Bar Trip

Shortly after final exams and law school graduation, law students in the United States embark on a two month process of studying for the bar exam. This culminates in the end of July with a two day exam, or a three day exam if you are like me and are taking the bar in more than one state. Studying for the bar is an eight hour a day commitment during this period of time between graduation and the actual test I am told. Friends who have recently taken it have advised me that the process of studying is comparable to running a marathon. I have never run a marathon so I don't know. Nevertheless, when it is over there is much cause for celebration AND a vacation seems to be greatly deserved. This is why many graduates seek to take a "Bar Trip" after sitting for the exam and before starting their new job in the fall.

The bar trip has fallen a little bit out of fashion due to the economic down turn and students who are graduating without jobs lined up are hesitant to spend money (often borrowed money) in order to take a vacation. Fortunately I have secured a position at a great law firm for myself post graduation and so taking a bar trip sounds very desirable. HOWEVER, my husband (who is back in college after serving in the navy for 5 years) is going to be taking classes full time all summer long so it is unclear whether we will be able to get away before I start working. Also, Maine is so absolutely wonderful and beautiful in August and I am not sure I could bring myself to leave for two weeks.

This does not stop me from day dreaming about where I would want to go if I do decide to take a bar trip.

I am fortunate enough to have done quite a bit of traveling in my life, largely thanks to parents who are basically obsessed with it . . .but I there are two places I have never been that I think would combine perfectly for a multi destination bar trip -- Ireland and Iceland:

Ireland

I can totally see my husband and I driving around, hiking and exploring the coast and the countryside while spending the nights in various bed and breakfasts or castles. Kind of a road trip vacation. Also, super easy and stress free because it is not that long of a flight and it is an English speaking country. Also, I am sure S would not mind sampling the beer. Then, before heading home, I would chose a return flight connecting through Reykjavik, Iceland and spend a few days there exploring:

Everything about Iceland intrigues me -- the topography, the cuisine, the culture.

If we don't make it on a trip this August, I am sure it will not be too long before S and I make it to these destinations, especially because of the frequency at which deals pop up in my weekly travelzoo email updates!