Hello Again!

I'm baaaaaaaack! Soon to begin what I guess is part II of Al's Adventure. The surprise sequel I never could have known would take place when I first left home back in May. I guess that just goes to show you never know what the future has in store for you. Every day can hold new amazements and opportunities. And me, I'm rather prone to taking hold of those chances as they present themselves, and when the irish invited me back, well, how could I say no?

When I first got back to seattle it was actually kinda difficult to re-acclimate myself to the US, but now that I've finally settled down again I'm leaving again! I find myself getting so excited and then getting derailed by the thought of leaving my friends and my rats. It's like hot rocks in my chest. It's rather unsettling, leaving my life here for the almost complete unknown, not knowing what lies in my future. But then again I was just saying how great it is NOT knowing what lies ahead. It's just that I'm really really fond of my freinds, and we all know how crazy I am about the rats! But it's the challenges in life that seem to really stick with us, so onward to adventure I go!

Now, to answer the most asked questions...

I leave on August 12th

I'll be living in Carndonagh mostly, way up north, but I'll also be visiting the area around Galway and I'm probably going up to Scotland for a visit.

My roommate Nuka will be taking care of my rats

I haven't found a subletter yet, so if you know anyone who needs a place to live until early November please let me know!

Yes I'm excited

Yes I'm nervous

If there are any more questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section. Just don't ask about what I'm doing about work since I don't want immigration coming after me. Not that they will since I won't be working... not working... not working...

Smooches all!

Photos are up!

Hey-o! I dunno if anyone is still checking this, but just wanted to let you know that my pictures are up at two places.

Here's the long version

http://www2.snapfish.com/home/t_=35810195;jsessionid=BBCFBEBB72DFF8476F0FA5A61E3DFFDD

It's on snapfish though, and I guess you have to sign up - just give a name and e-mail - to view the photos. The other option os the abridged version on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7564688@N03/

But they are in reverse order, so it's a little weird.

Take your pick!

Enjoy!

Whinging and waxing

I *sob* don't *sob* wanna *sob* go hooooooooooome!

It's like the sun is finally breaking on the most lovely midsummer's night dream, and while I know that the danwing brings a gorgeous Seattle summer, it just breaks my heart to wake. I wouldn't trade these experiences and memories for anything.

From one of my favorite Gogol Bordello songs, titled Wanderlust King...

And presidents
And billionaires
And generals
They'll never know
They'll never know
What I have owned
What I have owned

I'll let y'all know when I've made it safey home, and as soon as I get my photos up on Snapfish I'll post the link here too. Thanks all for reading this, I honestly don't know how many of you there are/were, but I hope you enjoyed my adventure!

Cardiff

A soggy day in Cardiff. Drizzle drizzle, and the Monet painting that I was so eager to see at the National Gallery was not there as they are currently doing renevations. I wanted to find a curry house for my last lunch in the UK, but to no avail. Had an unfufilling bowl of pea soup with mint. Then the tea shop had just sold the last scone. Well didn't I just have the feeling that I should stay away from the big cities this trip? Ah well. Back to Seattle tomorrow.

Caerdydd

Ok, 16 people, one dorm room, not advisable. But another story for the archives, no? Light rail ride, ferry ride, long train ride and lo! I am in Caerdydd, or Cardiff to those few non-Welsh speakers who happen to glance at the blog from time to time. It's nice to be back in Wales - oh but my heart is torn now!!! Wales and Ireland go head to head vying for Allison's love. Who will win? We'll just have to tune in next year, to witness Allison's inevitable return. Yep, sorry Z, looks like Nepal may be off the table, I know where I'm needed. Or rather where I need.

Yikes it's gotten late as I've spewed out some e-mails. To bed I go, in my room all alone.

Ahhhhh, it's the hardships of life that make you really appriciate the goodstuffs.

Don't anger the French!

Ok so I was meant to stay with this french guy in Galway tonight, but due to timing and getting stuck in Carndonagh I had to bail on him. I was nice and apologetic about it, but he seemed a little annoyed with me, and though he "wasn't passing judgement", he mentioned this and that about karma. Well "bollocks!" Thought I.

Then, tonight, karma bit me in the ass.

The brother of my host in Carndonagh lives in Dublin and agreed to let me stay with him tonight in Dublin, but I wasn't able to reach him all day and ended up a little stranded in Dublin. Luckily after a mere 5-7 minutes of panic I discovered a nice little hostel down the road and that's where I am now. So no one worry! I didn't piss off the french enough to have something REALLY bad happen, just slightly annoyingly bad ;)

And now off I go to sleep with 15 other girls. Hot.

Finally leaving Carndonagh

Yeah, I got a little stuck in Carndonagh. Stuck in the best possible way. Sometimes the world decides for you, and suddenly you find yourself in a wonderful place with amazing people and you just have to stay for a while. I've felt so welcomed and relaxed here, I am rather loathe to leave. But off I must go.

Tonight, Dublin

Tomorrow, Cardiff

The day after, Seattle

How can a heart be so eager to be home again, and yet so broken to leave?