I can’t believe there are only two weeks left! I am not ready for this adventure to end yet.
This week has been jam-packed with excitement and adventure. Celebrating the 4th of July while in Ireland was quite an interesting experience. Embracing the classic American spirit, we enjoyed hotdogs, burgers, and milkshakes before heading to the beach. It was a fantastic way to observe an American holiday while abroad.
This past week was a whirlwind, as I attended three concerts in just four days. Although it was exhausting, the thrill was worth it. I kicked off the series by seeing the legendary Stevie Nicks. Her show was absolutely amazing, and I feel incredibly grateful to have witnessed her performance. Next, I attended a Hozier concert, which was particularly special given that I was in his home country. Finally, I capped off the week with a Kings of Leon concert, offering a fun change of pace. By the end of the four days, my ears were ringing, and I was tired, but every moment was worth it.
Over the weekend, we embarked on an overnight trip to Belfast. Despite being there for just one night, we managed to pack in a lot of activities.
On the first day, we visited the Titanic Museum. This was a highlight for me, as “Titanic” was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I have always been fascinated by the tragedy. The museum’s exhibits, detailing the entire process from the building to the voyage, were incredibly interesting. The last few rooms, which displayed a model of the entire ship, really resonated with me. I also enjoyed learning about the discovery process of locating the Titanic’s wreck, a topic I had studied in my Ships and Seafaring class last semester.
Following the museum visit, we went on a black taxi tour, which provided a fascinating look into the political landscape of Belfast. We got to sign the peace wall at the end. Learning about the history of the Catholics and Protestants in the city was eye-opening. Coming up on July 12, large bonfires will be lit throughout the city, something I wish I could witness. We had the remainder of the day to explore and enjoy the city.
The next day, we stopped at a rope bridge, offering a scenic experience with views of Scotland just sixteen miles across the sea. Our next stop was the Giant’s Causeway, a breathtaking sight with a beautiful walk. Our tour guide, whose family has lived in the area for generations, was an amazing storyteller and clearly passionate about his work. The geology of the land was particularly intriguing to me as an Environmental Studies major. I would love to return here one day.
It’s hard to believe that there are only two weeks left in this incredible journey, but I will make the most of it!
Jenna! I had such a fabulous week with you. So blessed to have gotten even closer with you this summer. I can’t wait for the rest of our time together!!