We stepped off the train unsure of what the next few days would hold. Taking in our surroundings, the local street art stood out. Initially, we noticed the graffiti that greeted us: “Welcome to Cork City… The REAL capital’. A few steps past that, a billboard advertising a fast-food hamburger read: “Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese METHANE”. These interesting messages set the precedent for what to expect in the next few days.
The last time I was in Cork, I stayed in a hostel and made friends with an interesting bunch. But the trip was brief, it didn’t even warrant a blog post. I was there for roughly 24 hours. In that time, I explored the city a bit and took a bus to quaint Kinsale. I was struck by bright buildings and interesting perspectives. Though the trip was overshadowed. I was consumed with shifts at Bewley’s, planning other adventures, and balancing a social life which included going on a date with this lad. As a chronically single person, I found potentially dating someone excitingly scary. Nearly 8 months later after facing my fears, I returned with this same lad, Paddy, my now boyfriend.
The origins of our relationship sparked on a drunk night out with co-workers. A few weeks later, against the backdrop of a semi-formal work function, he asked me out on a proper date. The following month we enjoyed dates and dinners sprinkled among the days. I was enjoying the process of getting to know another person in a different and more intimate way. There was a kind of ease to our conversations and interactions. We effortlessly 
exchanged experiences or the lessons we learned. We laughed with and at each other. A month or so after our first date, we determined that we were keen to pursue this relationship with a label on it, as boyfriend and girlfriend. But a week later, the pandemic hit.
We deepened our connection through virtual means for two months. Unable to share physical space, we were limited to sending images, texts or videos. In attempts to emulate dates, we set up times to connect over video calls and imagined being together in real-time. Though it was frustrating that we couldn’t just be together, I wonder if this connection cultivated a stronger relationship. The temptation to indulge in what came naturally was postponed. Rather, we engaged verbally and with what we saw from a distance. This likely cultivated a more grounded relationship, with a foundation in learning about our interests, families, cultures, experiences and so much more.
Paddy is witty, intelligent, creative, thoughtful, resilient and a good person. He is steadfast 
in his convictions but also approaches conversations and situations with an open mind. His mind is active, constantly contemplating and analysing, sometimes to a fault. We slag each other constantly. I giggle and laugh more when I am with him. Individually independent, we make quite a pair. Neither of us had much relationship experience, so learning how to navigate with a partner has been a learning experience. This relationship continues to challenge me and provides me with a new lens to view myself through.
This brings us to a quick holiday together in the southwest of the country. We escaped for a few days to enjoy some quality time together before beginning school. Like many of my trips, we left with nothing booked apart from lodging and travel. Armed with a few suggestions, we found ourselves exploring the city, finding trendy coffee shops, delicious meals and hip bars. With our only full day, we took the train east, to Cobh and Fota Island. Cobh shined in the sun, a historic, charming settlement on the coast. We trudged up a hill to see the famed deck of cards houses and meandered around a striking cathedral. Then 
we went to Fota Wildlife Park. There animals of all breeds freely roamed around (within reason). We found kangaroos, zebras, eagles, ostriches, giraffes, cheetahs, and Paddy’s favourite, penguins. Observing these wild animals reminded me of one of our first dates, a sunny February day when we spontaneously went to the zoo. Since that crisp winter day, I could not have anticipated the series of events that led us to spend a weekend in Cork.
How we end up in different places with different people is not anticipated. A series of events combine to create the present moment. For this short getaway, numerous interactions culminated to create a relationship. We are bound with mutual trust, understanding, gratitude, compassion, and humour. We find ourselves exploring, cracking jokes, sharing meals, buying each other coffee, and wrapping our arms around each other for comfort. When I moved here nearly a year ago, I didn’t expect to be in a relationship like this. I didn’t anticipate beaming with my beau during a holiday in Cork. Thus, I’m still unsure of what the future might hold, but I think that’s the beauty of it.
