Today we took a trip to the beautiful coastal city of Howth. Although I had seen a few pictures nd thought I knew what to expect, my breath was taken away as soon as I began to take in the astonishing views this city has to offer. A short bus trip and thirty minute train ride was all it took to get to this amazing spot, located only about sixteen miles from Dublin. Once we got off the bus, it was clear that we were definitely outside of the city limits. Although there were a few shops along the dock, you could really tell that this was a place where people were happy to relish in the natural beauty, rather than man-made tourist attractions. Chelsea and Nia presented their readings in place, and reminded us how the port we were looking out at may have provided escape for many Irishmen and Irishwomen in times of emigration.

Walking through the first half of the hike, I was captivated by the architecture embedded throughout the cliffs. The houses we walked by were absolutely beautifully built and I began to picture what it would be like to live in this area. Of course the further we ventured on, the fewer evidence of human presence we came across. Aside from the ever-present wind, I was surprised by how calm it seemed above the choppy waters. Everything was so green and magnificent. I found it difficult not to take a picture of every rock I stumbled across, but managed to make it back to the dorms with a meager 240 photos from the day!

As this study abroad program encourages us to define the meaning of place within the literature we read, I find that Howth may be one of those places that means something different to everyone you may ask. To some, it may be home. To others, it may be a speck on a map that has long since been erased from their memories. To me, Howth is a location that I hope to never forget.