DAY 29

June 21st- the longest day of the year.

If anything, I think it could have been a little longer!

Our group woke up early for some much needed research and campaign work. It’s the last week, and things are getting down to the wire with the HSE. Our recommendations and communication strategies are due by Thursday, and our group is specifically in charge of youth organizations in the Dublin area. Between studying Catholic Girl Guides for four hours straight and not eating anything but old cereal, Steph and I decided to venture into the city to finish up our work on St. Stephen’s Green.

After laying around for awhile and adding to our marvelous Barcelonan tans, we hit a bit of “Irish insomnia.” It was time to take a break and walk to the National Museum of Ireland. It’s one of the main cites to see while here, so we had our cameras and tour books ready.

FAIL.

Apparently museums are closed on Mondays in Ireland.

Feeling a little jilted and sad about not exploring any “touristy” stuff during the longest day of the year, a breath of fresh air came out of nowhere…

Mr. B.

He picked me up and whisked me away for some time at Killiney beach. Teammates from his triathlon club were meeting him at the water for a swim, so naturally I took on the role of photographer.





Here is where I insert some sappy “what I’ve learned while here” business into the blog. Yes, I truly believe that many Texans (especially in Austin) strive to live healthy lifestyles and keep in shape. BUT, over here it’s a whole different story. Approximately 75% of the people I’ve met so far participate in triathlons. Whether they’re part of a club or team or individually just like to kill themselves, the sport is HUGE in Ireland. Thus, I’ve become inspired to seek out a triathlon club when I get back to Austin, buy a wetsuit and start training! Who knows, maybe you’ll see me cycling down Mount Bonnell in May :)

After an intense session in the water while I took some artsy beach photos, Mr.B and I headed down the road to this GORGEOUS port. It reminded me of the Boardwalk, but cleaner and less high school kids walking around. It's supposedly a very local spot for people to come and sunsets and scenery.

There, we sat and watched boats sailing by while Irish musicians played in the background. Straight out of a movie, right?

Walking down the road a little ways, we ate dinner at this fabulous Italian restaurant. I had prawns, in which I felt terrible eating (seeing as how the poor things were just in the water before us).

And as we walked back to the car hand-in-hand, a thought crossed my mind-

Five days.

Five days is all I had left to soak all of it in.

Five days and I’d be on a plane, leaving behind a city that had stolen my heart.

Five days and no more Mr.B…

Was I crazy? Was this entire bliss just too far fetched to be real?

I shook off the thoughts and realized it was 10:30 and the sun was still glowing outside. That moment and the beautiful picture before us was all that mattered.

Add in tea and good conversation and I guess you could say my longest day of the year wasn’t really a “FAIL” after all.

Even so, just like my time left with Mr. B, it could have been a little longer…


Texas fight.