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January 4, 2011
Reflections on the Emerald Isle
One of my favorite playwrights, Irish native George Bernard Shaw, once wrote this of his homeland: "Ireland, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.”
I, for one, certainly agree with the “good” and “better” parts of his statement … Ever since my first visit to Ireland some years ago, I’ve been in love with Shaw’s homeland—for many reasons. From the warmth and good humor of its friendly people to the lush beauty of its pastoral landscapes to the unique charm of its cities and towns, the Emerald Isle has an easy down-to-earth quality that makes traveling there a pleasure.
Throughout my many years of traveling the world, I’ve certainly met my share of friendly locals. But in Ireland, they’re an elemental part of the travel experience. Everywhere I ventured, from the narrow, cobbled streets of Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar district to the imposing Cliffs of Moher, precipitous promontories on the Atlantic Coast, I encountered warm, welcoming locals who genuinely cared about whether I was enjoying my time on their island. In fact, I met so many friendly people from all walks of life—young and old, on their own and in groups, in the country and in the city—that I began to think like Shaw: for me, the gracious and gregarious Irish people do indeed make the Emerald Isle “like no other place under heaven.”
Is there a travel destination that holds a similarly special place in your heart? If so, I’d love to hear about it. Share your comments below this Journal entry, or email me directly at harriet@gct.com.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting our vacation in Nova Scotia, Canada. If you’ve explored Canada with Grand Circle, I hope you’ll send your stories and pictures to me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis