I just got back from my trip to Italy and Ireland, and while I'm pretty jet-lagged, I want to share some highlights. I could write about exploring the Italian alps, eating authentic gelato, climbing the tallest cliffs in Europe, or helping my dad navigate the narrow and winding Irish roads; I could post hundreds of pictures of gorgeous landscapes, details of foreign plants, or selfies in front of various historical and natural settings; but instead, I'd like to describe my experiences through a more human lens. One of the best things about traveling to a different country is getting to know a different culture, and a country's culture is expressed by the people who live there. To describe my journey, I need to describe the people I met along the way, because they flavored the places and events with a sweet realness that lets me know it wasn't all just a dream.
The Japanese Tourists asked me to take their picture shortly after I arrived in Alleghe, Italy. After navigating the Madrid airport using half-remembered high school Spanish and trying to communicate with Italians using the only three Italian words I knew, it was nice to know I wasn't the only tourist in town. Interacting with the Japanese group made me realize that communication goes beyond words (although I was upset that I didn't know how to say "You're welcome" in Japanese).
My New Family welcomed me and my existing family with open arms. Even though we didn't speak the same language, my sister's new husband's relatives treated me like one of their own. From learning some Italian words to swapping stories via hand motions to shouting "Viva gli sposi!" as the guests rang a cowbell, my sister's wedding was a true melding of families. I'm so thankful for all the translating, planning, and patience it took to bring us together.
The Italian Fisherman barely spoke any English, but somehow managed to point my parents and me to the right path that went around the town lake. When he passed us on the road in his car a few minutes later, he offered us a ride (which we politely refused, since we wanted to stretch our legs). We were complete strangers, but he wanted to help us just the same. I was extremely moved by his act of kindness.
The Woman from Barcelona loved Ireland. We met her outside the caves of Maghera, where she told us how beautiful she thought everything was. "Why would anyone go anywhere else?" she would ask, marveling at the scenery before her. We happened to see her again a few days later in a different town, where she told us about a beautiful little place that we might enjoy because we like "crazy things". That place was Maghery, which boasted fascinating historical sites and spectacular views. Ireland was this woman's passion, and she never steered us wrong!
The Boat Captain was a classic Irishman, born and raised by the sea. Although a little rough around the edges, he was a happy-go-lucky sort of fellow, even when he had to take us fishing one evening in the rain. He knew everything: where the fish were, where the currents would take us, where my mom should be placed so she wouldn't fall overboard. He, along with his friend and the two young men who fished with us, turned that gloomy day into one of the most exciting fishing trips I've ever been on.
The Librarian spoke with a British accent and helped my mom and I start our search for our family history. We didn't know what to expect when we entered the library in Letterkenny to inquire about Edward and Annie Coyle, my great-great grandparents, but we came away with some good clues and leads to find out more, thanks to the librarian who saw the importance in uncovering one's past and helped us get closer to reaching our goals.
The Professor was a charming man we enlisted for help in learning more about the history of the Ardara area. After a few failed attempts at getting the answers to all my dad's questions, we went to the house next to the grocery store and knocked on the door. A grocery store employee told us the man would probably be in his garden and went back to get him for us. The professor came out, red-cheeked and white-haired, and actually bid us come into his home to sit and chat for a bit. He had never met us before, but he was as hospitable as if his own family were calling on him. Later that day, we paid him another visit and he showed us his garden. My dad still didn't get all the answers he wanted, but it was worth it to meet such a welcoming person.
The Tour Guides were a couple who had been living in Ardara for a little over two years, but were originally from Dublin. They led a walk around the town to talk about Irish history and some of the main attractions of the area. It had been raining that morning, however, and my parents and I were the only ones who joined their walk. It was an absolute blast! We all got to know each other and learned from each other. They pointed us to an ancient monolith just outside town, and we told them a bit about America. After that, it was as if we were old friends, waving to one another as we drove by.
And last, but certainly not least...
Our Hosts were some of the hardest working people I've ever met. In addition to running a bed and breakfast and working other jobs, they are raising four children under the age of nine. After spending ten days eating their home-cooked breakfasts, asking every question we could think of, and playing "Monkey in the Middle" with the kids, we felt like part of the family. It's one thing to have someone point you in the direction of a good scenic spot; it's another to have someone ask how your day went afterwards, to laugh with you, to really get to know you. I could not have asked for a better place to stay, or better people to stay with. I miss the kids already! Spunky, quiet, mischievous, and sweet: they were the cherry on top of the cake.
There are so many other people who made this trip amazing, but it's too hard to write about them all. A big thank you goes to my parents, for being great travel companions and making this trip possible for me. I feel so honored to have crossed paths with so many kind, warm people from across the globe. It makes the world seem a little less big and scary. You can find home anywhere, as long as you can exchange a smile with whomever you meet.
And don't worry, I'll be posting my photos to Facebook soon!
