11 weeks later I am back home in New York and getting ready for my next semester at Pitt. The experiences I had while abroad were unbelievable and once in a lifetime. I didn’t realize just how much spending a few months in a different country would impact me, but now that I am home I know I have becoming increasingly independent. I had an incredible last week in Ireland and here are a few of the things I did to make the most of my dwindling days in country.
Last Saturday we decided to go for brunch at the docklands which made for great food and great food. The weather was all beautiful and we were able to eat outside. After that, we walked back into city center and we climbed aboard the Jeanie Johnston, a recreation of a famine coffin ship, where we learned about the famine and heard stories about passengers on the boat.
Sunday we had a lazy morning until we went on a viking bat tour of Dublin. This had been something our group wanted o do the entire trip so it was nice to end our time in Dublin exploring the city by boat.
The rest of the week went by with work and just hanging out and getting dinner around Dublin which is exactly how most of the summer was. On Thursday, my company hosted a good-bye dinner for me which made me realize just how lucky I was to with work where I did this past summer. I was able to work with clients ranging from a famine exhibition, the main public transportation of Ireland, a youth mental health service, and an Irish Presidential campaign. Pretty casual, huh? I am really going to miss the people and my workplace and I am extremely grateful for everything I was able to do during my time there.
Friday fly by and before I knew it, I was on a plane back home Saturday morning. Coming home I realize just how much I missed “home things” like my family, friends, and food. Although I am happy to be back in the states, I would also love to have another month or two in Ireland.