Words. Sometimes, they’re easy to just flow off the tongue and talk for hours. Other times, you kind of sit with yourself in silence and let everything fall into place in your own mind. As spiritual or quirky or whatever else you might call this, this is the reality for me as I sit at my dorm room desk writing this next blog post. Sure, I have a few more things to write about this beautiful experience I’ve shared for over 7 weeks now, but the truth around it all is this is the final 5 days I have to sharing one of the most captivating moments I have had in my entire life. I’ll keep the sappy sentimental things to the end, but for these next few days, the word “no” is not an option. I’m here in Dublin, Ireland right now, and I will never be in this type of experience ever again, so why not take advantage of the shared moments while I can, and that’s exactly what I will do. Here’s to an amazing happy, sad, funny, understanding, and exhilarating week ahead.

Now, to focus on the last week, it has been an absolutely breathtaking week so far!! To start off the week, I spent it in the best way possible, with each and every individual in my friend group here in Dublin, to celebrate my 21st birthday. This wasn’t the first time I had been away from my other friends and family celebrating a birthday, as last year I was in Pittsburgh by myself for my 20th, but this one was different. I had never been over 3,000 miles away from family, and on top of that, celebrating a milestone birthday additionally. However, I couldn’t have felt any more grateful and honored than I was. For two nights, we went out to local pubs and clubs, and the love and understanding I received from each one of my good friends here is truly an indescribable feeling that I will hold on in the back of my head for the rest of my life. This trip has had some downs for me, especially in the ability of mobility with my fractured foot, so being able to enjoy every one’s company and to consistently be shown that I am one in the same of everyone else regardless of the current condition impairing me has meant more than words could ever depict. Additionally, we went to a pub Wednesday to watch the Euro semi-final game, which was unfortunate as I was rooting for Netherlands, but still a good time. Thursday, I allowed my body to recharge and pack for the upcoming trip on Friday, being Edinburgh, Scotland!

Scotland was genuinely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to, and the scenic views made it worth the while. We started our trip by hiking Arthur’s Seat(yes, I am the first person ever to hike to the top of the cliff with a boot on- don’t be me, PLEASE), and we even witnessed a marriage proposal at the top!! The views from the top overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh was unbelievable, and if I had a utopia world to live forever, it would be on these hills. Additionally, I had my first ever Scottish breakfast, trying traditional cuisine such as haggis, along with other Scottish staples such as their famous ice cream, fish and chips, and other amazing cuisine. Scotland is up there with Galway with some of the best food I’ve had this summer. Additionally, we did a 12 hour trip to Glencoe, the Highland Islands, and even met some coo’s(cows) and fed them food! Lastly, we went to some very cool clubs/pubs, and spent our final day walking around Victoria Street and experiencing a cultural festival in a local garden to top the trip off.

One thing I have noticed on my trip here is there are definitely some communication styles that become lost in understanding, especially at work. Simple catchphrases I never understood or the way certain complexion or even pronunciation’s of words caught me very off guard arriving here. However, over time, I have began to respect the different social understanding of these phrases, and have even started to say them in my own life. Simple things like the word “craic” or saying “yous” instead of “you” or “how are you getting on” instead of “how have you been” are very small changes, but extremely commonplace in this culture. Very rarely will people go to lengths to create conflict with individuals. They may talk to their close co-workers in private about the situation, but even if deadlines are coming up and they need something, they remain extremely cordial and considerate. This has been very hard to me, because especially when I need something done, I am not very considerate as I feel the time and respect is earned through expecting that others will make promises with their word. So, when something is not in on time, I have issues with that. Additionally, profanity is strayed away from in all walks of conversation. They often say “oh sugar” or some other term to avoid saying something in full context. These are just some of the things they do, but have helped me understand and adapt to the culture I’ve been in for almost 2 months now. Overall, it hasn’t been too much of a barrier, and has all taken some time, but I’ve embraced every step, and am excited for the final week ahead. Onwards!