Damn Amanda

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” —Samuel Beckett

When you wake up in Dublin City how can you not celebrate that with an Irish writer? Who has a damn good point.

I left the comfort of the US yesterday. It’s nuances, it’s crazy. To learn something new. Are people already staring at the wild human in the wheelchair ordering the doppio espresso and not tea? Tulle skirt and Doc’s? Yep, guilty as charged. I’m not carrying the heavy boots, I’m wearing them. Besides, I don’t have to take them off.

Traveling solo is such an interesting conundrum, people stare. All the time. But more often than not, they’ll ask questions. “Is it just you traveling?” “Where are all your bags?” (I only carry a backpack, because let’s face it, I already have four wheels. I’m not hauling four more all over creation.) Nor am I facing cobblestones with eight wheels. I wouldn’t wish that on the devil himself.

Yesterday gave me the opportunity to talk to two “Ireland Virgins”. Having never visited this stunning country and this vibrant city. They have huge lists of things to see. And they asked me what they shouldn’t miss. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is just not to be missed. I still remember my first visit so many years ago. Not only is it an outstanding tour, it’s also very accessible, and it does a good job of giving you the history of the city around it. I listed a few other things, taking a guided tour on the history of the Easter Rising 1916. A visit to the Book of Kells, but please don’t skip The Long Room. I truly believe it’s the gem in that crown. The history and culture in that room is overwhelming. But more than any place or thing, take a moment to talk to the people who live here. Who live it and love it here. Ask them their favorite restaurants or places. Don’t listen to some list from three years ago who never visited again. Heck, don’t listen to me if I don’t visit again in a year or so, or sooner. Life is always on the move.

I’m going to leave you with this. I started on this blog, this journey, to suck at something new, in hopes of getting better as I go. It’s been super uncomfortable. Because I want to be perfect. And I’m not. But yesterday, I celebrated. Instead of accepting what always was, I asked for what I deserve. My “legs” to be on the plane with me. Not underneath the plane as they always were before. Unreachable, tossed around. On the plane. There have been wheelchair closets on planes for a long time. Yesterday, was the first time I flew with my wheelchair within my reach. I’m celebrating.

So for now, I take my slí amach, my exit. I’m going to go enjoy Dublin, thanks to my people who got me a locker, a lounge and a taxi to the city. I’ve got a plane to catch later. And a few more passport stamps.