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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025

Week 8: Ending it off in Barcelona…

Over our free weekend in the program, my friend Justin and I thought we would maximize our time by going to Barcelona, Spain. Since we had four full days of freedom (Thursday through Monday), we knew we wanted to see and do everything this lovely city had in store for us—from stunning landmarks to exhilarating adventures. We got a beautiful hotel situated directly next to the beach, with an awesome oceanfront view that immediately put us in vacation mode. Waking up every morning to the waves and sunshine glistening on the water certainly made this trip feel like a dream. […]

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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Week 7: Muddy Trails, Market Nights, and the Feeling of Home

This week in Dublin, it was rainy in spots, reflective in others, and unexpectedly grateful. Our group extended a day trip out from the city to the stunning coastal path at the Howth Cliff Walk. I’d normally describe it as a serene getaway, but we ventured out on the only rainy day on which the path had been transformed into a veritable mudslide. The scenery was stunning—cliffs dropped dramatically into the sea, large waves crashing, and skidding and splashing in flooded shoes more than once made concentrating on much other than remaining on one’s feet an irksome task. I wish […]

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Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

Week 6: A Week of Light Moments: Kilmainham, Gaelic Games & House Party Vibes

It was a relaxed combination of history, sport, and low‑key socializing this week—not life‑changing, but certainly fun and memorable.I went to Kilmainham Gaol one afternoon. Taking a tour around the old jail, viewing the dark cells, and listening to tales of prisoners—from 1798 rebels to leaders of the 1916 Rising—was surprisingly compelling. Kilmainham Gaol served a significant function during Ireland’s fight: it imprisoned common criminals and nationalists alike, was actually reopened during the War of Independence and Civil War, and eventually shut down in 1924. It’s now Europe’s largest disused prison, restored to contain a museum chronicling Ireland’s national narrative. Though […]

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Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

Week 5: Belfast and Outgoing

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Belfast—a trip that inspired and rejuvenated me. We were fortunate enough to be staying in a hotel (as opposed to a hostel), and I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I was for this. A decent night’s sleep made a world of difference as we spent our days taking in all that this historically and naturally beautiful area had to offer. The standout of my time in Belfast was, without a doubt, a visit to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. As a nature lover and fan of scenic landscapes, this was an experience […]

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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

Week 4: Living the moment

Last week wasn’t about checking things off the bucket list or finding adventures. It was about slowing down, drinking at the moment, and appreciating the little things Dublin has to offer. For a few weeks now, I’ve been running from one packed schedule to another, and this was the first time I let myself permit myself to merely be—and it was exactly what I needed. I started the week off by visiting the famous Guinness Storehouse. While it’s a tourist hot spot, it didn’t have a feel of being clichéd. Drinking a pint of what is the freshest Guinness on […]

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

Week 3 in Dublin: Galway: The Trip That Changed Everything

If there is one location that has deeply changed my understanding of beauty, spontaneity, and human relationships, that place is Galway. I was there three days this week, and I can honestly attest that it is one of the most stunning places I have ever enjoyed visiting—despite my years living in different countries and states. With its rich culture, open sea vistas, and the forged unplanned friendships, Galway became more than a place to visit; it was a highlight of my whole experience living abroad. In complete honesty, the holiday had started in a pretty unglamorous way. Initially, I was […]

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