Today we woke up and went to breakfast at our favorite breakfast place, Fixx Coffeehouse. We got Irish breakfasts, letting our delayed classmates taste the wonders that be, and we really wanted to use those 10% discounts. I got pancakes (or crepes) with fresh berries and cream, which was absolutely amazing as usual, and a fancy coffee to wash it down. We then rushed back to the hotel to make sure we had all our bags downstairs so we could check out.

A few hastily-bought souvenirs and convenience store bottled waters later, we were piling into our taxis and heading off to St. James’ Gate. I swear, “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket” from the 60s Willy Wonka was playing on repeat in my mind.

After everyone got back to the Trinity Lodge safely, we waited patiently for the bus to come to take us to Derry.

About 3½ hours later, after a bunch of gas station snacks and absolutely gorgeous countryside, we arrived at the Clarence House in the stunningly-lit city of Derry… umm… Londonderry… umm… L’Derry… oh, never mind.

We were greeted by an ever-charming Irishman named Michael, who cared for the Clarence House, who had graciously provided us with a full spread of tea, coffee, and sandwiches. As we jumped on them ravenously, he explained the house rules and even let us meet the trip mascot, a terrier mix named Clay! I wasn’t feeling well so I decided I needed to sleep as soon as possible, so I talked with my mom for a little while, cuddled into my flowery, ruffled blankets, and fell into as deep a sleep as I could manage.

PS: Thanks to Austin and David for the care and Emergen-C while I was sick! Hooray for med students!

Had a really long day today, but I somehow managed to spend some money on good socks and a sweater at the mall. How convenient for us that all the stores are getting rid of all their cold-weather clothing for dirt cheap! At this point, I’ve bought everything I need, but I’m struggling with the act of packing itself, if that makes sense. Just can’t bring myself to do it. I guess I do better under pressure anyway, haha!

I’m a little stressed right now, trying to take care of pre-Ireland doctor’s appointments and all the loveliness that comes with transferring to a big university after summer’s over… but the promise of Ireland is pulling me through it all! So unbelievably excited for the trip, can’t even fathom the fact that a week from tomorrow I board the plane, traveling to a place that only seemed to exist in my grandpa’s stories. Feels so bizarre… but a good kind of bizarre!