Sitting in the cabin of a plane, waiting to ascend into the clouds, I am always overcome by a dichotomous blend of excited anticipation and hesitant angst for the transcendental removal of my physical self from the tangible earth into the ethereal skies. It fills me with a warm, imperceptible notion of security – belonging to the air – while at the same time I yearn for the undeviating stability of the firm ground beneath my feet.

In Ireland, I am most excited to walk the land. It is a simple concept, but it has remained one of my greatest desires for years. Ireland, England – that general region – I have always wanted to plainly exist within that world. Being on the very soil will be a blessing all on its own.