The Big Question

I've been asked a lot by many about what I'm most excited about when I visit Ireland and England in the Fall. This is a pretty heavy question considering there are so many things to be excited about! Many would say London, the pubs, Big Ben, British boys (at least that's what my friends would say), or being able to finally ride those exciting, double-decker, bright red buses. All these things and more make me so excited and thrilled for my adventure, but after much pondering and consideration this is my conclusion:

I have this vision of me sitting on a lush hillside in Ireland. The grass is wet with dew and is the brightest, most vibrant green I've ever seen. The sky is cloudy and gray, but brilliantly lit with the sun shining behind the clouds. In my vision, I'm simply sitting there with a notepad and a pen in my hand, only listening to the wind blowing in ear and touseling my hair. As I look across to the other Irish hillsides, spacious valleys, and continuous rivers, I record my thoughts, feelings, and if I'm feeling inspired, write a poem or two. I am sitting in silence, tranquility, and gratitude with only my thoughts to accompany me. When it's time to go, I'll simply close my notepad and continue the rest of my adventure.

Olivia Wilde, an Irish actress, once said, "I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person." Well I am excited for those precious and intimate moments I get to share with only myself when my tour group has free time to roam. And what greater time and place is it to get to know yourself more than in solitude on an Irish hillside? Self discovery, adventure, and the quiet journey: that is what I am most excited for when I visit the British Iles.