Welcome!
This week on the blog, I’m excited to share about my first trip to Ireland! This year, I had the unique chance to visit both of my home countries, Ireland and Mexico, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had this experience.
My journey to Ireland was part of a study abroad program I joined over the summer, where I took a creative writing class during a two-week trip split between Edinburgh, Scotland, and Dublin, Ireland. Thanks to the Foster Family Scholarship from Bradley University, my travel expenses were fully covered, a huge opportunity I’m so grateful for! My mom was just as thrilled as I was, especially since I’d be meeting my aunts in Dublin for the first time.
After an exhausting flight and chaotic layovers, we finally landed in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, my luggage got stuck in London, and all I had were Crocs for the first three-hour walking tour. Thankfully, my luggage arrived by evening, and after grabbing a bite, I collapsed into bed, completely jet-lagged.
Scotland was magical, with cobblestone streets, castles, and historic sites. I didn’t love the food, but I made two wonderful friends, Emma and Haylee, who made every moment an adventure. I also became closer with a girl I had met in a couple of my classes before (Marina :) ) We were all inseparable by the time we reached Dublin.
Arriving in Dublin felt surreal. My mom was overjoyed to know I was in her home country, and as we drove to our stay at Trinity College, I immediately felt the city’s energy. Dublin was vibrant, diverse, and less gloomy than Edinburgh. Staying on a 400-year-old campus was also surreal!
Our days in Dublin were filled with exploring, writing about our experiences, and meeting people from all over—Dutch, French, English, and of course, Irish locals. My friends and I frequented a little sandwich shop, and I felt as though I could truly make a home there. Meeting up with my aunts and cousin was a highlight; we got matching claddagh rings and enjoyed live music at a pub, a memory I’ll cherish forever.
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