I always had dreams of studying abroad. I never thought it would have been able to make this dreams a reality. I didn't think that I would end up in Dublin, Ireland for a month of my life, but there I was this past summer. Living with strangers from school, in an apartment, in a strange city, in a strange country that I had only ever seen pictures of.

Dear Dublin,

Thank you. Thank you for letting me explore almost every inch of you, in the few hot days you experience, in cold rainy days that are so familiar to you, in the clouds and in the sun.

I would love nothing more than to wake up and hear the horse and buggy outside my apartment window again. To be putting on my raincoat and rain boots on before I walk to the Temple Bar area to get a cup of coffee at Costa Coffee. Walking past your residents, waiting for their buses that would soon become familiar faces that would smile back at me as I passed them by, not knowing that I didn't belong.

You made me feel so at home in a strange world that I had never known before. You felt more like a home than familiar places that were filled with friends and memories that had already been created. You had me full of wonder and excitement every day. I never wanted to go to sleep, I was too afraid that I would miss out on something you had to offer.

I promise that one day I will return. It may not be one day soon. I want to share your beauty with the people I love, I want them to feel the same love and openness that you gave me. I want them to feel at home just as you made me feel.

By the end of my trip, I had your traffic lights down to the perfect timing so that I knew which way would get me home the longest so that I could enjoy your beauty that much longer. If I could go back to any point in my life, it would be that month in time. If I could even have one more day to experience everything you had to offer, I would be on a plane right now.

So, thank you, Dublin. You made me see the beauty that was around me. You made me go out of my comfort zone and explore a strange city on my own. I will be back one day.

Love,

Your Wanderlust Friend