Winter in Ireland is not as easy as winter back in California. For one, with the end of daylight savings time, Ireland is subject to short days and long nights. The sky would only start to get light between 6:30-7am and it would be dark again by 5-5:30pm. To top it off, this winter was one of the coldest in Ireland in recent memory (according to the Irish). So, for those of you who understand cold winter mornings in California when frost is on the ground - think of that, but the temperature only rises enough to thaw the frost - only barely. Highs were around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The standard wardrobe became pants, thick socks, about 3 layers of tops (long sleeve shirt or tank top, followed by another shirt, followed by a jacket or sweater), scarf, and often a hat. Oh yeah, and don't forget the gloves. And the umbrella that lives in my purse because, after all, this is Ireland. The fields and hills don't stay green all by themselves...
So, during the week-long 'reading week' (a.k.a. 'week to sleep and catch up on school') when we had no classes, I left on a jet plane bound for California for some much-needed sun. I originally had great plans to actually skip classes on the Friday before so I could get in a full weekend in California - but the Friday in mind was January 30. That was the day after the Stage 1 company project presentation to the faculty panel, and the day of my group's corporate finance presentation. So much for a full weekend in California - I ended up having to change my flight to the next available day - Sunday Feb 1.
The trip was SOOO worth it! Upon landing in San Francisco, I was greeted not only by Kevin who so graciously drove to the airport to pick me up, but also by a glorious day weather-wise. Clear blue skies, about 65 degrees, and it was California =) Kevin took me to enjoy some real Mexican food (something I always crave while away in Ireland), and then on the drive up to his place in Santa Rosa, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge - giving me a picturesque view of the San Francisco Bay - complete with sail boats, a blue sky, and the view of the city. Just the change of scenery I needed. Plus, upon arrival at Kevin's place, he had a gorgeous bouquet of roses waiting for me =)
Kevin still had to work while I was in town for the week, but I still had plenty of school work to get done, so the time alone ended up working out well. Ok, so I did end up sleeping and relaxing more than studying, but I like to think it was some well deserved rest!
Kevin still had to work while I was in town for the week, but I still had plenty of school work to get done, so the time alone ended up working out well. Ok, so I did end up sleeping and relaxing more than studying, but I like to think it was some well deserved rest! Unfortunately the trip was a short one, seeing as my flight back was booked for that Friday afternoon, but Kevin and I still managed to enjoy ourselves tremendously for that one week. We dined out every night, and my brother even made the trip over from Davis one night to say hi and indulge in some delicious pizza. Because of the short trip, I wasn't able to make it down to Paso Robles to visit my parents, which was tough especially since it was shortly after the death of my grandmother. However, my mom decided to drive up to San Francisco the night before I flew out, and Kevin and I drove down. We stayed at a hotel (Ben came out as well to visit again), drank some wine, and I got to hear the stories from my mom about the last few weeks of my grandmother's amazing life. It was soooooo good to have that visit.
On Friday, my flight was delayed by a coupla hours, so I checked in and then Kevin and I actually left the airport and went to go enjoy a meal outside of the airport with a bottle of wine. Below is a photo taken right before heading back to the airport.
Me & Kevin
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