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My adventures in Eire are finally over, and what an experience it was. I think I'll keep writing periodic memories about my time in Galway because it's a huge part of who I am now.

But I must say it is good to be back. It's incredible how so much has changed in my absence, but at the same time nothing changed at all. It's as if the last five months of my life didn't happen. How is it possible that I was living in Ireland, traveling around Europe - and suddenly I find myself back in New England and the Bronx. It is just so bizarre.

My last week in Ireland was lots of fun. My mom and aunt came to Galway and it was one helluva of a week. I showed them around Galway for about three days which was a lot of fun. They got to experience the weather I became so accustomed to - gorgeous sunshine one minute, the next a torrential downpour. We walked up and down Shop and Quay Streets, ducking in and out of the touristy gift stores. We strolled down to the Claddagh so they could get a view of Galway Bay, but the wind was pretty icy so we then checked out some churches. We went to mass at the Cathedral after walking along the Roisin Dubh canal. At night it's a little creepy, but in evening light it's gorgeous - mini waterfalls, vines with purple flowers on a stone wall - absolutely lovely. Then it was dinner time. We walked along the Corrib River and went to McDonagh's for fish and chips. It was pretty good I must say. Then we went to King's Head to catch some music.

The next day we went to the Galway Crystal Factory and Royal Tara China store. We picked up a few goodies. Then we took a drive through Connemara which was breathtakingly beautiful. It's just so green and mountainous. We stumbled upon a horse fair so we checked that our for awhile - those horses were incredible creatures. We saw Kylemore Abby - this gorgeous manor on a lake surrounded by trees and giant rhodendron bushes. We checked out some cute little towns along the way as well. When we returned it was the huge Mayo v. Galway rugby game so Galway was bustling with cars and people. We walked along Salthill so I could show them where we spent most of our sunny days on the beach, looking at the hills of Clare and the Burren. We ate at An Pucan - my FAVORITE Galway restaurant. They loved it - it's just so cute and authentic and has great music every night without fail. We stayed there until closing then hit the hay.

Next day was a drive through the Burren, which I had only seen briefly. It's this large area covered in rocks. There's nothing quite like it. I mean there's tons of vegetation and it goes for miles - but there are so many rocks!! We saw the dolomon (i think) from thousands of years ago. Then we hit the Cliffs of Moher. I had seen them since we last went 7 years ago, but my mom and aunt were shocked at how much it's changed. It's much more of a tourist trap than it was then - you have to pay for it now and it's built up. Nonetheless, it's still an incredible sight to see. That night we ate at Monroe's, another of my favorites. They always have good music too, and since it's a bit off the beaten path it's not so touristy. Unfortunately though I was coming down with an awful cold, so I felt like death most of this weekend.

Then in the morning we were off the Kilarney. We first stopped downtown to take one last stroll through Galway and take some photos. God, I'm going to miss that place. There is no other city in the world that is comparable. It's Bohemian and Irish all at once. Lots of colorful characters, delicious food and memorable music. Salthill is my favorite area, and I'll miss our beach and our view. I have to go back because I didn't get to jump off the tower. Well I have to go back for many reasons - but that's just one excuse. Next time I wouldn't live so damn far away from everything in Dunaras, but I kind of liked being able to say I lived in Rahoon - the 'dodgy' area. So farewell Galway, you were good to me.