Well, I'm back at my Dad's in VA now. The flight over was largely uneventful and everything went smoothly. After a long day of traveling it was nice to be at 'home' but I miss Galway like crazy and have been thinking about everyone constantly. I was a bit surprised at how calm and peaceful I was in leaving Ireland. I guess I had gotten out all the tears and emotional stuff when saying goodbye to friends earlier in the week. I was all smiles yesterday as I looked back upon the best five months of my life. I had only good things to think upon and it made it so much easier on me (and on everyone in the airport I'm sure).
I spent my last two days in Ireland in the adorable little village of Adare. I had to move out of my apartment on Tuesday and so needed somewhere to go till my plane left on Thursday. My mother had been to Adare in the 80's and remembered it as being a favorite and so I decided to go check it out. I'm so glad I did! It is a lovely little town although far from quiet at this time of year but it is still peaceful compared to the city and has plenty to see and do. I explored the Adare Manor house and gardens, visited several churches from the 12th and 13th centuries, and I walked through the town park a half a dozen times. I sat in the local pubs and heard traditional music my last night in town. I became good friends with the owner of the inn I was staying at and they sort of adopted me for the 36 hours I was in town. They let me tag along to watch their son's U14 Gaelic football match! It was an incredible match and the lads played so well. I was glad I got to see a Gaelic football match before I left, even if it was just 14 years olds. I think they played better, and made the match more exciting, than some of the minor league teams. I also bought myself a Gaelic football to bring home. If you are visiting Ireland and plan to go down to Kerry at all you will most likely pass through Adare. If you do, promise me you will stop into Sean Collins' and Sons pub and say hello for me! They also run the Adare Village Inn which is where I stayed and Sean and his wife Bridie were the best hosts imaginable! I can't wait to go back for a visit.
It was a great five months and I am so grateful for the all the wonderful opportunities I was given. I've made so many wonderful friends and we've shared some great memories. Thanks for an unforgettable semester you guys! For the summer I'll be going back to my mom's in NY and dividing my time between work and summer fun (which will include gardening, shearing sheep, hiking in the ADKs, and reading in the hammock). I will continue to post pictures and stories on here that I've yet to tell, but they will be few and far between. For more regular updates on my life you can follow me here.
Slán go fóill!
