craig at one of my favorite pubs. Good craic all around. 
We evetually flew to Galsgow, Scotland where the Blues Brothers welcomed us to town at Americandy. I did not go inside. I was afraid.
This statue always has a cone on his head. If someone removes it, it is replaced as soon as possible. It's become a landmark for the locals. I also like the seagulls on the fornt and back of the horse. 
Me and Gabe on what I think is Sauchiehall St.
At the last moment, we decided to hop a train and head to Edinburgh, Scotland. It was the. best. decision. ever.
Amazing architecture and ambience everywhere.
Here's a picture of us on an open-topped tour bus.
And, of course, we met up with William Wallace.
Edinburgh Castle. It's a sight to behold when you're actually looking at it in real life.
We went inside the catsle and roamed the buildings there.We saw a HUGE cannon that I could be fired out of.
The oldest building on the grounds was this chapel.
Gabe felt that he should pray while he was there. He's such a good boy.
After leaving Scotland, we had another night in Dublin and then the next day we decided to take a day trip to Howth (rhymes with both). We met Barry the Seal. He's a pretty cool dude just hanging out in the harbour. 
THEN! After Gabe left and after all of that adveture, I got to go to the largest private party in Europe, also know as the Trinity Ball. Here's me and my date Amanda and some random guy in the background. I'm wearing a vintage number from the 70's. Heck yes.
Me, Amanda, Rosanna, and Andrew. Some theatre mates at the Trinity Ball.
Trinity Ball ended up being a totally weird experience. I'm glad I went, but if I never go again that's okay too. But I've had a really busy and successful couple of months. My work is very nearly over. I felt like just last month I was packing to move out here, and now I'm over half done. I have lots to do before I figure out the next step, but I am really very grateful.
I have more family coming to visit in May, I have try-outs for the Dublin roller derby, rehearsals for a play that I perform in at the end of May, and I'm moving into an apartment in Temple Bar at the end of May as well. All good things.
Well, that's it for now! Until next time...
- Jess
