Category: Ireland

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All that’s wrong, makes it right.

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

If you are doing this (solo backpack travel) it means you have confidence in yourself, and you do not depend on someone else to feel happy. This is good. It means you have a good head on your shoulders. – This is what my French roommate was telling me over tea & coffee on my last day in Dublin. She has lived in 6 countries over the past few years while at the same time enjoying a long term relationship with her Italian fiance. When I asked her how she managed to maintain a strong and steady long distance relationship, … Continue reading All that’s wrong, makes it right.

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Free.

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

“The only thing more unthinkable than leaving was staying; the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving.” – Elizabeth Gilbert Though the adventure was not over, leaving Galway city was a bit too heart-breaking. I was able to do so many outdoor activities there, going places where I could merge with nature…The air was so pure…I doubted Dublin had as much to offer that would make me feel so much peace. I arrived and found my hostel faster than I thought I could. Once I went to my room, I was ready to go back to Galway. Not that … Continue reading Free.

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The thrill of getting close to the edge & making friends

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

I got as close to the edge as I possibly could without falling over. 300 feet high, I was sitting on the cliffs of Aran Islands (Dun Aengus Fort). The wind was not as strong, but it still took me a while to trust it would not blow me away over the edge. Although the cliffs are not as impressive as the Cliffs of Moher, it is thrilling to be able to walk to the very edge. The day was dark and cold; it is the first day I have had to wear gloves and as many layers of clothing … Continue reading The thrill of getting close to the edge & making friends

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One Joyful Spin!

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

  I put one foot in front of the other, and I ended up on top of a mountain, mesmerized, in Ireland. How the heck did I end up here? Now I understand why my dad used to always tell me, “Do not limit yourself.” Because when I don’t…I can end up anywhere…like in Ireland, living a dream, hiking 1,420 feet, in a gorgeous island filled with flowers and horses, and falling in love with a brown cow. This is all real life. Once I could not find a place to stay in Dublin, I extended my stay in Galway … Continue reading One Joyful Spin!

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Life Is Good & I Can See The Light Of This World

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

It seems to me, that everyone has periods of darkness and periods of light in their lives. I have been recently coming out of a period of very personal darkness, and coming to Ireland has felt like a celebration of my transitioning into better times. Going to see the Cliffs of Moher was a very profound experience for me. Taking in the sight for the first time, I could only think one thing: “Now you can see the light in the world.” The world is grand. My eyes felt so rich with this sight, I felt like a million bucks, … Continue reading Life Is Good & I Can See The Light Of This World

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Ireland, I believe in your enchanting magic.

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

   I am a mess. I have no idea how to write this entry. But here is my best attempt at organized chaos. TRAVELING TO GALWAY: My flight was uneventful and sleepless. But once I got off the plane and realized I was on Irish land, I felt tremendous relief…which made me laugh. I guess in the back of my mind there was an irrational fear that my trip was not real. As if once I got to the plane they were going to say to me, “JK! You did not really book this trip, you dreamt it. Get off … Continue reading Ireland, I believe in your enchanting magic.

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FROM ONE DREAMER TO ANOTHER: my heart is wide open

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

Forget the extra-volume, extra long, dark lashes mascara. For backpack travel, I’ve got to be low-maintenance. I was pretty confident I could manage this task as I packed up things nicely in zip-log bags. I organized, categorized, folded my clothes as if they were origami, and ditched all unnecessary things. I easily put the backpack on my back, and though it was not terribly heavy, it was obvious I was not going to be able to walk a couple miles with it. That’s when I ditched the mascara…along with a shirt, heating pad for muscle aches, face towel, etc. Though … Continue reading FROM ONE DREAMER TO ANOTHER: my heart is wide open

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Take me to the heart of this land.

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

A typical Irish will spend $5 on alcohol daily. 2 points for Ireland! I graduated college 2 years ago, and I certainly don’t remember research ever being this much fun. Because my time in Ireland is limited (9 days, minus 2 travel days), I am trying to absorb all the information I possibly can about its culture before I get there. Like the Irish, who drink alcohol on a daily basis, I have been drinking up a daily dose of Irish culture, reading chapter after chapter of the Rick Steves book, IRELAND 2013. I also bought a collection of poems … Continue reading Take me to the heart of this land.

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Fearless. Whole.

Vanessa Lynn Uzcategui

Here’s my number one rule once I decided to go abroad by myself: BE FEARLESS. Backpack travel is a Life Dream for me; it is the kind of thing that will make me feel I can die feeling complete. I have always had an idea of which countries I’d love to visit in order to fulfill this backpack dream (Japan, Italy & Spain being at the top)…followed by Australia, Greece & Egypt. I visited Japan twice, but with a big group of friends. In that case, for me, “being fearless” need not apply. I began to research flights EVERYWHERE. Tour packages. Airlines. … Continue reading Fearless. Whole.