After the success of my first trip to Ireland, I got bit by the bug and decided I needed to go back, solo this time. But in true Jami fashion, I hemmed and hawed about when, how long, where to stay, etc.

It took me 2 months to decide that I needed to do this for myself. After the first trip, I did a lot of soul searching, a lot of examining of who I am and what I want out of life. The one thought that returned over and over: “take time to relax, write, and take pictures”.

And so the plan was formulated. Go to Dingle, where I felt that pull the strongest, and spend time hiking, writing, taking pictures, getting to know people, relax. Slow down for awhile and reset. And for good measure, go to Lisdoonvarna for their annual Matchmaking Festival.

I quickly decided my dates, bought tickets, then set about finding Airbnb locations, and booking the rental car. I knew that I’d breathe once those were set, and boy was I right!

As the months passed, I figured out what activities would be an adventure and what I wanted to revisit. I planned when I would take time to write. I knew that I wanted to spend at least an hour in the morning writing, and there’s a local coffee shop that’s perfect for it. All other writing would be done throughout the day as I explored the peninsula.

New hiking clothes were bought (Prana Meme pants are awesome), and because I wanted to hike Mt. Brandon, I knew a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes would be a must.

After several trial and error Amazon purchases, I wandered into Eastern Mountain Sports to try on some Merrell’s. I had purchased a pair on Amazon that turned out to be too small, and I didn’t want to wait to try on the next size up.

As I looked at the display of hiking shoes, pondering how serious hikers knew what to choose, a sales associate came walking by with a couple of gentleman (who turned out to be upper management) and asked if I needed help. After asking about the Merrell’s, he offered me a pair of socks so I could try them on (Smartwool socks are freaking amazing y’all!) and grabbed the requested size. I tried on the Merrell’s and quickly came to the realization that unfortunately they will never be a brand I will be able to wear. They hurt my feet and were super heavy.

A good sales person knows how to make a sale, so he had already pre-planned recommending another brand of shoes to me. When he came back with the Merrell’s, he recommended a pair of shoes that I ended up buying: Oboz Sawtooth Waterproof Walking Shoe. I was skeptical, since I had seen them as a suggestion on Amazon, but hadn’t had a chance to read up on them. The moment I slipped my feet into the Oboz, I knew I’d be walking out with them. They were super comfortable, and even come with an insert that gives just the right amount of cushion for my plantar fasciitis prone foot. I walked around the store for a bit, and the more I walked, the more I knew they would become a favorite brand. Compared to the Merrell’s, they were extremely lightweight, but rugged enough for the kind of hiking I was looking to do.

With the clothing situation handled, I turned my attention to my camera. I had already decided that I wanted to do a photo tour, and I quickly found Dingle Darkroom online. After checking out the reviews (and the amazing photos previous clients had taken), I quickly emailed to book a tour.

Since we’d be shooting at sunset and dusk, I knew it was time to pull the trigger and buy a remote shutter release to prevent me touching the camera with my often shaky hands. I found the Vijoy release which works perfectly with my Canon Rebel T5. I also purchased the Amazon 60″ tripod, which I was pleasantly surprised was sturdy and well built. I tested them out up at the reservoir in town one evening, and was amazed at how easily maneuverable the tripod was and how in focus the photos were. I knew I had a good match.

With everything lined up to go, all that was left was to wrap up at work, pack, and head out. As I accomplished these tasks, I realized for the umpteenth time that I really need to figure out how to get my packing down to a manageable level. Three pairs of pants, shirts, shoes, a dress, and associated undergarments rolled up in 2 packing cubes still took up most of my Osprey Porter, and I wondered how experienced travelers always seem so put together but have teeny travel luggage. I reminded myself that I also had my hiking poles, tripod, umbrella, hair straightener and toiletries in the bag, and that would take up a bunch of space, no matter how much I wished they wouldn’t.

I finished packing, put the bags in the car (using my Osprey Daypack as my “purse” for the flight), and headed to a friend’s to drop off my car and get a ride to the airport shuttle bus. She reassured me that my wardrobe was the right amount for a 10 day trip, and wished me a fun time.

I got to the airport at 4:45 pm, and quickly made it through security. I annoyed the people behind me because there was no line, so I didn’t have my normal prep time to pull off my shoes, jacket, and get my laptop out. I offered to let them go in front of me, but they assured me they were in no rush, even as they continued to frown at my slowness. I mentally shrugged my shoulders and hurried as fast as I could.

Once through security and reassembled, I headed to the gate, stopping to grab a Kind bar for a snack when I landed. At the gate there was a Dunkin Donuts, so I grabbed a tea, a toasted croissant, and a donut to tide me over until we boarded.

So I sit here in the airport, watching the 6 pm flight leaving for Dublin, reminiscing about my first trip, memories flood in, reminding me exactly why this trip is so important. Like a rite of passage, I imagine a person’s first solo international trip can invoke the same feelings as your first time driving; scary, anxiety inducing, but exhilarating, knowing you’re accomplishing something on your own.

We’ll board soon, and though I’m exhausted, I’m sure the excitement will kick in when I’m on board and headed out on this next adventure.

“It takes a great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.” – Oscar Wilde

‘Tá scéalta ag insint sí ag taisteal.’
‘She who travels has stories to tell.’