"The Botanical Gardens & Irish Culture"

During my lunch break, I set in search to explore the Queens University Student Union on my own to find a quiet place to have lunch. It sort of reminds of the Reitz Union back home, but with the less congestion of bodies in every direction. I notice everything is slow paced as I watch the students & regular everyday people walking around. Jenny and Jill did an activity this morning with us at the Botanical Gardens that was unexpected and required us to take a leap of faith in ourselves as we explored the city individually. Before I could allow myself to think of how I'm going to get completely lost to the point where a SWAT team would have to rescue me, I set out in an unfamiliar direction to explore. There was a cold breeze in the air and sound of leaves rustling above my head as I walked. I don't think I've ever taken a walk alone lost in thought, and it felt AMAZING getting over my fear of the unknown.

Since arriving in Belfast, I've been drawn to the river with the doves swimming. Participating in the dance movement workshop with Lizzy this afternoon was even more enlightening and the personal arrival picture project we made was absolutely the best. Arriving into Belfast, I think of the Irish vegetable soup, walking through the botanical Gardens, the architecture of the buildings, the books, the music, the art and the whisky ice cream. More importantly, what it would be like interacting with the patients at different health settings.