I studied abroad in Limerick for about four and a half months, then spent about two weeks hosteling around the country with a friend of mine. It was really fantastic. Incredibly nice people, always wiling to stop and have a conversation. The cities were full of life and the countryside was absolutely beautiful and peaceful.

Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff in an old broken fort, gulls crying, the ocean sprawled out before you, not another person around in any direction. I can’t put down how much that image sticks in my head.

I can honestly say I had more trouble with the reverse culture shock of coming home than I did with the initial culture shock.

Beautiful, wonderful, and I’d love to go back and see even more.