There are lots of little things that make up culture shock between Ireland and home. Here are a few: No one seems to use half and half. For anything. So I cool down my Americanos with “semi-skimmed milk” or whole milk. The washer and dryers are in one unit- and take 5 times as long, sounding like rocket ships taking off The symbol of Ireland is the Harp, and the color of the country is Blue, not green. Huh. “What’s the Craic?” (pronounced “crack”); the term means “fun” or “what’s [...]

Scotland was amazing. It was super packed though with it being Bank Holiday, so it was a little overwhelming at times. It rained a ton which was a bummer- today was the first day it didnt rain at all. But we saw amazing art, street performers, the castle, shops, it was wonderful. I was definitely consumed with nostalgia at times, and I for some reason got way homesick during this weekend.  We had our flight at 8 am so we left the hotel at six. For those who know me, [...]

The thing that has stuck out on this trip is the store hours everyone holds. There’s no guarantee that things will be open when you want them to be open. For instance, some friends and I went wandering Saturday evening around 7 for a dessert or cafe. Starbucks was closed, as were all the buildings around the area. Really?? In America things would almost be guaranteed to be open on such a busy day. People are going to go out on a Saturday. Here, pubs close at 11 most days. [...]

Basically I made it safely and it’s beautiful here with green green green everywhere—so glad i packed a carry on full of snacks. Despite the screaming baby on the plane I somehow managed to finish a book, read half of another, and get some uncomfortable sleep. We got to explore the area too. We are right by the famous and beautiful Queens University, as well as an alarming amount of Asian and Indian restaurants. Who knew!?? Turns out that unlike Minneapolis, pedestrians don’t rule the world here and it’s really [...]