The End is Nigh

I have been back and forth over the last few months trying to figure out what exactly I'm doing and where exactly I'm headed.  The latest plan was to move to Wales, but things do change and now it seems I'm heading back to South Carolina. 

It only just hit me that I'm leaving Dublin in one month.  It's crazy to think that I've been here as long as I have been, but it's also crazy to think my time is up.  In the short period of time I've spent abroad, I've met some amazing people, visited some beautiful places, and learned an abundance of knowledge, mostly about myself. 

Thinking about heading back to Charleston is really exciting for me.  I'm ready for the smell of pluff mud, the sunshine on my face, the friends and family that have always meant so much to me.  When I was younger my mother gave me a book with a quote inside that I've always enjoyed.  It said, "I'm Charleston born and Charleston bred, and when I die, I'll be Charleston dead."  I've been proud to be a Charlestonian and those who know me find that quite evident.  The thing is, I'm nervous about going home. 

I know I haven't been here long enough to adjust to "city" life completely and I know that I've complained along the way, but there are things I'll miss about living in Dublin.  I'll miss all the accessible green space.  I'll miss the ease of running out the door to grab a coke from the Spar.  I'll miss being able to walk everywhere (and I hope not to gain too much weight when I'm not walking as frequently at home!).  I'll miss the genuine appreciation Dubliners have for sunshine.  I hope not to take it for granted when I return home. 

I think I've come to a rather obvious conclusion.  No matter where you are, you always miss things about the place you're not.  "The grass is always greener on the other side" will be so true when I return...both metaphorically and literally!  I'm sad it's coming to an end but I've got one good month to do it up here in Dublin and I plan to make the most of it.  I'm going to enjoy this city and the lovely friends I've made, and be all the more thankful for the opportunity I have had.