Three weeks ago, I packed two huge suitcases, a backpack and my pillow pet into the car as I got ready to leave for the airport. I bit my lip every time I looked at my mom's red face, trying not to cry. After a quick goodbye at the airport, I rushed through security and to the gate. "It's just a vacation; I'll see them soon," I thought to myself. But, I was going abroad to Ireland and staying there for four months. As soon as I got off the plane in Ireland, I smiled. This was going to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Flying a red eye flight meant a full day was ahead of us as soon as we got to our apartment in Cork. A few irish students took us into town to get bedding, toiletries and a trendy flip phone. We ate dinner at a great Italian restaurant. Being
the pickiest eater ever and refusing to try any food, I ate pizza. This is
not a traditional irish meal but it was still amazing. I promised myself (and everyone else) I'd try something that I wouldn't normally eat in America.
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| View from my apartment in Cork |
The next day, we had a day trip to the Barryscourt Castle and Jameson Factory. We toured the inside of the castle and the outdoor garden. I learned about the history and architecture of the castle. We also toured the Jameson Factory. I volunteered to be a taste tester of three different kinds of whiskey. After three shots, three scrunched up facial expressions and a glass of water, I received a certificate as an official taste tester. Obviously, whiskey is not my favorite but Jameson was definitely the best one.
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| Jameson Factory |
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| Barryscourt Castle |
