Back to the USA

As weird as it still is to me, I am sitting in my kitchen in New York writing my last blog of my extraordinary study abroad experience in Dublin. The past 4 months, although some days felt like forever, truly did fly by faster than I ever imagined. It almost feels like a dream to me that I was there, such a weird feeling. After seeing Lana Del Rey in Dublin I went on my last Euro trip to Barcelona and Ibiza with Chelsea. We had an amazing time..Spain was beautiful in every way..especially the weather and the delicious Sangria!!! Ibiza was as crazy as it is sing about seeing that my Michael Kors watch was gone after a night at Pacha... But other than that it was a great trip and a nice relaxing way to end my 4 months of non stop traveling and exploring.

After Spain we headed back to Dublin then to catch a flight to the USA when I was surprised by my sister and best friend Matt in Boston

upon my arrival. Made me SOOOOO happy but I never thought that I would have to say goodbye to Dublin as soon as I did,but it is such a huge part of my life and my heart. I know I will go back and continue to explore but for now I think I have to cool it for a bit. Not only is globe trotting expensive but it is so tiring..I mean you basically live out of a suitcase..I cantttt OVER IT! I am so happy to be home and to start my adventures in America, trust me there are many to come. This experience has taught me so much, things I really can't explain or write about but it really did made me fall in love with many things, people and places and I have to say I have never been this happy in my entire life. Its completely priceless and amazing and I am forever grateful.
Well America, you have me for a while but I am already planning my next adventure..Australia? Japan? who knows but I will never stop traveling, never stop wondering..I just can't stop. Theres so much to see, so much beauty to uncover but until then, PARTY IN THE USA!!!

Prague, Budapest and Croatia OH MY!

Where to begin...These last couple of weeks have been nothing less than amazing. I have traveled to three countries which I have never thought I would have been able to experience. These three places, Prague, Budapest and Croatia, have proved to be some of the most beautiful places in the world, all full of spirit and culture. I have to say I was completely blown away and taken back by these places, leaving me even more grateful and now a million times more sun burnt than before.

Last week was my Prague and Budapest trip. My friends and I flew from Dublin to Prague, which is now second nature to me. I counted the number of plane rides I have taken on this trip and I came up with the number 24! How crazy is that!!! Prague was stunning and is now one of my favorite cites in the world. It was the most European looking city I have seen and was just magical to me. I was in awe the whole time, the water the architecture and my favorite..the food!! Czech cuisine was delicious, the dumplings with craisons in the sweet brown sauce was the cherry on top of the amazing city of Prague, which I fell in love with. The memories that I made on this trip with my friends were priceless and unforgettable, moments that I will hold so close to my heart. From Cafe-cafe shenanigans to exploring the city on the pub crawl's bike, our moments were nothing less than amazing and adventurous. Our last dinner was spent overlooking the water on an outdoor terrace while we drank beer and watched the sun set. I can't even begin to express how lucky I felt to be living in that moment and to be experiencing this Euro trip. Of all the amazing things that I saw in Prague, I would have to say that the John Lennon Peace wall was the most moving for me. Seeing the wall and the colors and inspirational quotes really mesmerized me. The wall was so vibrant and being there really made me very happy.

Our adventures continued on a hot as all hell 7 HOUR bus ride to Budapest. Minus the striptease and the puddles of sweat from all of our bodies, the trip went rather fast and we were dropped off at a train station in Budapest ready to explore this new place. I had no expectations for Budapest, I did not know what it looked like or would be like so I was very excited to figure Budapest out..also I'm a little bit of Hungarian so it was extra special for me to be there. Budapest was great and hit a soft spot with me since it reminded me so much of Thessaloniki, Greece where I spent my first semester of college. The markets, the buildings, just everything reminded me of Thessa..it was so weird but the feelings of being in Greece came right back to me when I was in Budapest. It made me miss being in a place where English wasn't spoken and communicating was more of a game. Using my hands to speak became normal in Greece since their English wasn't too good. Sometimes I like not being able to completely understand a place or a culture. I like a little bit of mystery, and Budapest definitely provided me with mystery that completely made me escape into a new world. The Baths were my favorite part and were the most relaxing and unique part of the trip in my opinion.  Like Prague, I was very impressed with Budapest and was intrigued by the history and aesthetics of the city. I found it so interesting that Budapest is broken up into Buda and then pest. We explored both sides, which were both different but beautiful in their own ways. I have to say I did like Prague better but this Prague-Budapest trip was one of the most amazing weeks of my life and I would not change a single thing. I would highly recommend these two places to everyone who loves to travel and be amazed by the world.

After a couple of days resting up in Dublin, I jetsetted again to Croatia with Matt, Erica and Jill. Despite  some speculations about Croatia, we were ready to relax and explore Croatia and hopefully get some color..we definately  were becoming to look like ghosts after our time in Ireland and London. Croatia was gorgeous and warm. The mountains combined with the turquoise crystally beautiful was enough to make you cry, seriously so breath taking. As many pictures as I took, there isnt a picture that can truly capture its beauty. We stayed in an apartment overlooking the water, I felt like a princess..SO happy and lucky! We had a great weekend full of laughs, lots of pizza, wine and unfortunately insane sunburn, small bird moths and imaginary lizards according to Matt Fashion. We traveled to Bibinje, Zadar and Nin and took some amazing photos, ate some great pizza and generally just enjoyed relaxing together and wrapping up the semester together. It was sad because it was Matt and Erica's last trip and even more sad since Matt goes home on Friday. Man did the time fly, but all I can do is be grateful for all of these amazing moments that I have experienced. As Jill would say "Don't cry because its over, but smile because it happened" As cheesy as it is, its true! This semester has been incredible and life changing for me in many ways. I am a lucky girl to have seen what I have seen and met who I have met. Enough of this sob sorry for now since my adventures are far from being over!!! (Thank God) My friends and I are enjoying the rest of our week in Dublin drinking like the Irish do! And thennnn off to Barcelona and Ibiza with Chelsea! I'll cry to you and be all sappy when thats over, but until then bring the funnnnn <3

The family comes to Ireland!

Two sundays ago I welcomed my amazing family to Ireland after my short rendezvous in London with Matt. From drinking martinis at the Wyld Bar to seeing Michael Kors at the 2013 Vogue Festival..I would say my weekend was absolutely FABULOUS and got even more fab, when my family arrived in the Emerald Isle!

I haven't seen my family since January so it was so nice to see them and have the opportunity to spend the whole week with them. My parents and their best friends Gwen and Mike who are basically my second set of parents, came on the trip and it was extra special since it was Mike and my Dad's first time in Europe. Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one of my favorite places in the world, which made me want to show my family Ireland even more!

For their time in Ireland we did a CIE bus tour which took us all over Ireland from Dublin to Galway and everything in between, it was so amazing to see these beautiful places that I haven't had the opportunity to see yet. The Cliffs of Moher were absolutely beautiful, I've never seen anything like them in my life. County Clare, Killarney and the Ring of Kerry were also so beautiful and authentic and made me really appreciate my time in Ireland even more.

Of course my family brought me lots and lots of laughs and moments that I almost peed my pants, one of the many reasons why I love them so much. From my Dad sampling Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery to saving a lost drunken man at a bar, there was never a dull moment and there was never a moment where I wasn't laughing so hard that my stomach hurt.

The week flew by but we saw so much of Ireland and made everlasting memories that I will really cherish for the rest of my life. My family adored Ireland just as much as I do which made me even more happy and grateful. I can't believe that in less than a month I will be home and this amazing journey will just be a memory.

Saying goodbye to my parents and Gwen and Mike was hard since we had such an amazing time and they were the last of my family coming to visit me. All good things, in this case AMAZING things must come to an end but I am lucky enough to have a new adventure beginning tomorrow in Budapest and Prague! I can not wait to visit these places and take lots of pictures and just enjoy life!

Cheers to the next adventure!
XOX
B

Loves in London: Ruby, Miranda and Matt Fashion

Last weekend I went back to London AGAIN but this time I brought my Chelsea along for the ride! I was excited to go back again since I love London so much..I love it even more since Matt is there so its extra sweet and extra special to me.  The plane ride was a bit weird since I felt drugged from my coffee. I haven't had much coffee here, and anyone who knows me wouldn't believe that since at home I basically live on coffee. SO i was feeling very anxious..the plane ride felt like 7 hours..it was only 40 minutes. We finally got off the plane and took to Tube to Matt and started our weekend of adventures.

That night we went to Suki, one of my favorite sushi places in the world and after a fabulous meal,of course my luck..I threw it all up in the floor. That coffee really did me in..SO ANNOYING! Just adding it to the list of all my shenanigans. We went back to Matt's that night since I was sick but we made up for it the next day by getting tickets to see Matilda for only 5 pounds! If thats not bargain shopping i dont know what is. The play was amazing and we ate amazing Greek food and froyo..it was perfect! We went to the Roxy that night, I've never been there but we had a good time as always <3

Our last day was relaxing and we basically did photo shoots by Big Ben and the London eye..typical haha Oh the highlight was getting iced lattes at Starbucks!We missed them so so so much..I still want my green tea so bad..I can NOT wait for it. Mom if you're reading you MUST bring this to the airport or else..Trenta unsweetened iced green tea with two splendas..please and thank you :) I am a very lucky girl to have both Matt and Chelsea in my life but I'm even luckier that they love each other and get along so well. I am truly a very very blessed girl to have such amazing people as my best friends.

It was sad to leave London and Matt again but I'm seeing him this weekend in Amsterdam and then the next weekend in London AGAIN! I also got back to Dublin when tragedy struck in Boston. The bombings at the marathon was something I never expected, no one did. It was really a reality check and made me really wonder how people could do something like that..its sickening. Thank God all of my friends in Boston are okay but I am still praying for those not as fortunate.

I'm off to Amsterdam this weekend so fingers crossed I'll come back alive (sorry Ma heheh) I'm so excited!!! Thats all for now!

Cheers to lotsssss of special brownies and of course all the beautiful things I'll see in Amsterdam ;)

xoxo

B

Surprise Landing in LONDON!

So I can finally spill the beans about the secret I did my very best to keep! On Friday I surprised my sister Alexa in London. She was there on a school trip with the Passport Club, which I started with Matt in high school. Being my sneaky self, I HAD to surprise her and plan this whole trip to London...which was extremely last minute.

As expected she was surprised! It was worth it to see her face light up when she saw me. It was great to see some old teachers but it was so special to be in London with my sister and experience things with her, even if it was just for the day. We were walking through the Tube and I just thought of how lucky I was to be there with her. I just grabbed her and hugged her and walked like that with her for a while..I didn't want to let her go, I missed her so much but I felt it even more when I was with her. I can't believe that my baby sister is traveling and growing up..its hard to believe. It feels like yesterday that we were playing Barbies and dress up. I wish I could get those years back sometimes but I guess its all about looking back and cherishing those moments and memories.

After a great day, I had to say goodbye. I was meeting Matt and his family for the rest of the week. I stayed until Tuesday so I could spend Easter with my second family :) So yea I said goodbye to Lex, I was upset and then her bus pulled away and I lost it. I couldn't stop crying..there I was in the middle of London sobbing like a baby. I think I just got really homesick since she was the first person of my family who I've seen since January. I've seen Matt but I know in the back of my head that I'll see him a bunch of times and hes a 40 minute plane ride away if I need him. But through the tears and the heartbreak, I was so glad to see her and to watch her grow up and be her British govna self in London.

The rest of my time in London was spent with Matt and his mom and aunt.We had a beautiful time and Easter. I really love them and their company. They crack me up and they made me feel less homesick after I left my sister. It was nice to explore London with them especially since it was their first time there. Its always comforting to see Matt..He truly is my reflection..me to the T! I'm blessed to have him in my life and to be able to share his family <3

It was so nice going to London. From the moment I arrived at Heathrow, I felt a sense of comfort. Its so hard to explain but I do think of London as a home. It holds a very special place in my heart and every time I go back I get more and more attached to it and fall more deeply in love with London. My heart just feels warm when I'm there and my eyes light up like a kid in a candy store. I love it so much! I'm going back to London twice more during my stay in Dublin, so I am sure I will add to the list of beautiful memories and experiences that I am lucky enough to have.

I'm off to Belfast tomorrow with CIEE on a school trip..Shit I never stay in one place for long, but I guess thats the beauty of this life right now. I'll enjoy it while i can!

That's all for now...Cheers xxx

St Paddy's in Dublin!

The day that I have been waiting months for finally came and quickly went. St. Paddy's Day, one of my favorite holidays, even though I am not one ounce Irish! I love celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Boston, I always seem to have so much fun partying with all of the Irish people who are in Boston, or claim to be at least. When I found out that I would be in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day I was elated! What better place to celebrate, right?

This St. Patrick's Day was extra extra special since my best friend Matt was coming to Dublin for the weekend. Matt is studying in London, so we haven't seen each other since the beginning of January. I could NOT wait for him to come and for St. Patrick's Day weekend. Knowing our curse of bad luck, something went wrong which delayed Matt's arrival. We seriously have a curse put on us. Someone hates us up there let me tell you. But thankfully he got here in one piece.

The weekend started on a great note and we celebrated at Flannery's Friday night. It was so awesome because all of my friends had guests so it was such a great night with all of us together<3. Matt and I saw OZ the next day and had a great day together in the city UNTIL we went to the Jameson distillery and the tickets were sold out..sooooo bad luck struck again.

St. Patrick's Day was so fun although I have to say that I think Boston does it better. I think I just built it up so much in my head, which lead to being disappointed. I did have a great time though and Matt made it extra special which is all I couldve asked for. It was great to see such Irish pride and everyone come together and just get drunk and dance in the streets, so it was a great experience. I guess not many people could say that they were in Dublin for St. Patricks Day, I am a very lucky gal.

I got a bit sick from that weekend but I am on my way to recovery, slowly but surely. Easter is this weekend..I have some tricks up my sleeve but I can't fill you in just yet..shhhh its a secret ;)

March MADNESSS!!!

What a crazy month is has been already! Firstly, I am having the time of my life..this experience has exceeded my expectations and I am so so happy that I came! So starting off one of my best friends Kelsey came here last week to visit us and it was also Chelsea's 21st birthday so it was so so nice to be reunited with her and celebrate all together! After Kelsey came, Sarah also came to visit us so its been super fun being with them and spending time with them in Dublin. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I saw them, which made them coming even more great and exciting! It was so hard for Chelsea and I to come here without Kelsey since we are basically the three musketeers but her visiting was so amazing and I am SO happy she came to experience Dublin.These are memories that we will never forget and I know that I will cherish them for many years to come <3  Continuing with the madnesssss..I went to Venice on Thursday until Saturday with my friends Claire and Jill! It was amazing and so beautiful. I had such a beautiful weekend and ate more than an obese clan of men, but it was SO worth it. My favorite meal had to be the pizza ate at this cute little restaurant. It was un real. Just so you get an idea of how much I ate in just one day...heres my Facebook status from Friday "Updating the world on my gorilla eating habits for the day...pizza for breakfast, bread, bread sticks and gnocchi in cream sauce for lunch then cookies gelato, an Italian cookie , Nutella crepe, caramel gelato and then bread and scampi shrimp and pasta for dinner and then pistachio gelato and then pizza just because...when in Italy"So yea...I pigged out but it was worth it. Venice was gorgeous...we went to Murano and Burano and we saw St. Mark's Basilica as well as the Rialto Bridge..It was incredible. I started crying just because I was so happy and thankful. I am so lucky and I have never been so happy to be alive..I am so grateful..especially to my parents.. I love them so much, for just being them and giving me this life that I love way too much right now! 

         

My high on life got even higher when I was awarded the DCU study abroad scholarship! I am so unlucky and never win anything but I guess my hard work payed off this time! So now I have some extra cash to continue my travels! Yay! I guess the luck of the Irish is really helping me out! 

The rest of the month will also be crazy, especially because of St. Patricks Day in Dublin!!! AHHH can NOT wait, especially because my best friend Matt is coming from London! Alll of these great things to look forward to..I don't think this smile will ever come off my face!!! 

Updates to come!!!!!!

xox

Bree