At home abroad: 02/01/2009

February 1, 2009

Waves, Lava Fields & Volcanoes no longer on fire

I went for a quick escape from the Irish winter to Lanzarote. The island proofed to be the exact opposite to Ireland in most ways. Lanzarote is mainly black, red and dry where Ireland is green and soft.
I loved the National Park of Timanfaya, first you see nothing but black lava fields. Then if you look a little closer you can see a lot of different shapes, colours and small crystals embedded in the rocks of lava. The volcanoes rise as red mountains behind the black lava fields. A stunning sight!
I got to climb two volcanoes (you can see one if them in this picture), saw two caves (it was really only one cave as both caves are part of the same lava tube: Jameos de Agua & Cueva de los Verdes) and amazing waves in Famara. A great trip to recharge the batteries!
The main resort where I stayed was a bit strange though; I think it hosted more Irish pubs per square mile than Temple bar ;)

Update: More photos

Intro

In Ireland I was once told a story. A Spanish man travelling in Connemara asked what the Irish word for mañana would be. He was told “Oh no, we don’t have a word describing such a hurry here.”
I tried to keep this story in mind on my way from Cork into Dublin on Sunday evening.
It seemed to me like even the roads were in a hurry. Cars where changing lanes like mad and honking was the only accepted way of communication.

Ireland is a lovely country, people are friendly, the weather is mild, the countryside is gorgeous and in general not much is working in this country, but Irish people are way to relaxed to keep complaining about this too much, which is a very good skill to acquire when you move here from lets say one of the Scandinavian countries.