Upon my arrival home from Ireland, I was struck with a small amount of reverse culture shock. Of course, I was thrilled to see my family & friends, but I encountered a few events that I was not prepared for. I'm sure most of you reading this (probably a total of 6 people) know what I'm referring to. Regardless; previous to my time abroad, I would have handled these situations much differently. I would have started with an anxiety attack and ended crying in my bed clutching my 20-pound cat. Now, I can proudly say that my reactions to situations that do not go ideally have changed...for the better. I have learned that I cannot control everything. There are things that are bigger than me, in which I must learn to live with. Moreover, I have learned to let things go. Previously, I was so caught up in having every single moment of my life planned out, I never got the chance to actually enjoy & find myself. While I was away, I became more independent than I ever imagined. I realized I do not need someone to complete me, rather to compliment myself as a being. I put myself out there, made new friends, experienced new things, and truly immersed myself in a new culture.
As many of you may have gathered, I made an amazing new friend, Megan. From the first day that I met Meg and jumped on her like she was my sister, I knew we were going to hit it off. Meg and I share the same passion for working out, traveling, exploring, and food. Thus, making us inseparable. She showed me how easy it is to have a strong friendship that requires no maintenance...we just clicked. Since I've been home we have of course kept in touch and plan to do so for our remaining years....I'm pretty sure she'll be in my wedding. Sorry Meg, you're stuck with me now :)
Isn't she the cutest :)
The way I see it...studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made. I am incredibly lucky to have a family who supported me (financially and mentally) while I was away. Without them, it would have never been possible. While I was away I saw, felt, and heard things that no photograph or words could ever describe. I think that everyone should have an experience like I did, because without it..I would be just as lost and confused as I was four months ago. I was able to let go and live with no regrets, find myself, and learn more about myself than any classroom, professor, or text book could ever teach me. Overall, studying abroad was a sensational experience that I would not change for the world :)
And for the record.....Starbucks; If you are interested in hiring me as your newest "The way I see it" writer...just contact my agent...who's name is coincidentally Lea Swanson.
On Friday, December 9th at around 4:30 am my sister, Cassidy (aka Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid aka Tuna Casserole aka Janelle) landed in Dublin! She took a cab to my apartment, where she was able to crash for a little while before I dragged her on a small weekend trip :)
Around 9am, Megan, Martha, Cass and myself headed into town where we caught a Bus Eirann to County Cork. 4 hours later, upon our arrival in Cork, we poked around in town and got lunch at a little cafe. Cork is such a neat little town, and everyone was in great Christmas cheer. Unfortunately, we didn't have too much time to explore before we got on the next bus to Clonakilty, which was our final destination. Upon our arrival in Clonakilty we checked into our hotel (Quality Inn, located right near town, it was very nice, clean, fairly priced...I would definitely recommend it). After this we headed into town to pick up our race registration and get some dinner. We ate at a place called Mio Mio where we all carbed up. I had traditional spaghetti & meatballs, it was delicious and definitely hit the spot.
Cass on the way to Cork
Downtown Cork!
Cassidy and myself, downtown
Martha and Megan in Cork
Downtown Cork
After a good night's sleep, we got up around 6am on Saturday where we slowly put on our race layers, pinned our bibs, tied our time chips in our shoe laces, and of course I put my bow in my hair :) The hotel opened breakfast at 7am for all of the runners which was quite convenient. After fueling up, we headed down to the race headquarters! At a mere 35˚ we convinced ourselves that we were warm, it was a beautiful summer day, and that the tears rolling down our cheeks from the wind chill were beads of sweat. At the headquarters, we waited around for what felt like forever! All huddled together trying to stay warm, we met a few people with some kind words of advice for us. We chatted with a man who hadn't run a marathon in 30 years, and needless to say, he had been bit by the running bug once again and was ready to pick up his old habit.
Outside the headquarters
Almost ready to go!
All four of us trying to keep warm!
Pre-race briefing, so close to starting!
After the race briefing, Martha and Megan stayed at their start line, where the 10k and full marathon were starting. Both girls were participating in the 10k, and they each had awesome races!! I'd like to take a little credit for getting Meg into road races :) She's a great runner, and after her first road race I think she's addicted now, welcome to the dark side my friend :)
I was shuffled down the road with the rest of the half-marathon runners to our start line. Now I usually don't run with my iPod because the adrenaline from the spectators and the course in general are usually enough to keep me going. However, because this was a new course to me, I decided I better run with it just in case. Talk about a good choice. An absolutely amazing course, full of incredible scenery, I saw parts of Ireland I never would have if I didn't run this race. I ran by the entire coast of the Clonakilty Bay, along the Celtic Sea for several miles, through endless farms and gorgeous green fields, finally ending back in the small town of Clonakilty. I didn't even mind the 60˚ inclines...the pain was temporary but the pride is forever, right?! My final race time was 2 hours and 19 minutes, though not impressive at all, I was very content. It was my first half marathon, so I used this as my learning experience. I think that if I was able to derive more time towards training I could have done better, but that was the last thing on my mind. The way I see it, there were a lot of people in front of me, and plenty of people behind me! It was definitely the most beautiful 13.1 miles I have ever ran :)
A few miles in!
Big smile on my face!
Nope, I have ruined my feet forever.
Great picture, awesome races girls!
Quick Tebowing moment after the race.
Happy kid :)
I think that one thing I have learned in my time running road races is that they aren't really a competition. Of course, they are for those trying to place, but for the rest of us, it's just another feat to put under our belt. And more than that, it's a true feeling of pride that you get after you finish. Regardless, there's nothing better than the people, especially the very experienced runners, who are just generally nice and decent and say things like "don't worry about the time" and "just focus on your steps, listen to yourself run". It's people like that who make me enjoy running so much more. Because in the end, it really isn't about the time on the clock, or what place you came in. It's about accomplishing the goal that you set for yourself, and crossing the finish line with an ear-to-ear smile on your face.
Overall, the race was an awesome experience. I was really excited that my sister was there to experience it with me, I don't think she's ever understood why I've been an athlete my whole life, and why I enjoy running so much. Now, more than ever, I think she understands :)
As for the rest of my trip, I've got one week left in Dublin! What better way to spend it than with my sister! I am sure we will get ourselves into shenanigans this week, and I can't wait!
On Thursday, November 24th (Thanksgiving for all you rascally Americans) Meg and I flew out of Dublin airport in the early afternoon in to Skavsta, Sweden. From Skavsta we took a bus into downtown Stockholm where our hotel was located. Waiting for us at the hotel was Meg's friend, Lauren who was also traveling with us this weekend. Now, I must attribute the majority of this trip to my Mom and Dad (...well let's be real, I should probably just give my parents credit for my entire study abroad experience) because he was able to get us a room in a Marriott in Stockholm for 3 nights using their rewards points. Of course, it was incredibly generous of him...and I even gave them the '250 bonus reward points' when given the choice of two different snacks or the points upon check in. Anyways, we checked into the (brand new) hotel where I was greeted as Ms. Swanson..made me giggle a little. Then we went up to the room, relaxed for a little and ended up just having a small bite down at the bar for dinner.
I was also able to video chat with my family which was fantastic :) I got to see my Mimi who promised me homemade turkey noodle soup upon my homecoming, my grandfather sneaking my cats shrimp from the table, my mom dangling devilled eggs in front of the camera, my dad unveil the turkey (in his new Guinness apron of couse), my sisters new bangs, and various aunts, uncles and cousins as well. Needless to say, I was sad not to be there, but skype makes holidays away from home a lot easier.
On Friday morning, we woke up around 8 and had breakfast at the hotel. A full brunch every morning was included with the stay. After breakfast we headed into the old town where we first saw the city hall among other historic buildings. We went in and out of some of the stores, and then made our way to the Christmas market in the center of town. Here, we checked out the local vendors, tried various cheeses, breads, candies and jams. I was even able to try various different Swedish sausages and meats. I tried Nordic Reindeer (sorry Rudolph), Elk, Wild Boar & Traditional Swedish sausage. All were equally delicious, and surprisingly different in taste
Lauren, Megan & I on the walking path into town
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall
The Harbor on Kungsholmen
Walking to the Old Town
Pretty Building :)
A Cathedral in Stockholm
Lots of Glogg!
Unique Meat Hut
After the markets we headed to the Vasa museum which was about a half hour away. The Vasa is a Swedish war ship that was built in 1626. It soon after sank in 1628 only one nautical mile into it's Maiden Voyage, and was rediscovered later in the 17th century. In the 1950's it was located in a harbor just outside of Stockholm where it was then moved to the Wasa Shipyard. In 1987 it was moved to The Vasa Museum where it still resides today.
The Vasa
Rough!
The Stern of the Vasa
Profile
The 3 of us walking back to the hotel. We were excited by all the Christmas Trees :)
After the museum, we made our way back to the hotel where we indulged in a bottle of "Glögg.". Glogg is the term for Mulled Wine in Nordic countries. It basically consists of red wine, mulling spices, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. It is usually served warm around the Holidays in Sweden. After the Glogg we walked into town and went to dinner.
On Saturday, after our deluxe breakfast we headed to Serglestorg which is kind of like the center of Stockholm. Filmed here was a HUGE flash mob with a Swedish group of dancers. Below is the link, check it out! It's actually really cool :)
After Serglestorg we made our way to Stureplan which is a high-end shopping street in Stockholm. Supposedly this is where all the 'Stockholm brats' shop...I figured I'm an American brat so I might as well say I was there, right? We also made our way back to Kungstradgarden which is a park in Stokholm, here there were some more markets as well as an ice skating rink in the center of the park. I was able to buy some nice things (mainly Christmas gifts) which unfortunately I cannot disclose on this blog post :) For dinner we went to a restaurant called 'Salt' where I had a delicious Frutti De Mare dish which was fairly spice and filled with shrimp, scallops, mussels & calamari.
Meg & I in the park
Inside the National Museum
View of the Harbor
One of the Royal Palaces in Stockholm
Nice view of Down Town
Serglestorg all lit up!
On Sunday we slept in until about 10, went down for breakfast, checked out of the hotel and headed in to town. Fortunately we were able to leave our bags at the front desk so we didn't have to carry them all day. After this we strolled through town and went to a well renowned Department store in Stockholm called Ahlens. Then we went to a pub and grabbed a pint and headed back to the hotel to get our luggage to head home.
Enjoying a nice Kilkenny!
Overall, Stockholm is and INCREDIBLE city. Basically, it is composed of many small Islands all of which can be accessed by foot bridges. They all resemble different atmospheres, some more laid back with an 'old town' feel, others with a more fast paced city feel, and some with a more high end atmosphere. All were equally interesting and unique. It was also really nice to see a city so well decorated for the Holidays, being here kind of reminded me of NYC at Christmas time. The lighting was extremely tasteful (Cassidy, you would approve..no multi-colored lights here) and it really put you in the Holiday spirit. I think that just breathing in the crisp Nordic air that whips off of the Baltic sea was my overall favorite part, I even got a little bit of a wind burn :)
One of the major shopping streets all lit up
A map of Stockholm with all it's smaller Islands
Sweden concludes the last of my international excursions from Ireland. I don't think I could have asked for a better trip. Sweden has always been a place I wanted to visit, and now I can cross if off my bucket list along with Italy, Greece, London oh and Ireland of course :) Hopefully I will get to come back to Sweden one day with my Dad, I know he would really love it.
