My time in Ireland is coming to an end. My classes and internship ended last week but I still have a little more time in Ireland to do some exploring. Since my time in this beautiful country is coming to an end, I've been thinking about all the things I'm going to miss once I leave. While I miss America and my home a lot, I will definitely miss a ton of things from Ireland. Here are just a few of the things I'm going to miss terribly:
1. Cadbury
Wow, where do I even begin? I really don't think I'll ever be able to eat Hershey's chocolate again. Cadbury is just so creamy and delicious, there is no other chocolate like it in the world.
2. Tayto Crisps
Now, I still love American potato chips like Lays, but Tayto crisps are so good. Really any cheese and onion flavored crisps are amazing here. The flavor is kind of like sour cream and onion but not really. I will truly miss them.
3. No Homework!
Although I didn't really like having just midterms, final papers, and final exams as my only grades, I know once I get my first homework assignment next semester I'm going to miss not having it. I've had so much free time without homework and it has been nice.
4. Being able to walk everywhere.
Since I have been in Ireland, I pretty much walk everywhere. There have been very few times where I've taken the bus or a taxi. That means that I walk the almost 2 miles to class and the 1.5 miles to my internship every day. It has definitely been exhausting sometimes but it has really done me a world of good.
5. Accents.
I am a sucker for accents and the Irish accent is something special. Now I will only be able to hear the accent in movies and on television.
6. Having a grocery store across the street.
There is nothing like the convenience of having an Aldi right across the street from where you live. Not only was there an Aldi, but a Lidl and a Dunne’s within a 5-minute walking distance. I do miss driving I don’t miss having to drive to the grocery store.
7. Never being bored.
There honestly was not one moment since I’ve been here in Ireland that I have been bored. There is always something to do or see. Even walking to class was exciting.
8. No Tipping.
In Ireland and most of Europe tipping is not expected or it is included in the total ahead of time. It’s been very nice to not have to worry about tips. Since I am awful at math I can never figure out what amount to tip. Also, I like having the extra cash to spend.
9. The general friendliness.
Almost everyone in Dublin and around Ireland is incredibly friendly. Most people are willing to help anyone and everyone. The Irish people that I’ve met have made my experience very worthwhile.
10. The view from my apartment.
During my stay in Dublin, I lived on the 5th floor of an apartment in Rathmines which is just outside of City Center. The view was nothing short of beautiful and I will definitely miss it.
While I really miss my home, I know I will most certainly miss Ireland for these reasons and more. My experience has been amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
