Why?

As most of you may already know, this upcoming Fall semester I will be studying abroad in Cork, Ireland. I have decided to create this blog to share my experiences with my friends/family and to keep track of all of the adventures and small details that I will want to look back and remember in the future. Whether it be travels, food or little stories that stick in my mind, I will be posting them on this site. These posts might be quick check-ins or long, detailed explanations, BUT most will probably be rambles about my day's events. Who knows how often I will be blogging or exactly what I will be writing about, I suppose that will all come natural (or I hope so) once I begin my experience abroad. So far, I have been accepted into the University of College Cork and have roughly chosen my courses. As of now, my biggest fears are 

1) that I will not be able to fit all of the clothes for an entire semester in one or two suitcases (I brought a UHAUL first semester this year..) 

& 

2) that I will not have enough time to visit all of the places on my (ever-growing) list while in Europe and also spend enough time actually in Ireland allowing myself to get accustomed to the culture and ways of the area

Lastly, I have named this blog UnCORKed for a very specific reason. I would not define myself, currently, as someone who is able to go with the flow. I find peace in order and deadlines, but never truly take time to myself to breath and enjoy the moments that I am in. I also, regretfully, do not really listen to others or allow them to share their stories since I am always in a rush to get out what is in my own mind and hurry to my next destination. While abroad, I hope to learn how to relax and also be spontaneous (not dangerously Mom), to uncork if you will. I want to explore and see as much as possible. I want to ask questions and befriend locals. To try new foods and force myself out of my comfort zone. My goal is to find myself, as corny as that may be. To take time alone to really question who I want to become and allow the fact that I will be living in an unfamiliar area, where no one knows me, to be seen as an opportunity and not a fear. This is my chance to begin to take my life into my own hands and I plan to take advantage of every excuse that is made available to become immersed in all of the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of the new lands that I am going to be traveling to. I hope that you will follow my adventure.

Bye for now,

Kirsty