Eire

It is hard to believe that 5 years ago today I was leaving for my study abroad trip to Ireland.  It feels like yesterday that I was packing my suitcases, having my last home-cooked dinner for four months, getting in the car with my parents to Newark airport and beginning what turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made - studying abroad in Cork, Ireland!

The excitement of being on my own in a new country (arguably the best country in the world as one of my t-shirts aptly puts it) was mixed with apprehension as I had never been abroad before.  But - I knew that with great risk comes great reward and Ireland was truly life-changing for me.

Above is the view from my bedroom window in Cork.  That city taught me how much I love to walk around - whether it was to the grocery or clothing store or to restaurants and bars - the idea of walking wherever I wanted to go is something I truly value.  Being away from home taught me how much I really loved my home.  Sometimes it takes leaving a place to realize how much you miss it.  Lastly, one of the biggest lessons I learned in Ireland was to appreciate...everything.  For example, a beautiful day.  Though Ireland is notoriously rainy, we were lucky enough to have a rather dry few months and the Irish enjoyed each day of sun.  Or another example, a kind deed or gesture.  And even more so, friends and family.  The Irish make people - whether they know them or not - feel valued, loved and important.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of my time abroad -

- kissing the Blarney Stone, hanging out with my bud, Mac and taking a day trip to Cobh with the girls in our program.

I can only hope that I will make it back to Ireland sooner than later and get to re-live the thousands of shades of green, the kind Irish lads and lasses and all that the Misty Isle has to offer.