Until Next Time

It feels like yesterday that I was writing my first post for this blog. And packing. I hate packing. Such a boring occupation. My room is beginning to look bare and I dislike it. Why must I leave? Can I stay here?

It wasn't until writing this blog that I realized just how choppy my internal monologue is. I wonder if that says anything about my personality?
On another note, in addition to learning about my inner monologue, I have learned that I can successfully survive on my own in a foreign country, that making friends is easier than I thought, and that comparing names/expressions for things is utterly fascinating. For example, 'ouf' in France means the same as 'phew' in the US. Who knew?!

Anywhooo, my time in Ireland has come to a close. I leave for the UK in one week. As people begin to pack up and leave sunny Ireland (yes, the sun does shine here!), I have begun to realize just how much I have enjoyed myself here. So, without further ado...

Good bye Ireland! Until next time!

I love walking down little alleys as you never know what you will find

Kinsale:D

Almost Mansfield Park, but not quite

Photo cred: Mathilde

I made a friend! (photo credit: Mathilde)

It may not be the Caribbean, but at least it is the ocean!

The Irish are so student-friendly haha! 

Tapas!

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Hey everyone! These last few weeks have been crazy busy. As you can see from my previous post, I went to Killarney three weeks ago (three weeks already??!), however what you don't know is that I went to Northern Ireland the following weekend. In addition to these weekend trips, I have been busy finishing up presentations, group projects, and half-heartedly studying for exams. I probably shouldn't be studying half-heartedly, but I currently have a cold (again!) so that pretty much cuts down on all levels of productiveness.

Back to the trips though... Killarney was absolutely positively beautiful! If you want to see photos, check out my previous post. If I was to come back to Ireland, I may set up shop around the Ring of Kerry. The landscape is mesmerizing. The following weekend however I went on a three day trip with Cork Institute of Technology to various places in Northern Ireland; Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, and Belfast were the primary locations visited. In addition to looking at the natural landscapes, and some Game of Thrones filming locations, we also had political tours of areas that were heavily affected by the Troubles.

As a George Mitchell Scholar, I am in Ireland because Senator George Mitchell played a leading role in the peace talks in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. This scholarship was developed to promote global exchange, and encourage peace between all cultures and backgrounds. Now, I will admit that I didn't know too much about these Troubles prior to being in Ireland, nothing past some basic research before arriving here. Having the chance to see where it all occurred was honestly eye-opening. Now obviously I saw everything through the eyes of a tourist, so what I saw was barely a reflection of the actual events. However as a tourist in Ireland I do think it is important to go to Northern Ireland to see some of its history. I didn't get to spend much time in the cities, but there is so much to learn there that I hope I can go back one day to experience it more. If anyone of you get a chance to come to Ireland, please take my advice and go to Northern Ireland as well.

On another note, my time in Ireland is almost at an end. I have two (three?) more weeks left in Ireland, and then I am off to the UK for a 10 day adventure. After that, back to the US I go. I'll likely do one more post before leaving, and then one after I get back to the US. Many thanks to those who have read my posts, I hope I haven't bored you too much!

Many kind regards,

Bri

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Only one small section of the Political Murals in Belfast

Natural rock formations at the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Derry/Londonderry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Derry_Corner

For more information on this area

Killarney, Ireland

I don't have much time (classes await), but here are some photos of my trip to Killarney!

This pub is the highest pub (in elevation) in Ireland

Future house right here:P

Killarney National Park!

I have never been to a more beautiful place in the world

King Puck: Every year the locals of this town capture a wild goat and crown it King (its later released).

Me, Myself, and I

A common phrase I used to be told was "Me, Myself, and I", (I also heard "Each sentence has a Beginning, Middle, and End...get to the End!). Both phrases were reminders that people shouldn't focus on their self so much and should consider other people first. Based on the frequency I heard these phrases growing up, I surmise I had trouble applying them in real life (I often still have trouble:P).

However, sometimes focusing on yourself isn't such a bad thing! For example, learning to accept who you are means analyzing and being happy with what you see. I am no psychiatrist though so don't take this advice as a cure all. I write about this today because lately I realized how much I concern myself with what others think.

When I first arrived in Ireland, I made a mini goal; learn to enjoy silence*. Growing up in a family of 8 kids, there wasn't a whole lot of silence to go around. When I started living in the dorms at my college in Maine, being by myself in the dorm room was almost painful. I felt trapped, and highly alone. I was surrounded by people who I am sure would have invited me into their circle of friends, but I didn't feel comfortable seeking people out. I didn't expand my friend base further than two or three people.

The opposite occurred in Cork though! Maybe it is because I know I have the option to get up and do anything I want, but sitting alone in my apartment in Cork is relaxing (my amazing view might have something to do with that too...). The other night I sat thinking to myself, I actually have come to enjoy the silence! It isn't oppressive like it once was!

What does this have to do with accepting who you are? Good question! It was during one of these moments of silence in which I was having a conversation with myself (yes...I talk to myself in my head, even make jokes :P) that I realized it doesn't matter what other people think of you. They will never truly experience the real "you". What they see is a facade, a reflection, even a caricature of your true self. The only person who will truly know you is you. Now, I know this won't be the end of my worrying if someone thinks I am rude, loud, or obnoxious etc, but it is one step closer to believing that my inner self isn't comprised of how others measure me. This sort of thing isn't a new theory, however sometimes you need to have an epiphany yourself before you can believe something.  So cheers to self-discover!

*Another goal I made was to finally memorize when to use semi-colons versus colons...those things are tricky!

** I suppose I should edit and say I was a hypocrite that week, and this post was my nemesis.  I am currently stuck between two worlds: One in which I like other to take lead in projects, and the second where I naturally take lead (I just have discovered yet if thats a good thing or if people appreciate it).I just worry that people think I am overstepping boundaries, but at the same time someone needs to lead, thus...my quandary. All well, live and learn they say!


A few photos of my trip to Bantry and Garnish Island with the other International Students:

Seals!