The End of Belfast

I haven’t written my closing blog until now for multiple reasons. First, I would say its probably because when I left Belfast three weeks ago it didn’t feel like I wasn’t coming back. Second, I have been busy traveling with my sister and the amount of free computer time has not been enough for long updates or closings. Third, I am kind of lazy and just haven’t gone out of my way or tried to write. Whatever the reasons, I am now in the process of catching up on what I have failed to write down up until this point. I leave to go back home to Washington in about six days and am currently on a train to Berlin. It wasn’t until I sent my flight information to my best friend that I began to realize that my time in Europe really is coming to an end…

My time in Belfast was incredible and I honestly cannot believe it went by as fast as it did. I feel as if it was the fastest semester I have lived through so far. The lovely friends I made will be my friends forever and I already miss them like crazy. I wish I would have gotten to see more of Ireland and the North, but especially after this holiday, I have come to terms with the fact that you cant do everything. Belfast was different in so many ways from home yet I don’t know if I could even put it into words. Everything from the people, culture, food, drinks, school and well not the weather, but many other things, that the list could go on forever. I learned so much being there that I am pretty sure I still haven’t comprehended everything. I have no idea what going back to the States is going to be like as I finally am so adjusted to everything being European! The lessons and independence I gained from being away is irreplaceable and I know that it will help me forever in my future life. It has been so fascinating to see how other people live in this world and to experience it.

Belfast was probably the best choice of all the cities I could have chosen to go to for study abroad and I have very few regrets. I do wish I would have met more Irish students but other then that it was a great fit for me. I’ll miss the botanic gardens, and the Belfast Wheel. Walking around the city, laughing at all the ridiculous Irish girls’ outfits, bbqs and picnics, even my classes, where I learned about topics I would never have had the opportunity to learn at WSU. Ill miss my new friends, all of whom live in the US on the east coast, so I will have to find a way to see them there. I loved learning about the divided society and seeing the divisions in real life and how it is still present. Overall, I will forever look back on my Study Abroad with happy, sentimental and longing memories. I hope to go back when I can at another time in my life and that I will have the chance to do the things I didn’t get to this time. I can’t believe its over and the fact that I am really moved out of my small little dorm in Elms village is surreal. Lucky for me though, I did not have to leave Europe right away and the following blogs are updates and adventures from my month long holiday around Europe with my sister Jamuna. Thanks to everyone who followed me on here and gave me a reason to write it and reflect on the whole experience. Much Love <3>