The Remedy to Home Sickness

As of lately I had been having a little bit of a sickness. Not just a head and chest cold but a little homesickness as well. I was missing people from home and the sights. I wanted to see my friends and go riding in the mountains, to drive my jeep and to just relax with them. 5000 miles is a long way to go to see a few friends, and my program isn't just going to hand me a two week vacation. So I ended up hunkering down and trying to figure out how to deal with it.

The week was absolutely gorgeous here, spring has set in with temperatures in the 50's consecutively. After I had my stitches removed Monday I enjoyed a little of the weather before heading to meet Andreas and Erika at the Dom for the Bishops conference. I am of course in no way catholic nor very "religious," however I do appreciate seeing different things from each religious view. 30+ religious leaders was definitely worth seeing. It was the first time I saw them use the area behind the alter for anything, and was it full. They gave a special sermon and the Arch Bishop also spoke, I don't remember much of was said tho.


Tuesday I did a little reading in the garden and a quick trip through the city. That evening I was suppose to have a stomtisch but got skypeing home and missed it. By the time I realized it was to late to go. I was not exactly displeased with this, I had wanted to talk to people, and it was helpful with my home sickness.

Wednesday I set out after lunch to do some more exploring of the city, and hopefully find some geo-caches. I ended up having more time than caches and spent the rest waiting and wandering through the city. That evening I met up with my tandem partner Johannes and we had margaritas at what I believe to be the only Spanish bar in town. I definitively need to go back and get some Mexican food, I miss is so much. Me and Johannes spent a few hours there just talking back and forth switching languages like it was nothing and discussing some fun debatable topics. We discussed everything from religion to home life.

Thursday evening I headed up to Bremen to visit Josh and stay there the night. Watched a few movies brainstormed inventions and discussed some ideas of psychology.

Friday began my big trip and where I found the remedy for home sickness. Now I said 5000 miles was to far to go, just to see a friend,  but 1000 isn't really that bad. So Friday the early morning rise was more bearable, I set out for Ennis, Ireland to meet up with Hannah. A quick flight to Dublin and then 3 hours via train to Ennis. The First night I was on my own but managed to meet a cool guy from Alabama, Steve, who was staying at the same hostel. After a few pints of Cider we had built I guess you could say a friendship. Hannah wasn't coming into Ennis until Saturday evening, so I spent the day looking around the town with Steve. Unfortunately that only took 3 hours to cover every alley in town, the free museum was closed and the library in observance of St. Patrick's day. So most of the afternoon was reading until Hannah got into the Hostel. Then it was catching up and laughs from there on out.

church In Ennis at night

She was in Ireland doing a short exchange project and that was her last night in Ireland. After dinner with her group, we headed out to the bars. A little music, dancing, and drinks. We ended up meeting some Irish guys outside a bar who started the conversation by asking "where is the Library" in German. The look on his face when I gave the answer in German and correct for the location  was priceless. We ended up having a round with them before continue our bar crawl to the next stop.

The next morning I headed back to Dublin, intending celebrate St. Paddy's day. I got some sightseeing in that afternoon and had a traditional fish and chips. But when I went to go try the bars I couldn't get in... I still had my backpack and they didn't want me bringing me into the bar. I ended up trying a few but got the same response... reluctantly I headed back to the Airport and ended up spending 16 hours there until my plane left.

I saw a few sights in Ireland including Temple bar, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Jameson Distillery.

It was definitely what the doctor prescribed to see Hannah. Just having a friend from home here helped my home sickness so much. Over the last few blogs you may have noticed I mentioned a more personal problem was also occurring, and tho I'm not exactly thrilled with the outcome it is for the best we believe. So more or minor all things are in order now.

Until next week,

Cody A. Glick