Places I've Been

Places I've been (green), places I'm going (yellow), and places I want to go to (Orange). Too much of that map is orange and time is too short (on this trip). Why can't I make a living doing this? Moreover, why isn't anyone willing to pay me to do this?

Where to next (after Europe)? Well, I have lived in the United States my entire life, and at this point, I have seen more worldly cultures than my home cultures. The great American adventure is calling -- and It is one I feel I must take. As of now, I am convinced that the great states of America have absolutely no culture. So, America, bring it on -- show me some culture (if you have any!).

The great thing about traveling is that you can do it -- no matter what age, race, gender, or background. The world is there, and it isn't going anywhere. I have been to two continents, and I have 5 more to visit.

Cork, Ireland

This weekend -- Ireland. Well. What, I am following a trend -- visiting Europe's worst economies in a short amount of time, lovingly referred to as PIGS: Portugal, Ireland, Greece (not yet! In December though!), and of course my beloved Spain. Hazards to austerity and suckling from the great teat of the welfare state these countries go bust -- and they do it right.

Oh Ireland, somehow your leprechaun charm did not let me down. Maybe it was your accents, or perhaps the fact that you all drive on the wrong side of the road (and I always look the wrong way!), or perhaps it was the rainy afternoons spent drinking pints of stout, throwing darts, but it was a winner.

Well, it is always a winner when you don't get that late night drunken Kebab.

Ireland 1, Mike 0.

What else is there to do in Ireland? Well, to be honest, not much. Darts, pints, oh and of course the Jameson Factory Tour. One craptastic tour, followed by the most excellent whiskey tasting ever. We are now certified whiskey tasters -- you better believe it. That is one for the resume.

Lisbon, Portugal

Sorry for the late Blog post here, I have been busy, and this was sort of the last thing on my mind during the busy exam weeks.

Anyway, Portugal. Good food, strange weather, and the best hostel in all of Europe. If you ever find yourself stranded in Lisboa without a place to stay -- this is your place. Nice people, cheap local beer, and great home cooked meals every night!

Lisbon: Ghetto but beautiful. The town is decrepit and slowly crumbling. The local citizenry is about as old as the buildings (and most of them in the same shape). Because of the rent price ceilings, land lords are unable to fix up the buildings, so everything is covered in Graffiti.

Especially the graffiti of my favorite street artist, BluBlu. If you haven't already, check out his stuff.

The surroundings itself are quite beautiful, and everything in town feels a bit surreal.

When the language is impossible to understand, a smile and a point are always universal.