This week, it really hit that my time in Ireland is rapidly nearing its end. I will never have this experience again. I can come back to Ireland, of course — I could even apply to another internship here; but it won’t be the same. The alchemy of my current experience cannot be replicated.

Over the past week, my excursions were less structured, as I decided not to adhere to my Must-Do List, and allowed myself to be open to discovery. I retraced my steps and made liberal use of the DART train. On Wednesday, I went back to Bray, planning to participate in a mid-day tour of the town. It seems that the universe is blocking me from this walking tour, though. Last time I signed up for this tour, I missed the bus. Ok, fine — poor planning on my end. THIS time, I planned the trip — which consisted of a bus and a train — to ensure that I would arrive in Bray with fifteen minutes to spare. I was really looking forward to this walk, and made a mental note to collect a pebble from Bray Beach.

My first incumbrance was the bus running late. However, there was still a good chance that I’d make the train on time, since I’d picked a bus that would drop me off ten minutes before the train would pull in. After one stop, the bus doors malfunctioned. I sat there with a sinking, knowing feeling as my eyes flitted between the time on my phone and the driver yanking at the door hinges.

When I finally got to the station, it didn’t even matter that the train was delayed by 12 minutes (although it still made my eye twitch). I was not going to make this walk. So, I decided to take the train (because I had already paid for entry) and set out to buy Bray-themed gifts for my family. On the way, I checked the distance between two popular Bray sites — a whiskey distillery and an 18th-century state home — and figured I would explore whichever was closer. Although I had to take still another bus, Kilruddery Gardens was my next destination.

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I had a peaceful time walking around the gardens. The house tours were closed due to filming of what seemed to be some Netflix-esque reality show, but I wouldn’t mind returning to Kilruddery on my next trip to the Emerald Isle.

On Saturday, my friends and I traveled north to Howth. Some of us Pitt students visited Howth in June (to see puffins!), during which time we stopped also Howth Market. I had peeped some beautiful bracelets from a local vendor, but I wanted to think on it first. Over the inbetween weeks, thinking about those bracelets is all I’ve done! I was so relieved this Saturday to see the same seller at the market.

After successfully snagging my desired goods, my friends and I, whom were planning to visit a beach in another town, decided to walk down to Howth Beach on a whim. Because Ireland is rainy and cloudy, the current 70 degrees (which feels a lot cooler due to the wind) has everyone going to the beach every chance they get. Prior to this summer, I can’t remember the last time my feet touched sand. Between Senegal and here, I’ve definitely had ample time to play mermaid.

This week at work was also quite fun. On Tuesday, I used our in-house recording studio to work on a demo. I needed to work on my demos, since they are essential for my capstone, which I am to complete this winter. Getting to record music is always a fun learning experience for me, and I am really grateful that my bosses and coworkers were supportive of me taking this opportunity.

I really feel lucky that my placement was at Axis because my coworkers are incredible. I have not experienced any intense communication differences. During Pitt and EUSA orientations, we were taught that Irish people are quicker to offer criticism, and less likely to praise your successes. It is the one area of directness that I expected in Ireland, in an otherwise indirect culture. Personally, I have not had this experience. In the beginning of the internship, I was nervous about coming across as too blunt because American communication is more to-the-point. However, I have found it easy to share opinions as suggestions, and critiques or challenges as opportunities. In all, communication has not been a challenge at my workplace.

I leave Ireland on Saturday. I’ve had to say goodbye to a few EUSA friends already, which was quite sad. I am so excited to get home, but I also could have spent the whole summer at Axis. I wish I could continue my work there. I started projects that I won’t be able to see into fruition, but it feels good to know that I was a small part of it.

Logging off now before this gets too sappy. That’s for next week!