03.12.16 - 03.19.16

W A T C H

One of the most popular tourist destinations in 

Since the beginning of the trip, Caroline and her family would not stop talking about how awesome the Devils Bit was. When they kept saying the name, I was like The Devils what? huh? 

According to local legend, the mountain got its name because the devil took a bite out of it. There is a small gap in the mountain between one rock and another small plateau. The bite the devil allegedly took made this gap. The legend suggests that the devil broke his teeth taking this bite and the Rock of Cashel fell from his mouth to where it now stands (wikipedia.com)

Walking up the mountain looked much easier than it was, or i’m just pathetic. BUT the view was well worth it all. Once we got to the top of the mountain we oversaw Ireland – the green patches of grass shaped as squares, the rocky mountains, felt the cool breeze and saw other cities in the distance. I loved sitting, noticing and reflecting, it’s refreshing to stop and think for a minute.

Castles mean more than whats left standing. There are stories within every part of the Castle - we walked around outside of the Castle at first then took the inside tour...

Inside, there was art work covering majority of the walls in each room. One of the paintings hanging up in the Kilkenny Castle was 1 of 10 in the world - i found that amazing. Also, in the bedrooms the queens bed was larger than the kings and that stood out to me because traditionally back then men had more authority and ‘say’. However, the queens bed is bigger than his because he is the one allowed to get into bed with her and the one who makes the move first when he wants. The families that lived there were royalty and eventually it was left abandoned.  

After visiting the Kilkenny Castle I felt I left feeling educated. Walking around and learning about the history, I learned that there is art found in everything. And allowing yourself to see the creative side of things brings value to it and I think that there is more meaning behind than what’s in right in front of you.

Day One in Dublin

For starters - I’m writing about my trip to Ireland because the overall experience taught me more about me. I’ve learned to take a step back, notice and appreciate the differences of culture and how we interpret people’s lifestyle choices.

The city of Dublin has a different vibe than any city I’ve ever been to. It was so fascinating to 'people watch’ and interpret the culture of Ireland. The way people express themselves in Europe is far more unique than Americans. I would perceive their style as alternative and grungy/chic. I feel Ireland is more accepting of the way people are - in the sense of creativity and art.

I am interested in art and I admire when people just do their thing. I’m the type of person who doesn’t really give sh*t what people think when it comes to expressing yourself. Adding your own flavor of spice to an outfit is my favorite thing. People who don’t know me or do know me may think I’m ridiculous. 

For example, tattoos and piercings - discussed between members of our generation very often. While walking around Dublin, I noticed how common it was to have tattoos and/or piercings and it stood out to me because I am guilty of having pointless tattoos #YourThePineappleOfMyEye

your body is a canvas 

Value creativity and accept people for who they are

Express the way you feel through the way you dress, the things you wear, what music you listen to, the people you hangout with and the things you do

Guinness Factory - we took a tour of the factory & we got to learn about how the beer came about, how it was made, the time and efforts put into the brewery and the results of Guinness. 

Ireland -  where the grass is always greener 

As a third year undergrad - I can say college has been an incredible experience for me. Before I left for school, my parents and my older sisters told me the next few years will be about discovering myself, just as everyone else told me. Buuuut 3 years into college, I can say that it is true - eventually life picks up and things do fall into place. 

I am blessed to say, I’ve been traveling and vacationing with my family since I was younger and continue to do so. We’ve been places like, Aruba, Croatia, Italy, Barbados, Puerto Rico and more ( #blessed ) Before going away to school, culture and diversity weren’t my ‘thing’. I wasn’t able to fully understand the meaning of culture.

This year, on spring break I traveled Ireland with my best friend Caroline, her mom Colette, her younger sister Kate and our friend Matt.