One world blends into another as a formation older than anything else I’ve ever seen appears in front of me. Sidewalks transform into cobblestone roads, and townhouses become centuries-old monuments. My mother beside me, anxious and excited, urges me forward. I want to tell her that she has no reason to be worried, that they probably get late visitors all the time, but I can’t; I’m too preoccupied with the world around me, looming over me as if it questions my unfamiliar presence.
QUARTER-FINALIST 2015 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
For the first time since we left home, I know that we are here.
Oh, Toto. I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.
I feel my lips tentatively curl upwards as I continue to take in my surroundings. Everything is old, but the good kind of old. It’s the kind of old that an archaeologist feels when they stumble upon the tomb of a great king, or that a paleontologist feels when they uncover the bones of a millenia-old, long-extinct creature that no one has ever laid eyes on. It’s the kind of old that makes you feel small in a big world, but also promises that you, too, can someday grow to make an imprint on history.
As my mother stops a staff worker to ask for directions, I take a moment to stare up at the clouded, Irish sky. It’s not the same sky, I think, as back home. It’s an older, dimmer sky, in an older, dimmer world.
But I’ve always preferred the dark, anyways. It leaves more to the imagination, after all.
I’m pulled inside a moment later to meet with a nice, smiling woman behind a desk, who directs us to our tour group. “They just started,” she explains in a thick, friendly accent. “Don’t worry about it. We get it all the time. Go join them. They should be over…”
We thank her, and then hurry to meet up with the tiny group, composed only of one other family and the tour guide. We follow her dutifully around the campus, asking questions here and there, listening and touring and experiencing. We meet other students, and get a look at their daily lives. We are introduced into a whole different in a matter of forty-five minutes, one so much older and more complex than any of us are used to.
Back home, there are no cobblestone roads, or ancient structures, or smiling strangers. There are skyscrapers, and concrete jungles, and parking lots. There is new and newer and brand-spanking new, and nothing older than three hundred years, tops.
Even this atmosphere is old. You can tell that others before you have breathed it, and decided, with that breath, that they would make history. You can take one breath and learn so much about your surroundings and yourself that you will never again understand how you lived without this knowledge.
With one breath, you can feel the presence of Queen Elizabeth I on that first day, way back in 1592, when she declared its existence. You can remember the words of Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, whom, at one point or another, wandered the exact same path. You can only imagine, with that one breath, the countless souls that took this path that you only dare to travel.
With one breath, I heard the cooing of hundreds of pigeons, the banter of students, the heartbeat of the land itself…
And when I released that breath, and watched as a cloud formed in front of me, dreams suddenly became reality before my eyes:
Trinity College, Dublin.
With one breath, I was home.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “My Voyage to Living History that Inspires Within”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!