This past week, I realized that our seemingly endless stay in Dublin is drawing to a close. With just ten days left in our program, and four of those days to be spent in Amsterdam, we only have six days left in this vibrant city. Six days to cherish our remaining time together and soak in every moment. While I miss my family and friends, I find myself wishing I could go back to the day I landed and relive every experience and emotion all over again.
My girls!
Silly Squirrel
This trip has been a profound learning experience. From cooking my meals to how to manage an internship, I‘ve gained invaluable skills and insights. I never would have uprooted my routine and started over in a different country if it wasn’t for this program. I am forever grateful to Bucknell for offering this program and for my friends that encouraged me to apply. Most importantly, I am so thankful for the incredible people I have met on this trip.
I knew a few Bucknell students heading to Dublin, but our relationships were merely surface-level. I figured we would become close after eight weeks, but I never could have imagined we could become like family. There is an undeniable energy shared by the people on this trip. We love to laugh, hang out, and have a good time. Even when we think we have run out of stories to share, someone brings up something hilarious that happened to them, leaving us in fits of laughter. This infectious energy has made every aspect of this trip more enjoyable. Waking up at six or seven in the morning to travel throughout Ireland does not sound fun in the slightest, however, our bus rides and spontaneous adventures have been some of my favorite memories from the trip.
Let’s Leap!
I could go on about how much I love the people on the trip but instead, I will share some of our funniest moments. We spent a significant amount of time on the bus, traveling between various hills and castles. Cooped up together for hours, we napped, watched movies, and played games. It was hard not to get caught drooling during a power nap, only to face the embarrassing photos shared in the group chat afterward.
Back at UCD, my favorite moments were spent in each of the apartments’ common rooms. Some of the best moments were watching everyone grab a bite of a hot dinner or singing after a night out. In my common room, there is always someone sitting there waiting for everyone to hang out. I’ve loved walking into the common room and talking to my friends while making dinner. John and I made countless meals together and I will never forget the laughs we’ve shared and how “hangry” we both get after working out.
Meatball subs with my boy, John!
Lastly, some of the funniest moments from this trip are thanks to three girls under the age of fourteen: Lily, Hannah, and Abigail. They were the heart of the trip, each of them bringing their unique spirit and keeping us college kids young. Having them on our excursions reminded us of the joy of being young and silly. Coming from a big family with thirteen first cousins, I’ve always been surrounded by kids. Spending time with these three in Ireland reminded me how much I love embracing my childish side.
Hannah!
Lily!
Lily and Abigail catching sheep!
As our time in Dublin comes to an end, I find myself filled with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and memories I’ve made. This trip has been a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and I will cherish every moment forever.
Cat,
Incredible piece of work with this blog. I too remember the laughs we shared after being hangry. Look forward to more memories Cat.
Such a beautiful post Cat! Totally agree with you, this trip has been extremely memorable with so many amazing moments. I have enjoyed living our abroad life together and can’t wait to continue hanging out with our Dublin family at school. Hopefully we can get Lily, Abigail, and Hannah to some of our games 🙂
Lily would LOVE that!!!!!