Diary of a World Traveler

Dublin Day 18: "The snot green sea."

Our final day in Ireland was bittersweet—many people have gone home over the past week, but we stayed until the very end. We did as much as we possibly could in the time given, and I think we have done a pretty good job the past three months. To close out our trip, we had a nostalgic visit to St. Stephen’s Green for lunch, then took a trip out to Dún Laoghaire to visit the Joyce Martello tower and museum. A beautiful day for the beach and a wonderful way to say goodbye to this amazing country.

Dairy of a World Traveler

Dublin Day 14: "It's like a desert out here."

As a celebration to our final day of classes, the group got to go on a surprise boat trip to the coastal city of Howth. We made a long trek to the ferry dock, boarded, and trolled through the harbor on our way out to sea. Though the seas were a little choppy, we all arrived alive and had an awesome day hanging out in the sand and sun. What a perfect day to officially end the term!

Diary of a World Traveler

Dublin Day 11: "Get outta here, birds. This is fancy bird town."

When we set off for Dublin Zoo this morning, I had no idea what to expect. I am not a huge fan of zoos back home. I’m not a huge fan of caging animals. I figured this zoo would be like any other. Boy, was I wrong! Anyone who has the time to go see the zoo while in Phoenix Park or in Dublin should definitely go check it out. I saw the most animals I have ever seen in one visit, most performing natural behaviors in natural habitats. That makes me a very happy animal lover and a very happy visitor.

Diary of a World Traveler

Dublin Day 10: "I remember her! I touched her!"

Though it was a misty day in Dublin, it provided the perfect backdrop to our trip to the historic monastic complex at Glendalough in the nearby Wicklow Mountains. We got to see the some of the remaining structures, an absolutely amazing graveyard, and the two lakes that give Glendalough—“valley of two lakes”—it’s name. It certainly lived up to my expectations. I had a great time today!

Diary of a World Traveler

Dublin Day 2: "It really is a lottery." 

Today, I took a step back in time 5,000 years. We visited the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange and Knowth and got to learn all about how the tombs were constructed, how they were used, and why they are so important to the history of Ireland. Any time I get to encounter the past is a good time for me. This was an absolute privilege to see, and definitely worth moving our Norway tickets for!

Diary of a World Traveler

Navan ➝ Dublin: "Baaaaaaaaart."

I cannot believe another month has gone by. Our time here is almost over! Only 30 days left to enjoy before heading home to that Midwestern summer. Today, we made our way back to Dublin via Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, and the Battle of the Boyne museum in Oldbridge. It might have been a dreary day, but I am glad I got to see these famous and historic places before we leave!

Diary of a World Traveler

Navan Day 1: "Two world wonders in one day. What a time to be alive."

What another amazing day here in Ireland! I say that too much, but it seems to be true every time. We were given absolutely perfect weather to go see the hexagonal rock formations of Giants Causeway, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. What a beautiful and humbling place to roam around for a few hours. When we got back home to Navan, we had a quick dinner and then went to see Captain America: Civil War. For those in the States who have to wait another two weeks for it to come out… prepare yourselves and get pumped!

Diary of a World Traveler

Sligo ➝ Navan: "He was too old for a confirmation and too young for a funeral..."

Our last morning in Sligo went without a hitch, and then we were off to Navan. The weather was not with us, so we only went to one of the historic cites on our planned list. But either way, the drive was pleasant and the place we did stop—Boyle Abbey—looked great even in the steady rainfall.

Diary of a World Traveler

Sligo Day 10: Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye to Sligo will be fairly easy compared to the other places we’ve been so far. That is no fault of the city itself, but rather of the poor timing of our visit. Week eight is always a stressful time at home, and apparently a term abroad is no different. But I am glad we got to stop here, even for a little while, and experience a smaller-town feel while still being close to a lot of great places!

Diary of a World Traveler

Sligo Day 9: "A girl with no town."

I learned a lot about centuries-old disputes today, from both sides of the conflict. Though Northern Ireland is in a peaceful period most days, there are always inevitably times when an argument will spark or violence is remembered, threatened, or performed. The stories I heard still flow through the blood of everyone living in the city of Derry, and that was palpable while visiting. But despite all this, I would recommend Derry and a visit to these museums as essential to anyone who wants to understand the seriousness of the Troubles in the North.

Diary of a World Traveler

Sligo Day 4: Goin' Surfing

I have had the most incredible experience today. I knew I loved being in the ocean, but I had to be reminded of how I love surfing. No feeling can ever compare to catching a wave and letting it carry you toward the shore. It might have been colder than I am used to, but I was so happy to try it. I even stood up a few times!

Diary of a World Traveler

Sligo Day 3: "Give me your best Little Mermaid."

Wow. I am so thankful we have had three great days in Sligo so far. We had class this morning in Sligo City Hall, then got on a coach for Carrowmore, Knocknarea, and Strandhill Beach. The sun came out and shined some welcomed warmth on us all—perfect weather for an amazing day of exploring!

Diary of a World Traveler

Sligo Day 2: "The Lutherans are too nice to correct him."

Today was possibly the most beautiful day I have seen—a sky completely clear, the perfect temperature, just enough breeze. We saw the Sligo Abbey and then walked around in the late afternoon sun to find some of the cathedrals here. A good day well spent, I think.

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway ➝ Sligo: "Nobody died." "Winning!"

We have arrived in Sligo! The trip was a little rougher than the others, though I definitely kept all the food in my stomach this time thanks to a front row seat. The group made stops at the Céide Fields interpretive center and archeological site to learn about the advent of farming in Neolithic Ireland, and then drove on to Downpatrick Head to see the unique cliff formations there. Despite being a little nauseous at times, I think today was a pretty cool trip.

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway: The Saddest Goodbye

I’ll keep this one brief, since I have been banging on about how much I love Galway basically since I set foot here. But I still think that our last day deserves a post. Saying goodbye to this great city was hard, even if I am looking forward to seeing some place new. What better way to say goodbye to the port city than a picnic on the beach?

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway Day 14: "He just kept giving me chocolate chips!"

Our last Saturday in Galway… it is so bittersweet to have such good weather for our final market and shopping excursion. We ate some awesome food, met some amazing artists, and bought more than we probably should have. I really hope there is nothing in Sligo, because otherwise, I will be out of money very quickly.

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway Day 13: "IS THAT A FOX?!"

Today was a very long, very grueling day. I have thorn scratches on my arms and pokes on my legs, a sore hip and ankle, and a lot of aching muscles. But it was great to see the product of so much work in the form of a beautiful rock wall that can help the National Park Service of Ireland to redevelop grazing lands in the Burren. And I can also better appreciate the amount of work it takes to cover Ireland with so many rock walls! It is not easy work, that’s for sure. But the end result is very fulfilling.

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway Day 12: "I ripped my pants last night..."

If yesterday was good, today was just as wonderful. The morning started early but well, and the events kept getting better as we went on. Our ferry ride back was speedy and smooth. Our trip up to Connemara National Park was beautiful, the park itself even more so. And the final stop at Aughnanure Castle was accompanied by an amazing lady called Jenny, who has her PhD in medieval studies and history. Right on!

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway Day 11 (Inishmore): "They are predators. They will eat you."

Today was an absolutely amazing day. I know I say that almost every day here, but this is even more serious than before. This is the first time that the group has stayed over night on the Aran Islands, and I am so glad that I got to see and experience everything without time constraint. The beaches, the seals, the churches, the landscape... everything was worth the trip.   

Diary of a World Traveler

Galway Day 8-9: "Piefi 2016."

I am so full of good food that it astonishes me. This last week has been a conglomeration of one great meal after another, but we just keep going and finding more places to enjoy. But now, we have been introduced to McCambridge’s, and I don’t think we can ever forget this magical culinary honey hole.