One Day More

New Years Day, 2:25 am Burlington. (7:25 am Ireland!)

My stuff is packed, mostly- that was a struggle. Starting this is too; I've wanted to write blogs every time I go abroad, and have made a whole bunch of templates just to abandon them, but this time I've begun to spread the word that I'll be posting my journals online, so there's no turning back now. If you're reading this, I hope you like it, but don't judge anything to harshly- it's way too late and I'm way to nervous to worry about syntax.

I'm leaving for the airport in about 12 hours, taking off in 16 or so, then in Dublin in less than 24. How did that ever happen? From there I'll need to navigate Bus Eireann, get to Galway, figure out how to get to my numberless-apartment, and probably collapse from jetlag. That of course, is provided that I'm able to exchange dollars for Euros, get my bus ticket, find the bus, and can squash the last few items into my overweight bag and overstuffed carry-on. Oy vey. OR- Go bhfoire dia orainn! I'm convinced I'll never be able to pronounce Irish, by the way (don't call it Gaelic!). Nothing is spelled remotely like it sounds, as me and my mom discovered scouring my shiny new guide book last night.

Well, I'm nervous, my stomach twisting, but also excited- in a tentative, hopeful sort of way. It's a bittersweet start to the New Year, I'm hours away from the greatest adventure of my life thus far, but also leaving so many wonderful people behind, for now. That's the key though, the 'for now'. I've been struggling with leaving my school, friends, boyfriend, and family for four months, but it's really just a see you later, so I'll be okay. Right? Right. Okay.

I'll be studying English in Ireland, taking 5 yet-unknown classes, living with 3 other college girls, two of whom I've contacted and one a mystery. My dad has family there who I'll hopefully meeting soon, and I've high hopes for day trips around the countryside, venturing off into England and Scotland, and maybe farther (Rome? Spain? Austria?). I've had a strong case of wanderlust for quite some time now, which I'll inevitably talk about later, but I'm really, really excited to explore. Make new friends, eat new food, hang out at pubs, listen to folk music, hunt for faeries, learn some Irish. Learn some of everything. Visit Hogwarts (!), gain a better sense of self, maintain this blog, and come back enriched. I know I will- the details are still hazy, as always, but I know it will be good. The path is shadowed and scary but long and winding, with plenty of potholes but beautiful views as well. I hope you can share in experiencing my journey with me. :)

p.s. I had some really good taco dip tonight. Thanks Aunt Sue!