1 Month, 5 Days

So, first, it's been a while since I have posted, and a lot has happened in the past couple of months, but with traveling, school, and generally just trying to take in the little time I have left in Ireland, this was the last thing I left time for.

Until now...

Naturally, exams are now in full session, so methods of procrastination have ensued.

And thus, a post begins!

So, sum up?

Between March and now, I have finished lectures, traveled to Northern Ireland, Dublin, Italy, and Spain.

Fun times.

This isn't what i am writing about though. Although all of those experiences were unforgettable, and moments in which my bond with the people I have become friends became stronger, it is my last few weeks in Cork that I would like to focus in.

I remember last summer, when the countdown was the opposite. I was counting the days until I stepped on that plane and landed in the Emerald Isle. Counting the days to experiences I had no idea awaited me. Now, 9 months later, one year older, and a few thousand dollars poorer, here I am, counting down (or avoiding it) the days until I step on that plane back in Dublin, where my journey began, and end my trip in full circle.

Though not over yet, this last month has already flown by, the next 4 and half weeks only flying faster by the day. Sure, exams are still in the way, but I am already beginning to feel the pangs of good bye.

Before this happens though, I am taking the time to look back, realize how special an experience this was, how hard it was at the beginning, and how much I love this tiny little country.

When I first began this journey, I envisioned Ireland as this land of green where magic happened, where rain was constant, and castles scattered every available piece of countryside. Since this, I have lived in Ireland for almost a year, and have learned so much. About it's people, it's history, it's culture.

I learned that while, yes, this country is green and full of castles, it is also a country like every other, struggling with everyday social problems, striving to gain leaders that will help it's people, its economic situation, it's education; everything that the states also worry about.

It is a country that offers mystic history, beautiful landscapes, and rain. Lots of it.

And, typically, it was the landscapes, the towns, and the green that always kept me in awe. If people were to ask me what I remember most, and what I loved most about this past year though, the truth is, I don't how I would answer that question.

There was so much.

I think though, that if I had to answer that cliche, always asked questionnaire question, "what did you most take away from your experiences?" I would answer this:

Living in Ireland gave me insight into a country that since the age of two, I was fascinated with, but it also gave me insight to myself. I learned that you can have an idea of what something will be like, build up all sorts of scenarios, and create a story before the story has even really begun, but until you are thrown into the story, you really have no idea what you are up against, and how your story will end.

This was Ireland for me. Prior to my departure from San Francisco, all of last summer, I had built up an entire story as to how it would be in Ireland. I would arrive in Dublin, immediately befriend those in my program, would travel to Cork, live in my beautiful apartment, look out the window at hills of green, walk into a campus building that looked like a castle, and never want to leave this country.

I would make friends with Irish students immediately, and share wonderful memories with them.

As it turned out, this scenario wasn't exactly as I imagined it. But I did make friends, close friends. I traveled, I learned, and I did go to school in what looked like a castle. I do look out into green hills. But mostly, I just spend time with people. People I love.

And this is what I take away form my experience. Yes, I have appreciated everything Ireland has, how beautiful it is, everything I have learned about this country, that yes, is magical (not in the fairies and leprechauns sense, but in it's beauty, it's people, it's towns, it's landscapes), but is also wonderfully human. You look around and there are people of all types. And in this "people of all types" I found what I will take away from this year. I made friends with people of different backgrounds, countries, and US States, and I learned from them.

Landing in Dublin was not that magical moment I had imagined. I landed only to feel an overwhelming feeling of loneliness and fear. I had almost no one in this country. And that scared me. Nine months later, here I am, reflecting on that very moment in which I had no idea what would happen, and whether I would make it through the year.

I've got a month and five days left.

I can almost call victory. Almost. I still have a few things left on my list for the year. And I am not ready to say good bye yet.

But I am ready to start reflecting and appreciating.

Finally got around to posting London pictures!

It was quite the adventure...let's just say that mishaps included not being able
to find the hostel we were staying at and getting delayed at the airport.

All in all though, London was an amazing city. So full of beautiful architecture, museums, and history.

Highlight of my trip? Witnessing "Sunflowers" by Van Gogh and "The Waterlily Pond" by Monet and the national museum.

<3

The things that made me smile.

More from Dublin.

























For the France vs. Ireland Game...

Oh the French. :)

Last weekend I finally went on a touristy trip to Dublin. I saw all the attractions, encountered dead bodies (Yay National Archaeology Museum of Ireland... :/), and even entered the dangerous world that is Temple Bar (only to leave about 20 minutes later...)

A good weekend with friends.

See for yourself: