when irish eyes are smiling, they're usually up to something.: Manchester (re)United

23-02-12 Home Of the Brave

Getting ready to board the plane for Manchester and be reunited with Ellen! I just had an experience that I will forever remember about my trip to Ireland. I was with my friends all excited about heading to England for the weekend for some sight seeing. We walked through security and headed into the Duty Free section of the airport and I saw a few US Soldiers standing around in their uniforms, I didn't think much about it just made sure to make eye contact and smile out of respect. All of my friends were completely oblivious to them I think. So I got a bottle of water and a snack and went to head to the lounge to wait for my flight. When I walked through the doors to the lounge there were well over 200 US soldiers sitting around. I wish I had gotten a picture, I was speechless, breathless, and amazed to see so many of them. They were sitting there so calm and relaxed looking I figured they were on their way home from war. But for some reason I got this odd feeling in my throat, I guess sort of like being choked up. Once again my friends were oblivious and were just complaining that there weren't any seats. I was looking for an open seat when one soldier offered his, I obviously kindly neglected he deserved it more than I did. So I found a spot in a corner and sat down with my friends. After about an hour my friends boarded their flight to London and I had another hour until my flight to Manchester. I found a table and sat down to read my book. I was sitting there for a while and then this US Soldier sat down next to me and asked me if I knew the local time. This was either a pick-up line or a serious question, regardless I didn't mind because it started a conversation between us for about a half hour before I had to board my plane. Come to find out after asking "Where are you guys headed?" All of these brave men and women would be in Afghanistan in 4 days for the next 9 months of their lives. My heart sank but he was very open about it. He told me his name was Cory Craig and he was from Omaha, Nebraska stationed in Fort Briggs, NC. It made me sort of sad to know that at the age of 20 I'm doing one of the most selfish things a person could do, traveling Europe, and not worrying about anyone but myself. And this 20 year old is doing the most selfless thing possibly, fighting for his country. I enjoyed talking to him more or less listening to him talk about himself. It seemed like he needed someone to listen, so I didn't mind. It brought me back to reality and to remember the men and women who serve and protect the United States and we should all thank them for that.

Wahoo!!!!!! For the first time ever I waslked outside and climbed a staircase to get on the plane like they do in the movies. I felt like the president (okay that was a joke). It was a small plane though!

Went to Manchester FRAT Party tonight. Not exactly what I had expected but it was fun. AND I am so happy to be with Ellen for the weekend.

24-02-12 Quiet Days in Manchester

Ellen wasn't feeling well today so we hung low all morning then walked around Manchester for alittle bit. We made American pancakes for breakfast then took a walk. I'm dumb and forgot that today is Friday and ate meat....woops. Oscar (Ellen's boyfriend give or take) made a delicious dinner. He made chicken strips from scratch and they were amazing. We also had potatoes with some type of seasoning. Then we watched Bridesmaids.

25-02-12

We went to the Manchester Museum today then went to the Trafford Mall. It was nice. We got lunch at this place called Pizza Express and it was good but no comparison to NJ pizza. I went to Zara and bought the cutest jeans they are a baby blue color and this great lace skirt that is an off white color. I bought my sisters all a silly little present from TopShop but it's a surprise as to what it is! We didn't go out again tonight other than for a drink. Then went back to her place and went to bed early because I have an early morning tomorrow.

26-02-12 Flight CANCELLED

Sitting at the airport it's still pretty early in the morning. My flight is at 8:40 am. I'm ready to head back to Ireland and get some work done before RAG week, and maybe some rest to so I can try and be prepared for the upcoming week.

Well it's now 1030am and I am still in Manchester. Bad luck strikes again! My flight was originally at 8:50 then 9:30 then 10:45 and now CANCELLED. So I went to the desk and they were going to send me to Birmingham, England by bus for a 5:30pm flight. From Birmingham I would go to Cork then take a bus to Limerick. I must have looked terrified by that unexpected day of travel, they luckily found me a flight to Dublin. So I have to wait another hour for that flight then a 3 hour bus ride to Shannon and then a bus to Limerick. The only positive thing about the delays and cancellations is that I wasn't on the plane that was having wiring malfunctions. Maybe I am lucky.

Finally in bed. I made dinner when I got back at 5 then Amanda and Ginna stopped over for a bit. We discussed Italy for a bit but I decided that I couldn't talk about it anymore because I was over traveling for the day. I was a little annoyed because my kitchen was disgusting from my roommates all weekend. I opened the tea pot and found mold. So I left a not so nice letter in the kitchen. But hopefully a goodnight sleep will have me feeling better and prepared for RAG week in the morning!