Author Archives: Jessica

Summer Beginnings, Back to the US: Reflections and Nostalgia.

Posted on by under Dublin, Europe, Thoughts and Musings, United States
Coming Home: Corgi.

Coming Home: Corgi.

After 9 months in Ireland I’m back stateside for the summer. It feels good to be home. In the past 15 months I’ve only spent 2 in the states, and while it’s been amazing it is a giant relief to be in my home country, at least for a few months. It’s going to be a great summer of events, starting with a graduation and birthday, ending with a wedding and several adventures in between. And at some point, of course, writing that pesky Master’s Thesis. I (mostly) can’t wait! It feels, as any transition an end to an era. And of course, a beginning. I find myself overjoyed in the memories made, and can’t help but reflect on what has been a grand adventure.  Continue reading →

On Being Sick Abroad

Posted on by under Europe, Thoughts and Musings
Double Rainbow

Double Rainbow

I have a special knack for getting sick. Not as in, I always have a cold, or catch whatever is “going around,” I usually avoid such common illness’ that would actually make sense to contract. Instead, my body likes to play a fun game of getting seemingly random, often totally sudden bizarre illness. This makes some sense, given when I take medication I almost never get common side effects, but will get the strange, not so common ones. My body values it’s individuality. I however, do not. Except for when I take Sudafed and feel euphoric instead of anxious or jittery. Normally, my body’s penchant for uniqueness is inconvenient, and I’ve been lucky that when I do get sick that I don’t have to miss important things, or take time from school. I’m also normally home, in the states where prescriptions, referrals, and 24 hour clinics and pharmacies are a given.

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Spring in Dublin Finally Arrives

Posted on by under Dublin, Europe, Ireland

Dublin SpringThe weather changed rapidly. From a wind hammered, damp, dark winter to a suddenly pleasant, sun soaked spring. We’ve been waiting with much anticipation. Rain and dirt crusted boots no longer sit in front of the heater, instead we wear light jackets and sunglasses. We marvel at this fact every day, even though it’s only 60 degrees. But it’s as if an entirely new city has emerged. And with it the crowds flock to dine at outdoor patios, afternoons bring strolls in the park, and we forage the recently bloomed flowers for center pieces at home. I remember this city, it’s the one we moved to 8 months ago. But I had forgotten just how beautiful it could be when the grey saturated sky part and the warmth allows for life to emerge again. This is the Dublin I feel in love with. And while the trees are still slightly barren, and the wind can whisk away warmth in an instant there is the promise of longer days and saturated colors. We welcome Spring in Dublin, whole heartedly. Continue reading →

Travel, and What it Can’t Erase.

Posted on by under Thoughts and Musings
Home.

Home.

None of us like to admit it. Especially those of us who deem ourselves “travelers.” We fly (train, boat, walk, run) around the world waxing lyrical about how beautiful other cultures are, and how we’ve all been changed. And I think this is especially true of young American travelers. We want desperately to remove ourselves from the stereotype of the “Ugly American Tourist.” We admonish the seriously out of whack ideals of American culture that tells us money and a successful career determine your self-worth. We hate commercialism, we are so above that. But if travel, and in particular living in Europe has forced me to realize anything, it’s that for better or worse, I am (we are) absolute products of our culture. I know, it’s almost too obvious, but for those of us who look at much American culture and grimace, it’s hard to admit that it is indeed, deeply engrained in our being. The good, and the ugly. Not to say we can’t change, I know I have. But there it is, constantly in the back of our beings, shaping decisions and perceptions.  Continue reading →