Highlights and Lowlights Trip 1: Cork

Cork was my first trip and was totally spontaneous. Three days before I booked a hostel and bought my train ticket. I went by myself to city with no plan. Overall it went well.

Lowlights: I had a bit too much time on my hands. I found out later that there are many things to see and do around Cork, not in town.  I was also there in the offseason, like way offseason. The tourist buses weren't running so it was a bit hard to get around. My hostel was not the nicest, the beds were uncomfortable, breakfast was decidedly lacking. Also, it's weird eating in restaurants by yourself.

Highlights: The town itself was really cool to walk around, it had all sorts of pedestrian only streets that I enjoyed exploring. I had this phenomenal brunch at a crepe place. The Goal, or jail, was really cool and worth the mile I walked to get to it. I got some amazing pictures on this trip, it was foggy and gorgeous one of the mornings. I loved the Crawford Art gallery. On the night that I was actually brave enough to go hang out in the bar I met some really cool people: a Croatian and two Irish guys. It was a good time and there was fun live music.

I think this trip made me realize how independent I really am. The Irish guys I met in the pub thought I was crazy for doing such a thing on my own, while I didn't think it was particularly brave. I also learned that it can be hard to travel alone. It is nice to be able to choose what you want to do but sometimes I found myself wishing that someone else was there to share it with or make a decision.