Each of us chooses to live our lives in a unique way, whether we do this consciously by plan or through happenstance by following the chain of episodic events. Who we are and how we embrace our truest selves determines what we seek in life, including how we travel, or if we travel at all. While many people concentrate on large cities when traveling abroad, cultivating their love for art and history in museums or their gourmet tendencies in the finest restaurants, some seek only high adventure in rigorous conditions that others would view as dauntingly stressful rather than invigorating.
Julie and I enjoy driving through the countryside, soaking in scenic views. The Lakes of Killarney is a lovely region to do just that.
At some point in our travels long ago, we discovered we enjoyed seeing waterfalls any time we had the opportunity, so of course we stopped for a closer look at the Torc Waterfall.
Perhaps I misunderstood my history and geography classes when growing up, 
but I always assumed that European immigrants left the old world to come to America because their homeland was filled to overflowing. And yet, 
every time I've been to Europe, I find the open countryside dwarfs the city areas.
Sometimes, I probably give the impression that we're staying in palatial estates. Above is a photo of the Muckross House, a Victorian mansion built in 1843 a short drive from Killarney. When I'm in my cozy B&B bedroom, I may think of myself being here, but in fact, the truth is that sometimes the exterior is considerably less impressive, 
as can be the car I drive, which when shifting gears on narrow roads in the Irish countryside makes me feel like James Bond in an Aston Martin.
but I always assumed that European immigrants left the old world to come to America because their homeland was filled to overflowing. And yet, 
every time I've been to Europe, I find the open countryside dwarfs the city areas.
Sometimes, I probably give the impression that we're staying in palatial estates. Above is a photo of the Muckross House, a Victorian mansion built in 1843 a short drive from Killarney. When I'm in my cozy B&B bedroom, I may think of myself being here, but in fact, the truth is that sometimes the exterior is considerably less impressive, 
as can be the car I drive, which when shifting gears on narrow roads in the Irish countryside makes me feel like James Bond in an Aston Martin. Nonetheless, the views looking out remain stunning.
Living in a major metropolitan region like Los Angeles, I'm extremely appreciative of the opportunity to enjoy a rural view from my B&B.
From the yard of our B&B, we could see the Gap of Dunloe, a mountain pass carved by glaciers many millenium ago. This gap is a great place to hike or cycle, and in fact the country of Ireland would be a terrific place for hikers and bikers to explore without motorized transport.
While we stopped to walk frequently, our itinerary required an auto and long days to complete in less than a week. We still took time to enjoy the quiet pleasures like looking across our B&B yard at the Irish countryside.
Living in a major metropolitan region like Los Angeles, I'm extremely appreciative of the opportunity to enjoy a rural view from my B&B.
From the yard of our B&B, we could see the Gap of Dunloe, a mountain pass carved by glaciers many millenium ago. This gap is a great place to hike or cycle, and in fact the country of Ireland would be a terrific place for hikers and bikers to explore without motorized transport.
While we stopped to walk frequently, our itinerary required an auto and long days to complete in less than a week. We still took time to enjoy the quiet pleasures like looking across our B&B yard at the Irish countryside.
