Begynnelsen

Begynnelsen! (or "The Beginning" in Swedish)

Mitt beslut:
I made my decision to go to Dublin to study abroad May 2009… a week before finals were up. I made the decision shortly after breaking off a 3 year relationship and I was in a major depression. I knew I needed a new perspective on life and to get out of the Maryland bubble that I was stuck in. I needed to see something different and experience a different environment. I remember everyone being against this idea. My friends in my major didn’t understand why I was giving up a semester to do this, because it is hard to catch up after you are behind, but I knew this experience was worth it and I needed it now more than ever. I remember asking my dad to lunch so I could get his blessing for me to go. He actually agreed with my reasoning and said that he was fine with me going. His opinion on the matter was the one that matter the most to me, because I look up to my dad and I wanted his honest opinion.

Another part of my family that I wanted approval from was from my mom and my step dad. I called my step dad and asked him for his opinion and if he thought it would be good for me to do this trip for myself. After talking to him for a while, we both agreed that this trip is a great opportunity and would really round me as a person. My step dad thankfully offered to help me fund my trip, which really made me happy because not many people have an opportunity or the financing to do a trip like this. My mom was more excited about me doing the trip because she has always wanted me to travel like she has.. with the support of so many people I gained so much confidence about me going away for such a long time on my own..

Before my trip to Dublin, It really didn’t sink in that I was leaving until the night before when my family was having a going away party for me. I love my family so much because they are always supportive in everything. I was scared of living in a city by myself, scared shitless. I never been the person to like cities and this was going to be a new experience to be in a city, in a foreign county, I barely knew and trying to figure out my way. I was also nervous being on my own and not being able to go home whenever I want to. My goal that I made for myself on this trip was to overcome my fears… to do something I have never done before. I have never been an adventurous person so doing anything by myself is pretty amazing and it was definitely a goal I was nervous to accomplish. I remember how scared I was and how nervous I was right before I was about to board on the plane.

Min ankomst:
First off the flight was pretty smooth and easy.. and if you know me, you know I hate flying! But this flight was pretty bearable. I was able to watch movies of my choice on this long 6 hour flight and eat a shitty dinner which made me thank god that I ate a good Fuddruckers burger before getting on the flight. I attempted to sleep and only got abut 2 hours at most on the flight. I was awoken by the sun light beaming into my window reflecting off the water. It was a little bit after 6am in Ireland and I was in awe when I saw the mountains and the overload of green color.My fears diminished as soon as I saw the green mountains of Ireland as morning broke. Angela and Justin were both comforting people to have with me on my flight there and they made my first days in Ireland flawless and eased my worries. They really helped me through the toughest days.


First thought getting off the plane was “oh its not that cold”… it was about 45 degrees this morning. I guess I was expecting it to be like November weather lol. First off I have to throw out there that Dublin is a dirty city, there is lots of construction and some areas that are boarded up… kinda reminds me of balitmore mixed with DC. Honestly I am not a city person but I liked what I saw as we got closer to the heart of Dublin and the area looked more and more cleaner.. and lemme tell you two things that made my day… Chanel and Louis Vuitton!!! There is a street here in Dublin that is dedicated to all the best shops for clothing, shoes, and purses… basically Mander’s Heaven!!! :D

I walked around the city with Angie and Justin, trying to get a feel for the city and to try to get to know the area. We got a little bit lost, but hey that’s the best way to explore the city!!