Dublin Diaries: Week 1

It is hard to believe how quickly my time in Ireland has gone by already. Although this is only my first official week of my study abroad program, I actually arrived about a week early so I could spend some time exploring Ireland before beginning my internship. Looking back, I am so glad I made that decision because it gave me the chance to experience different parts of the country and ease into life abroad before settling into a daily routine.

One of the highlights of my travels before work began was visiting Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Galway had a lively atmosphere with musicians performing throughout the city and colorful streets filled with local shops and restaurants. The Cliffs of Moher were just as breathtaking as everyone says they are. Standing at the edge of the cliffs and looking out across the Atlantic Ocean is something that pictures simply cannot capture.

I also had the opportunity to visit Burren National Park, which was unlike anywhere I have ever been before. The rocky limestone landscape felt almost otherworldly, and it was amazing to see such a unique natural environment. While staying in Dublin, I made sure to visit some of the city's iconic landmarks as well, including Temple Bar. Even though it is one of Dublin's most popular tourist destinations, it was exciting to experience the lively atmosphere and see why so many people recommend visiting it.

Beyond exploring Ireland, one of the biggest milestones of this week was starting my internship at Maynooth University. This is my first time living abroad and also my first professional computer science internship, so beginning work was both exciting and a little nerve-racking. I am working on the AURA project, and everyone I have met so far has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. It has been exciting to start applying what I have learned at UC San Diego in a real research environment, and I am looking forward to learning even more throughout the summer.

One thing I have quickly realized is that living abroad feels very different from simply visiting another country. Instead of rushing to see as many attractions as possible, I am beginning to settle into a routine of commuting to work, exploring Dublin after work, and planning adventures for the weekends. It already feels like I am experiencing what it is like to actually live here rather than just vacation here.

Since I want to make the most of my time in Europe, I have been using my weekends to explore as much as possible. This past weekend, I visited Wicklow Mountains National Park, where I spent the day hiking through beautiful valleys, mountains, and lakes. The scenery was incredible and completely different from what I am used to seeing back home in Southern California. It was the perfect way to recharge after my first week of work.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue exploring not only Ireland but also other parts of the United Kingdom during future weekends. One of my goals for this experience is to learn about different cultures while making the most of every opportunity to travel. Although I have only been here a short time, studying abroad has already pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me become more independent. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store.