Tradition

New year, fresh start.

New Years Eve, people either relax at home with their loved ones-get fancy and go out-vacay somewhere-watch fireworks-nice dinner with friends and family-and begin the countdown for the next year to come!

 I spent New Years Eve with Mattia and new friends in a coastal town outside of the city called Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Larry). Nice dinner, games, French champagne, and good conversation.

New Years day was a bit different...

Here in Ireland there are many traditions for the New Year. One, of which I did, is to swim in the frigid waters of the Irish Sea. As people gathered around the cliffs, bundled up in their coats, hats, mittens, and scarves...we began to strip down to our bathing suits.

The cold wind stabbing into our bodies...people counted...5-4-3-2...

 I stood there trying to mentally prepare myself to what this water was going to feel like and do to my body. I also began making my resolutions in my head as well.

Finally, took the plunge and jumped. Was it cold? Definitely. Painful? Yes to the point I would never do this again. Any regrets? No.

The water was refreshing and luck for good health to come!

If you are ever in Ireland for the New Year...I recommend trying this tradition.

Wanderlust: Trying to new things to better yourself for what is to come in the future.