I think I fell in love...

When I first got here, I really liked Ireland. I enjoyed all the quirky differences and the pretty scenery. More than anything, I feel like I was looking for the stereotypes of Ireland, and enjoying them thoroughly once I found them. I loved the green hills because Ireland is supposed to be green, I liked the pubs because there were supposed to be charming pubs in Ireland. While I was busy doing this, trying to find the stereotypical Ireland in the real one, I unknowingly fell in love with the real Ireland. I realized this this morning on my walk into town, with the grass frosty and my fingers slowly turning numb. What do I love about the real Ireland? I love the beautiful, lilting accents. The heavy, stone Cathedral set in the middle of Galway City. The rushing Corrib River that is slowly swelling to touch the bottom of the bridges. The busy weekend market smashed between the old medieval church and bustling shop street. The blue and red of Tescos under a fantastic clear sky. And though most of me is ready to go, to be home in sunny California where my family, friends, and car live, a smaller part of me wants to stay.