From Dublin to Dingle

Sorry about the brief lapse in updating my blog! We went for a few days without Internet access, followed by a short visit at home, so we never had a chance to do a massive update.

Galway was great fun. To be honest, that still is probably my favorite part of the trip. We left Ennis in the early morning to take on the drive to Galway. Once we landed in our cute bed and breakfast, we layered up and walked into the city center. David came in wearing two pairs of pants and seven shirts! (obviously it was cold..!) It was about a 1.5 mile hike into the city, but well worth it. The town of Galway is so picturesque with the colored houses by the water. David was in 7th heaven when he finally found a MCDONALDS! He made a fool out of himself by asking for a "sweet tea". The clerk just looked at him and laughed. After dinner in a small town called Salt Hill, we went back to the B&B to rest up before hitting the town for New Years Eve. Taylor, Courtney, and I were the only party animals that braved Galway, but we had a blast. We spent most of the time in a pub called 'Tig Colit' (Irish for Colit's House). We really just had the best time!

Oteys in Galway!

David (or Michael Jackson?) posing under the Spanish Arch

The next morning we ventured out on the foggy roads to drive through Connemara National Park. It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. It reminded me of a cross between Alaska (with the snow capped mountains and beautiful lakes) and Montana with the fields. After our gorgeous drive, we made the long trek to Dublin where we stayed in Gillian's friend's Vivienne's house.

Stopping to enjoy the view

Connemara

The next morning we braved the ICE and caught the bus into Dublin city center. I wasn't too excited about being back in Dublin because (to me) its like any other city, but it was surprisingly one of David and Sarah's favorite part of the trip. We went to brunch at a crepe place that had been recommended to Sarah and then ventured around the city. Courtney, Taylor, and I went shopping while Bethany, David, and Sarah did touristy things and saw all the different sites. We then met up to go to the Guinness Storehouse. The Otey kids refused the free pints of Guinness, but Bethany and Courtney dug right in! (brave kids)

He couldn't control his excitement about seeing a Starbucks (this boy misses his fast food!)

Driving back to Killavullen was a NIGHTMARE. We were going about 15 mph on an interstate-like road. It took us a good 4 hours or so. Once we got to Killavullen, it was so fun to see Eoghan and Katie interacting with everyone. Eoghan is obsessed with David! We went into the village pub that night with Carmel and her friends and had a really good time. Taylor and Courtney are picking up the Irish slang. "Ye", "whats the crack?", and "savage" have become part of their daily vocabulary now!

Sarah is supposed to update about our trip to Dingle.. We have many interesting stories from that trek! Love to everyone at home!