Some Final Thoughts

Hello everyone -

It seems crazy to me that I am sitting here during my last week of this trip, writing one of my final blog posts. I have had such an amazing two months in Ireland that it seems to have flashed by me as quickly as the blink of an eye. One of the reasons I believe that this trip has passed so quickly is because I took advantage of every single opportunity I had to explore and plan something with the free time I had. There was not one weekend that I did not plan an activity for myself to complete. While most of the time I am in school I dream about the lackadaisical summer days where there is no schedule and I can wake up at 1 pm, I am very pleased with how busy I have been. Although it has been a fast pace, looking back on all that I have seen and been able to explore has made me feel as if I have done this trip correctly.

When I look back over these past seven weeks, I think about all the lasting memories I have made with the people around me. I remember the countless weekend adventures spent exploring Ireland’s natural beauty. I look back and remember all the locals I have met that have been kind enough to talk to me about cultural differences and similarities between our different countries of origin. But most of all, I remember the lasting relationships I have made on this trip. I have been trying to talk to as many people as possible while here to understand the culture and customs as best as possible and through these conversations, I have been able to make so many new bonds.

I will miss the feeling of waking up in a new city and knowing that there are still unseen gems I have yet to find. I will also miss the lovely UCD staff coming into my room every Thursday to change my sheets and clean my room. However, what I will miss most is the people I have had the pleasure of meeting and being able to spend time with together. Most all Irish people I have met have going out of their way to make me feel welcomed and truly at home in their country. I have had such an amazing time each day on this trip and I am going to live in every moment for my last four days here.

Until next time,

Rachael