Irish Roadtrip

I'm done with my second trip to Ireland within the year, and I'm still begging for more! Who would've guested that I would love this place so much! We arrived in Dublin on St. Patrick's day after an interesting start. Christina and I got bumped up to first class on our flight to Istanbul (mimosas at 4:00am...I think yes!) and meeting a very grumpy customs officer who clearly did not want us in the country welcoming us into Ireland. After watching the parade and getting some grub, we headed over to the Guinness Storehouse and enjoyed a pint poured by yours truly. I met up with some Aviano boys in Temple Bar which was a wonderful reminder of how wonderful that whole experience was. I had made so many great friends in Italy and seeing them was like getting a little piece of my heart back for a few hours. I still miss it tons. But of course it came time to say “see you later” once again but only a few tears were shed on the way back to the hotel. Another day in Dublin and then the road trip began!

We explored the Wicklow National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Both stunning, but absolutely loved the cliffs. The sun peaked out for the first time that day!

Driving up through Northern Ireland and into Bushmills was incredible. There are so many beautiful places in the country that you could not possibly see without a car, like random castles and sheep blocking the road. It was like a movie! We met the friendliest people who were so eager to steer us to hidden treasures only known by the locals. We sat in a pub, listened to traditional music, and got a bit of a history lesson on the politics in Northern Ireland...and it was fascinating! 

We then went over to Belfast and had a tour of the murals. Sad city. “Cities are erected on spiritual columns. Like giant mirrors, they reflect the hearts of their residents. If those hearts darken and lose faith, cities will lose their glamour.” This something that I read in “The Forty Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak the day that we drove through the city and I think it's perfectly fitting. 

I love Ireland dearly, and just can't seem to get enough! Dublin still holds strong for one of my favorite cities! I'll go back someday soon, but for now it's time to focus on the next three months and making summer plans!

Now sweetly lies old Ireland

Emerald green beyond the foam,
Awakening sweet memories,
Calling the heart back home.

-Irish proverb

Your feet will bring you where your heart is.

-Irish proverb

...

It has been a rough couple of months, my friends. I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself. I feel like normal girls cry over boys, but my tears have been over a much greater heartbreak in my life. I have never felt so lost and confused in a classroom before, and unfortunately I feel as though I have no power to change it. I know what I have been taught and what I believe in, but sadly that gets pushed aside day after day. I’m proud I’ve lasted this long. I feel as though I have lost the fight, so I will begin the endless crafts and mindless tracing that has been consuming my days. I will use this as a learning experience and move on.  The following video is something I like to watch to remind myself of the kind of teacher I am deep down inside (and because I love Alfie Kohn). My mantra for the next few months: breathe and let it go. Good news: I’m off to Ireland on Saturday for spring break. When I return, I will focus on finishing my classes, getting back into fantastic shape, and familiarizing myself with this beautiful county.

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in.-- Phillipians 4:11