The Art of Becoming a Tea Professional

    Phew. I'm slowly beginning to face the reality that this will be both a rewarding AND exhausting trio. Each day is jam-packed with a multitude of activities that keep us on our toes; literally. Regardless, in just three days i've encountered more of Ireland than i've ever dreamed.


First stop: Woodstock Estate; burned down during a time of political grief, this estate sits on endless property and offers an array of botanical scenes and breathtaking landscapes. After a brief tour of the grounds, we were given about 45 minutes to do a little of our own exploring.

The estate

Being the adventurous pair we are, Ashton and I opted for a more rewarding experience; the tea room. Underneath the pearl white beams of the historic conservatory, we sipped english tea with milk and split a lovely scone. (about 7 euro for two)

We basically consider ourselves tea professional now . Obviously.

Second Stop: Tintern Abbey. You know the pictures you see of this in cheap travel books and drawn out history books? Those captured moments simply do not do it justice. To be emerged in the Abbey and it's natural surroundings was like walking into a still painting; experiencing every smell and every color. I also had the opportunity to make a quick call to Lee today (yay for working phones!) which was quite a lovely surprise after grief with meteor phone services.

Seriously. Breathtaking.

Eerie yet beautiful cemetery 

the bridge

Check out my super awesome best friend.

Onlooking the bridge of Tintern Abbey

Third Stop: Hook Lighthouse. Recall a moment when something was so remarkable that your mind went blank and your eyes lit up like a sea of stars. The moment my eyes first fell upon the Irish coast; that was my "moment". The aqua water was lit up by a sun nestled in between clouds of snow. The rocks on the water's edge told their own story as stone beat away by past, present, and future. I am now convinced (in only three days time) that Ireland has everything to offer. The Lord's hand of creation has ,without a doubt, touched every crevice of this ravishing land. Glory to the ultimate creator for His marvelous masterpiece.

 Foodddd- Oh yum. Here's a preview of today's eats.

Lunch- prepackaged sandwich with fresh greens and rhubarb jelly (FREE! provided by our wonderful staff at WIT)

Drink/Teas of the Day!-Check out these creative cups found all around the cafes of Ireland. Life truly is grand! (earl grey tea with milk, 1.84 E; Apple+carrot juice made in Ireland- thanks to Ashton :) )

Dinner- After a late arrival from our day's adventure I fixed myself an arugula salad with light honey dressing, blackberries, prunes,  and toasted oat crackers with pate. Along with a bowl of carrot and coriander soup. YUM