Dublin | PART I 🇮🇪

The last time I came to Europe was to Greece in the summer of 2o18 with Michael. I usually do not plan to travel to Europe. Why? I think it's because since I identify as Asian American, I prefer to travel to SE or S Asian countries. Every time I went to Hong Kong, I would feel like I was going home to the "motherland." People looked like me, they spoke Cantonese, and I felt a sense of belonging. ❤ 

I decided to come to Europe because my childhood best friend Jessica wanted to go to Portugal 🇵🇹 for our annual friend trip. She got her plane ticket to Lisboa back in Fall 2o22. AND I waited to get mine because I was undecided about going. BUT once I got back from India in January 2o23, I decided WHY NOT?!

So I searched for the cheapest tickets to Europe for May, and Aer Lingus had a direct flight deal from Seattle. 🛫 Jessica could only take 2 weeks off for work, but since I had more time off because of my sabbatical I was able to book my trip from May 8 - June 8. One month in Europe!!

The start of my Euro-Trip began in Dublin, Ireland!!

Trinity College ☘️

I never have imagined myself visiting Ireland, but it was neat to experience. I stayed 2 nights. I arrived the morning of Tuesday, May 9th and walked around my hostel area, and Trinity College.  The next day I did a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, which was absolutely beautiful to see. I was freezing 🥶  cold, because I did NOT pack for cold weather... I wore all the "warmest" clothes I had, and I was still cooooooollllddd... BUT I survived!! ☺

Cliffs of Moher

This is also totally out of my norm for travel. I usually do NOT... I repeat do NOT travel to cold places. I am a wimp in the cold. 🤣 

To be honest... I had trouble grasping with the idea that I was traveling to Europe for a month. I kept thinking and telling myself that I won't enjoy it, and that I should've stayed in Seattle to work + try to earn more money before summer break (July-August). I know a lot of people just Love LOVE l❤ve traveling to Europe... and I love love L❤VE traveling to Asia. haha. I think we grow within a safe distance outside our comfort levels AND this trip is definitely an opportunity to push me to think outside of what I am comfortable thinking + being.

I am still struggling to figure out what to do post sabbatical year. It's been such a healing time, and I don't know if I'm ready for it to end. OR do I need it to end so that I can go back to a routine of what I know? OR should I explore what else is out there?? OR do I need to find within myself what I am searching for? 👀