June 11... Typically a special day in my life... considering that it involves my birth (thanks mom and dad), was an extra special day this year because it marked the start of my European adventure (again, thanks mom and dad) in Cork, Ireland with Hayley!
Due to a flight delay in Chicago (which was just lovely), I arrived in Cork with 15 minutes to spare before our reservations at Greene's restaurant -- which was AMAZINGLY delicious (as you will see in the pictures)! The rest of the night was filled with learning Irish beers, friends, and pubs.. everything any newly 21 year old could ask for! A complete success!! Or as they say in Ireland, "Ta Se Go Hiontach!" (I had to reference Hayley for that one.)
First picture of Cork upon arrival!
Sweet gifts from sister!
Hayley's Monkfish and Prawn (Obviously we enjoyed the bread, too..as there is none left)
Moroccan style Lamb for me!
First LEGAL drink, wahoo!
Extreme concentration
Lovely Irish cheeseboard for dessert!!
No big deal.. Just a waterfall outside the restaurant
(This one's for you momsy.. thanks for the INCREDIBLE birthday dinner!)
Beautiful.
Sweet Hayley and her roommates making me feel special
Iphone flash was not our friend, but the beer was! At a bar called Crane Lane
Birthday flowers from Hay! Cannot get any more Irish than using a beer pitcher as a vase.
The next day was all about exploration of Cork and Blarney! We started the day at a little Irish coffee cafe called
Insomnia with vanilla lattes, bagels with veggies and mozzarella, and a look around at the cutest home store attached to the coffee shop. (Reminded me of the home decor shop in City Park, Aunt Sal + Mom.. so ya'll can imagine I wanted to buy EVERYTHING). Next on the to-do list was a double decker tour of Cork... the tour guide was wonderfully Irish and fun, and it was nice to get a background story on this quaint, yet always busy city. Blarney Castle, built in the 1400's, filled up the rest of our afternoon... yes, we kissed the Blarney stone at the top of the castle, while being upside down and hoping not to fall through the top hole at the highest point of the castle. Risky attempt of the week (sorry mom! But we survived :) ) After a long, and oh so hard afternoon of shopping and eating cranberry scones and tea and coffee to our hearts content, we bused back to Cork to explore bits of the English Market. The Market is absolutely incredible.. they have anything you could ever want (which for me involves fresh olives from Greece, breads of all sorts, and CHOCOLATE!!!)
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| Cork, Ireland |
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| Proud Irish! |
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| Streets of Cork |
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| Much needed latte |
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| Insomnia Cafe |
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| All about fútbol! |
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| So called the "American Embassy" (McDonalds) by the Irish. Fair enough. |
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| Beautiful Cathedral |
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| Blarney, Ireland |
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| Blarney Castle |
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| Into the Dungeon |
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| Making our way through the dungeon |
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| Oh Ireland! |
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| Taking in the sights |
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| Everything made of stone |
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| artsy attempt. |
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| Oh, hello scone and coffee that we enjoyed very much! |
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| Well, in that case... |
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| Quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the world! English Market |
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| Need. All. Of. It! |
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| I'll take one of...everything, please! |
I have fallen in love with the city of Cork... And I've only been here for 2 days! Cannot wait to see what is in store for my next 2 months here in beautiful Europe!
AWESOME pictures and blog! It looks absolutely amazing and I am so thrilled that you got to spend your 21st Birthday in Ireland with Hayley....in a special place with such a special person! (Just how I planned it ; )
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey with us.
AGAIN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Love you, Mom
The bread, the chocolate, the pictures....each one more beautiful than the next. I love the brillant colors of the houses or the buildings in the town.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive that you two have already found your way about. Thank you for including us on the journey...I love reading each and every blog.
Can't wait to travel along with you....(in my mind:)
Morgan , Hi! Love, love, love the pictures and reading your blog. I feel like I am right there with you. You and Hayley look like you are mastering all the good things in Europe. (I'm thinking coffee, SCONES, wine & beer)Cork looks like such a beautiful charming city. You and Hayley look like such natural travelers - finding your way around, looking all cute in suitcase clothes, frequenting the local market...I liked seeing the pictures of Hayleys dorm room - I didn't have any idea what that would look like. Keep posting and sharing - it is very much appreciated and can't wait to see more! Love, Sha
ReplyDeleteHayley and Morgan,
ReplyDeleteFirst, Happy Birthday Morgan! What a delightful way to spend your 21st. I can't think of anywhere in the world more wonderful than Ireland. That is quite a stepping stone to your European vacation. And now that you have both kissed the stone, you should enjoy great things for the rest of your lives. Hayley you are really having us rethink our next trip to Ireland to include Cork. We went to Blarney Castle, but were short of time and did not visit Cork, but it is top on my list for our visit in 2013. I can't wait to read the next chapter. Enjoy! Love Les