Paper Planes

I'm feeling rather nostalgic today.  In a couple of days, it will have been two years since I was getting on a plane to Ireland.  How was that two years ago?  I'm just sitting down and writing so this is probably going to be a little jumpy.

Studying abroad never really was an interest to me for a long time.  I knew I wanted to travel but didn't want to be stuck in school while traveling.  Of course, at the time, I didn't realize that school is only about 10% of the experience. 

After I did some more research and started to get psyched on the idea, I needed a place to actually go.  It sounded like most people going abroad had been dreaming about a place their whole life.  I had no idea.  I knew I wanted to go to an English speaking country because it would make things a bit easier and I would be able to do a little more.  Other than that, I didn't have a clue.  I looked into Wales and Australia a bit and then started to learn a little more about Ireland.  My sister's friend had been to Dublin and loved it and that was enough for me.  Destination chosen.

I remember the night before I left for Dublin when I was laying in bed thinking "what am I doing?"  It is kind of a crazy thing to move to a different country and attend a foreign school never having been there and not knowing anyone.  The first night in Dublin, I was pretty overwhelmed and slightly regretting my decision.  I was exhausted from the travel and the slight stress of a canceled flight out of Chicago which probably added to the unease but luckily that only lasted one day.  From the second day on, I loved every minute.

I don't really know why anyone much younger than me would be reading this but if you are and the chance arises, go abroad!  I met a large group of people while abroad as well as afterwards in the states that I never would have interacted with otherwise.  I also ended up getting an internship promoting study abroad which never would have crossed my mind beforehand.  

Although I said earlier I wanted to travel but not with school, I don't think I would have ever made the effort to get out of the country had I not studied abroad.  It seems like a lot of people have the desire to travel but after school, work and other things get in the way.  School really is the best time to travel.

I miss my Guinness...and Bulmers.

 

The downside to going abroad?  At least for me, it's all I can think about now.  All I want to do is go to new places and meet interesting people.  Oh, that and it drains your bank account.  But hey, Rick Steves has to retire sometime right?  

That's all for now.  Bye.