Please forgive me if this is a little all over the place, I've been going nonstop for the past 19 hours but wanted to write this before I went to sleep.

So the plan was to head north and see a castle on a cliff, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Today we had quite the adventure. The day started at 5:30 where we went to catch a bus into Dublin. Then we had to walk to the train station and catch a 2 and a half hour train to Belfast. Once there we had to catch another train, but we had to find the other station first. While we were asking someone who worked there where to go, two guy politily asked if they could tag along since they were headed in the same direction. They are originally from Canada, but one is currently studying in Norway, and the other in France. So then we were on another train ride to Corlaine with some new companions,

It was perfect timing because I don't think Ashley and I would have made it to the most beautiful place I've ever seen without our new friends. We took a cab up to Giant's Causeway and as you can see from my pictures it was well worth all the stress of getting there. Our cab driver Alan made us a deal to come get back for us after about 2 hours.

It may be because I am currently reading the book, but every time I looked up at the green mountain all I sware I heard the faint "AAASSSSS YYYOOOUUU WWWIIISSSHHH" as Buttercup pushed Wesley down to the Fire Swamp in The Princess Bride. The whole area truly felt like I was walking through a movie. The pictures don't even come close to the real thing, if you can make the trip to see it in person.

It got a little rainy and chilly for a short time, but in all it was fairly good weather.

The trip up was rather stressful and I had my doubts that we'd ever make it to see anything but a train station, but all that felt like nothing once we got our first glimps.

I never wanted to leave Giant's Causeway, but we had another long journey to get back to our house. As Ashley and I were on one of our many trains/busses we reflected on the lessons learned of the day.

1. Try much harder to figure out the trains ahead of time

2. Eat a big breakfast and bring snacks (we didn't get our first meal until 8:30 pm)

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help (we would have never gotten out of Dublin if we didn't constantly ask for help)

All together, it was a great birthday and I'm really proud of Ashley and myself for not giving up and making it to Giant's Causeway today. It was definitely a good trade off from the castle we had originally planned. I'm exhausted now and I definitely don't want to see another train for at least a week.

I did come home to a card, green Ireland bear, and some chocolates from Michael and Carmel (the couple we're staying with) for my birthday, It was such a great surprise after a long day.

Tomorrow is St Patty's day and we're off to see the parade in Dublin. Sunday is definitely going to be a sleeping in day. It's a good thing we also have Monday off to get some work done before school starts Tuesday.