This is going to be a little different from my previous posts and to be honest I think it’s going to be a realistic one about life while studying abroad.
I think the typical image of someone studying abroad is one where the student is jetting off every weekend to a new place and doing something every day. And for the most part, I’ve felt like that too. I felt like every day I was not actively exploring or traveling was a waste of time. But, I realized that it’s not that simple.
It’s like going away to college, not every day of your life in college will be exciting or be filled with a new experience. Not everything will be a big, grand adventure and sometimes the adventures are smaller. Sometimes the triumphs or the highlights of the day is becoming more attuned to the culture and society you are living in and enjoying the subtle differences and similarities.
It’s about noticing the grandmother helping her granddaughter pick out outfits in Primark, a young man helping an older man cross the road, the way everyone seems to know everyone despite L’Derry being a city, and the quick-fire way of speaking and the dialect used by locals. The slow acclimation to the accent and the moment of confusion when you don’t understand something.
Sometimes it’s not just about the new sights and new places. Sometimes it’s about the looking and the seeing and the hearing. Sometimes it’s about slowing down and learning about their point of view of their country, of your country, and of their culture.
Pyke N’ Pommes 
Legendary Burger with Fries
And really the majority of my week went like that. Doing mundane tasks like grocery shopping and mailing off postcards because I’m oldfashioned. Finally, getting more confident in using the oven and eating more than just PB&J sandwiches or takeout. I sat in Patricia’s Coffee Shop and enjoyed my coffee and scone while writing in my journal.
On February 14th, I went out with Jenny, Ombline, and
