During my last week of classes (the week of Thanksgiving), I was very excited to have my dad come and visit. He brought me a suitcase of my favorite American foods. We have a tradition to visit Hard Rock Cafes in new places we visit, and despite my fresh shipment of mac and cheese, I enjoyed it at our traditional dinner. Throughout the time he was there, my dad and I were frequent visitors of Ireland’s best ice cream chain: Murphy’s. When he left, saying goodbye wasn’t as hard since we knew I would be home in two weeks.
Before finals, Trinity gave us a reading week, which means a whole week off to do your assignments. I had two essays, two projects, and a final exam to get done. I would wake up in the morning and work until I went to bed with breaks in between. For my breaks, I would leave my apartment and find something to do in Dublin’s city center.
On the Wednesday of Reading Week, my mom had a major surgery. As a distraction, my roommate and I walked from west Dublin all the way out to the beach. We ended up walking a half marathon. On the way home, I got the text that everything was alright.
The following week, I only had one exam (inside a squash court). I’m still waiting on my grade, but I think it went well. Though the grading is stricter and different here, I found strategies that I had done at Pitt, like creating my own flashcards, to be helpful. Finishing my first Irish exam was a big deal, so I treated myself at a locally famous cupcake place (it ended up being a let down, but it’s the thought that counts).
The day after my exam was my last day in Ireland. I ran around buying gifts for my friends and family and things I needed for my apartment for next semester. I met up with an American friend at Trinity’s campus, and we chatted over chai and hot chocolate. I felt a kind of sadness waiting in line at the cafe because I liked my life in Dublin now that I had gotten used to it. But I knew I would be back next semester, and I was excited to go back to all the things I had been missing out on at home.
Minus a three hour delay, my travel day home was uneventful. I flew straight from Dublin to Philly, and my dad and I made a necessary stop at Raising Cane’s on the way home. I’ve been spending good time with family since I’ve been home, and I’m grateful for this month-long break I have. I’m slowly getting ready to return to Ireland in 2 weeks and am hoping for an easy transition back.