New Beginnings

It’s September. It’s the first day of a new school year and everyone’s heading to class. But I’m graduated now. So what am I doing on this day? I’m moving to Dublin!!!!!

Yep! No big deal or anything. A few months ago my application for an Irish Working Holiday Visa was accepted. This means I’m allowed to work in the country for two whole years! I know I just got back from my two month Southeast Asia trip, but September seemed like the best time to go. To me September means new beginnings as I’m usually starting a new semester and school year around this time, so it seemed only fitting that a new chapter of my life should begin in September.

I’ve spent the past month spending time with friends and family and hanging out in Vancouver, all the while preparing for my move. I’ve found a roommate and an apartment, applied to a few jobs online, called my bank and credit card company, and purchased travel insurance. I’ve had my going away parties and said my (very teary) goodbyes. I’m finally ready.

Now why Ireland? If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you may know that my boyfriend is Irish and lives in Dublin and that we’ve done long distance for a year. So obviously that is a large part of the reason why I’m moving! The other reason is that I have always wanted to live in Europe. Even before my backpacking trip to Europe 3 summers ago, I had always envisioned myself packing up and moving somewhere like London or Paris. Then after my trip, I knew I had to make it happen. I fell in love with the culture, the history, and the lifestyle. Not to mention the clothes, the food, and the wine. I still remember the day when I told my parents I planned to move to Europe after graduation. Back then I was set on England, but when I met Seán I’m sure they quickly realized I would change my mind to Ireland.

I am so excited to live in the same city as my boyfriend. It’s going to be amazing just to be able to see him whenever I want. It hasn’t really hit me that we’re no longer going to be in a long distance relationship, but I’m sure it will soon! I just can’t wait to run into his arms at Dublin arrivals.

I’m also so excited to have the opportunity to see more of beautiful Ireland, and more of Europe. And I’ve got friends doing semesters abroad in Paris and Edinburgh, so I will definitely be visiting them!

It’s crazy to think that half of my friends started classes today, and the other half went to work like any other Wednesday, meanwhile I’m about to get on a plane and move my whole life abroad. I am so happy I’m doing this though! To some it might seem a little crazy, but I know that right now it’s the right path for me. And hey, just because your path is different doesn’t mean you’re lost.