Goodbye Ireland.....my last thoughts

My Last Thoughts,...

It is my last day in Ireland, really, my last few hours. To be honest, I have never been so sad in my entire life. The experience was beyond anything I could wish and hope for. Six weeks was not enough time. I want to stay, I want to travel Europe, I just want more time. Although I was apprehensive about teaching (especially after my first day. ah.), I found myself crying my eyes out as I left the school. I had boys giving me hugs at the end of the day. Some of the boys made me cards and gave me gifts. As my teacher was saying goodbye, she gave each of the boys two Rollo chocolates to celebrate. Chocolate is like gold to these kids, they went crazy. One little boy came up and gave me one of this Rollo's. How do you stop tears from coming when they give up something so important? I know it was just a piece of chocolate, but it was a huge gesture for these kids.

As for my host family, I haven't said goodbye to them yet, but I am crying about just thinking about leaving. I feel like I have become a part of their family. I believe that having a wonderful host family makes a huge different when staying abroad. The mother treated us as if we were her daughters.

As for Ireland, I will miss everything. To say it has grown on me is the understatement of the century.

My advice to anyone who is reading this blog: Travel abroad! I do not think just visiting is enough, however. Live in another country, get to know the people and culture.

Would I come back to Ireland? In a heartbeat.

How has this trip changed me? I have a burning desire to see the world now. I was always curious before, but now that I know what is out there I want see everything. I am not afraid to step out of my little bubble. In the future, I want to live in another country for a year. Is this possible? I don't know. I guess I will try to get a one year teaching position in another place. All I know is that it is at the top of my bucket list.

I am blessed to have had this experience. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here. Thank you to everyone who has read my confessions over the past few weeks as well. I wish you could be here.

I guess that is all that is left to say is GOODBYE IRELAND.....

London Baby!!!!

HELLOOO LONDONNNN

Spending a short two days in London was a good weekend trip. As you can see from all my pictures, we tried to see as many sites as possible. My favorite event was watching the changing of the guards at Buckingham palace. There were thousands of people surrounding the area as the guards paraded through the palace gates. Everywhere I moved, I got an elbow in my back because it was so crowed. It was like this all over London, however. It reminded me of New York City actually. Traveling the tubes was also an experience. At times it was so crowded I could barely breath. The weekend was fast paced and tiring. I slept like a baby at the hostel on Saturday night.

Altogether I had a good time in London. I am happy I went, but I have to say that it didn't live up to my expectations. I guess I was expecting something more European, but it was actually very similar to the US.

Nights in Dublin

Apologies everyone. I have been slacking on my blog for the past week.
Everything has just been so crazy lately. I can't believe there is only one week until I go home! Where has the time gone?

For the past few weeks I have just been soaking up the sites in Dublin. It is wonderful to see all the Christmas lights showering the streets. Everywhere you look, you can see people caroling and performing. One of the pictures I posted is of a man posing as a statue. Initially, I thought he was a statue, until he started to move. It was funny to watch the pigeons fighting on his arm while he just stood there.
Let me just talk about food for a moment. Tuesday, December 8th was a Holy Day so my school had off. I spent the day meandering in the city again and came across the most amazing crepes. I spent about 7 dollars on a banana and nutella crepe. OOOO and Starbucks robs people. I bought the largest hot chocolate and paid about 7.50 dollars.....robbery. Yet so amazing. I would do it again. I bought it because I was in a Christmas mood. I should probably quell that Christmas mood because it is making me spend way too much money. It is so hard to resist when there are street vendors everywhere!
Aside from my spending excursions, I have been teaching everyday at St. Mary's. I posted a picture of a few of my second grade boys during a singing performance.
The last picture I put up is of my host family's living room. I just want to lounge in this room and sit by the fire all night.