English Greenery?

I've spent a good portion of the last 20 years living in the second largest country in the world with a population hovering around 35 million. For that reason it was somewhat of a drastic change to move to a country smaller than most of Canada's provinces fitting nearly double that population. Despite this fact England is still able to boast a relatively impressive amount of greenery- mostly outside of London. Living in the capital, however, there isn't much opportunity for genuine fresh air. This is slowly turning into my main complaint about being here and why I take many opportunities to seek greener pastures elsewhere. So far Epping Forest, Hyde, and Valentine Park are the parts of London I've been able to breathe a little better. I suppose there are some things Canadians do take for granted and that is the amount of national parks at their disposal. Hopefully England works a little harder to maintain its greenery instead of focusing on a seemingly endless influx of people.

Walt Disney's Landscapes

"Landscapes of great wonder and beauty lie under our feet and all around us. They are discovered in tunnels in the ground, the heart of flowers, the hollows of trees, fresh-water ponds, seaweed jungles between tides, and even drops of water. Life in these hidden worlds is more startling in reality than anything we can imagine. How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?"

-Walt Disney Company

The Green Green Grass of Galway

What I loved most about Ireland was the seemingly endless greenery. Every chance I got I was sticking my head out the window to soak up some of that rich country air that is practically unattainable in London. To be fair Galway isn't the only place that had such beautiful landscapes but it fit the alliteration. I read this proverb somewhere in the country and had no idea it was an Irish one:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

For more Quotes from Irish scholars and writers.

Natural Wonders of Ireland

One of the great things about living in England is its proximity to other great places in Europe. For my first week off I decided not to travel very far and visit Ireland. Words cannot express how lovely this country is in terms of lush greenery and numerous natural wonders. Since public transportation isn't the greatest I rented a car and drove on the left-hand side of the road for the first time in my life. My travels included Dublin -> Newgrange -> Belfast -> Giant's Causeway -> Galway -> Cliffs of Moher -> Rock of Cashel -> Dublin. My favourite part was definitely the Cliffs despite the strongest winds I'd ever experienced. There were so many great people I met and wonderful memories that will forever be etched in my mind. I am very glad that I picked Ireland for my first holiday in Europe and can't wait to return there someday.

For links to all the Unesco World Heritage Sites I visited in Ireland: 

Newgrange, Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel