"One of the great things about traveling is you find out how many good, kind people there are." - Edith Wharton

I did not even have to step off of American soil to find the truth behind this quote. For 3.5 years at my former job I worked consistently with three women in Florida via email and telephone communication, having only met in person one time at a conference. After hearing about my travel plans, these women mailed me a card wishing me safe travels. A very nice gesture, but what made it extraordinary was that the card contained a check given solely out of the goodness of their hearts. Feeling unable to accept their voluntary gift, I decided to pass it on and purchase food for the children of Sidai, which was compounded by another coworker who contributed the same amount. I was astonished at their generosity and am only saddened that they were unable to see the happiness that it brought to the children when they learned they would be eating rice, a food they rarely eat due to the skyrocketing price during the past year.

As backpackers from all over the world continue to revolve in and out of my life as I bounce from hostel to hostel, I have been enjoying the variety of personalities of the many people I've encountered. Most of the young people staying at hostels have one purpose in mind -- to see the area and experience the local culture. In the kitchen, dorm bedroom or common bathroom, all conversations begin with, "Where are you from?" Followed by, "How long are you here for?" Most people are either on vacation or studying abroad, a few people are on a similar trip for an extended period of time, and all have been very friendly. Steve, a 20-year-old from Germany, was gratious enough to lend me his computer for a few hours one day and was one of the most well-mannered persons I have ever met. Greg was a 21-year-old American stationed in the military in Germany who repairs medical supplies used in Iraq. In Killarney two days ago I met students from Spain and Italy who, after they learned that Steph and I spoke fluent English, eagerly began practicing their English on us. Coincidentally, while walking down the street in the city of Cork today, we happened to run into these same girls again as they sat on the sidewalk eating their lunch, taking a break from their English class.

I have too often been told by older people how they regret not traveling when they were my age, before marriage and children came along. An English woman told us how she wishes she was able to travel like her daughter who has spent months at a time away from home. Today we met two 60-something women from Canada who sadly wished they could redo some of their years. This seems to be a reoccuring theme. I hope I am minimizing the amount of regrets I may have in the future right now.

I've found that whether I like or dislike an area not only depends on the scenery but is largely influenced by the people I met there. Many are traveling by themselves, a feat I personally would not choose for myself. Despite the dangers of a female traveling by herself, I get more pleasure out of doing and seeing things with a companion. I have learned that no matter where you travel in the world, you need someone to share it with in order to make it special. Sitting in a Kenyan treehouse just wouldn't have been as fun if I was by myself, even if there were plenty of monkeys to hang out with.

The Irish are very friendly and most live up to their stereotype of enjoying one too many drinks, which I guess is understandable since the Guinness goes down like candy. Their happiness is contagious. This was first noticed as soon as Steph and I arrived in Dublin late last Sunday night. After retrieving our backpacks, we stepped outside the airport into the rainy night looking for the bus that would take us into the city. An Irishman approached us and asked if he could help and we soon were pointed in the correct direction. After he noticed our American accent, he immediately asked us for our thoughts on Obama (I have a feeling this theme is going to continue until election day) and proceeded to dance a little Irish jig for us after Steph voiced her opinion. As we walked away, we looked at each other in amazement -- welcome to Ireland! Where they dance Irish jigs in the street!

Yesterday Steph and I grudgingly accepted the fact that we were going on another tour. Again, it was cheaper than renting a car. So, we hopped on another bus in the morning and toured the Ring of Kerry, an absolutely beautiful loop of southwestern Ireland with views of the coastline and towering mountains. We have been extremely lucky with the weather in Ireland -- apparently it has been raining consistently all summer and this past week of sunshine is a rarity.

We are now in Cork, a city very similar to Dublin. Today we went to the Blarney Castle and kissed the world famous Blarney Stone. After climbing the narrow, spiral staircase to the top of the castle, you are to lie down backwards and pucker up to kiss this Stone of Eloquence. Apparently, as the legend goes, I will never again be at a loss of words. Perhaps the kiss worked, as this blog entry is getting rather lengthy.

Tomorrow we are heading to Wexford and then depart for England on Thursday. We are planning to meet up with friends that we met five years ago while traveling through New Zealand and have maintained contact with since. Gotta love Facebook!

Cheers!