keep Calm, You're in Cork Now Like

Had I stuck to my original plan, my study abroad adventure would have officially ended yesterday afternoon as I touched down in chicago bleary eyed and jet lagged. If my tears upon moving out of my apartment are any indication, I would have also been an absolute emotional mess had I left ireland for good yesterday. Thankfully, my plans to travel through spain during Christmas have delayed my return flight home, but I've already left my friends, my apartment, and my adopted city for the last time. Staying at my aunts house, it feels as if I'm on another weekend trip that will ultimately end in cork.

It was only yesterday morning that I was running four miles through my favorite sights in the city. That the medieval cathedral across the street from my apartment, the forested riverside path near my campus, and the
Intimate cobblestone alleys of the city centre are no longer part of my daily routine still feels surreal. I'm amazed that after only four months, the city of cork has ingrained itself so deeply into my life. Throughout the quarter I never really wrote about cork itself, so my final days here seem like the perfect opportunity to talk about my third home.

My friendly neighborhood cathedral from the 1200s 

Made for a scenic walk home from the gym, 

As the largest irish city not named dublin, cork is lovingly referred to by its citizens as Ireland's real capital. Cork is every bit a cosmopolitan modern city. Cork's downtown area only consists of a few main streets along with the alleys connecting them, but within the tight quarters is a disproportionate amount of passion and vibrancy. Especially during the holiday season, there's always something going on- whether it be a performance from inside a pub, a 5k, the yearly jazz or folk festivals. Right now, it's the Glow festival, this awesome Christmas party including a giant lit Ferris wheel and a installation of inflatable Santa's and elves who pop out to mess with the kids. Even in the absence of any big productions, I sent countless hours wandering through St Patrick's Street, where I'd window shop at luxury department stores and gorgeous boutiques and watch the flurry of people around me. Usually, a singer practicing his brogue, a guitarist, or even a wax figure actor would provide some added entertainment.

Cork does christmas bigger. 

But despite its urban environment, cork has an undeniably irish atmosphere. First of all, only a 10 minute drive separates the town from the patchwork green hills everyone treasures so much. If you get high enough, you can even see the fields from the town proper. The quaint homes lining the streets are as bright as the sky is dark, in blue and pink and yellow. But beyond the physical, corks friendly, welcoming atmosphere has totally surpassed on my expectations of ireland. People not only respect but take an interest in complete strangers; in the beginning I would ask someone for directions and end up embroiled in a 10 minute long conversation. The irish students I met were always really accommodating and eager to get to know me, the outsider to their country. That personal respect also manifests itself in its safety. Walking home from an aircoach at 2 AM, I didnt feel threatened in the slightest as everyone on the street minded their own business, which would not have been the case in evanston.

in cork, I feel as if I can let my guard down and relate to people so effortlessly. That, along with the city's more balanced attitude toward life, has been so unbelievably refreshing. Embodying the "work to live, dont live to work" philosophy, people work hard but view their jobs as just that, jobs. Walking through downtown during rush hour, nobody seems rushed or visibly stressed. Health and fitness are huge in cork as well, with a hugely popular gym and weekly 5ks in town. Oh, and the pub scene is more than healthy ☺

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to experience ireland. In a small city, I was able to avail of modern conveniences and a incredible social life while still in a really safe environment. Cork, with its warm nd relaxed atmosphere, has made me question myself and my attitude toward life so much. I've certainly found myself trying to approach my daily life with a more positive and carefree attitude. I could devote an enture blog to this place, but for everyones sanity ill restrain myself. I haven't even left yet, but I'm already planning my return. Catch ya later, cork. Can't wait to see you all home soon!

Random local quirks:
-in an interesting twist of our valley girl stereotype, Everyone ends their sentences with "like". "I was at the store, like", etc.
-students go out on Tuesdays and Thursday nights, only to go home on the weekend. Tuesday night at Northwestern will never be the same.
-there's a newspaper called the evening ecjo. To advertise said paper, a guy goes to the city center afternoon and literally echoes. Every 30 seconds. It was funny for the first 30mseconds, at least.