Tuesday I made my last hour and a half walk from the city centre to UCD to have lunch with Fiona before her last final and before she set out on her big holiday trip. The rain held off long enough for me to get there and start cooking, which was great because I was able to enjoy my walk down my two favorite streets, Camden Street and Ranelagh Street. There are the cutest restaurants, cafes, and pubs down them with all sorts of street art everywhere. Fiona and I had a great lunch together talking about our time this semester and what we looked forward to about going home. One of the best things she said to me was that: “Now when people ask me about diversity between other cultures I won’t be so certain that we are that different. Even though I’m from China and you aren’t, we still have very similar opinions and thoughts about many things.” She is so right. Throughout my travels I’ve found that connecting with people is what it’s all about. Finding commonalities with others from all backgrounds and cultures makes the experiences that much more personal and can make anywhere you go feel like home.
I made my way back to the city centre and went on another run through the rain in St. Stephen’s Green. Even in the rain, the park is so beautiful and full of life with all the swans and ducks in the pond, children running around in their wellies, and business people on their lunch breaks.
In the evening, after dinner and more studying (so exciting), we took a study break and went to get a couple pints at The Mercantile. We definitely didn’t want to end each night of our last week with all studying and no breaks (and pubs are where all the Irish take breaks!)
Apparently wishes do come true because yesterday and today have been absolutely beautiful. It’s been over 50 degrees with sun! Yesterday Conner and I went on a walk to take a break from studying and I got to go on a sunny run through Phoenix Park. (Trying to get in as much running as I can before I travel over the next couple of weeks!) After Conner’s evening exam, we walked through and around O’Connell Street to look at all the Christmas lights and check out the Spire monument that the city has turned into a giant lightsaber! Then we had dinner at McDonalds because I hadn’t had it since arriving. I was told it was different and better here, so of course I had to give it a try. AND YES, it is so much better here! They even have curly fries.
After dinner, Bradley stopped by Conner’s apartment so we could hangout for a little bit and say our goodbyes to one another. It never gets easier leaving friends, but it dulls the pain to know that with the best of them, it is just a see you later!
I woke up early to catch a bus back to UCD to clean the apartment with Morgan, study for our Non-ruminant exam, and check out of the residences. I can say it a hundred times, but it honestly doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for 3 and half months. I walked through UCDs campus one last time on this sunny morning with bright blue skies and got on a bus to the city. I definitely felt some nostalgia leaving.
I studied at a coffee shop near DIT for the early afternoon before meeting up with Conner to go to the movies. Here in Ireland, Star Wars came out a day earlier than the states. My dad made me a fan starting when I was a little kid, dressing up as Queen Amidala and a jedi for Halloween on several occasions. (yeah, I have a lightsaber at home) So, I was very excited to see the new movie when it came out, and it was very good!
After dinner, Paul came in to meet us for a drink and to spend some time with us during our last full week here before our big trip. I think the thing I may miss the most when I go back is the Guinness. It’s definitely my favorite beer and is way better when brewed right in the city you’re drinking it! And of course I’ll miss hanging out with Paul in pubs around Ireland while him and Conner pick on me.
Excited to finish up my last final tomorrow and head out on our trip in the afternoon. First stop: Milan, Italy!
I made my way back to the city centre and went on another run through the rain in St. Stephen’s Green. Even in the rain, the park is so beautiful and full of life with all the swans and ducks in the pond, children running around in their wellies, and business people on their lunch breaks.
In the evening, after dinner and more studying (so exciting), we took a study break and went to get a couple pints at The Mercantile. We definitely didn’t want to end each night of our last week with all studying and no breaks (and pubs are where all the Irish take breaks!)
Apparently wishes do come true because yesterday and today have been absolutely beautiful. It’s been over 50 degrees with sun! Yesterday Conner and I went on a walk to take a break from studying and I got to go on a sunny run through Phoenix Park. (Trying to get in as much running as I can before I travel over the next couple of weeks!) After Conner’s evening exam, we walked through and around O’Connell Street to look at all the Christmas lights and check out the Spire monument that the city has turned into a giant lightsaber! Then we had dinner at McDonalds because I hadn’t had it since arriving. I was told it was different and better here, so of course I had to give it a try. AND YES, it is so much better here! They even have curly fries.
After dinner, Bradley stopped by Conner’s apartment so we could hangout for a little bit and say our goodbyes to one another. It never gets easier leaving friends, but it dulls the pain to know that with the best of them, it is just a see you later!
I woke up early to catch a bus back to UCD to clean the apartment with Morgan, study for our Non-ruminant exam, and check out of the residences. I can say it a hundred times, but it honestly doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for 3 and half months. I walked through UCDs campus one last time on this sunny morning with bright blue skies and got on a bus to the city. I definitely felt some nostalgia leaving.
I studied at a coffee shop near DIT for the early afternoon before meeting up with Conner to go to the movies. Here in Ireland, Star Wars came out a day earlier than the states. My dad made me a fan starting when I was a little kid, dressing up as Queen Amidala and a jedi for Halloween on several occasions. (yeah, I have a lightsaber at home) So, I was very excited to see the new movie when it came out, and it was very good!
After dinner, Paul came in to meet us for a drink and to spend some time with us during our last full week here before our big trip. I think the thing I may miss the most when I go back is the Guinness. It’s definitely my favorite beer and is way better when brewed right in the city you’re drinking it! And of course I’ll miss hanging out with Paul in pubs around Ireland while him and Conner pick on me.
Excited to finish up my last final tomorrow and head out on our trip in the afternoon. First stop: Milan, Italy!