How Can It Be Over, We've Barely Begun

"Goodbye...? Oh no, please. Can't we go back to page one and do it all over again?"

- Winnie the Pooh

Today was the day..our two weeks had come to an end; all the memories we'd made together here in Downpatrick were packed up along with souvenirs and dirty cloths into our cases, as we prepared to leave the house that now holds echoes of the six young Americans who for a brief moment stayed there. My three fellow Lady YA's were the first to depart, as Dr. Tim pulled into the drive before the sun, having decided the night before that staying awake would be easier than trying to wake up at quarter to four we reluctantly greeted him at the door. Farewells and hugs were exchanged as our group broke apart and the girls driving away into the night. Deciding I could still grab around five hours sleep and be up at nine I trudged up the stairs to crawl into bed for the last time and catch some shut eye. The blaring of my alarm was not exactly greeted cheerfully short hours later, but a shower and cup of tea helped to wake me up enough to finish up the last of my packing. Dr. Tim was set to arrive at noon and before heading to the St. Patrick Centre he helped us to clean up a bit -finishing dishes and taking out the trash- before we left the Young Ambassador house for the last time.

Arriving at the St. Patrick Centre we put our belonging behind the desk before heading back to the lobby to meet Michael's (Canada) parents who had just arrived.

After getting to know each other over a delicious lunch from Frenchs' cafe, we headed back downstairs to the museum exhibit. Dr. Tim guided our group through the exhibit, the information now familiar to Andres (Minnesota), Michael (Canada) and I as we "traveled back in time" and walked through the life of St. Patrick. Before ending with the IMAX style video that concludes the tour.

Throughout our time here in Downpatrick we had visited all these sites. Down Cathedral and St Patrick's grave also the grave of St. Brigid and St. Colmcille, we all had occasion to visit this location several times, often the sight of evening walks. Down Museum, where Michael (Canada) had his placement, and Alexis (Albany) and I spent an afternoon learning about the history of the area and its role to play in Northern Ireland's conflicts. St. Patrick's church at Saul, where our group learned from Dr. Tim about the important history of this site and spent quiet moments of reflection of what was to come during our time in Downpatrick. The Struell wells..also known as St. Patrick's wells, were Alexis and I heard from Jim Masson about its history and various uses throughout the years. Finally Inch Abbey both the site of the legend of the snakes and many years later a filming sight for the popular Game of Thrones television show.

After the conclusion of the tour we said our goodbyes and the three of us headed our separate ways, Andres (Minnesota) was headed to stay with the Vikings, Michael (Canada) was off for more travels with his parents, and I was bound for the bus. Belfast was my destination, I'd booked in at a B&B for the night and was headed there; returning to my solo travels. I find myself reluctant to finish this blog post; somehow it makes it feel very final reminding me that the trip really is over. Our time..my time here in Downpatrick, in this community that has welcomed and educated has really come to an end relegated to pictures and stories of the memories.

As I have more traveling to do before I head back to the States I am reserving writing up my Young Ambassador trip reflections for when I return, focusing on the fun I have yet to experience here in Northern Ireland.

Thank you all for following along on my Young Ambassador experience here in Downpatrick, stay tuned for more travel fun and news on what is coming next!

"So fill to me the parting glass,

Goodnight and joy be to you all"