Ireland; and my philosophy on decision making
 

So I went and did a silly thing... I have a plane ticket to Ireland on September 6th... I wasn't certain if I was going to go until I read off my credit card number. $1000 later, I have a work permit and a ticket. I show up on the seventh, and I have no idea what comes next... Me, a 20 year old student who hasn't traveled since 1989, has decided to flee Michigan for Ireland. I suppose the grass is always greener, even if in this case it is literally true. <BR> <BR>Regardless, my theory on indecisiveness has always been that people have usually already made up their minds, they just don't know it yet. As soon as you start to act in one way, you'll know if you "chose" the decision you'd already made. I wonder how that relates to this? I am now quite worried, to be honest. I have a bit of money saved up, but I'm about to travel to a country where I've never been, where I don't know anyone, and I've never really been outside of my County. I've had cold feet before, but this takes the case. &lt;sigh&gt; Three weeks and counting... I cannot decide whether to be excited, or terrified... Oh well.

Joel, you will love it! Relax and have a great time! You will be a better person for having travelled, (IMO) and your life will be richer. And if all else fails remember: It is far better to regret something you HAVE done, then to regret something you haven't done! <BR>Best wishes, you will have a great time!

Ireland sounds like the perfect place for you (I just hope at least $300 of that $1,000 was spent on a visa--otherwise you got taken on your flight). Anyway, Ireland's so relaxed and non-threatening that you'll wonder why you were worried to begin with. You'll have the time of your life. Just enjoy it, and go everywhere and see everything. You won't regret a minute of it (well, except at 4 a.m. with 12 Guinness in your belly), assuming you haven't stashed a wife and kid behind in your dorm room.

No, no kid... &lt;cough&gt; <BR> <BR>Yes, $300 was spent on a work permit, a voucher for one nights stay, and an international student ID card <BR>What causes me worry is twofold, I think. <BR> <BR>Now, why worry? I've never really been out of my County, let alone Michigan, the Midwest, or the US. I'm going to a country where I know no one, and that I only know through travel magazines. I will have a hostel arranged for the first few nights, but then what? I think I'd like to head to the West cost, either Limerick, county Kerry, or maybe toward Cork to find a place to stay for a while, and get a job. But what do I know? That's what worries me. I just don't know squat. But I have enough money saved up, roughly 3000, so that should be a nice security blanket... <BR> <BR>I'm not really worried about loving Ireland... I've been drawn there since I was looking at picture books in first grade. And besides, a red-headed Yates needs to go home. It's just, well, intimidating. <BR> <BR>Blankets, &lt;grunt&gt; I'm not even sure what to pack. <BR> <BR>

Joel, <BR>You're not the first person to do what you're doing, and, amazingly, the world is still in many places kind enough to be gentle to people doing what you're doing. Do it, go, don't regret it, enjoy it, be curious, trust your instincts, carpe diem. As much as I love to travel, I still get nervous before every big trip. I think it's my body's (my mind's) way of saying, 'Hey, pay attention--this is important--don't take this lightly.' As far as feeling intimidated, life can be intimidating. We have to step outside our fears to get through life. We have to go on even when we think we're too scared, tired, broke, etc. Be proud of yourself for having the courage to get this far, and then go further. This trip has the potential to influence your outlook on life forever--I say that not to intimidate you further, but to encourage you to cherish it and follow your dream. Have a blast. You are an articulate, thoughtful young man, and traveling will add another brilliant facet to your personality. (Beyond all that mush, be glad your instincts draw you to Ireland where at least the language barrier is substantially lower!)

My brother did much the same thing in the 70s. He stayed for 6 months, did a lot of thinking about what to do with his life, took a vacation in Crete, met a German girl he asked to marry and she accepted, came home and got his PhD. It changed his life forever! He had originally thought he would move permanently but realized that would not satisfy him. He started in the West and slowly worked his way over to Dublin where he met a lot of students. I think you'll do just fine. And, with Ireland's booming economy they are looking for entry level workers almost everywhere. BTW, my brother's name is O'Flaherty! Good luck!