Dublin

There is always fear when going to a new place. When things become convenient, it’s a difficult thing to say goodbye to, even for a short time.  In saying that, saying hello to something new can be an amazing experience. After spending ten hours at the JFK Airport during my layover, I arrived in Dublin with an eleven kilometer walk ahead of me. The cool breeze and quiet streets allowed me to ask the question once again…why on earth did I decide to come here?

Leading up to the trip, this was a question I asked myself, friends, family and God. Who decides to buy a plane ticket, a tent, a sleeping bag and travel to Europe for three months with no plan and no connections when they get there? Crazy people! My friends and family poured on support, telling me things like, “why not?” or, “you have nothing tying you down,” and I eventually started telling myself this. Were they wrong? 

Absolutely not; but, as I walked down the cobblestone roads I realized that I could turn this trip into so much more than “why not,” I just wasn't sure, and I’m still not sure yet, how I am going to do that.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

I was picked up by a friend from Venezuela who is studying in Ireland and who lives with four other roommates who are from Brazil. I continue to laugh knowing that I came to Europe and I’m spending most of my time with South American’s. They are an incredible group of people who welcomed me into their home like I was family and allowed me to stay with them for the week if I helped them with their English as a trade. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. The first day (literally two hours after arriving) they took me to their church, and to my great surprise, it brought me back to my church experience in Ethiopia as well as Liberty University. It was absolutely amazing to see God exploding all over the world. That night I was able to cook dinner for everyone which was a great way for me to express my appreciation. After dinner I was introduced to some friends (also Brazilian) and went to a pub where I was able to shake some of the rust off my legs and show a few of my dance moves. I have to admit, I still got it!

Day two was filled with errands and shopping for necessities as well as finding a bike to use during my trip. This was where I experience my first spit-handshake deal with the bike salesman and purchased a bike which he said he would be glad to buy back at the end of my trip; not a bad deal when trying to save money. The evening was spent relaxing at the house and learning more about the people I was staying with.

Trinity College

The rest of the week was filled with a birthday party, a hospital visit (not mine I might add), meeting a BearWolf (no I’m not kidding), sitting on the roof overlooking the city, riding my bike around trying not to get lost, being told my American accent is awesome, watching street performers, taking pictures of some really amazing buildings, trying not to get by cars because they drive on the opposite side of the road, an amazing get together at my new Latvian friend’s house with people from all different countries, going to an amazing Portuguese Church Service and spending the evening talking to new friends, and a few really solid writing sessions. Dublin is a beautiful city with a lot of diversity, from the old churches and the famous Trinity College; to Shopping Centre’s and streets packed with tourists and locals alike; it reminded me a lot of NYC or any other city I've been too.

To: Anabel, Felipe, Junior, Denise, Santa, Carlos, Lodo, Luiz, Rébékah, Miku, So Hyun,Young Kyoung, Genesis and Thiago --- I thank you J

I will surely miss my time and the people I met in Dublin, but they will definitely not be forgotten. My hope is to make Dublin my last stop at the end of the trip so I can say goodbye. As much as I will miss it, I am excited to get away from the city and see the countryside. My next stop is Wicklow where I’ll be able to see some of the beautiful landscape and hopefully find a place where I can pitch my tent and watch the sun rise while I read, write and think.