I know my family would not approve me calling my study abroad experience a "vacation." Whether you'd like to say the reason is the cost of the program or the fact that I'm here to study, it doesn't really matter. They just would not approve. However, a few weeks ago, one of my English professors took the class on a Writers' Retreat.
I'll admit we didn't have much faith in the plan of action for the Writers' Retreat. We gossiped among ourselves about what we'd do during the retreat and where we'd be. Some of us thought we would go camping in a secluded forest, and others thought we'd be hitchhiking to some foreign land. To our surprise, our professor had the entire weekend planned as a literal retreat. We would be able to write, think, and read in peace.
I still remember our shock as the small bus pulled up to the front of the Inchy Doney Island Sea & Lodge. The lodge sat on top of a large, grassy hill, right in front of the sea. When the bus stopped, our professor announced that this luxurious hotel would be our place of stay. He said we would be able to swim, surf, have a drink or two at the bar, get massages--you name it!
We were given different options as to how we'd spend our time during the retreat. We could take walks along the beach to see the sunrise or participate in writing/photo-graphic course workshops. Regardless of what the choices were, none were required. So, I spent my three days and two nights in total relaxation. I watched YouTube videos, listened to music, ate amazing seafood (smoked salmon, fish and chips, etc.) , and napped like I had never napped before.
After the retreat, I felt more relaxed. It wasn't that I was extremely stressed about the semester. In fact, my time here has been a lot less stressful than my other semesters in college. The most stressful thing I had to do here was plan out how I wanted to spend my midterm break (which I spent in Athens and Milan).
I left Inchy Doney with a clear mind and realized that my time in Ireland was coming to an end. As I write this, I have 9 more days here until I have to return back to the States. Being here has opened my eyes to a completely different culture and a new perspective of the world beyond my front door. I just hope those after me will be able to do the same and take the opportunity to study abroad during their college career.
