My second week has been a blur! I can’t believe that I’ve already been here for two weeks. Time is flying by, and each day brings new adventures and experiences.
I have been loving my internship! It definitely keeps me busy, but I feel like I am doing a lot of meaningful work, and I really enjoy it. Every day presents new opportunities to learn. My supervisors are incredibly supportive, making the experience even more rewarding.
This past weekend, our group went to the Wicklow Mountains, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Everything was so serene, and the weather was quite pleasant. We spent some time in Glendalough, and the trail that led to the lake was stunning. It honestly looked like something from a movie scene. We hiked for about an hour, taking in the fresh air and beautiful views. It was a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin.
Afterward, we visited Kilkenny, where we explored the village and toured the castle. It was a really cute and quaint village, with cobblestone streets and charming shops. The castle was not at all what I expected; it was like a modern-day house on the inside, with elegant furnishings and beautiful decor. I thought it was really cool to see the differences in the ages the rooms were built, each telling a different story from the past. We also strolled through the castle gardens, which were meticulously maintained and bursting with colorful flowers.
There were many fun tiny moments throughout the week as well. This week, I really got to meet and talk to the other members of this trip. A few friends and I spent a night playing cards. It got kind of competitive, but there was lots of laughter and it was super fun getting to know each other better. A couple of us are going to a concert this week and are planning trips and other activities for our free time! We’ve been researching local events and attractions, trying to make the most of our time here.
Monday’s trip to The National Museum of Ireland was super cool! I really appreciated its archaeological perspective as someone interested in environmental studies and geology. I thought the bog bodies were fascinating, as one of my apartment mates and I learned about them in our foundation seminar this past fall. Seeing them in person was a really cool full-circle moment. We spent a couple hours exploring the exhibits, marveling at the ancient artifacts and learning about Ireland’s rich history.
After the museum, we explored the city again, wandering in and out of shops. A group of us met up to grab dinner at Pablo Picante, and then, of course, headed to Murphy’s to get sea salt ice cream for dessert. We have quickly recruited more fans of Murphy’s Ice Cream. We are beginning to be recognized as regulars.
Last night, a group of us went to UCD’s karaoke night, where we watched a couple of friends nail “Mr. Brightside.” While we waited for their turn, we got a little rowdy playing a game similar to charades called Heads Up. It was a really fun night!
This week has been really great. I feel settled in and am really excited to continue to get to know others over the coming weeks. There are lots of great things coming up, and I can’t wait! I’m looking forward to every moment and making the most of this incredible experience.