Impressions of Waterford & first group trips

When we first arrived to Waterford my first impressions were about how old and beautiful it looked. I began to think about how living here for the next month would occur... where we would eat, how we would get place to place, where to shop, etc. It was so amazing and overwhelming in one big moment. Knowing this is the oldest city in Ireland and that we would be living here was just an amazing feeling! Once we arrived to WIT we were all so overjoyed! We could not wait to see our rooms & when we finally went up and saw where we would be living for the next month we couldn't get enough of this amazing city. So far it has been such an amazing feeling and everyday is a new adventure; living here, going to classes, and taking trips i doubt we will ever have a simple boring routine and that's the best part about this trip

June 22nd, 2013
We visited Reginalds's Tower, which is the oldest urban structure in Ireland and it has played a vital role in the country's history. An early fort on this site formed the apex of the triangular Viking settlement in Waterford. During the medieval period, the tower was surrounded by water both north and southeast. When the Anglo-Normans attached Waterford in 1170 the tower was a strategic importance and its capture  heralded the fall of the city. Visiting this historic site was amazing! Walking up and down the stairs was such a struggle; how they ever fought on them is crazy. 

June 22nd,2013

We visited The Hook Lighthouse!! This trip by far has been my favorite!! The wind, water, & amazing feeling you get while your there is just breathtaking! This is the oldest intact, operating lighthouse in the WORLD! Located in the south-western corner of Wexford. The vikings called it Vadra Fiord (the weather estuary) which is the origin of the name Waterford. In the 5th century a monk named Dubhan established a monastery on the peninsula. The medieval church at Churchtown, built on the site of Dubhan's monastery, incorporated part of an early Christian Monastery.  

June 23rd, 2013
Waterford Crystal was founded by George & William Penrose. They petitioned parliament for aid to establish for the manufacture of flint glass in their glass house.They were very successful and established an extensive glass manufacturer in Waterford October 3rd, 1783. I  didn't think visiting a place that made crystal would be so amazing... and the history behind it all was the most intriguing. Everything hand crafted and so precise; it was just an amazing thing to listen to. The most shocking thing to me was that they made the People's Choice Awards, and also made a customized piece for Justin Timberlake. 

The precision and detailed work that goes into making this crystal is so fascinating! One of the neatest places ive ever visited. 

All about me & my Pre-Departure jitters

HELLO there! 

My name is Ariel Christian Mitchell; I am 22 years old and I am from Monroe,Ga. I have currently graduated from North Georgia with an Associate of science degree in Pre-Nursing & General Studies. I have 4 other brothers & sisters, an amazing set of parents, and a wonderful man in my life. I'm a very adventurous person, I am in love with every type of music there is and I LOVE to try new things. This trip is going to be AMAZING!!!

Why IRELAND???

Considering i had a few months before going into nursing school i decided to join the study abroad program in Ireland. 
Ireland is and will always be "my place". As far back as I can remember i've dreamed of, fascinated over, & obsessed about how one day i would travel to Ireland and soak up everything it had to offer. I have no idea why i've had this need to see it for myself but for so long i've had this connection with wanting to travel and experience things on my on; and its finally coming true. My parents are a large part in me going on this trip. They have been there through it all and are the two biggest supporters in my life. Without them this trip may not have been possible; I love ya'll :D

The good & the bad 

I am so very excited to finally go somewhere far away from my own comfort zone; away from all of my friends and family and everything that I know. 
BUT this is also my biggest fear. 
I do not know a single soul going on this trip and I think the adrenaline rushing awesomeness of it all helps ease the fear of leaving home for the first time without a close friend or family member by my side. Another equally thrilling but terrifying event taking place on this trip is flying on a PLANE! I have been on cruises, hiked mountains, been out of the country.... but i have never ever been on a plane; and i'm absolutely terrified. 
I hoped to have someone close to me to calm my nerves but obviously that will not be the case, so if you see me acting like a complete loon please don't judge me ;) Leaving my boyfriend of 5 years is probably the most unsettling thing for me, I don't think we've been a minute apart since high school but were both very strong independent people..... 5 weeks in my dream country; I'm sure ill live. :D Even though there may be tons of sacrifices and scary emotions i know that this trip will forever change my outlook on life.

"Traveling is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown"