Wow, one week!

The last time I did a post relating to one week, I had one week until I LEFT the US for Barcelona. My, oh my, how the time has flown! This journey has been absolutely incredible! I have met so many wonderful people; people who have become my family during my time in Spain. I honestly don't know what I would have done without them. From Felicia, Alex, and Kathleen being there for me when I was pickpocketed (and our awesome trip to Rome) to the wonderful trips I had with Dale, Katerina, and Kaycee. I have been so lucky to not only have the experiences I've had during my four months abroad, but to have met so many new people and grow as an individual!

We talked about a quote the other day in Spanish that I feel is very fitting for the situation, "El mundo está en las manos de aquellos que tienen el coraje de soñar y de correr el reisgo de vivir sus sueños."

In essence, this quote is saying that the world is in the hands of those with the courage to dream and don't mind running the risks involved in living out your dreams. I knew from my first day at Peace, and even before I started college, that I wanted to study abroad. I hadn't decided where yet and I had no clue if I would actually have the chance to, but it was a dream of mine and through hard work and patience, I made it a reality. There were definitely a lot of ups and downs during my time in Spain, but I wouldn't trade the experiences and the friends I've made for anything else. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and for the support that I received from home.

I am hopeful that through this experience I can encourage others to pursue their dream of studying abroad. It is such an enriching experience! I plan on encouraging my future children to study abroad because you gain new perspectives on life, culture, and people.

I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support of Mom and Dad, and so many other people back home. There are just no words to describe my gratitude (obviously, because I have repeated myself several times). THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Here are some pictures to recap my time abroad! Can't wait to see everyone once I'm home!

Day 1 in London-Kaycee, Kathleen, Dale, and myself

Welcome Dinner

1st Week in Spain-Sagrada Familia

The group in Sitges

1st Bo de B Sandwich

Paris!

Prague-Kaycee, Katerina, Dale, me

Valentine's Day

Girona

From Rome with Love-Alex, Kathleen, me, Felicia

Semana Santa with Mom and Dad!

Last 2 are from Dublin. I couldn't choose! Top-Dale, Katie, Jordan, Kaycee, Katerina, me

Bottom-Kaycee and me

I'm sure I probably left some pictures out, but this is a short pictorial timeline of my time abroad! 

 

Disfruta!

See everyone soon!

xoxo

Kelcey

Luck of the Irish?

Let me begin by saying, I think I am in love, in love with Ireland, that is! The people were friendly, the terrain was beautiful, and I finally got to see green grass with cows, sheep, and horses! It has been way too long since I have seen any of those things. Our weekend in Ireland, needless to say, was wonderful!

We flew into Dublin Thursday afternoon and made it to the hostel around 6. We decided to drop off our things and head to dinner. The girl at the front desk recommended The Porterhouse for dinner. It is a microbrewery and had a range of food including traditional and non-traditional Irish food. I got the Shamrock Pie with mashed potatoes, so delicious! We didn't do much in Dublin Thursday night because we had to be up early Friday morning to board the bus for our overnight tour of Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Cong, Connemara, and other small towns in between.

Friday morning we got on the bus at 7 AM and were then headed west to the city of Galway and then to the Cliffs of Moher. We had an absolutely beautiful day! Clear blue skies with a bit of wind, couldn't have asked for anything nicer! We stopped at several places along the way, including a fairy fort (I don't remember the actual name of it...), Doolin, a small castle, and finally the Cliffs of Moher. Here are some pictures from the wonderful day! Be warned: there are A LOT of animal pictures...I couldn't help myself!

This is how they build their stone fences. Put rocks wherever they will fit and balance to keep the wall stable.

Saturday morning we started off in Galway and headed further west once again to Cong and Connemara (home of the Connemara pony). We had a few stops along the way, but one of my favorites was Kylemore Abbey. It wasn't as nice of a day, actually it was terrible, I thought I might get blown away, but I didn't! There was so much rain our shoes ended up soaking wet, but the beauty of the castle and the land made up for it!

Kylemore Abbey is currently serving as a monastery. Only part of the property is open to visitors. I bought a nice wool scarf and other goodies! 

Sunday was sort of a whirlwind because our flight left at 4. We were lucky enough to have some free time to tour the Guinness Factory and do a mini tour of Dublin on our way. The next couple of pictures are the only ones taken of Dublin! We enjoyed a quick tour of the Guinness Factory, ate lunch, and then headed back to the airport for our last flight back to Barcelona! It was a little bittersweet, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Old Guinness advertisements

Ireland is definitely a place I hope to go back to! It was probably one of my favorite trips this semester. I wish we would have had more time in Dublin, but I enjoyed doing the overnight tour. There are still so many things I want to see!

This journey has almost come to a close. I had one of my last presentations this morning and only have a total of 3 Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday classes left. My Spanish class is slightly different because I have it every day, so 6 more Spanish classes! My Spanish final begins on Thursday and runs through next Wednesday, and the rest of my finals are next week on Wednesday and Thursday. The next few days will be really busy, but I can't wait to see everyone!

xoxo
Kelcey