what's the craic?

It is official - I am obsessed with Northern Ireland. The city is vibrant and alive, the people are warm and friendly, I go to school in a beautiful castle, and the weather is actually quite endearing. I have been incredibly blessed to have met amazing people and formed some solid friendships. Tonight was good craic (translation: tons of fun) - we attended a céilidh which is a traditional Gaelic social dance. Traditional Irish music + traditional Irish dance...it was a fantastic experience! I can not wait for all the adventures that this semester will bring!

the end of the road

Our whirlwind trip across Switzerland and Italy has finally come to an end and I can not believe how quickly time flew by!!! In the past week and a half, Mary and I have stayed in Venice, Cinque Terre, and Florence and done day trips to Siena and Pisa. Mary left a few hours ago to start her semester in Spain and it was so so sad to part ways! We were looking through all our pictures on our way home from Siena last night and just remarking on what an incredible trip we had! We have been so blessed to have seen amazing sights, meet the best people and just have so much fun along the way!!!
I am staying in Florence for four more nights in Cortney's apartment before heading to Belfast on Friday. Randomly running into Cortney today walking through the San Lorenzo market was the greatest feeling in the world - I could not have been happier to see her! It has already been so much fun to continue exploring Florence with my best friend though I am already missing Mary!
At this point everyone else abroad seems to be settling into their semester homes and it makes me so excited to finally reach in Belfast! :)