Over the past two years, I have become acquainted with the long lines and wait times that hide behind the electric doors at the airport. Every year when Christmas comes around, I pack my bags and head to Boston Logan Airport for the the six-and-a-half-hour flight commute to and from Southern California. Although my destination this time was different, I was not intimidated by the seven-hour timestamp that blinked on the screen ahead of me. All the other passengers in boarding group seven slowly shuffled into the plane. I closed my eyes as I flew across the Atlantic Ocean and opened them again when I landed in London for a quick layover. One hour later, I stepped on Irish soil.
Although I had experience with time change and jetlag, I could feel the five-hour time loss in my toes. Due to our early landing time, my mother and I could not check into the hotel until later. So we ventured into the city. The sides of the road were swapped, accents spun in the air, and looking down, I saw the same clothing my boyfriend had hugged me goodbye in.
I was finally in Ireland, and it felt surreal.
My first few days were a mix of jet lag, and excitement as my new surroundings flowed freely through me. The busy city center is complemented by the winding River Lee that goes through my dormitory, campus, and city.
Before school started my mom and I did some sightseeing.
Some of my favorite book genres are fantasy and fairytales, so I could hear the historical castles of Ireland calling my name. The first castle I visited was Blarney Castle (AD 1200) and Gardens. The Blarney stone sits at the top of the castle. There is a legend that says a single kiss of the stone “endows the kisser with the gift of the gab.” The stairwell started to hug me as I made my way up the castle. I spent my time imagining parties and feasts held here thousands of years ago. At the top, I sat ready to hang upside down 90 feet in the air.
The days sped by, and it was time to move in. After a quick trip to the local store (Tk Maxx), I entered my home for the next nine months. To my surprise, I had my own room and bathroom with a shared kitchen. It is common in Ireland for students to go home on the weekends. This means I have the apartment to myself. I use this time to have other international students over.
It has been just over a month in my new home, and I am enjoying every moment. I go to coffee shops in between classes and explore the city. Overall, I love Cork and am excited for all the adventures to come.
“Blarney Stone.” Uk Travel and Tourism, www.uktravelandtourism.com/attractions/southern-ireland/cork/blarney-stone-id224. – “Endows the kisser with the gift of the gab.”
Sophiabella N is studying Global Studies and studying abroad at University College Cork, Ireland.