Worldly Advice

The day has finally come. In a few hours, I will be departing for Ireland. My mom and dad are giving me their last minute parenting instructions while I am there. “You’ve come this far, don’t let it all go to waste there,” my father said to me in a stern manly voice. It must be the whole Eastern European complexion he has when it comes to advice. I have to admit, the advice was short, which I appreciate. My mother on the other hand, that’s another story.

As I was packing, she sat next to me the whole time making sure I didn’t forget anything. I can’t count how many times she has asked me if I packed my passport and of all things, clean under garments. With that came worldly advice such as, “make sure not to drink the whole time you are there,” and “make sure to actually do work there besides fooling around.” Even if I was going to suburbs, I feel she would give me the same advice.

Packing was a nightmare. I’m still unsure if I have packed too much or not enough. The last few hours before I actually head to the airport are the most nerve wrecking. I woke up at the crack of dawn to make sure I get a head start on finishing a few things I needed to finish before I leave and I can say I have successfully succeeded. However, I am sure as soon as I sit on the airplane I will remember something I didn’t do that I should have. However, there will be no time to think about that.

As much fun I am going to have in Ireland, I have already scheduled a busy week. A few sources have agreed to set up interview times when I arrive in Ireland. Along with the tours Suzanne and John have set up for us, this will be an intense week. One thing I want to make sure to leave time to do, besides visiting London, is going to the fruit and veg shop in the Liberties neighborhood I saw in the documentary . Something about the worker there and the neighborhood makes me want to spend a few good hours there.

I guess this is the time I should spend with my parents before I leave. All that means is more worldly advice from my father such as “pamet u glavu,” which in English is translated to “knowledge in the head.” It has very little to do with actual knowledge but more so of a threat to restrain from stupid acts while I am there.

Well Ireland, I have been talking about you for weeks now. It’s finally time to come and conquer you. See you in a few hours!