The Final Days

Hello Hello again and for the last time :(

Before going into my last couple days here, I would like to do a recap of where I've been this semester.

Ireland: Blarney, Cashel, Dublin, Waterford, Kerry, Killkenny, Borris-in-Ossory, Galway and Limerick.

Continent: Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, London and Oxford.

Seeing all these places that I have been to makes me truly appreciate the time I have spent over here and the fact that I could be over here. I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in the country where my family is from and have a deeper appreciation for my family, my education and my future. I have come to terms with issues, resolved problems and have become a stronger woman in the process and I couldn't be more thankful for that. Studying abroad has truly changed me for the better and I am forever grateful.

Traveling to all of these places has broadened my mind to other cultures and how people do things in their native land. I've tried different cuisines from all over (and loved every minute ;) ) and listened to music that truly captures what each country has to offer.

I am very excited to go home, but I will miss Cork and Ireland greatly.

It has become my home away from home. The people I have met will never be forgotten. They have contributed to the changed person I am today and I am very thankful for every one of them. I foresee them as friends forever.

When I first got to Ireland, I was scared. I was homesick. I was thinking to myself, "what the hell did I get myself into." And through these 5 months I have been homesick, but that was it. I knew what I had gotten myself into and I loved it. Every second (even the homesick times).

Coming to Ireland was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I am a new, confident, healthy individual with a bright future (hopefully including more traveling!)

I am not only thankful for being here and the friends I had made, but for my family and friends too. They helped me through the rough patches...and...(thanks to skype) I was able to see them just as if I were home.

I also want to thank my readers. For sticking with me and reading about my adventures through the last 5 months. I know you enjoyed were jealous of my time here and I'm grateful to have such loyal followers :)

Tomorrow is my last day. And it's a bitter sweet feeling. I'm almost all packed and ready to start my journey back to the USA so I guess this is good bye. This blog will not be gone, but in retirement until the next traveling adventure :)

Go raibh maith agat (thank you)

Sara Leslie