It's not just hard goodbyes to friends I've made or the even harder goodbye to the country I love so much that I can finally call home. It's saying goodbye to this once in a lifetime experience. Sure, Cork will always be here for me to return to and nothing is stopping me from visiting friends, the world's not big enough for that. I'm saddened that my time here can never be replicated no matter how hard I tried. The experiences I had were made even fonder by the people I was with. To be honest, it still hasn't quite hit me yet that in a day I will no longer be here. It's even harder to leave not knowing when I'll be back next.
Packing takes longer when almost everything I have in my room conjures a memory with it. The maps of the cities I visited throughout the semester lie next to cards from home. It's strange to see the two together, the sharp contrast leaves me with mixed feelings. I wish I could stay longer but I'm excited to go home and be with the people I've missed.
I cannot even begin to describe how thankful I am for the people who have made these past 5 months the most memorable. The API family- the great times we've had travelling around Ireland and to Edinburgh, for Deborah organizing the best excursions and making us feel as much at home as possible. The Family of Weirdos- From the Ring of Kerry, to the Brog and Chipsy King... It's been one hell of a time and I can't even imagine life without Chipsy King! Maggie and Ally... and Rebecca!- for being the best travel companions a girl could ask for. You'll be in every country I visit no matter where you are in the world. Leila- thank you for being the most amazing roommate and always being there for me, and Sini for being the best Finnish I know :) love you and your bargain shows :P Every single one of you lovely people.... it's ben great craic like! Let's do it again :)
And to Ireland: Slán go fóil ach is le hÉireann mo chroí; Goodbye for now but my heart belongs in Ireland. You've had a hold of the most important piece of me since the first day I've stepped on this ground back in june, 2011. Two years later, I've come back and felt truly complete for five whole months. Now it's time to leave, but you can be sure I'll be back.. maybe for a short visit maybe for longer who really knows. All I can say is... I'll be back and never forget.
I really can't believe how much has happened this semester. I'm leaving you with this lyric from one of my favorite songs, The Parting Glass. Raise a toast to new adventures and be thankful for the time we've had together.
"Of all the money that 'ere I had, I spent it in good company..... so fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all"
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| The API family |
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| Family photo |
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| The best roommate |
