It’s taken a long time to get here, but my European adventure has finally begun! I arrived in Ireland a few days ago to spend time with some family friends for a week before leaving for my study abroad semester in Krakow, Poland!
My freshman year was the first time I heard about the John Paul II Project, and I was hoping to go abroad the spring semester of my sophomore year. When I realized that wasn’t very feasible, I began to look at the fall of my junior year, and I was all set to go until it was canceled due to an increase of COVID cases in the country, weeks before summer break began. So after years of planning and preparing, I will finally be arriving in Poland at the end of this week!
It has been such a blessing to stay with my friends here in Northern Ireland, and have the chance to sight-see as well as adjust to the time change in a homey environment. This past weekend we went to Belfast to explore the Crumlin Road Gaol, the Ulster Museum, and the Crown Bar! We also ventured out a little further to the Ardress House, and I felt like I was on the set of Downton Abbey walking through this 17th Century House.
Overall, the beginning of my journey has been a great mix of exploring and resting, as I prepare for my semester in Poland! I’m excited to soak up the rest of this week with friends as well as explore Krakow in a few short days!