Cause I'm Leavin', On a Jet Plane...They Don't Really Call Them Jet Planes Anymore, John Denver

Fortunately for some, unfortunately for others, this will not be my last post. I let my time here catch up on me, so I still have a few trips to write about. Instead, since I'm leaving for home tomorrow I thought I would write some brief, (I know! It'll be miraculous if I can keep it short), final comments about my time here in Ireland. I just want to apologize in advance if this post doesn't make much sense. I'm writing this at the same time that I'm cleaning out the fridge, throwing t-shirts into my luggage, and mopping the floors.

If I could compare the two images of myself the day before leaving for Ireland and today, they would look pretty similar. Complete exhaustion is the general theme. I might have even been wearing this same shirt now that I think about it...But things have changed though. I've had so many experiences now that I could only dream about before. After this, I doubt that my life will be the same.

So tired. Can't wait to sleep on the plane. Unless they have good movies. Dangit.
Photo courtesy of Molly.

I just want to reiterate how fortunate I am to have this opportunity, and how thankful I am for this. I realize that very few people get the chance to visit or live in another country, and I am one of the blessed few.

The family being a bunch of sexy beasts at the Cliffs of Moher.

I have been bitten. No, not by a vampire or a mosquito, but by the travel bug. My interest in seeing as much as I can has been greatly heightened because of this experience. I long to be a part of cultures that I currently know nothing about. I encourage as many people as possible to go out and take part in a world that is foreign to them. You will soon come to see how much you have in common with people who you once thought were completely different.

The Donut Man, providing me with delicious, half-cooked donuts for my entire stay.
Photo courtesy of Cayla.

I also want to mention the people that I have met in my time here. Without them, I don't know if this trip would have amounted to much of anything. Although trips are often based on sites or destinations, it is the connections between people that really make the experience.  It was really difficult to say goodbye to many of them, because I'm not sure when I'll see them again, but I am so grateful for the experiences that they have given me. I owe so much to them.

Oregon's a far drive, but not too far for Cayla!
Photo courtesy of Cayla. 

Alternative method of the Sleeper Hold.
Photo courtesy of Molly.

The bunch of weirdos that I meshed perfectly with.
Photo courtesy of Cayla.

Needless to say, I am leaving Ireland with a very heavy heart. But, this is life, so we can do nothing but move forward onto the next adventure. I'm sure there will be many more to come.

This picture doesn't have anything to do with anything. I just thought it was funny.
Photo courtesy of Rachel.

Ok, that's enough sentimentality for one post...