Interlaken and Ireland

(Trip to Interlaken March 7-8, Trip to Cork March 21-23)
 My first “out of Italy” trip was to the picturesque city of Interlaken, Switzerland. Sean, Kelsey and myself took a train into Switzerland (a mode of transportation I highly recommend around Italy and neighboring countries because you get to see some spectacular sights and its usually cheaper) and spent 2 days exploring Interlaken. I honestly had no idea there were so many outdoor activities to do in Interlaken, from paragliding to night sledding, Interlaken is the place to go if you are into outdoor activities. Sean actually went skydiving in the Alps! I know, I know, I was jealous too. While Sean was jumping out of planes, Kels and I decided to take a walk to one of the two lakes that surrounds Interlaken, Lake Brienz. Who knew it was possible to fall in love with a lake, but honestly it may have been one of the monist beautiful lakes I’ve ever been too. Words and pictures just can’t do it enough justice, so I won’t even try to attempt to describe it, but I will say that if you are the type of person who appreciates the beauty of nature, this may just be one of the most beautiful places you can go to. 

And now, Ireland….

I’ve wanted to go to Ireland my entire life, primarily because of my heritage. I mean my name is Caitlin Ann Dailey, could I get any more Irish? But this trip was even more special for me because I was seeing the brilliant Alyson Pagano after 10 months of world traveling. I flew into Dublin and took the 3 hour bus ride to Cork (thank god the Irish believe in bus wifi) where I was at last reunited with Aly! I was only able to stay for 2 days so we had to jam everything into that small window, and somehow we did. The great thing about meeting up with friends who live in different parts of the world, is that they get to be your tour guides and it makes the adventure that much more wonderful. 

The city of Cork is adorable and wandering around and catching up with Aly made me love Ireland even more. I’m not a beer drinker but of course I had to get a Guinness from an Irish pub (and permanently borrow the glass that it came in…), and I apparently picked the best night to show up in Cork because the pub we went to had an amazing Irish band playing everything from their own stuff, to classic Irish drinking songs, to Mumford & Sons. Day 2 was spent at Blarney, seeing UCC, and exploring more of Cork. Going to Ireland was exactly what I needed, a weekend away with one of my best friends, enjoying a beautiful country. 

-Ciao