Little Green Rock
I just had a “moment.” I just experienced a feeling that is quite possibly the oddest case of Ireland Sickness I have ever experienced. It’s a bit like getting overwhelmed with homesickness but all at once.
I’ve been away from Ireland for over two months as of now and at the moment I am reeling from the emotional effects from it. I’ve been back home in Sydney for only ten days and today, just out of nowhere, became overwhelmed with emotion.
I keep thinking back to all the adventures Ireland took me on. It was the most epic experience of my life. This experience restored my faith in humanity; it showed me that the people of Ireland are some of the best and kindest people on the planet. I mean that.
Every morning when I wake up, my eyes open to a map of Ireland – This is the same map hung in the same spot – all before I knew what I was getting myself into with #AroundIrelandOnAPushie. This map now hangs as a reminder and a celebration of all the love that Ireland is ready to give to the visitors it doesn’t even know yet. We can learn a lot from the people of Ireland. 
Ireland looked after me every single day; Ireland had my back. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but it didn’t really matter. Every person I met became a friend. Every person I met cared – a lot. They took the time to have a chat and showed me what they loved about their country. Wow. How man times can you say that’s happened to you? Not many, I bet.
Ireland’s landscape is beautiful – I can tell you that once you see the colours of the emerald green landscape, it will forever be with you. You will never forget that colour; you’ll crave that colour and when you do see it, the memories of what you experienced will come flooding back. 
When I walk into my local Aussie pub, I feel like I’ve lost a family member. The pub’s here are so quiet. I miss the music of the local trads. I haven’t been able to find a replica of the sounds anywhere but in my memories. To be honest, I don’t think I could unless I went back to Ireland.
I feel like I’m mourning the loss of my true first love. Ireland and I made so many memories together. It’s like we left each other on good terms however, due to distance we had no choice – we parted ways. Right now, all I want to do is the right thing: to show how remarkable and magical this little island in the middle of the Atlantic really is.
It’s one of those feelings where you don’t think you can really do it any justice by explaining but I really want to give it a shot. I truly believe I owe so much to Ireland. It’s true. Ireland has taught me so much about life.
It first started as only a little idea for an adventure that evolved into something quite spectacular: At first, I was someone who just wanted to feel something again. Then, after a long time, I discovered that it was never about the bike, it was about a girl trying to find my place in the world. 
A few months on, I wanted Ireland to give me the answer I was looking for – whatever it was… after all, that’s why I was here. Ireland didn’t. Ireland was very tight lipped; it was like this little island wanted me to figure it out for myself. Instead, I discovered that there was no magical bullet. Ireland has no magic bullet – Ireland didn’t care who I was, it wasn’t going to give me the answers I wanted and why would it? This was something I needed to figure out on my own…
Then, I left. I walked around the streets of New York, played with rockets at NASA – I was in a bit of a daze. Ireland was still with me, but I was just going though the motions… then, “life happened.” …and you know what… this entire time, Ireland did have all the answers but I just needed to discover the answers myself.
I learnt that we are all capable of so much. That we can do ANYTHING – that we are our biggest critics and limits… and we are our biggest cheerleaders. That the world we live in truly is a magical place – just like I thought Ireland was. I just needed to embrace it. 
This is where I am at right now. I feel forever indebted to the little green rock in the middle of the ocean – to the people of that island that I now call true friends and to the strangers that smiled and waved to me along the way. You are the magic that makes that gorgeous green Island smile. You should be so proud.
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taraustralis.com 
Beautifully put.
Glad you’re taking away so many positive memories. Discover Ireland should distribute your book (when finished) in the
Tourist Info Centers. Thanks for visiting – I’m sure everyone who met you on yr journey was the better for meeting you.
*Sore point: you didn’t call on my guide services offered when visiting Drogheda & Newgrange ;( . Have to let that one slide.
Good luck wherever life’s path takes you next. Thanks for stopping by.
Liam
Thank you for the kind words.
Ah Liam – I had man flu and was traveling toward Belfast when I was in Drogheda and Newgrange… that was possibly the hardest cycle of the journey. I was so sick – however, I’m back in Ireland June 2017 – it’ll be hard to keep me away, that’s for sure!
All those lovely things to say and you never made it to Achill island, the most beautiful place in my eyes. Maybe next time. Ireland doesn’t grab a hold of you, you absorb it and its magic . congratulations on your achievements.
Thank you. Three months just wasn’t enough but I back this June to explore even more.
Heyup Tara,
Another great post.
But is it me or do I sense something else? Something ‘in between the lines’ that you’ve yet to tell us / write about….or not perhaps?
Or is the ‘life happened’ moment just that? What were you seeking and what did you find?
Regards, Paddy 🙂
Ah, you’re onto me.
Yes. There was an incident in the USA that I have yet to reveal. It was a very personal family moment. That month in the USA was a whirlwind. I have written the section, however I’m not comfortable revealing it just yet. It will definitely be in the book. And this story shows how precious life is and how we must take risks and really truly live. It’s our responsibility.
I know all this now. Ireland taught me so much about life.
I also believe that my experience in the US will help many people because hardly anyone has written anything on the subject. It wasn’t a bad experience, but I was very alone – I am an only child as it is with one living family member with whom I cant speak with anymore. This experience taught me we are all capable of so much – that we all have a drive within us that can be released – we just need to find it and cherish it.
I hope that my story will give others hope and the drive to accomplish the things they need to do – even when they’re the only one doing it.
I hope that all makes sense.
Thank you for asking.
We’ll keep it warm for you Tara. Not planning on going anywhere x
Tara, I must congratulate you on this beautifully written blog … how refreshing to hear that you take with good memories of your visit to these shores. I know you had initial plans to travel to meet us here in the Midlands, but not to worry, perhaps in August you may have the time to come cycling with us on the “Rambles in Eirinn” trail, the most quirky and unique vintage cycling adventure that Ireland has ever seen! … a “porridge ‘n puddings” authentic Irish Famine Workhouse experience, an Irish “Bog Buffet” and visits to lots of Irish heritage sites along the way …all on vintage bicycles! all in this area of Ireland’s Ancient East. In the meantime, keep pedallin’ and stay safe!
I love reading your stories and I enjoy discovering your experiences. Keep up the good wok, Tara!
Awww thank you! I really enjoy sharing them! 💚
Hiya, Tara – I’ve just come across your Instagram feed – love the travel pics and stories, especially the Swiss and Irish ones. It was with big interest that I read about your trip in Ireland by pushie – I’ve done several long solo tours in europe by cycle, so my interest was piqued to say the least. Is there yet a blog on #aroundirelandonapushie, or is that being saved for a book? I’ve seen several blog posts that mention the trip but not the one of the trip itself. Just curious – having done my own long cycle tours in US, Canada, and Western Europe, I love to read about others’ similar adventures, particularly about Ireland because it’s where I hope to live – at least part time – at some point in the not too distant future. Keep on with adventuring! It’s part of what makes life liveable and fun – we love variety and sometimes not knowing what’s around the next bend.
Pete
Hi Pete,
Thanks for your comments. I basically wrote short stories as they happened. I’m not a cyclist at all so it makes for a very interesting adventure! I also met a lot of characters along the way! At the moment, I have most of a book written… I am currently editing a lot of the chapters but I have just realised that editing is harder than writing!
So, yes, a book is well and truly on it’s way.. but it will be a few more months before I have something readable. When I am finally done with my rough edit, I will be sending it to an editor and then finally the publisher. Fingers crossed they like the story! One can only hope!
There’s more to the story than just the bike… that’s what makes it so interesting – there’s the story of the prep and everything that happened then, and after the adventure.. that’s what I think gives #AroundIrelandOnAPushie more meaning… like why we must do these crazy adventures.. and take big risks…
I’ve since decided to take even bigger risks, but I won’t be announcing for a few months – so please stay tuned. I will be making announcements here regarding the upcoming adventures!
#AroundIrelandOnAPushie was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It gave me confidence and let me have the freedom I desperately craved… there’s no looking back now.
Thanks for your kind words and please keep in touch.
Tara