Surprise, we're hiking today!

       

        The first fear one has as a traveller: forgetting your camera - check

 The second fear one has a traveller: Putting on a cute outfit, getting on the bus, and then being told you're going to be spending the day hiking.  - check


       After carefully assessing my wardrobe and trying on multiple outfits last night, I finally settled on a rather stylish flowered tank with my favorite Else jeans. To complete the outfit, my favorite gladiators that just so happened to match my earrings. alskjdf;lkajsdklfjalfdlj hold up. The important part of the story is the moment that I sat down on the bus proud of myself for actually taking the time to look nice for once and hearing the words, "Ya'll are really going to love the hike you're taking today. It will be about 10 km and take about two-hours!". My heart sank...and immediately I felt my feet take on a mind of their own and start throbbing. I began dreading every step I was about to take. I decided, after fuming for a few moments over the miscommunication between my English teacher and his students, to carry on my day enjoying every moment. Well that's easier said than done when it turns out to literally be the hottest day in Ireland in 20 years. (I know i've mentioned this in previous posts, but this time i'm absolutely serious). Drenched in sweat and feeling the burn on my shoulders I decided that the splendid town of Ardmore, IE had more to offer than my stinky pits. Lined with glistening beaches and clear blue water, Ardmore is the center of the first Christian settlement in Ireland. Following the famous footsteps of Saint Declan we followed the path that lined the breathtaking peninsula. A couple of hours later-that actually went rather quickly- we completed the circle and finished off the day with ice cream in town. My thoughts on the town: my goodness it was so adorable. Every home was neatly lined with potted geraniums and painted shutters. It may have been a day of some unfortunate style decisions, but the opportunity to see another amazing destination in Ireland made every step in my perfectly comfortable gladiators worth it.

Check out that beauty of a sunburn...in Ireland. Really?

     A Taste of Ireland

     Y'all i'm getting pretty domestic here. I mean look at that, I made my own omelette and parfait.

Grilled chicken, steamed veggies, and fresh fruit.
Pumpkin seed toast with sunflower butter

Usual toast and greek yogurt parfait.

I even cooked Ashton's strange, frozen potatoes. Once warm, they became mashed potatoes...
they have weird frozen food here.

Grilled chicken, steamed carrots and spinach, sweet potato.
Dessert: fresh fruit with crunchy peanut butter

Steamed shrimp and snow peas with whole grain rice.

Omelette with swiss cheese and assorted veggies

Oh my goodness, i'm in love with my new coffee press. At home, these bad boys are 30 bucks.
I got this one on sale for 9 euro (about 11 US) at a kitchen store in Blarney.

The finished product.

Scones provided by our tour guide today.
This one was made similarly to the ever-popular soda bread of Ireland.

Grilled chicken sandwich on wheat with mixed nuts.

Beachside raspberry ice cream.

And finally, a little splurge after a long day apple tart with nutella drizzle.