Warning: this blog will be all over the place! Addressing some logistics, and some feels. I haven’t been adventuring nearly as much as last semester (so far) so this blog won’t be as interesting in that respect.
Sometimes its a bit rough getting back into the rhythm of things, especially when going through multiple changes. Last semester, I was worried I didn’t have enough time to travel all of Ireland and pop around Europe, so I focused primarily on that and I found myself getting sick often and not sleeping very much. Of course I still had a ball meeting new people and going on adventures, that’s pretty much all I want to do with my life.
This semester however my priorities shifted, I’m focusing more on my classes and overall health and traveling less. The results have been positive! Good grades, not sick, but I miss throwing a backpack over my shoulder and running into a new environment and going with the flow. It makes me antsy, so I doubt my travel bug will ever leave me. I’m planning to go to Scotland or Poland soon.
The weather has been absolutely delicious recently, sunshine and clear skies. I love when its a nice day because then you get to meet WAY more Irish people. Everyone sits out on the lawn and either plays sports, or just basks in the sun while its still around. Its nice to see so many happy faces all outside enjoying the day, I definitely take Florida for granted while I’m there. While Ireland does have beaches, its always windy and cold there despite how lovely the day. That’s something I miss greatly about Florida. Since I come back in July I undoubtedly will be at the beach every day until classes start again.
It’s funny, after being here for 7 months you’d think I’d know a decent amount of Irish lingo by now, but I’m hearing new words every day, and don’t be fooled. Context doesn’t always help. There’s so many things I love about this country and continue to love as every day passes. I’ve been thinking a lot about the things I miss from Florida (Rollins included) and then I realize I am going to miss so many things about Ireland when I go back. It’s crazy to me that its almost over when I feel like it just began, I’m in this weird in between state of ready to go home and not ready to go yet. I built a home here, I met new people, became familiar with my surroundings and I hope that’s something I always get to carry with me.
I think I’ll always be torn, I will always miss Florida when I’m not there because that’s where my friends, family, and childhood are. And I will always miss Maynooth when I’m not there because that’s where I came into my own as an adult. Pieces of me reside in each place and honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know ultimately I want to live somewhere in Europe, so this is a great practice run. I take every day as it is and grow from it. Thanks for reading!