As Dawn rose on my last morning at the farm I was both excited and sad. Sad to be leaving the Secret Garden but glad to be on the move again. Although there was more to be done we’d accomplished a lot. Reclaiming gardens and walls and stairs. Hacking back undergrowth and weeds, removing rubbish and dilapidated fences. We’d water blasted and repainted some of the buildings.

Cherry Blossom tree in flower in The Secret Garden

I’d take walks during my time there, collect Daffodils from the paddocks and sides of roads that I’d put in the kitchen and cabin. I’d miss those tremendously. Also the cheery yellow Gorse whose flowers I’d learned smell like coconut and which apparently can be used in making a nifty alcoholic beverage. Daffodils and Jonquils are some of my favourite bulb flowers and while they were prolific there – not so much where I’m from simply because even in the winter it doesn’t get cold enough for them.

The Standing Stones and Chester

The Bus strike going on in Ireland in March was still in full swing and so for nearly a week, I spent time at my host’s house. Waiting it out .. so we thought. We kept up with the news and when it became obvious this was not going to resolve anytime soon most plans got dumped. The Kennedy Farm, some of the grand old homes and gardens various other things fell by the wayside. One of my ”must do’s” had been to see the Cliffs of Moher and that was still possible by taking a day tour also I had to get back to Dublin to fly out … also not difficult. Lastly, promises to friends and family meant I needed to try Irish Coffee and Guinness somewhere.

That week sitting in place was not wasted though. I took a walk to visit the Standing Stones one last time. Something I had absolutely fallen in love with. Got big love and went for country walks with my host families dog, Chester. Caught up and had a girls night in [hearty meal, wine and games] with some of the other volunteers and friends we’d made. Got to take a looooong  bath – the first in about 14 months. Pure bliss. I didn’t have Epsom salts but I did have lavender oil from my time in Croatia and in that went in copious amounts. I repotted and split plants, read, made plans for when I got back to Oz. I did my nails [not something you get to do when you’re continually gardening] and I got to reflect … the things I’d seen and done, people I’d met, places I’d visited, things I’d learnt and feel absolute gratitude for all of it.

Cliffs of Moher

Next, I headed to Cork just for a couple of days to do the Cliffs of Moher tour. Walked the city. Saw the Shandon Tower and heard the bells and admired the beautiful waterways. The Cliffs of Moher definitely worth the effort. 2nd biggest tourist attraction … after one of the alcoholic tours…  Guinness? or Jamiesons? … I think it was Guinness. The tour also took in Bunratty Castle, lunch in the fishing village of Doolin and “The Burren” a place Oliver Cromwell described thus “Not enough wood to hang a man, water to drown him or soil to bury him.” An accurate description of a place that is regardless, beautiful in its own unique way.

The Burren

Dublin was next. Lots of independent walking of the city and a walking tour because truly folks … if you want to get to know a city … walk it. The Spire. The Old GPO [The rebel headquarters of 1916 Easter uprising and where the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was read from]. The Little Museum of Dublin. The Emigration Museum [loved and recommend]. Trinity College. St Stephens Green. The Viking and Medieval area. St Patricks Cathedral and the Cathedral District. Dublin Castle. Custom House. The Temple Bar. The Famine Memorial. The House of Lourdes. Stephens Shopping Centre [the building is amazing and that’s what you want to see – not the shops] The Jamieson Distillery. I souvenir shopped. I crossed The Liffey while exploring more times than I  can count. I drank Guinness and enjoyed it – surprising everyone including myself. I tried a coffee shop only to learn that I needed a pub for the Irish Coffee [thank you Barista man for pointing me in the right direction] and finally after 5 pubs [I kid you not] I found one that sold Irish Coffee. Shouldn’t that be like the National Drink sold everywhere? Regardless. I am happy to report it is delightful, with a hefty kick… I would recommend this also.

Above: The Spire. Temple Bar. The Famine Memorial.

After nearly 15  months and 7 countries, I ticked off 2 more life goals before the long haul back down under. 3 flights and 4 Airports later I was back. Before leaving for this grand adventure I had sold my car and cleared out my entire house. Selling or donating just about everything. Besides the backpack and suitcase, I travelled with. 13 small boxes and my childhood doll house and chair stored in a garden shed back in Oz constituted all my worldly possessions. Truly – that still felt great. Possessions weigh you down in more ways than one. I knew another great adventure was about to start in an entirely different way. Where would I live? What would I choose to do and build for my life from here on in? Questions going forward. But until till then, lastly …..

Life Goal: Have no fixed address for a time.

Life Goal: Live overseas for more than a year

Done and Done.

Last leg. Nearly home.

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