One year ago today, I was eye-level with the clouds. I watched Michigan shrink away as my airplane carried me to fulfill one of my life dreams: to backpack Europe. Looking back a year later, I’m recalling some of those “Oh, crap” moments and laughing at the things I wish I would have known before my journey. So to all you future adventurers out there, here’s my list of things I wish I would have known before backpacking Europe. I made these mistakes so you don’t have to! You’re welcome.
A couple weeks ago, Detroiters united in the Cass Corridor to banish an impish fiend known as the Nain Rouge. Dogs donned sweaters, elaborate costumes and masks disguised identities, men dressed in flashy women’s attire, and the Detroit Party Marching band provided rallying tunes to the assembly of people garbed in red. To any stranger unfamiliar with this eclectic Detroit event who stumbled across the scene, I could only imagine what would have been running through his mind: “Halloween meets Mardi Gras?” “Why do all these people look like little red devils?” “Who are these odd people?” “What kind of strange parade is this?” Almost – not quite a parade, but rather, a march – a march to rid the city of the red dwarf (Nain Rouge) that has plagued the streets since Cadillac’s days in the 1700’s. It is rumored that before doom or a tragic event, the Nain makes an appearance, and doom arrives. Detroiters congregate to drive the dwarf out of the city… until next year.
Discovered this gem as I was jogging down Woodward one evening. I’m no coffee connoisseur but I always judge my coffee on my ability to drink it with no sugar and limited creamer along with my level of productivity post-coffee consumption. Like I said, there is no science to my judgement.
I was fortunate to go on an early morning coffee date to Great Lakes Coffee and all I have to say is GO THERE! Happy tastebuds and an industrious day followed this breakfast treat.
The location is convenient right on the corner of Woodward near the medical centers and Wayne State University. The atmosphere is edgy, the shop is huge, the coffee and baked goods are of high quality deliciousness – sheesh, when I ordered my breakfast bread it was still warm from the oven! There’s even a lovely outdoor seating area… however, we are in Detroit so the aesthetics are slightly lacking but the people watching is always entertaining.
Moral of the story, it is always positive to see more businesses opening their doors in Detroit. I will always support and promote businesses in this city as long as they do good in their product and customer treatment. Not only will I return in the future for some early morning energy, I will probably drop in one evening for an nice glass of wine. Did I say wine??! Yes – not only is this a coffee bar, they also serve wine, beer and cocktails. Best ‘coffee’ shop ever!
Check out their website, then check out their storefront. Enjoy!
I’m at the Dublin airport waiting for my flight to board. About 10 more minutes and I will be on a plane! I definitely stocked up on the tissues because I can guarantee there will be some waterworks going on as I’m watching Ireland shrink behind me.
Slainte!
I truly wish I could have spent more time in Killarney.
When I first arrived I asked random people on the streets to point me in the proper direction and I made it after a quick walk without any problems. I even picked up a fellow backpacker along the way. Ross from Liverpool was to be teaching English for three months in a small village nearby. Unfortunately for him, all the buses and trains to this area were suspended for the rest of the weekend so he was stranded. (more…)
Started my final day in Galway very well at my new favorite B&B with a full Irish breakfast prepared by my new favorite Irishman, Sean.
I then went on a free 2-hour walking tour of the city where I saw a lot of sights and learned about the history of Galway. What I love about walking tours is that they point out such little things that you wouldn’t even notice or know about if someone hadn’t shown you first. I like that.
In Eyre Square, which was right outside my hostel, here was live music playing from a band from Cork. The coolest thing about he band was that they were a Motown band!! This made me so excited. I loved them. I sat on the grass for some time listening to them until I was joined by my new friends Julien and CJ. We grabbed a bite to eat. The seafood chowder was incredible!!!!
And then I was off to the train station to begin my 5 hour commuter train to Killarney. What is funny is that I began this journey thinking that it was a direct train… Nope!!! I ended up needing to make about 4 transfers!! I took the last train of the day too, so one wrong move would have been disastrous. Luckily I met so many helpful and friendly people along he way who kept me company and guided me every step so I made it to Dublin without a worry or a headache. :)
The Irish are wonderful!
I just trekked this! Hi from Ireland!
