"
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Anias Nin
Over the course of the last two and a half months, I have found this to be true. So many new worlds have opened up to me in the new friendships I am forming. Worlds where I am a little more brave, a little more comfortable in my surroundings and worlds where I am accepted and loved in this new country where I reside. My new world is beginning to be sprinkled with new friends who are opening up other new adventures for and with me.
The last several weeks here in Galway have been busy with the Arts Fetival and then the Galway Races. Lots of people from all over in town to catch these very fun events. I was lucky enough to go and see one of my favorite singer/songwriters named David Gray. He played at the Galway Arts festival and it was an amazing evening. As many of you know, my love for music runs deep and it was so great to be able to see one of my favorites live. He put on an incredible show and we were quite close to the stage. One interesting fact was that the only beer you could get was Coors Light. I found that a bit ironic beeing at a concert in Ireland, that the beer of choice was an American Beer. In a related note, it is strange to see Budweiser and Miller Gebuine Draft listed as imports. They are quite popular over here. I am enjoying that perspective on the stateside brews!
As for Race Week...it was just a tad nuts around town. Apparently it was a bit more tame than in past years, but still crazy none the less. The Galway Races are quite well known. Think Kentucky Derby, but then imagine that it lasts for a whole week. There are races every day and celebrations every night. Thurrsday is always a highlight as it is Ladies Day. That is quite a big deal. All the ladies attending get dressed to the nines...elegant dresses, shoes, purses. Ladies get all tanned up, hair done...the works. There is even a contest for the best dressed and the winner gets something like 10,ooo Euro in cash and several other prizes. Then everyone just gets completely off their face the rest of the night and it gets quite messy that way in town. I stayed away from all of that. However, I did hit town on saturday of the races and had a FANTASTIC time. We were able to snag a table in a pub and had many laughs that night. I enjoyed solidifying new friendships and re-establishing old ties with a classmate from Palmer. It is a truly blessed life I am leading.
There are many adventures I am looking forward to in the coming months. A good friend of mine will be coming to visit at the end of September and then I will be visiting my home in the states for a week. Shortly after that, more family and friends will be coming over for Thanksgiving. I am planning a trip to Madrid at the beginning of December for my birthday and then will hopefully be in Edinburgh for Christmas. Christmas will be tough as I will be on my own completely for the first time in my life....but who knows..maybe another new world will have opened up by then!
I have been asked many times what/who I miss from back in the states, so here is a small list!:) The most obvious would be family and friends and the hugs that I would get. I also miss silly things like People Magazine, my radio stations, and ranch dressing. I am sure that once college football season starts, I will be missing that, as well as tailgating and such.
Although there are things that I miss, I am still amazed and overwhelmed at the opportunities and experiences here. Trying to live in the moment is something I continue to work on and I am finding that relishing each moment is extremely more enjoyable than worrying about what is coming next or worrying about what someone else is thinking. After all, it is up to us to explore the new worlds presented to us and to be open to the possibilites; the doors just open when I do that!:)
Until Next Time!
Cheers!
Sal
