Just Checking In

For the first time in what feels like ages, I’m able to sit down at an actual computer and write a blog post in real-time from the Park Lodge. It’s been a relaxing and much needed week in Spiddal now that we’re all back from our worldly travels. I think we all had absolutely amazing trips, but, at least for me, it was extremely nice to be back in Ireland and back home at our cottage. I’ve never been so happy to throw a coin in our electricity box, take an almost hot shower, and sit by the small gas fireplace that is our only source of heat. While amazing and such a blessing, traveling the world is exhausting, expensive, and often times stressful, so there was a sense of relief to be back at “home.”

It was actually really exciting to have everyone get back from their separate adventures, and I have been so happy to have us all back together. I think now that we are, sadly, halfway through our trip, we are all starting to really get to know each other and come together as a group. I couldn’t wait to get back and hear about everyone’s trips and for all of us to be able to hang out again. Jenna and I were the first ones back to our cottage, and we were so excited when Mike and Amanda came over, since they were the first people we’d seen from our group in about 10 days. Later we got extremely excited when the cab unexpectedly pulled up outside our cottage that night around 1 AM with Tom and Danny inside. We went from being excited about the Trevi Fountain or the Vatican, to running to the window every time we heard a car pull up. Different sorts of excitement but both are good memories. After that, people continued to periodically show up, and each time it was exciting to say hi, hug, and swap some stories from our trips. I think we are all getting so used to living together and traveling together, that it felt weird to all be apart for over a week. To me, it feels like we are our own little family here at the Park Lodge, and I know I’m making some great friendships here that will without a doubt continue when we’re all back at CSBSJU.

As for me this week, I’m just taking it easy. I’ll be sleeping as much as I can, catching up on some school work, and spending some much loved quality time with my Bennie/Johnnie family. Two nights ago, JP opened his pub for us here at the Park Lodge, so we all could have a place to hang out, catch up, and maybe have a drink or two or twelve….  Just kidding mom, don’t worry J I think we all had a great time, and we even ended the night by playing Piano Man with everyone gathered in a circle and the Johhnies dropping their pants. Nothing like a little taste of St. Joe and Sal’s right here in Ireland J Well, that’s all for now! Sorry this post wasn’t too witty or about anything too exciting, but I just thought I’d give a little update while I had some time! Until next time….