What an amazing day!
Today is the last FULL day in Derry, and I must say that it was a day well spent. Today was the first day that class wasn’t all mixed up with the rooms for exam taking and everyone found their way safely to warmth up on the 6th floor of North West Regional College. We talked about attitudes and racism for Social Psychology and then got into groups to act as powerful country leaders for International Relations. It was full of great debate and deep thinking that we would later get to see demonstrations of (at least for the topic of attitudes).
After class, everyone met up at the Flying Clipper, a fancy restaurant at the college that makes some of the most marvelous food I have ever tasted in my short life-span, thus far! For our “Farewell Lunch,” I got to listen to conversations between the professors and their Irish Colleagues, while I had spicy tomato soup, a leg of lamb with potato mash (mashed potatoes), veggies, and then a special dessert. It was pretty cool thinking about how long we’ve been here. Sarah and I started to talk about how we were excited to go home, but also torn to leave such a beautiful place such as Ireland.
In the afternoon, the class went for a walk and found a candy shop. We were literally and unmistakably the happiest people in town, acting like little children that were so easily fascinated with the world around them. I finally got to complete my Willy Wonka dream: I WENT TO A CANDY STORE! My first time ever, and it was in IRELAND! I also had my first bonbons too! We all agreed that today was a fantastic day and we shared candy (for those that got some) and agreed that it was one of the best decisions we’ve made since we came here.
Now, it is much later and almost 9pm here in Derry, Ireland. T’is a sorrowful evening because my roommate Sarah and I are packing to get ready for when we leave Derry tomorrow and head to Belfast, Ireland. We are less than 3 days from home and it feels absolutely exhilarating. I’m ready to go home, but I feel torn because I feel like my most favorite place in the world now is Donegal, Ireland. If you ever dream of seeing more vivid colors than you ever dreamed, beyond American Lands and beyond all the riff-raff of the world, you must visit that blessed place.
Ireland, though I am truly unaccustomed to your weather and hills, I love you.
This was definitely an amazing chance of a lifetime.
I will also miss Michael Slevin, the owner of the Clarence House, when we leave. I think I’m going to do my best to keep in contact with him. Yes: there is no doubt about it!
To Ireland!
A cheerful thought that will always be engraved in my heart, soul, and mind.