Only 6 more days!

There are only six more days until I leave and I'm getting more and more excited! Right now I have almost everything I need for the trip so now I just have to pack!

Having finished most of my shopping for the trip I started looking into weekend trips I could make while in Northern Ireland. I've been talking to a couple of friends about going to Edinburgh, which I am still interested in doing, but after doing some more research tonight, there are other places I would like to check out too. I feel like the possibilities are endless, there is so much a want to see and I only have a little time to do it!

If anyone has any suggestions on places to see in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or Scotland, please let me know!

I leave for Northern Ireland in 12 days!

12 days from now I will be boarding a plane in Seattle to fly to London and then from London to Belfast. It still doesn't seem like I will be in Northern Ireland for a month. I've dreamed of going to Ireland ever since I started Irish Dancing in first grade and I am crazy excited to finally be fulfilling that dream.

I will use this blog to update family and friends on what I am up to in Northern Ireland, however there will be somethings that I won't be able to share in such a public setting. The class I am taking while in Northern Ireland is titled 'Dialogue and Community Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland'. We will be dealing with very sensitive topics and hearing stories directly from people who experienced the Troubles. Because the peace process is ongoing and because talking about the Troubles is still very difficult, I will not be able to tell the stories I hear from individuals who are taking part in the peace process. However, besides that, I am free to tell you all about my experiences. I am very excited to share adventures with all of you, please feel free to keep in touch with me through this blog, facebook and email!