Farewell Ilfracombe, England. Lookout Ireland, here I come!

Lee Bay (England) - Ilfracombe (England) - Totnes (England) - Bristol (England) - Dublin (Ireland) - Gowran (Ireland) - Kilkenny (Ireland)

Leaving the Grampus Inn at Lee Bay was one of the sadest thing I've done so far in my trip, especially separating from Lucy the dog. But life goes on and it's a risk I have to take as a nomad.

The last week I spent at the Grampus had been a spectacular week. While working for the day or night shift, I have managed to fit in some time to say goodbye to the coast, Ilfracombe and some of the locals I have grown to love.

The walk along the coast was amazing. The weather varied from a nice warm sunny day, grey cloud, windy, rain then rainbow, and not just a normal rainbow, but a double rainbow. To top that off, Lucy managed to roll around on fox shit that she successfully able to cover her whole body with.

The next day, I had another surprise visit from Phil Prophet aka Papa Bear. Phil was the member of the big family from Shangrilagos, Lagos Portugal. It was a really nice surprise, unfortunately it turned out to be a very short one. Phil only hung out with us in the afternoon til night, but it was really good to see him.

The following day, accompanied by Mats, I walked along the coast to Ilfracombe. It was a really nice walk where we passed some friendly sheep who were very keen on our snacks. In Ilfracombe, we visited Sara, as well as Mat and Arthur to say hello and goodbye in case I don't see them at the Grampus Inn on Friday night.

From left to right: The first 5 pictures are the view of the coastal walk from Lee Bay to Ilfracombe; Sara's awesome retro record player, absolutely love it!; Sara and adorable Dudley; Mats making friends with one of the sheep; Lucy in front of the double rainbow, a bit hard to see the second one; The next 3 photos are the coastal view from our walk along the coast from Lee Bay to Mortepoint; Me and Lucy at the edge of the cliff posing away; Mats gets daring with the waves.

The last Friday night at the Grampus was not too busy but it was nice. I was really happy to see the lovely, beautiful and bubbly Sara, the naturally funny Danny, gorgeous Holy (Sara's daughter) and the lovable Arthur, with the most beautiful eyes anyone can have, come in to Grampus. It was a sad night saying goodbye to them, as well as wonderful lovely Sandy, and Neil, the hillarious and cheeky chef who loves to pull your leg constantly.

For the first time at Grampus, I managed to get Sara, who is an amazing pianist to play the piano. It was the best farewell gift I could ever ask for. Thank you Sara, you really touched my heart deeply.

From left to right: Danny and Sara chatting away with Phil aka Papa Bear; Last Friday night at the Grampus with the highly talented boys jamming away together, Cristobal on his sax, Danny on his Base and Arthur on his guitar (you guys are amazing!); Me between Holy and Sara; Sara dressed up playing on the piano (such modesty of a great talent which I really admire Sara for, you're truly amazing, Sara, love you heaps); Me and Bill, the man who made it all happen; Me and Mats on our last shift working in the kitchen with Neil (I can't believe I didn't take a picture of Neil); Beautiful Sandy and her masterpiece coffee; Me and Ronan, who's an awesome chef and such a sweetheart; The unforgettable Lucy who will always be my soulmate; Me and fantasticly highly talented musician Cristobal; Me and Laurin who instantly became my bestfriend from day 1, love ya girl!

Saturday morning, I had my bag all packed and ready. I woke up with Lucy snuggling on my feet and cuddled her for as long as I can before leaving her. I went downstairs and joined the others for our last morning porridge. It was 10am and time to go. I said my farewell to Cristobal, Ronan and Laurin. Walked to Bill's car with Lucy following me whereever I went. I finally got her to catch a ball so that I can close the gate behind her, I hopped on the car and there she was, behind the gate wondering where I was going. I couldn't help the tears running on my cheek seeing her as the car drove away from the Grampus. Goodbye Grampus, my England home. I will be back one day.

Totnes was the next destination where Richard and Sandra is house sitting at the moment. When I got to Totnes, we met infront of the Seven Star pub. It was really good to see them after our meeting in Edinburgh. We then headed to their place which had an amazing view and luxurious rooms. It was a B&B and I was absolutely spoilt with the room I was staying in for a couple of nights. Their friends, Chris and Lisa were staying there as well for the night. It was really nice to spend time with them as well. Richard and Sandra made sure that we were well fed and comfortable. Thanks so much guys, you are the best. I'm so happy we keep meeting on our travels. I love you guys so much! You're truly amazing.

From left to right: Crossing the river on the way from Totnes to the house; View from the house; Another view from the house; Richard chillaxing on the balcony; Vending machine for umbrellas, only in England!; Harry the dog Richard and Sandra are taking care of with his funny sleeping position; Our last day together, At the pub; Our first night together

After spending two nights in Totnes, the journey continues on to Bristol where I spent the night at Heather and Libby's place before flying off to Dublin the next day. Thanks for always letting me stop over, Heather. You're the best!

The next day I flew to Dublin and caught the next bus to Gowran where my host that I will be staying for a couple of weeks is. So far, Ireland has been the coldest I've been with very moist air. The landscape around me reminds me alot like England.

The second day, I went to Kilkenny where most of the buildings are grey because of the local material in the area which is lime stone. As my main purpose of visiting Ireland besides experience the local culture is for St Patrick's, I was walking down the road of Patrick Street and met a man who then walked with me around town passing Patrick's Graveyard and introduced himself as Patrick. How bizzarre!

From left to right: A river I took a photo of on my walk in the area; The barn of my host's farm; View from the house; The house I'm staying at; Along side the river in Kilkenny; Church in Kilkenny; Patrick's Graveyard where I met Patrick; Hmm.. Something's not right with the map; Church on top of the hill in Kilkenny; Me around the castle; The entrance of the castle; The castle in Kilkenny; Kilkenny; Kilkenny.

My next blog will be about St Patrick's Day. Yaaaaaaaaay!