Goodbye....

And so, this too must come to an end. Sometimes it feels like I just got here. But most of the time, fortunately, it feels like I've been here for ages. This longevity has let me live every day to the fullest, and I'm thankful for that.

Words cannot describe the experiences I've had, the people I've met, the things that I've seen.

I've laughed, I've cried. 

I've gotten drunk with strangers and I've gotten drunk alone. 

I've met people from all corners of the earth, listened to their stories, been a part of their lives. 

I've had 4-minute conversations with these people that turned into 4-hour long sessions. 

I've climbed mountains, looked across oceans, crossed vast green fields. 

I've gotten up close and personal with cows, sheep, dolphins, and one seal. 

I've seen the beautiful world that God has created before me, and been brought to tears by its magnficance. 

I've seen landscapes that'll be imprinted on my brain forever, for true beauty never really leaves you. 

I've encountered the immense kindness of strangers and friends alike, opening their homes and lives to me, for nothing in return. 

I' had time to recall my past, think about my present, and contemplate my future. And they all bring a smile to my face. 

I've learnt to breath deep during the tough times, cause they'll pass eventually and you'll be stronger as a result. 

I've learnt to smile during the happy times, cause they too, eventually pass and you'll be sorry you didn't smile at them. 

I am certain I'll be back in Ireland one day, but there are places I've been to that I know I'll never re-visit, and I'll never lose those images and moments.  

Even though most of them will never read this, I'd like to take a minute to thank some people that have been with me throughout the duration of my trip, enhancing and supporting it.

Rosie, Joyce, Sarit, Aliza, Josh, Shane, CJ, Meira, Yosef, Shai, Lee, Chani, Mel, Stef, Arlene, Patricia, John, P, E, Y, and A. 

And most of all to my parents. 2 Jews from the mid-west who gave birth to a girl with half an Irish heart and encouraged her to follow her dreams, even if that meant following them halfway across the world. I love you :) 

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from my unforgettable trip.

And that's all she wrote.