We kicked off our journey in the lush landscapes of Ireland, where every corner seemed to tell a story. Starting in Dublin, we indulged in the essentials: a visit to the Guinness Factory and the Jameson Distillery, followed by a pilgrimage to the Bushmills Distillery—a place steeped in history, having opened its doors in 1608.

The Wild Atlantic Way swept us off our feet with its rugged beauty, particularly at the Cliffs of Moher, where the crashing waves and dramatic cliffs left us in awe. A detour through the quaint town of Rush brought us to the serene Irish Sea, a perfect spot to catch our breath and soak in the magic of the Emerald Isle.

Northern Ireland: Bridges, Giants, and Dark History

Crossing into Northern Ireland, the mood shifted as we delved into the country’s unique blend of natural wonders and historical complexities. We braved the swaying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, originally built in 1735 and still an adrenaline-pumping experience. The otherworldly Giant’s Causeway stunned us with its iconic basalt columns.

Belfast offered a deep dive into history, where we toured the shipyard that built the Titanic and walked along the Peace Wall, leaving our own message near the signature of former President Bill Clinton. A sobering tour of “The Troubles” gave us insight into Northern Ireland’s turbulent past, reminding us of the resilience of its people.

Romania: Castles, Car Crises, and Cable Cars

From Ireland’s verdant hills, we journeyed to the eerie romance of Transylvania, Romania. Visiting Bran Castle, famously linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, felt like stepping into a Gothic novel. The Royal Palace, preserved with its original 19th-century furnishings, amazed us with its advanced amenities, like indoor plumbing and electricity from the 1880s.

Driving the breathtaking Transfagarasan Highway, we marveled at the snow-capped mountains—yes, even in August!—before our journey took an unexpected turn. While scaling the scenic Tâmpa Mountain, I slipped and broke my leg. Enter the Mountain Rescue Team, an ambulance adventure, and doctors deliberating over whether surgery could wait until I returned to the U.S. Spoiler alert: it could. But the vacation didn’t stop there! With my husband—a true saint—pushing me in a wheelchair, I powered through the rest of our trip.

Rome: Blessings, Resilience, and a Front-Row Seat

Despite my injury, Rome welcomed us with open arms. From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in gelato, the Eternal City enchanted us. But the highlight? Attending a mass led by Pope Francis.

Being in a wheelchair had an unexpected perk: we were ushered closer and closer to the front until we found ourselves in the second row of the reserved area. After the mass, we were blessed by the Pope himself—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left me in awe. We were allowed to go beyond the walls of Vatican City to purchase the pictures of the Pope blessing me. The Swiss Guard had to permit us entry – so exciting

Some plans were derailed by the wheelchair, but Rome’s charm and the kindness of strangers made it a place I vow to revisit.

Lessons from the Journey

Looking back on this incredible trip, I’m struck by the resilience, humor, and joy we found in every moment—even the challenging ones. From signing peace walls to navigating rope bridges and being blessed by the Pope, it truly was the trip of a lifetime.

While every country offered something unique, what made this journey unforgettable wasn’t just the stunning landscapes or historic sites—it was the unexpected adventures, the kindness of strangers, and the unwavering support of my husband that made this tour one for the books.

So, where to next? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the spirit of the Good & Evil Tour lives on!