by Stacey Mantzioris,

Of course meeting Steve at Stansted airport was a whole different
kettle of bullshit. 

 He neglected to tell me that he was taking a
later flight than originally planned...so for eight hours I sat in the
airport café, smoking and bleeding slightly from the left ear while in
a state of complete panic. He finally showed up after I'd resigned
myself to the fact that I was going to Ireland alone and mumbled
something about "well I told you..." at which point I stopped listening.
Tomorrow we pick up the rental car and make our way around the entire
island.  First we're heading South to kiss the Blarney stone, then
driving the ring of Kerry, and after that we're heading through Galway
to Northern Ireland to see the Giant's Causeway and finally to
Belfast, where I plan to lead at least one rally.

It's so weird traveling with a guy that isn't your boyfriend.  Steve
and I figured that people would assume we were a couple, but instead I
swear people think I'm challenged and that he takes care of me because
he keeps having to pull me out of the path of oncoming traffic.  I'm
constantly looking the wrong way before I cross the street.  It's a
total miracle I haven't been carted off on the grill of a transport
truck...can't wait to get behind the wheel tomorrow!

That's all for today - miss you guys already so make sure to write!

XOXO,
Stacey Flanagan O'Reilly