Bye, Bye Miss American Pie

Hello everyone,

I am so sorry for the late update. Writing this blog definitely slipped my mind, and I am honestly surprised I remembered it this quickly. If you read my last blog, you know this was promised, so let’s dive right in!

So, about 9 months ago I applied for 2 study abroad programs in two different continents. One of which was a science program in Ireland. I was leaning more towards the other program, because I had never really felt attached to traveling to Europe. However, I ended up committing to the Ireland program, because I knew that it was beyond my comfort zone for many reasons. I have never been so glad for my decision. Ireland was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. From living in Kylemore Castle to visiting the Latin quarter nearly everyday. I was stretched and grown in ways I could have never imagined.

I spent a month in Ireland studying parasitology, and I lived in a castle for two weeks. It was absolutely amazing. I applied for two study abroad programs back in the fall, and I was really leaning towards the shorter one because it was much more in my comfort zone than Ireland. Ultimately, I ended up committing to Ireland, not knowing how I would pay for the incredibly expensive study abroad, and not knowing how much I would enjoy it. Needless to say, on the financial aspect, God definitely provided more than I anticipated.

I arrived in Ireland on a very rainy Saturday, exhausted after 2 delays and 2 connecting flights over 10 hours. I was extremely nervous about being so far from home. Side note, this was my first time traveling anywhere other than college and home in about 7 years. It was also my first time flying alone. We had dinner at this castle-like restaurant. I started off with Irish beef stew and mashed potatoes and was so filled. Once we arrived at the castle, we lugged our luggage through the rain to our rooms, and study abroad began.

The first two weeks were spent in the castle and with days packed with excursions. I will admit I am not very good at physical activity (something I want to change this year). So the first couple of hikes were very brutal for me. The days left me so exhausted, but feeling fulfilled. We hiked a million mountains and hills. Learned a plethora about Irish history and archaeology. I visited islands, the beach, a sheep farm, caves, and museums. I loved almost every moment of it. I grew every second — mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. I got a glimpse of a life characterized by adventure and truly living in the moment. I held so many moments of joy that I truly didn’t expect. The last two weeks were spent in Galway with a lot more free time. Yet, the sentiment remained the same. As I explored claddagh ring shops, listened to the buskers on the street, spent a day in Dublin, and continued to navigate public transportation for the first time in a decade. It was awesome. I met a lot of amazing and sweet people. I have stories for days about random happenings. I truly felt like I expanded my world in such a short amount of time. It was such a privilege to immerse myself in a country and its culture for a month, and I left wanting more time. More time in Ireland, more time alone, more time exploring, more time learning about the land, its people, and its history. But, I can’t be too greedy. There are not enough words to describe my time in Ireland, but I hope to return soon.

Now, let’s jump into the rapid-fire questions section!

What was your favorite thing that you did?

We went to a sheep farm during our first two weeks, and I got to hold a lamb. Fun fact: I am quite literally terrified of 99% of the animals on this planet, so choosing this program was a large stretch out of my comfort zone. So, holding the baby lamb was incredibly fulfilling, and terrifying.

How was the cuisine?

Surprisingly, really good. I am a foodie at heart, but also picky with my favorites. I always say I’ll try everything at least once (except for reptiles). My browsing of Irish cuisine before the trip left me unsatisfied. But, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed almost all of the food we ate!

What surprised you the most?

The music in the pubs! I don’t drink, so I was incredibly hesitant to even be in a pub, to be honest. I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable or make people uncomfortable. But, I got persuaded by my group of friends to try pub food, and I saw sticky toffee pudding offered, and the rest was history, to be honest. The musicians were so incredibly talented, and everyone was so into it. We went to the Quays once, and there was this elderly couple that was dancing to all the music, and it just warmed my heart so deeply.

Is there a new favorite thing you acquired?

I fear I am obsessed with sticky toffee pudding. I had it once in my first week, and literally made it a point to make sure I had it as frequently as possible during the trip. I have a massive sweet tooth, so dessert is always my favorite part of any meal. It’s safe to say sticky toffee pudding is now my new favorite dessert!

What was your favorite souvenir and why?

My favorite souvenir was this sheep bag that I got from a Saturday market vendor. He had handmade all of them with wool, and the minute I saw it, I loved it. I genuinely started cracking up, and knew I had to get it, and he was definitely looking at me and thinking “this American girl is insane”

What did you learn?

I learned to let go. To allow myself to step out of my comfort zone, and do it scared. I think that was the most important lesson I want to take with me. Doing it scared, doing it afraid, doing it anyway. It made the experience that much more fulfilling and wholesome, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Thank you so much for tuning in to my rambling. I have attached some pictures for your enjoyment!

Until next time, Ciao

Your newly minted Irish poet,

Believe

Also, because I promised, here’s a poem I wrote while I was in Ireland, titled Kylemore!