April 20, 2004

I've been back home for a few months now, but my Ireland experience is still fresh in my mind. Coming back home was a little harder than I thought it would be though. Readjusting to a normal class schedule again was tough. I had gotten used to learning hands on, and now I have to go back to "book learning".

Something else that I didn't expect to experience was minor reverse culture shock. When I first got to Ireland I lamented not having American things and institutions like wash-cloths and Wal-Marts. Upon returning I found that I missed Irish things like black pudding, and that I wished we had a few less Wal-Marts and a few more specialty shops.

My Ireland experience was a such a positive one for me that it's hard to put into words all the different ways it has impacted me. Being able to be part of another culture for a time is a great experience, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity.