How Lucky Am I to Have Known Someone Who Was So Hard to Say Goodbye to...

Well the time has come to say goodbye....

It is with very bittersweet feelings that I write to you this one last time. While I am excited to see my family and spend the Christmas season with them, I would be lying if I said that I'm ready to go home. I've had the most amazing experiences overseas. I've traveled to places I'd only ever dreamed of and met new friends from all over the world. 

We've really been soaking it in here in Ireland this last week. We made one final last trip down to Cork to kiss the Blarney Stone and I got to see Abby again! Now, the Blarney Stone is meant to give those who kiss it eloquence, or 'the gift of gab.' For those of you who know me, you must know that I need no assistance in the gabbing part; but not to worry, I haven't noticed any dramatic increases in my already superfluous chatting. 

Then after Cork, I was off to Dublin one last time. One of the great things about my job at Camp Birchwood was all the amazing young women I met from other countries. It just so happened that one of my co-counselors from the summer grew up outside of Dublin and now attends UCD. Few moments make us happier than a reunion with someone we truly missed, and my reunion with Aisling did not fall short. After practically tackling each other in the Dublin bus station, we reminisced as we walked around Dublin. We only had a few hours together, but I was so happy to finally see her! After all, it would have been ridiculous for us not to see each other when we were actually living in the same country.  I think Aisling may have been a bit disappointed that I didn't pick up more of an Irish accent, but I can say that I've picked up quite a few things. One of which, unfortunately, is the swearing! But don't worry, I'll be keeping it in check at home :-) And of course, I'm sure you'll notice a few other changes (ie I've started calling fries chips and chips crisps....).

After my quick trip up to Dublin, I've stayed in Limerick to soak it all in my last few days here.  I must say I even considered 'accidentally' missing my flight home and then just dodging immigration for the rest of my life. But, while I may be annoying and whiney about not wanting to be home for a bit, I am actually very excited to go home. Missing Thanksgiving was tough and I'm so excited to get to see all my family and friends. 

I'm leaving behind a lot here, but now I get to start planning my next adventures! Coming back to Ireland will probably be at the top of my list and then who knows from there! 

Here are some of my favorite pictures from my time in Ireland. I hope you look forward to seeing them all again as I will probably force all of you to sit in front of my computer and go through ALLLLLL of my pictures. Some of you will probably even have the pleasure of doing this multiple times ;-) I'm kidding, but not really....

 

Well... for the last time:
With love, from Ireland
Biff

Man! You are Westminster CRABBY!

Well, quite a bit has happened since my last (super sappy) post.  We actually spent more than 3 or 4 days in Limerick! Hard to believe, I know! But we needed some major recovery time from all of our travels. At first we really enjoyed our time off...

But by Saturday (Nov 26th) my lovely travel companions and I were going stir crazy in Limerick. Luckily for us, one of Ireland's best rugby teams plays in Limerick and they had a home game! So, we all got decked out in our Munster red and headed to Thomond Park!

Luckily, we had our Aussie with us to explain the game. Once we got the hang of the rules, we really started to enjoy the game (not just the view!). 

Of course, Munster beat Edinburgh! We had so much fun and were so glad to experience more of Ireland!

Then after a few days of trying to make ourselves study early we were ready to hit the airport again ( and I actually did a whole study guide and started another one! Was very proud of myself). Jacqui, Mary Jo, and I were off to London for a longer trip than normal. Now why would we plan our longest trip in the most expensive city we've been to, which also has the worst exchange rate, you ask? Uhhhhhhhh cuz we don't think things through apparently! 

BUT we're all very glad we had a good stretch of time in London! We all tried going to bed early because our flight was due out of Shannon early in the morning and we had to be on a 3:40am bus to the airport. However, excitement left us all sleepless (which of course reminded me of my all time favorite commercial - press play below!):

After getting up VERY early to catch our flight to London, we caught a train, the tube, and walked a few blocks to our hostel. Eventhough we were exhausted, we knew taking naps would leave us worse off for the day so we kept on truckin. Luckily, we had entertainment close at hand. Our hostel was located right by Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. 

We knew Hyde Park was having a Winter Wonderland Carnival while we were there and decided to make our way to that for the day. On the way, we ran into the famous statue of Peter Pan and the Princess Di memorial fountain. We also encountered quite a few swans and other various birds that like to get verrrryyyyy close to people. I think London made me more scared of birds than I have ever been. 

I think the carnival was more than any of use thought it would be. There was an ice rink, a gift market, mini-pubs, rides, Santa, and possibly the coolest bar I've ever seen!

Yes the bar does rotate!

After hanging around the fair, we were off to dinner and in bed early! The next day was full of our favorite mode of transport - the 'Hop On-Hop Off' Bus! We went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and met some of our favorite celebrities (and my future husband Prince Harry of course!)

I'm planning on sending this out as an engagement announcement....

Had to get a picture with John Wayne - couldn't help but think of Grandpa's giant cardboard cutout!

Then it was off the London Eye! The giant ferris wheel that gives you a view of all of London and Westminster!

We caught a boat tour up the Thames after dark to see London Tower, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge. 

Day Three was spent around Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and St. James Park. We took our boat cruise again - but this time in daylight with a hilarious guide. 

We met up with one of Jacqui's friends from home who is studying in London this semester too! I can only imagine she was just as happy to see Marie as I was to see Steph. Their hilarious stories about home made me so excited to go visit them in Boston someday soon!

Our last day in London, we decided to fly solo from the buses. We went shopping on the famous Regents and Oxford streets, shopped around Nottinghill and the Portobello Market, and made our way up to Camden to take a look at their street market as well. As night closed in, we visited our beloved Hyde Park fair one last time and called it a night. We were up early again for an hours worth of travel to the airport before catching an 8 am flight. Exhausted, we all wandered back to our rooms to 'study' (aka nap). 

I don't think it's really hit us yet that London was our last big trip. We've really led 'the life' while in Ireland. We may be exhausted and sick of hostels now, but I know it's only a matter of time till that itch for travel comes back. Who knows, maybe the three of us will continue to have insane European adventures together in the future. As for now, it's Limerick and exams (possibly with a day trip to Cork thrown in.... after all, we have to kiss the Blarney stone!).

I can't believe how quickly this has all gone by. I'm due home in less than 2 weeks! And while I'm so excited to see my family, oooo and ahhhh over how much my little guys have grown, and recount my adventures to many, I'm going to miss this country so much. 

I think it's safe to say I'll be back here again - the sooner the better!

Until next post!

With love, from Ireland!

~Biff~