The emerald island

After a day at the university I've arrived at home very tired, so I've had a very long nap. I really love have naps after lunch! When I woke up my father was watching 'Valencians pel món' on TV. They were in Dublin, the city where I spent three weeks two years ago.

In March 2010 I applied for a scholarship to study English or French in the summer. I really didn't think that the Ministry of Education would give me the scholarship. After two months waiting an answer, I received an e-mail confirming I've got it! I was really excited! My parents weren't, because they thought I was too young for leaving home during three weeks. Meanwhile, I was thinking about which country I would visit. Finally, I decided to go to Ireland, simply because I looked for some photos and I liked it too much!

I went to Dublin on August 8, 2010. When my parents left me at Reus airport I was a little bit sad. That feeling was contradictory... I was eager for knowing a new country and improving my English, but at the same time, I was worried because I didn't know if I was going to be fine in Ireland. The first feeling when I got off the plane was chaotic. There I was, in a foreign country, without speaking English and with three weeks left for living new experiences! A taxi driver was waiting for me at the airport, and there was Borja too, a boy from Asturias. I didn't know it, but Borja would be my best friend in Ireland, and also my flatmate.

At first, I went to a house where I wasn't at will. The family was never at home, when I woke up they had left, some days I had to have dinner alone... That wasn't what I had expected to a host family, so I decided to ask for a change. The agency didn't put troubles and changed my host family. And... what a surprise! My new host family was the family where Borja was guest! I was very happy!

The new family was fantastic! The parents were always asking us if we needed anything. They were really nice! They had three children, and Borja and me were at will with them. They made us feel like at home.

During the day, we went to the school to the English course, and in the evenings we went to visit Dublin. We visited Phoenix Park, Trinity College, Kilmainham Jail and the Custom House, among other places. We also went to Guinness Storehouse! It was amazing, we could serve our own black beer. At nights, we went to Temple Bar, the party area of Dublin. It's typical being in a bar, drinking beer and listening to in live traditional Irish music. It was very funny!

A trip was organised every evening by the school where we studied, and the students enjoyed it a lot! We went to a bike ride to Phoenix Park and we also went to learn how to dance Irish dances.

When I realized it, I had to pack my bags to go back to Spain. I really didn't want to come back! I had had a fantastic holidays in Ireland, and coming back to Spain meant come back to the high school! However, I also wanted to see my family and my friends.

I will always remember how fun I had in Dublin and I'll always miss my travel fellows. Nowadays, I'm still in contact with most of them, and we are planning another trip! 

This year I've already applied for the scholarship. Hope to have luck! :)

That's all for now. Hope you enjoy! See you soon :)

Iria