A Big Kids Playground: Giant’s Causeway

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Giant's Causeway, ireland, Northern Ireland, Volcano

Playgrounds are designed for tiny bodies with a thousand ounces of energy that never stop moving, ever. But just because we’ve grown, it doesn’t mean the world isn’t ours to explore. Giant’s Causeway is a big kids playground – you can jump from basalt column to basalt column and never have the same view twice.

Giant’s Causeway wasn’t a #1 destination on my Northern Ireland list, but luckily I got talked into the bus trip that took us from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede (a crazy awesome rope bridge leading to an island) and the Bushmills Distillery. Whenever I return to Northern Ireland, I hope to make the trek up to Giant’s Causeway.

It’s pure awesomeness.

A Little Science For Ya:

Giant’s Causeway, located in county Antrim, Northern Ireland, is made up of a bunch of these basalt columns that were formed after a volcanic eruption 50-60 million years ago.

Now, to the part that I don’t actually understand, but maybe you will: basically what happened was the basalt was molten and meshed with chalk beds (yeah, I don’t know). As the lava cooled, the basalt dried similarly to how mud dries, leaving pillar-like columns…

Okay, that’s enough science for now…

Finn McCool – The Badass Behind The Making of Giant’s Causeway

Anyway, onto the part I actually wanted to tell you about – the legend behind Giant’s Causeway: Finn McCool was an Irish giant who lived in County Antrim. He was just chlilin’ one day, minding his own business, when Fingal, a Scottish giant, started yelling insults at him from across the channel.

As Finn decides to start throwing rocks across, he hears Fingal yell, “You’re lucky I’m not a good swimmer, otherwise I’d come over there and make sure you could never fight again.”

To encourage the Scottish giant to come face to face with him, Finn started throwing chunks of the earth into the water. Soon enough, an entire bridge made it’s way across the channel, inviting Fingal to come face to face with Finn.

Since Finn hadn’t slept in a week, he disguised himself as a baby. When Fingal showed up to challenge him, his wife said he wasn’t around, but if he wanted to meet the baby, he could… Fingal realized if the baby was that big, how big was Finn? In an attempt to never face Finn, Fingal tore up the bridge as he ran home.

Pretty crazy, huh? One of the things I loved most about Ireland was the many fables and tales they had about all different types of things – and when you get a really good story teller, it’s almost as if they aren’t fables – they’re part of the legit history! Who knows.

Hell, maybe they are…

Have you ever gone to Giant’s Causeway? What did you think of it? If you haven’t gone, would you make the trek up to see it? Sound off below! 🙂

Gettin’ Up Close and Personal With Plants at National Botanic Gardens of Ireland: A Photo Essay

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dublin, Free, Glasnevin, ireland, Irish National Botanic Gardens, Tourism, travel

No fun allowed!

The best part about my host mom when I was studying abroad in Ireland was the proximity of her house to two things: The Autobahn (sweet pub in Glasnevin) and the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Did you see what I did there?

The first night my roommate and I arrived, while walking to a pub to meet the rest of the students and professors for dinner, we passed the Botanic Gardens. Wanting to check it out, but not having any money, we kept walking – only to find out a week later admission is free!

Established in 1795 by the Irish Parliament, the primary role of the gardens is for research, although it’s open to the public and the layout is set up in a way that is engaging and interesting to visitors. According to the website, the National Botanic Gardens is home to over 300 endangered plants and 6 species that are already extinct in the wild. Who knew?

Here are my favorite photos – as you an tell, I like to get up close an personal with plants. You won’t be able to resist either – look at these beauties!

Since the Gardens are free, I highly suggest checking them out. You can spend an hour here or an entire day, or come and go as you please – there’s definitely enough to look at. If you want to spend an entire day experiencing the lushness of Ireland, consider checking out Powerscourt Gardens as well.

Here’s some practical stuff you’ll need to know:

Hours of Operation:

Winter Hours – October 31 to February 1
Monday – Friday 9 – 4:30 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays 10 – 4:30 pm

Summer Hours – March to October
Monday – Friday 9 – 5 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays 10 – 6 pm

Getting To The Gardens: 

There are plenty of ways to get to the gardens, whether it’s by foot, bus, taxi, or car. We  happened to live about a 10 minute walk from the gardens but the other students took buses. The public transportation in Dublin is pretty reliable, so if you don’t feel like renting a car, you’re in luck! You can reach the gardens by bus numbers 4, 9, and 83.

For more options and a map, check out the website.

Have you been to the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland? What did you think? Sound off below!

How To Have An Amazing Cumpleaños In Mexico

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Birthday, bucerias, Celebration, mexico, Nayarit, travel

Being somewhere tropical and breezy with a margarita in hand almost guarantees this. ALMOST, I said. But, there’s a couple other things you need.

I will indulge all the details about celebrating my twenty second year of life somewhere spectacular to ensure YOUR birthday en México is unforgettable.

You can thank me later.

The girls I interned with made me an awesome, handmade, card.

Stock Up On Delicious Comida y Bebidas

No party is complete without tequila, and, well… more tequila. But we needed food, too, and there sure as hell is no shortage of rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole to go around. Oh, and I guess some tasty meat is available if you’re into that.

So, off we went to the Mega (the equivalent to Walmart in the US), to get some fish, rice, and fruit (among many other things, like beer pong balls) for my birthday dinner.

We tried to keep it classy. Promise.

Lupita, a volunteer I met through my internship at PEACE, took it into her own hands to plan a delicious meal for us all because that’s how Mexicans do. So, we exchanged some pesos for all the required awesomeness the night would need and we were on our way.

Plan A Surprise: Big Or Small

I guess when you aren’t fluent in Espanol, many things are lost in translation, but Lupita announced she needed to “stop at her house,” so we left the Mega without her.

Fast forward an hour later, and all of a sudden, while I was chillin’ on the deck overlooking the pool, I hear a choir of “Feliz Cumpleaños” and what do I see? Lupita and the rest of the crew with a (melting and DELICIOUS) cake and candles in hand! They surprised the unsurprisable. (Mostly because of my less-than-perfect Spanish.)

Who knew it was possible?

Push The Birthday Girls’ (or Boys’) Face Into Cake

Mexican tradition. Required.

Enjoy That Amazing Meal (And Drinks) Together

The rest of the night was dedicated to eating well, drinking margaritas, swimming, and enjoying each other’s company.

Go To Your Favorite Local Bar

Luckily there’s no language barrier when it comes to drinking, so we ended up at our favorite bar, The Shamrock, in downtown Bucerías. Although there wasn’t much going on for a Wednesday night in off season, we brought the party with us and danced and drank the night away.

Create Lasting Memories

All birthdays are special because it’s a time for celebration and enjoying the people you’ve met throughout life. Although I’ve had 21 birthday parties (yup, I’m one of those people), this one takes the cake – seven new friends came together to make it an unforgettable time.

Embrace The Generosity

What I love most about Mexican culture is the generosity – people will go out of their way for you, regardless if you’re a stranger or someone they’ve known for a lifetime. The kindness Lupita (and the other interns) extended to me was unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been (yet), and I think we could all learn a little something from our neighbors in the South. 🙂

Have you experienced some amazing hospitality? Where were you? Tell me your stories in the comments below!

Wanderlust Wednesday: San Miguel de Allende

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all over the map, laura fraser, mexico, san miguel de allende, travel

I’ve got a problem. An addiction. Other than travel, that is.

Used books.

When I was in Washington state, I went on a used book buying binge – I bought anything and everything, from textbooks to novels, but my favorite book (that I’ve read, at least) from the trip was All Over The Map by Laura Fraser. An autographed copy, no less.

Fraser tells the story of her life traveling, the lovers she met along the way, cities that won over her heart, and life in San Miguel de Allende as a single, 40+ woman (Hey! It’s all right!).

She proved that life as a nomad is accessible and possible, even as an adult with responsibilities. She writes about the city in such a sultry and enticing way that it comes to no surprise to anyone who knows me that I adore Mexico…and that’s why I picked SMA as my first Wanderlust Wednesday pick.

How could you not love to be here?

Photo Cred: Peter Aaslestad

Have you been to San Miguel de Allende? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions of things to do and places to see!

Powerscourt Gardens 101

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dublin, Gardens, ireland, Pet Cemetery, Powerscourt, Tourism, travel

Powerscourt Estate

Whenever someone tells me they’re going to Ireland, I get really excited. Not just because I spent a glorious four weeks studying abroad there, but because the country truly is beautiful.

A Quick Summary

I always suggest to my soon-to-be Ireland travel-goers Powerscourt Estates, located roughly 20 minutes outside of Dublin, a 13th century castle with over 45 acres of landscaped gardens (and a pet cemetery. What? That’s not weird…)

After a fire in 1974 that left only a shell of the castle, the Estates were renovated in 1996 to include a golf course, The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt Hotel, and an Avoca Handweavers restaurant.  The first floor and parts of the second floor are also home to retail stores and restaurants – the castle itself is a little too touristy for my taste, but if you venture into the gardens, it really is something special. We spent quite a few hours roaming the 45+ acres, taking photos, and enjoying the lush landscape.

The Italian Garden

The Gardens, Ponds, and Cemetery 

There’s a few awesome things to check out on the grounds:

• Italian Garden
• Walled Garden
• Dolphin Pond
• Pet Cemetery
• Japanese Garden
• Tower Valley (which I happened to miss. Boo.)

If you’re pressed for time, although I don’t recommend rushing through, definitely check out the Japanese Garden and The Italian Garden, which are located close enough to the castle, so you won’t have far to walk to experience them.

The Japanese Gardens

I couldn’t help posing with this guy. He seemed down.

The Walled Garden

The Dolphin Pond

How could I forget the pet cemetery! RIP, Tiny! LOL

The Waterfall

From Powerscourt Estates, there is access to Ireland’s tallest waterfall at 121 meters. Unfortunately, regular bus service was discontinued in 2005, but apparently during high season there are intermittent buses available. Walking is also an option since it’s only about 7km away; however, it is not recommended as the road is narrow and can be dangerous. If you make the trek, there is a separate fee to see the waterfall that can range from €3.50 to €5.

Hours of and Cost of Admission

Lucky for you, Powerscourt Estates is open 7 days a week from 9:30-5:30pm, so you’ve got no excuse if you don’t make it there!

According to the website, Adults are €8.50 and student/OAP are €7.50. Children(U12) are €5.00 and Childrend (U5) are free.

If you’re traveling with up to 3 kids and another adult, a family ticket is right up your alley at €25.00.

Getting There

There are plenty of ways to Powerscourt, including bus, rail, taxi, and car. There are also day tours and coach buses available for groups, which is how we got there.

Check out their website about how to get to the gardens if you need more options.

Interesting (and Random) Facts About Powercourt Thanks To Wikipedia

• The house was used as a filming location most famously in Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, which was filmed there before the 1974 fire.
• The estate was used as a backdrop and ancestral home of the “Artist” and Moll Flanders love interest in the film Moll Flanders.
• The 2002 version of The Count of Monte Cristo was filmed there.
• David Copperfield was filmed there in 2000.
• Where’s Jack? was filmed there in 1969.
• The gardens were used to record Celtic Woman‘s Songs from the Heart DVD and TV special.

Have you been to Powerscourt? What was your favorite part? If you haven’t been, which garden seems the most interesting?