Parting is such sweet sorrow
I wish I had enough time to sit down and explain in detail everything that I've experienced on this trip. Unfortunately I don't have enough time to do that, and even if I did have enough time, it'd be impossible. It's Saturday night and we are leaving at seven in the morning to catch our flight. Part of me wants to stay up and experience as much of Derry as I can, and the other part wants to sleep because I'm extremely exhausted. This past week was packed full of lectures and excursions, but the most memorable excursion was to Giants Causeway today. I could use words like magnificent, incredible, indescribable, but still.... none of those describe what it was like. I'm literally at a loss of words. So I'll post some pictures, which still don't do it justice, but will perhaps explain it more.
Yesterday, our whole class ventured to An Grianan, which Sara and I had already visited during our field placement. But going there with the entire class after we had our farewell dinner, and right when the sun was setting, made the experience even better. I'm a sap for the landscapes here. Maybe it's because I've grown up in Lewisburg, and the mountains and farms get a little boring after a while, but the scenery here has taken my breath away numerous times. Even the farms here put Lewisburg to shame.
Our dinner was at an incredible restaurant on the waterfront. I think it was the best meal I've had since I've been here. I've eaten too many ham and butter sandwiches, so the chili chicken pita was a nice change. Not to mention Professor Morin who had a fabulous idea of dividing us all into pairs and giving us "extra credit" for writing limericks about our trip. It was probably the most entertaining 20 minutes of our trip life. I think almost all of the limericks mentioned the fact that the King of Tory Island was in love with Professor Morin. It was a very unforgettable day.
I have mixed emotions about leaving tomorrow. I'm excited to take showers with high water pressure, work out, eat healthy, and sleep in late. I think that is the general consensus among everyone. But I'm going to miss it. This experience has been absolutely incredible, and I've met amazing people and heard stories that will probably change my life.
However, it's been very draining and upsetting at times. The reality of what has occurred here its awful, and it's made me very grateful for how I've grown up. Not to sound cliché, but this trip has definitely opened my eyes. And for some reason I can't stop thinking about Australia. These three weeks have definitely prepared me for Australia, but I know that experience will be entirely different. I'm exhausted, and I wish I could write more, but at this moment I can't. I need to go pack, and finish up some work. I'm in the process of making a video highlighting the trip, so when I get around to finishing it next week I will upload it here. I have a month to relax in Lewisburg before my next journey begins. So I'll write before I leave for Australia, which is July 15!
Comments (2)
Australia will be nice and fun, good luck.
Posted by Dennis Blackmore | June 11, 2008 3:56 PM
Posted on June 11, 2008 15:56
Casey
Your Mom just sent me your blog link. I read some of the entries and will read the rest when I have more time - am on my way to work. This is so cool. Great photos and writing, I feel like I have seen a bit of Ireland with you. I'm looking forward to your Australia posts.
Posted by Aunt Nancy | July 10, 2008 8:44 AM
Posted on July 10, 2008 08:44