the most out of more

As most of you know, I travel cheap. I sleep in budget hostels, or on an airport bench as I did in Dublin last week, or on the floor or couch if I'm lucky enough to know someone. I go without showers, or take cold showers. I am also accustomed to brushing my teeth on the side of the street with a refilled bottle of water.

But recently I have been traveling around Ireland with my parents, and I find myself figuring out how to enjoy a room to myself with a queen size bed, a bathtub and shower, a small table with a glass top, and two chairs, not to mention the internet I'm using right now. This place has a beautiful sitting room, a great view of Dingle, Ireland, and other amenities I have almost forgotten how to savor.

Two weeks ago when I went to Eastern Europe all I took was my school backpack. This time, since my parents rented an SUV, I figured I would pack my large Northface knockoff from Vietnam and bring my laptop. Tonight I find myself in my private room after a night of food I would never buy and using a computer I would never have. I'm not staying in a hostel, eating pizza by the slice or getting take away. I'm traveling with my parents.

This contrast has helped me with this realization. Now I will try to make the most out of more than I'm used to.

I guess I should be telling you about the Garnish House in Cork (huge breakfast), Ross Castle in Killarney National Park, the bronze age Druid stone circle in Kenmare, the late iron age circular stone forts, the 14th century castle, the Ring of Kerry, the traditional music in Dingle, and the amazing food I have had. I had some interesting thoughts about all that, but I don't know enough to write something intelligent. However, seeing it has inspired me to learn more.