3 months on the road: reflections

 

So far we we’ve been to London, Cardiff, Wales, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.

My favorite so far: definitely Scotland. I loved everything about Edinburgh - the people, music, culture, the landmarks, the beauty. Linlithgow, where we stayed, was absolutely beautiful by the loch there. 

There is just something about Scotland. It’s.moody and temperamental. The people seem down to earth, friendly, authentic, a little bit eccentric. Perfect. I plan to go back some day and see more of that beautiful country. 

Every place has been great! Starting in historic London with its beautiful architecture and distinct neighborhoods.  It was fasted paced and crowded. The diversity made it really interesting.

On to Cardiff, a place we never expected to go. We added at the last minute. I loved Cardiff. Compared to the other cities, it was a small town. It was like a relic with a big castle in the middle. It felt like an easy place to fit in, accepting and no frills.

Manchester was fun. Young and hip. A mix of old and new. I loved riding through the neighborhoods along the canals. Water everywhere. No too big and not too smalll. Has everything you’d want: culture, music, restaurants, bars without being frenzied. One of my favorite places. 

Ah, Belfast, a city with a sad history and a lot of it continues to this day. Walls between religions still stand long after the peace agreements. The troubles still hang over the city. Hopefully some day, this city can come together. 

Last but certainly not least, Dublin. I read a lot of the history of Dublin and Ireland while I was here. Learned where the struggle for Irish independence took place in Dublin particularly.  History is everywhere going to medieval times with churches and old buildings and pubs. 

A lot of Irelands history had been tragic, but they have been resilient. So many people died and left Ireland during the famine, it devastated the country but they overcame again and again. 

With all the immigration, Irish culture, music, history has spread around the world, especially in the United States. 

This coming week is our last one in the UK and Ireland. We will be in Waterford, where my dads family came from.