Five hours into a bus trip into Belfast, totally unable to sleep, I've had a lot of time to think and I realized that this Sunday marks 8 weeks since I arrived in ireland. The 8 week mark has taken me aback, as it feels like I just landed. Ireland's hidden pleasures are still revealing themselves to me every day, whether through my numerous day trips or from my adventures in cork city. But on another dimension, my everyday life in cork has become so natural and routinized that even my summer job in Chicago feels like a distant memory.
Although I've already spent almost 2 months here, almost three months still remain. In between papers about van morrison and trad music, Ive spent bit of time planning (obsessing) my next voyages. Although train problems made last weekends trip to Galway a bust, I'm making some headway on that front. I'm currently on my way to belfast with my study abroad program. Next weekend will be, if the transportation gods cooperate, Galway and Connemara. Outside of ireland, my ireland friends and i will be spending a weekend in rome, as well as a few days in madrid and barcelona during our reading week. Ive totally fallen in love with traveling and I'm hoping to see anything and everything i can while I'm here, so I'm hoping to do as much as the budget allows. Ironically, it seems like my travel wishlist has only grown since I boarded my plane at O'Hare 8 weeks ago. The Aran Islands, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Prague, Budapest, Switzerland (don't worry, not doing it all, or any for that matter)
Why the obsession? Simply put, the last 8 weeks have given me a better, or at least a more important, education than my last two years in college. Traveling has broadened my mind and already changed my perspective on life. It's taught me to tolerate uncertainty, Exploring a new city always leaves me forever changed once I leave, whether it be because of its unforgettable sights, thought provoking sites, or quirky shops/people. As skeptical as I was about people claiming to "find themselves" while abroad, exposing myself to new environments and ways of life has taught me so much about myself, my values, and my future.
Whenever I look up flights or tours or what have you, I still experience a sense of denial that I'm actually here after dreaming about the possibility for so long. I've gained a much deeper appreciation for all of the people who turned my dream into a reality- from my scholarships financial help to all the family members who are living vicariously through me. Similarly, being away from my school has made me cherish my family there so much more. Whenever I get homesick for tailgates and everything else, I remember how lucky I am that I'll be coming home to such an amazing family in january.
Tl; Dr : Ireland's awesome, I love travelling, and i miss you all so stay in touch!
Five hours into a bus trip into Belfast, totally unable to sleep, I've had a lot of time to think and I realized that this Sunday marks 8 weeks since I arrived in ireland. The 8 week mark has taken me aback, as it feels like I just landed. Ireland's hidden pleasures are still revealing themselves to me every day, whether through my numerous day trips or from my adventures in cork city. But on another dimension, my everyday life in cork has become so natural and routinized that even my summer job in Chicago feels like a distant memory.
Although I've already spent almost 2 months here, almost three months still remain. In between papers about van morrison and trad music, Ive spent bit of time planning (obsessing) my next voyages. Although train problems made last weekends trip to Galway a bust, I'm making some headway on that front. I'm currently on my way to belfast with my study abroad program. Next weekend will be, if the transportation gods cooperate, Galway and Connemara. Outside of ireland, my ireland friends and i will be spending a weekend in rome, as well as a few days in madrid and barcelona during our reading week. Ive totally fallen in love with traveling and I'm hoping to see anything and everything i can while I'm here, so I'm hoping to do as much as the budget allows. Ironically, it seems like my travel wishlist has only grown since I boarded my plane at O'Hare 8 weeks ago. The Aran Islands, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Prague, Budapest, Switzerland (don't worry, not doing it all, or any for that matter)
Why the obsession? Simply put, the last 8 weeks have given me a better, or at least a more important, education than my last two years in college. Traveling has broadened my mind and already changed my perspective on life. It's taught me to tolerate uncertainty, Exploring a new city always leaves me forever changed once I leave, whether it be because of its unforgettable sights, thought provoking sites, or quirky shops/people. As skeptical as I was about people claiming to "find themselves" while abroad, exposing myself to new environments and ways of life has taught me so much about myself, my values, and my future.
Whenever I look up flights or tours or what have you, I still experience a sense of denial that I'm actually here after dreaming about the possibility for so long. I've gained a much deeper appreciation for all of the people who turned my dream into a reality- from my scholarships financial help to all the family members who are living vicariously through me. Similarly, being away from my school has made me cherish my family there so much more. Whenever I get homesick for tailgates and everything else, I remember how lucky I am that I'll be coming home to such an amazing family in january.
Tl; Dr : Ireland's awesome, I love travelling, and i miss you all so stay in touch!
No comments:
Post a Comment