I just saw my mom and my brother for the first time since leaving the States. We decided Ireland would be a great place to come for Christmas since they had never been, and I love it here (I have been Irish dancing all my life and was just here for the World Championships in April). This is the longest and furthest I have been away from home in my life, referring to living in Sweden of course. Admittedly, I thought I would have a harder time leaving than I did, but maybe I’ll write about homesickness in another blog. Seeing my family here in Europe was a little surreal, considering I have never been here with them before, but I loved it! And Ireland is so festive at Christmas time – everything is decorated, absolutely everything. Since it is Ireland at Christmas time though, all the stores and shops have been closed and we spent all of Christmas day in the hotel. But never fear! My mom and I watched several cheesy romantic comedies, including PS I Love You which is partly set in Ireland! (We saw the hills the characters meet in on our tour the other day!) We spent the remainder of our time walking around Dublin, sight seeing. I dragged my brother and my mom into the National Archaeological Museum which I enjoy very much every time I am here (and admission is free!). It was really great getting to see my mom and brother, but I think it’s finally hitting me that I won’t see them for another 6 months as I sit here writing this.

Luckily for my sanity, I’m currently in my hostel (the Avalon House, which I recommend if any of you will be travelling in Dublin) and waiting for my friend Natalie to arrive. She will spend next semester in Cork and so I am meeting up with her while I am still here.  We spent all summer working side by side, so I am very excited to see her. We are planning to go on a couple day tours, including one to Connemara, and of course just explore Dublin city… Maybe I’ll make her explore the museum too 🙂

I can already tell I have changed since being abroad. I now feel overwhelmed by the crowds here in Dublin – the mass of people you just don’t find in my small town in Sweden. I find myself missing trying to decode the Swedish on the back of everything I buy. I now say the typical Swedish, hejhej (pronounced: hey hey) as a greeting rather then hello or what have you. I look outside and hope for snow! The first few days I was here there was even sunlight, which is something I have not seen in a long while due to the cloud covering and darkness that lingers over Sweden. I can’t lie, my eyes hurt a little bit the first time I was wandering around here, but they got used to it after a little bit. I’m glad to have a break from the snow, but I’ll be happy to return to my little winter wonderland.

xxx Maren