Earth Day 2023: Invest in our Planet

Earth Day is a special day to honor our beautiful planet and reflect on the challenges it faces. It's understandable to feel helpless when we think about the challenges that our planet is up against. But remember, every little action counts and can have a significant impact. 

For instance, Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan activist, started the Green Belt Movement in 1977 by planting seven trees in her backyard. Her small gesture grew into a movement that has planted over 50 million trees in Kenya and inspired similar efforts around the world. Maathai's story reminds us that even the smallest action can have a ripple effect.

Another inspiring story is that of Boyan Slat, who founded The Ocean Cleanup at the age of 18. His brilliant idea to use ocean currents to collect plastic waste and debris has led to the creation of a revolutionary system that can clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. A mere school project has evolved into a worldwide movement that has achieved remarkable strides in ocean conservation, proving that anyone can make a difference regardless of their age.

So, what can you do? Why not start with a simple act of kindness for our planet, like a clean-up? It's a tangible and rewarding way to make a difference. You can gather some friends, don some gloves, and clean up litter in your local park, beach, or neighborhood. While you may not be able to clean up the world, the potential to create a meaningful impact exists within your own community.

But it's not just about cleaning up litter. 

You can also invest in our planet and have a huge impact on it by making small changes in your daily life. For instance, use reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups instead of single-use plastic; use public transport only; walk or cycle instead of driving. Supporting local farmers, eating more plant-based foods, and reducing food waste not only help the environment but can also save you money.

While these small changes may seem insignificant, when we all make them, cumulatively, they add up and can make a real difference.

Let’s all commit to do our part this Earth Day and every day! Don't think that your actions won't matter, because they will! We can all make a difference, just like Wangari Maathai and Boyan Slat did with their small but powerful actions.

To learn more about The Ocean Cleanup, visit their website at: https://theoceancleanup.com/.

Forgiveness and Rebirth: The Power of Letting Go, This Easter

As we celebrate Easter, I am reminded of the power of forgiveness and how it can transform our lives.

Recently, I was wrestling with letting go of some anger and hurt I was carrying in my heart, and it made forgiveness seem almost impossible. It was during this time that I stumbled upon “The Book of Forgiving” by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. In its pages, I found a forgiveness exercise: carry a rock to symbolize the weight of the emotional baggage you are carrying. It was an interesting notion, and I decided to put the exercise into action. For several days, I embraced the exercise wholeheartedly, I clutched onto a hefty rock, embodying the emotional weight I carried, only setting it down when necessary.

It was burdensome to carry it with me all the time. Carrying emotional baggage is very much the same; it weighs us down and prevents us from moving forward freely in life.

Even though someone may have wronged us, it is ultimately our responsibility to unburden ourselves from the weight of that hurt, and embrace the path to healing through forgiveness.

Letting go of the emotions that no longer serve us is the first step towards healing. Although I am still learning the art of forgiveness, I know that it's a journey that requires patience and time. There are moments when past wounds resurface; however, I believe that forgiveness is a practice that requires repeatedly letting go, but it's a worthwhile process.

Easter reminds us of hope, forgiveness, and rebirth. It's a time to release our resentments and bloom into our true selves. It reminds us that love, hope, and rebirth are always possible, and forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and growth.

World Water Day

It’s World Water Day! Today we acknowledge the importance of water and the urgent need to protect this precious resource.

This year's theme is "Be the Change," and the focus is on accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. The United Nations established Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) with the aim of providing access to clean water and sanitation to everyone by 2030. Sadly, the most recent data reveals that significant progress is lagging behind, and governments must accelerate their efforts by four times to achieve the target within the deadline.

But the good news is we can all do our part to make a positive change.

It starts with reducing our own water usage and adopting sustainable practices in our homes and communities. This could be as simple as simple as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, fixing a leaky faucet, planting a water-wise garden, or using a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway.

We can also hold corporations accountable for their actions and push for stronger environmental regulations. Promoting environmentally responsible businesses and advocating for policies that safeguard water resources is a great way to make a difference.

In addition, we can support the cause and make a difference by donating to a water charity or organization that works to provide clean and safe water to those in need. Many amazing organizations like Charity: Water, The White Feather Foundation, Water.org, and WaterAid are doing great work and need our support.

We can also get involved by volunteering with local water-related projects, participating in clean-up efforts, and educating others about the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices.

Together, let us pledge to make every day World Water Day by taking action to conserve and protect this essential resource. By working together, we can create a better tomorrow where every person has access to clean and safe water. Let's be the change and take action today!

To learn more about the charities mentioned above and how you can support their efforts, check out their websites and explore the different ways you can contribute.

Charity: Water (https://www.charitywater.org/): a non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.

The White Feather Foundation (https://www.whitefeatherfoundation.com/): an environmental and humanitarian charity founded by musician and activist Julian Lennon.

Water.org (https://water.org/): an international non-profit organization that transforms communities by providing access to safe water and sanitation.

WaterAid (https://www.wateraid.org/): a charity that works to provide clean water, decent toilets, and hygiene education to people in some of the poorest and most marginalized communities in the world.

International Forest Day

Happy International Forest Day!

As someone who loves trees, I can't help but get excited about this day. Not only are trees beautiful, but they also play a vital role in keeping our planet healthy and thriving.

Did you know that trees help to clean our water? They act as natural filters, removing pollutants and sediment before the water reaches our streams, rivers, and oceans. So the next time you take a sip of clean water, thank the trees for their hard work!

But that's not all - trees are also good for our health and wellbeing. Spending time in nature, particularly among trees, has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance mental clarity. It's no wonder that in Japan, some doctors prescribe "tree bathing" as a form of therapy!

Living in Portugal, I have a special appreciation for the forests here. Portugal is home to some beautiful forests, including the largest cork oak forest in the world. Cork trees are an iconic symbol of the country's countryside and an essential part of its cultural heritage. Cork is harvested from the bark of the tree, and Portugal produces around half of the world's cork supply. The cork oak forests provide many benefits, including preventing soil erosion, preserving biodiversity, and helping to trap carbon and fight climate change. So let's take a moment today to appreciate and enjoy all the amazing trees around us, whether they're in Portugal or anywhere else in the world.

And don't forget, we all need to do our part to protect and preserve our forests. Let's support sustainable forestry practices, cut back on our use of paper products, and push for policies that keep our precious trees and forests safe and healthy for future generations.

Happy tree-loving, everyone!

Happy International Day of Happiness!

As I write this for International Day of Happiness, I'm feeling a range of emotions. This years theme, "Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind," resonates deeply with me, but it also brings up personal struggles that I have kept unshared until now. However, I have recently decided to be more open about my struggles in the hope that by sharing my story, I can help someone else who may be going through similar experiences.

Although my adult life has been fortunate in many ways, I've still encountered significant challenges with depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. Looking back on my past, I can see how certain experiences have shaped who I am today. These struggles have been an ongoing part of my life, but I'm learning to cope and persevere despite them, and I'm committed to continuing to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being.

To cope, I have found that practicing mindfulness throughout the day helps me slow down and be present in the moment. For me, walking serves as a type of meditation, offering me a sense of peace and emotional stability. I also keep a gratitude journal to focus on the positive things in my life and shift my perspective during overwhelming times.

Recently, I read "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk, which has provided me with valuable insights into understanding the root of my depression. This powerful book explores the effects of trauma on the body and mind and offers practical tools for healing and self-care. I highly recommend it.

Above all, I try to always be kind to others, recognizing that we all have our own struggles. A kind word or smile can go a long way. Showing compassion and empathy towards others can make a world of difference.

On this International Day of Happiness, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself and take small steps towards practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion. It's okay to not always feel happy, but by being mindful, grateful, and compassionate, we can improve our mental and emotional well-being, and spread joy to those around us.

Let's celebrate the joys in our lives, acknowledge our struggles, and support each other in our journey towards happiness. Together, we can make the world a happier and more compassionate place.

Earth Day 2020

The Loaf of Bread: A Tale of Hunger, Poverty, and Injustice

I was hailing a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) when I heard a voice behind me ask if I would buy him some bread.

When I turned around I saw a barefooted boy about 12 years old. His short, black, curly hair was rusty-red from the dust of the iron rich african soil. His torn and faded blazer covered a stained and tattered t-shirt. His dirty oversized trousers cinched tight with a frayed nylon rope. His eyes were downcast, and his body language conveyed both shyness and hunger.

When I looked at this young boy, I was reminded of a story about an orphaned boy that was chased down and beaten to death by a mob, not far from where we stood for stealing a piece of bread. He was only nine years old. 

The police rarely investigate crimes against homeless children, as they are seen as criminals and thieves by the police and the community rather than vulnerable individuals in need of protection and support.

A few years ago, the local police rounded up the street kids, loaded them into a lorry, then drove to the jungle and dumped them. One boy hid to avoid being taken to jungle, but later, when he was discovered by the police, he was taken to the stadium and shot dead. He was 14 years old.

I led the boy to a nearby market, where the smell of spices and produce mingled in the air. When we entered the store, I soon understood his hesitation, as all eyes were on him. I noticed the stares of the other shoppers, who seemed to regard him as a nuisance or a threat as he perused the shelf of bread. I asked him if he wanted anything else, but he said no. He quickly chose a loaf, then carried it to the cash register. He placed the bread on the counter, mumbled something to the store clerk, then immediately left the market. 

After I paid the clerk, he bagged the bread, but instead of handing it to me, he set it to the side. He explained the boy would return later for the bread because if he were to take it with him, the older boys would steal it from him.  

I left the market and found the boy waiting outside. He thanked me, then hailed me a boda boda. 

As I thought about the boy's plight, I remembered the staggering statistics: 2.7 million orphans in Uganda, 10,000 children living on the streets. Poverty and HIV/AIDS were the main culprits. But statistics only tell part of the story. The reality was much darker: children being beaten to death for stealing bread, police rounding up street kids and dumping them in the jungle, rampant abuse and exploitation.

As I rode away on my boda boda, I couldn't help but wonder where the boy would sleep that night. The white loaf of bread he had chosen would do little to nourish his malnourished body, but it was better than nothing. The sun was setting, and the temperature was dropping. I felt grateful for the roof over my head and the food in my belly, but I also felt ashamed of the privilege that separated me from the boy and so many others like him.

Walking in Agnes' Shoes: A Glimpse into the Daily Life of a Ugandan Woman

I was visiting the Kitojo Community Vocational Institute in Kabale, Uganda, when I noticed Agnes ambling up the steep driveway carrying three empty jerrycans. I ran after her and asked if I could accompany her. She nodded her head and handed me a jerrycan. The school is building additional classrooms, and Agnes is responsible for collecting the water needed to mix the concrete.

We followed a well-trodden, dusty road into the village. The water tap is located in the center of the village, behind a small mud hut.

Five years ago, the government connected the village to the national water supply. The villagers pay 200 Ugandan shillings, (about $.50) for each jerrycan of water. Before the water tap was installed, the villagers had to walk several miles, high into the mountains, to fetch water, but now they are within a few minutes' walk of clean drinking water.

When we arrived at the source, we placed the containers on the ground. Agnes removed the lids from each of the containers and then placed one jerrycan at a time beneath the spout until each of them was full. With a combined weight of 120 pounds, her task of collecting water is not easy. I picked up one of the jerrycans by the handle and followed Agnes back to the school. The weight was cumbersome, and with each step, the container seemed to become heavier.

As I passed through the village, I heard the children and adults chuckle as I battled with the container. Several children yelled out, "Mzungu!, Mzungu!" (Mzungu is a term used to refer to someone with "white skin" or a foreigner.) I imagine it was amusing to the villagers to watch the mzungu struggle to carry one jerrycan.

Agnes had almost reached the school when she looked back and noticed my slow progress. She set her two jerrycans down on the road, and walked back to me. As she approached, she removed a wrap from around her waist, coiled the fabric, and placed it on my head. She then lifted the 40-pound jerrycan and placed it on my head. 

By this point, I had attracted a crowd, and the villagers watched as I took that first unsteady step. I clutched the bright yellow container with a death grip. With the jerrycan balanced precariously on my head, with each step the water sloshed within the container, making it increasingly difficult to balance. "One hand, one hand!" one woman shouted as I plodded forward. I decided if I was going to fetch water, I would carry the water like a pro. I carefully released my grip from the handle and slowly lowered one arm. I took a step forward, but suddenly, the shifting water within the container caused me to lose my balance. I quickly returned my hand to steady the jerrycan, and this appeared to have humored the villagers.

Embarrassed, but determined, I trudged down the uneven, rock-strewn dirt road. Lactic acid built up in my shoulders, causing them to burn. I could feel the weight of the water compressing my spine. Nearing the school, my legs began to tremble, and I feared they would falter beneath the weight of the water. Somehow, I managed to reach the bottom of the hill, and Agnes helped lower the jerrycan to the ground.

I had only walked a short distance, but I was exhausted. Fetching water is not an easy task. Tired, I walked to a chair beneath a nearby tree to rest.
Just as I was leaning back to close my eyes, there was a tap on my shoulder. When I opened my eyes, I saw Agnes standing before me. She handed me a jerrycan and said, "Let’s go!"

At the end of the day, I calculated that Agnes was walking close to 20 miles every day while carrying a combined weight of over twelve hundred pounds, or a little over half a ton of water every day for work, it became clear to me the immense toil and dedication needed to secure something as basic as water—a stark reminder of the privilege many of us enjoy, often taking it for granted.

Don’t you ever get lonely?

As I answer the question about loneliness on the road, a twinge of emotion grips my chest. It's true—there are times when I feel lonely out on the road. But it's a bittersweet feeling, one that I've learned to accept and even cherish.

Walking alone on this journey for clean water is not without its challenges. But being alone has also offered opportunities to grow as a human being. The road has been my teacher, offering lessons in perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery. Through every step, I've learned to confront my fears and push beyond my limits. Even in the face of daunting challenges, I've been able to find the strength to persevere. I'm discovering that I'm much stronger than I ever thought I could be.

I often think about the ripples of my actions and how they might impact others. Even if I never know for sure whether my actions have made a difference, I can take comfort in the fact that I did everything in my power to try.

Despite the peace and tranquility of solitude, human connection is still something we all crave deep down. But even in those moments of loneliness, I know that I'm experiencing the world in a way that few others ever will. Walking allows me to take in every sight, smell, and sound of my environment. I'm able to fully immerse myself in the world around me and appreciate every detail and nuance that makes it so special.

There's something about being alone on the open road that brings a sense of clarity and peace to my mind. Walking has become my meditation, my way of connecting with something larger than myself. It's a reminder that we're all just tiny specks in this vast universe, yet still capable of experiencing its beauty and wonder.

So yes, there are times when I feel lonely out here. But those moments are outweighed by the profound sense of connection and wonder that I experience every day on the road. And in the end, I know that I wouldn't want it any other way.

A Walk in the Woods

As I walked through the pine and cork trees, I noticed a set of animal prints on the trail ahead. My curiosity got the best of me, and I followed them until they abruptly ended at a puddle of water, left behind from a recent rainfall. I paused, studying the prints and contemplating the creatures that left them behind. But as I stepped closer to the puddle, I was reminded of the stark reality facing millions of women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.

I kneeled beside the murky water, watching an insect dance across its surface. In that moment, I couldn't help but think of the women and children who must travel several miles every day to collect similar water for their families. Water that is contaminated with diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Water that can be deadly to those who drink it.

The thought of it was overwhelming. How could so many people lack access to safe drinking water in this day and age? How could the United Nations recognize water and sanitation as a human right in 2010, yet millions still suffer from the lack of access to clean water?

As I stood there, gazing at the puddle, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the clean water that flows from my tap back home. The privilege of safe water was something that I had always taken for granted, but now I saw it as a luxury that millions of people could only dream of.

The statistics were staggering. 315,000 children in Africa die each year from diseases caused by unsafe water. Millions more suffer from illness and disease, all because they lack access to clean water. It was a harsh reminder of the disparities that exist in our world, and the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.

Merry Christmas

Cloud Catcher

So there I was in Morocco, dining with Dionne and Mike, discussing our plans for the next day. I shared my excitement for going in search of Project Fog Catcher, a student project high in the Anti Atlas Mountains. Mike, being the curious one, asked what a cloud catcher was. So I explained: mesh nets that capture fog and filter it into clean drinking water. These cloud catchers provide the community where they are located with 200 liters of clean water per day on average. It was amazing to think of the impact such a simple innovation could have on people's lives.

After learning about it, I knew I just had to see this project for myself. I contacted the university that was conducting the study about my interest in visiting the site, but they never replied. So months later, with nothing to lose, I decided to take matters into my own hands and go in search of the cloud catchers. I mean, how hard could it be?

While telling them of my plans, Mike suggested Dionne go with me. I loved the idea. When I met up with Dionne and Mike the next morning, they had already arranged a driver to take us on our little adventure. The journey through the mountains to Amtil was breathtaking, and we were in high spirits.

We knew that the Project Fog Catcher site was in a remote area, and we were determined to find it. The cloud catchers were an important project, providing access to clean drinking water to the community, and we wanted to witness it firsthand.

But alas, no luck. It was getting late, and we finally accepted that we weren’t going to find them. But before heading back, we decided to explore the Berber village. Dionne and I were snapping pictures when a man brandishing a staff appeared out of nowhere. His single tooth glinting in the sun, he ran towards us, shaking his staff in the air, angry about the photos we were taking. We never could have imagined when we set out that morning that it would include a near-miss with a stick-wielding villager.

As the sun began to set behind the Atlas Mountains, casting a golden glow over the rugged terrain, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected turn our day had taken. While we didn't find the elusive cloud catchers, we did stumble upon something just as valuable: a sense of camaraderie and adventure that brought us closer together. We laughed at our failed attempts to communicate with the locals and marveled at the stunning landscapes that surrounded us.

As we drove back to Chefchaouen, I realized that sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don't plan for. The ones that push you out of your comfort zone and make you appreciate the beauty of the moment. The ones that make you realize that life is full of surprises and that there's always something new to discover. And in that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Morocco and the warmth of my new friends, I felt truly alive.

Dionne Haroutunian

I was exploring the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco, when, by fortuitous circumstance or fate, I met two remarkable individuals, Dionne Haroutunian and Mike Cooks.

Dionne, a gifted artist and enthusiastic motorcyclist from Seattle, Washington, is on a mission to foster world peace through personal connections. Her unique approach involves traveling the world on her motorcycle, forming lasting bonds with people from diverse cultures, and creating a "human blanket" of friendship that transcends borders. Accompanying Dionne is Mike, an intrepid adventurer, photographer, and fellow motorcyclist who is documenting her inspiring journey.

We spent countless hours discussing our individual missions, sharing personal stories of triumphs and challenges, laughter and tears, and an unforgettable adventure that took us to a remote Berber village (stay tuned for more on that).

To underestimate Dionne with her pink hair and vibrant spirit would be foolish. Her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, one friendship at a time is truly commendable.

If you're interested in learning more about Dionne and her mission, I highly recommend visiting her website, 4artandadventure.com.

World Toilet Day

A group of awesome individuals in Killyleagh, Northern Ireland, squatting to raise awareness about the dire issue of open defecation, which affects over one billion people worldwide. We would like to express our gratitude to Gawn and his family for generously allowing us to use their home as a backdrop for our photo campaign.

We call it by many names: the loo, the porcelain throne, the john, the crapper, and the turd tube. The toilet doesn’t get the respect it deserves. We take it for granted, yet according to Water.org, "No other invention has saved more lives than a toilet."

The United Nations observes November 19th as "World Toilet Day" to highlight the 2.5 billion people in the world that don’t have access to a toilet.

Poo is a crappy subject, and while everyone does it, no one wants to talk about it. "This lack of access is a ‘silent crisis’ that has claimed more casualties through illness than any conflict." (United Nations, 2015)

Sanitation is a human right.

Yet, 893 million people practice open defecation, which is emptying the bowels outside in fields, forests, bushes, and bodies of water rather than into a toilet.

The practice poses serious risks to human health and the environment.

It contaminates water sources and spreads diseases, including cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and diarrhea.

Every 20 seconds, a child dies from diseases caused by fecal contamination.

And not having a toilet at home is dangerous for women since each time a woman uses the outdoors to relieve herself, she is vulnerable to physical or sexual assault.

Providing everyone with access to a toilet saves lives, promotes dignity, and protects the environment. Let's work together to make access to toilets a reality for all.

I will end with this slogan from the World Toilet Organization:

I give a shit, do you?

Plastic. It’s everywhere.

Having walked over 5,000 miles (8,000 km), I've become acutely aware of the prevalence of plastic pollution in our environment. It's disheartening to see so many plastic bottles littering our roadways, forests, and waterways. It seems that no matter where I go, I'm unable to escape plastic.

I cannot walk a single mile without coming across a plastic bottle that has been thoughtlessly discarded. It's distressing to see the disregard with which we treat our planet and the impact it has on the natural world around us.

Plastic bottles are a particularly egregious example of this problem. They are an environmental disaster, taking hundreds of years to break down and often ending up in our oceans and waterways where they harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.

In an effort to do my part, I try to avoid purchasing plastic bottles whenever possible. However, it's clear that individual actions alone are not enough to address this issue. We need systemic change and a collective effort to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and invest in sustainable alternatives.

Lessons in Empathy: How Seeing the World Changed Me

When I was in elementary school, my world was small. I only knew my neighborhood and the kids I went to school with. But one day, a guest speaker came to our class and spoke about the famine in Ethiopia. She showed us pictures of children with spindly limbs and bloated bellies. It was the first time I realized that there were people in the world who didn't have access to basic necessities like food and water.

As I grew up, I never forgot that moment of realization. And years later, when I visited Nicaragua, those emotions came flooding back. I saw women collecting water from a nearby river, spending hours every day just to provide their families with this basic necessity. It was a stark reminder that there are still places in the world where people don't have access to clean water.

It's easy to forget about the struggles that others face when we live in a comfortable bubble. But we need to remember that there are people all over the world who are fighting to survive every day. We should strive to help them in any way we can, whether it's through charitable donations or simply spreading awareness. We all have the power to make a difference in the world.

Thank you

Inspiration, Connection, and Kindness.

In the ancient town of Cashel, my writing muse finally made an appearance. As I gazed upon the majestic castle, the ruined abbey, and the lush, green hills, I felt the words come to me effortlessly. My memoir had been a slow and arduous journey, but in this idyllic setting, the words flowed like a river. For several days, I hunkered down in my tent, scribbling away until my hunger, thirst, and the call of the open road forced me to pack up and leave. But my travels through Ireland had more surprises in store for me. In the quaint village of Ballylooby, I stumbled upon the charming Kilcoran Lodge Hotel. There, I met Christine, an Irish-American woman from New York who had come to Ireland to visit her family and care for their ancestral home. We hit it off instantly, and our lively conversation lasted long past midnight. After several days of relative solitude, I savored every moment of our encounter.

As I continued my journey towards Mitchelstown the next morning, I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. Little did I know that my new friend Bernie had contacted the local radio station, Tipp FM, about my travels. As I entered the village, I was greeted by the friendly producer, Ben Sweeney, who walked with me for a mile while pulling my cart. The two of us chatted about my adventures, and I felt my spirits lift with each step. Soon, we were joined by two garda officers, John and Morris, who added to the jovial atmosphere. We took a few photos and wrapped up the interview, but the warmth and camaraderie stayed with me long after we parted ways.

These moments of inspiration, connection, and kindness make my journey through Ireland a truly unforgettable experience.

Reflections on the Road

Rock of Cashel

As I arrived in Cashel, the City of Kings, I couldn't help but reflect on the road that led me here. The miles I've traveled have become easier with each passing day, but my journey has been more than just a physical one.

It has challenged me to look within myself and confront my fears and weaknesses. The road has molded and shaped me to survive, and at times, I feel like a stranger to myself. But despite the personal sacrifices I've made, I know in my heart that I'm exactly where I belong.

As I look back on my journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the people I've met, the lessons I've learned, and the beauty of the world that surrounds me.

The Kindness of Strangers

I love Irish hospitality. I find the Irish to be welcoming and supportive of my cause. Many people will stop their cars to chat or honk their horns in support.

When I arrived in Athy, I met two women, a mother and her daughter. They noticed me walking down to the river for a photo and stopped me. After a bit of conversation, they invited me to their home for dinner that evening. Over a nice meal of trout, beets, vegetables, potatoes, and the best homemade apple tart I have ever tasted, I learned Kate co-produced a documentary named Naledi, which had been nominated for Outstanding Nature Documentary at The News and Documentary Emmy Awards. The film is on Netflix, so if you get a chance, check it out.

The next day, on my way to The Swan, I found the hills to be a challenge, especially an area known as Wolfhill. I was ready to ditch my heavy trolley, Magellan, as I made my way up the aptly named hill. Moments later, I was rewarded for my efforts, when a woman named Carmel and her mother, Anne, invited me into their home for tea and a sandwich. Carmel’s mother had seen me on the road earlier that day. It was a welcome break. I didn’t stay long, as it was getting late and I needed to find a place to pitch my tent for the night. Someone had suggested I inquire about a room at the pub in town, which I did. When I walked in, George, the owner, was sitting at the bar reading a newspaper. I asked him if he had lodging, but he was hesitant because he no longer operates as an inn. However, a moment later, he reached behind the bar, grabbed a set of keys, and led me to a room near the back of the pub. He brought me fresh towels and told me to let him know if I needed anything else. That evening I dined at the restaurant and then returned to my room for a good night's sleep.

The following day, when I tried to pay George for the room, he refused. After breakfast and a few photos, I said goodbye and thanked him for his generosity. I departed and made my way to Durrow via Abbeyleix.

After a long and rewarding journey through the Irish countryside, I arrived at my accommodation in Durrow. The warm welcome and thoughtful gestures of the hosts, including a soothing foot soak, were a perfect ending to a day filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable encounters with the welcoming people of Ireland.