After four months at the University College of Dublin and living with the dynamic unclaimed treasure Una, I have had a fantastic time. Completing four exams – the first ones in nearly thirty years, I finished my Irish experience with a number of farewell dinners and some drinks in the pub, where I lashed out and had two bottles of soda water instead of just one. (Those who have visited Ireland will know what I am talking about – one bottle of soda water in a pub is 113mls so you need two just to fill a glass.)

Having always tried to travel lightly the experience of cramming five months of books, walking gear and both winter and summer (albeit unused) clothes into my suitcase was a comedic scene. Even with Una’s and my combined weight we could not get the lid shut on my suitcase. Una solved the problem by dusting down an old soft bag to store the overflow clothes and books and I set off to the airport in trepidation of the overweight luggage cost. So how did the lovely Irish people send me off from Ireland? With 40kgs of luggage (20kgs over the limit) the lilting Irish accent never sounded so sweet – “Well we can’t bother you with a bill now can we”. I almost skipped with delight into the waiting lounge but was prevented by the 12kgs of books that I had put in my backpack. I am going home.