A long-planned trip can easily cause frustration when people don't act the way you want them to, the weather doesn't hold up to your expectations, or something random pops up in your way. These expectations may not necessarily be bad, but for some people, fairly good situations can made out to be ugly if they act as a road block for things you expected to occur. Maybe if we decide to let what happens, happen, we could avoid disappointment all around. When it comes to traveling to a different country, expectations or stereotypes that you have developed in your mind will only set you back.

To me, part of being educated is to develop a stronger perspective on the culture around the world. It is the ultimate test on our attitudes with the unfamiliar circumstances, and open-mindedness like we've never known before. This means that it is also important to hold no expectations while visiting a country, or any new part of the world for that matter, near or far.

Culture shock can happen to anyone traveling, for any period of time. Some may think this shock can be less traumatic if you complete your research on the country or general area of where you stay. This is definitely true, but I've found that the shock could be less disturbing, and more satisfying if I forget about anything that may happen and embrace the unexpected. Holding this kind of mindset prevents the panic that happens when things turn out to be the total opposite of what you thought they would be after formulating stereotypes and expectations leading up to the trip.

When traveling to Ireland, I had this whole idea made up in my head that I would be dropped off at the airport, facing a land of leprechauns playing the fiddle while tap dancing and pointing me to the nearest rainbow. Okay, I didn't really expect this, but my entire interpretation of the land completely changed after just a few days on the island. Luckily for me, I wasn't disappointed that my expectations didn't quite meet reality. I was pleasantly surprised to be immersed in a pride-filled culture with friendly people, great food, and beautiful scenes. My point is, when you hold no specific expectations about the events of your life, things will come much more naturally and you just might find surprises wherever you go.

When I let some friends and family in on the excitement of my trip, I was often asked if I was going to Ireland for the Guinness, the good luck, or of course, the leprechauns. I can't blame them for holding those kinds of stereotypes, but it is one of the reasons I have worked to get my photos and stories out to them. I want them to understand that this country is much more beautiful than the cliché s that are associated with it. In beginning to comprehend that I will never be able to expect what I will see during these weeks, I stumbled upon some of my favorite memories, such as the Fairy Gardens at the Bunratty Castle, plants and animals that I have never before seen or touched, amazing Tai food in Limerick City, unfamiliar but exciting phrases used by most people in Ireland, and so much more.