Alison Jutzi Talks Amongst Herself

Dear Ireland, What's with you being so gorgeous, with your rolling hills of patchwork-quilt countryside and your rocky shores and your beautiful and historic castles, churches and forts? Also, what's with all your friendly people with their charming and melodic accents? What's that all about? And another thing, what's the story with all the sheep that I took all those pictures of, especially the ones that were in the middle of the road and wouldn't let the car go by, giving me the satisfaction of an authentically Irish experience. What is the deal? But most of all, Ireland: WHAT'S WITH YOUR WEATHER? I packed my sexy new rainboots and only wore them that one day in Howth because it was sunny and warm the rest of the time. What is with that? When did you suddenly get better weather than Cuba? It might have been nice if you'd warned me so I could've packed more bikinis and fewer wool socks. But I will forgive you, because you showed me a really good time. L...

The above phrase was coined by my friend Nicole, upon her seeing this photo: This is the "2 person" tent I bought for my camping trip to Saltspring Island, British Columbia. That is where my boyfriend and I slept. For real. There was one night at Ruckle park where he decided to sleep outside under the tarp instead. That worked well until several unidentified rodents started thinking his head was a toy. We went camping after attending a friend's wedding. My University roommate Jessie made me and our other roommates, Nicole and Jennifer, her bridesmaids (along with Jessie's sister Sally who was the maid of honour). The wedding took place at the Maritime Museum in Vancouver, on the famous RCMP St. Roch. What do you mean you don't know what that is? It was the first boat to cross the Northwest Passage from east to west. Or west to east. I can't remember which. Anyway, it's famous. Now you know. Nicole, Jenn and I sang "Annie's Song" from the bo...