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I finally made it to…Ireland!!!

February 18th, 2011 amguar12

Hey all,

If you have been following this blog, you may or may not remember my extreme disappointment back in early December over not being able to re-unite with other Crusaders, some of my very best friends, in Ireland. My flight that time was re-scheduled 3 times, and all were cancelled because of a whole couple inches of snow (yes, Gatwick airport closed for three straight days, and it was not fun).

Thankfully though, I was still able to go to Ireland, just instead of seeing it at Christmastime, I had the lovely week preceding Valentine’s Day. This was actually my first adventure outside of England since I began studying abroad (other than flying home for Christmas). I was visiting my friend Amanda (fellow blogger!) at Trinity College in Dublin. We had such a good time catching up on life, exploring the great city of Dublin, and even touring the surrounding area, which was beautiful.

One morning, Amanda and I ventured to Howth, which was a cute fishing village near Dublin. Another day we went on a tour of the Wicklow Mountains area south of Dublin, which was absolutely stunning in beauty. We saw the film locations for Braveheart and P.S. I Love You, as well as Loch Tay, Glendalough and Avoca. Our bus driver / tour guide was hilarious, singing lots of songs as we drove along through winding roads…very funny! On the days in between, Amanda showed me all around Dublin, which was very beautiful and reminded me of a bigger version of Boston a bit. Unfortunately, one of the days I was sick with a stomach bug. However, since I was spending so much time in Amanda’s flat, I got to have nice conversations with her flatmates and watch some Irish TV, which broadcasted American, British and Irish shows – a great combination!

One of the greatest things about visiting friends abroad who are studying at other places is that it gives you perspective about your own study abroad experience. So far, I have only seen Trinity and Oxford, as well as living everyday at Sussex, and the culture and communities in each location is completely different.

So, now that I have returned from Ireland, classes are continuing as usual, only now we actually have to do work in them. Can’t believe that 4 weeks from today I will be on a plane back to America, with 2 of my 3 terms at Sussex completed!!! Time really is flying, so for all those abroad, soak up every minute before its’ all just a memory!

Howth

Walking around Dublin and Trinity College

St. Stephen's Green in Dublin - very serene and pretty!

Grafton Street - a very happening place!

After shopping at Carroll's, a very Irish store!

Amanda and I on the Wicklow Tour

Loch Tay

Celtic Crosses at Glendalough

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