Group pics.

Pictured: My newest partner in crime, Swom. And group members from the program. So many different personalities traveling the world.

Donegal.

We visited the end of the world. Milan Head, Donegal was worth the wind burn. The winds were physically so strong, they took you off the group. It was like moonwalking along a beach. These are the moments that reassure me I'm in the right place.

Period week rants.

Sigh. I very much enjoy Derry. I was lucky to have a very welcoming, and kind host family. But they are also rather chill, and did not give out a curfew despite the program leaders advice. I am also lucky in the sense of having my own room. After long days, having my Jordan time is crucial. Despite my good fortunes, I find myself quiet annoyed with the lack of Jordan time. I guess I have pictured myself self-expoloring, and being more independent. The group I am traveling with is very different than me. They enjoy doing group activities, and mostly spending money. Where I pictured this trip as a first time leaving the country and wanting to see the little things. Endless walks that involve beautiful scenery, but also self-talk. I could not of left the country in a more perfect time in my life (you know the point where it feels like everything is wrong, all the time). I promised myself to love myself in the year of 2015. To decide what things are important and when to let everything go. In short, a journey of self-discovery. I find it hard to find myself when I feel obligated to engage in frequent group activities in fear of upsetting the flow of the group. Maybe my journey involves balance. Despite my feelings, there is always something to learn. To end I want to say I have find an interest in women's studies! I am abroad studying peace and reconciliation, completely out of my comfort zone, whereas back in the states I study Biology. But in the midst of not necessarily enjoying all my classes, I can honestly say I cannot wait to start an internship that will involve women. And my host mom works for the women's center near our home and I will be making my first trip there this evening. Perhaps I will find happiness in assisting others. Maybe my Jordan time can be shared giving back. Side note again, I have contacted the Hospice. Please keep your fingers crossed as I am over here tying to absorb all I can. Signed, A first time traveler

A view from the peace bridge.

The Pub Won.

Got lost in a beautiful place.

The power of the comma,

A WOMAN WITHOUT HER MAN IS NOTHING or A woman, without her, man is nothing.

Bur.

Pictured, post Jordan after her first walk home in the snow. And steepest street I ever did see.

Derry.

A Northern Ireland Family.

One of the rare group photos we managed to take thus far. Meet the beautifully diverse group that will be sharing my first travel experience with me!

Irish Goals.

“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough.” -Unknown Author

Derry images.

New home.

A brief vist to Derry, and a meeting with the mayor. He was elected at age 19 and is still serving Derry now at age 24…the Irish killing moratorium.

GIANT'S Causeway!

Today at Giant's Causeway. I'm not sure I will ever get tired of the view! Northern Ireland, thank you for such a beautiful welcome.

1st Time

Just landed in Toronto, Canada. This is my first time here, and I am excited, despite only sitting in the airport for a 7 hour layover my mommy so kindly booked for me. To kill some time and entertain myself, I have decided to do what everyone does and blog...their travels. This is my first time leaving the U.S., and want to document everything I possibly come across via photos (my goal is a post a day)! My destination is Northern Ireland! I will be living with a host family in Derry for a little over 4 months, while I study peace and global studies at a local university. During my time in Northern Ireland I will also gain internship experience, hopefully doing anything but hanging out with little kids, but more specifically something with woman and medicine. Sincerely, A first time traveler.