8/6/2010
Tomorrow it will have been a week since I set foot on a plane from Dublin, Ireland to Chicago, Illinois. Although I have been EXTREMELY busy with moving back to school for summer research and seeing all of my friends and favorite places again, Ireland has not left me yet... in fact, there is still a bruise on my arm from last weekend's Kilkenny inline hockey tourney!
My last two days in Ireland were spent in Dublin, at least that is what I tell people when they ask me about the end of my trip. To me, Dublin is not Ireland with all of the tall buildings, shopping,clear Irish accents, accents from all over the world, and lack luster night life compared with Galway. My last days in Ireland were truly spent in Kilkenny and stripping the apartment I lived in for the semester clean of my life. I threw away nearly every pair of shoes I brought from home, a thoroughly worn out jacket caked in castle dust, all of the weird bathroom stuff I had to buy when I got to Ireland, two cans of vegetable soup, and three potatoes ironically.
Now I go through my day with flashbacks that make me laugh and/or cry and experiences hardly anyone here can relate to. A song may come on my ipod and throw me back into a memory where I'll stay for the next five minutes, or I'll say something that would make total sense back in Galway but present me as a lunatic in Northfield. I enjoy these moments because they are reminders of my beautiful life and let me know that no, I did not imagine that crazy ride.
I am very grateful for the internet as I have been able to to stay in touch with all of my friends both in the states and across the ocean wherever they are... even if I am awoken in the dead of night by a LOUD phone call from skype. Yay time differences!
I am surprised at how I feel as if I haven't even left Minnesota sometimes and others I feel as if ten years have gone by since I left.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Kilkenny Inline Hockey Tourney 2010!!!
30/5/2010
Tonight is the last night I will spend in Galway, Ireland. Tears do not roll down my face as I write this, but I have a strong feeling they are coming. At least for a while, I will not be able to walk or skate the Salthill prom, yell at the mute swans in the bay, walk down shop street either during the day or at night (both very different), see my favorite bums, dance at the Roisen, Cuba, or GPO, watch the dancing at Monroe's, take off on spur-of-the-moment day trips to random towns, head to Murvue Rec Center for a Wednesday night hockey session, stare at people from my window, or fit in with my very badly burned nose and forehead. These activities, and things unlisted, will be dearly missed and the memories created in these experiences treasured for the rest of my life.
I did get to end my Ireland experience with an amazing inline hockey tourney weekend in Kilkenny, Ireland with my city team the Galway Bay Lightening. I hopped a bus yet again this past Friday and met up with the team who was scattered across Kilkenny in B&B's and hostels.
Yesterday, we arrived at the tourney to find that unlike our dear ol' Murvue gym, this gym did not have fold-able seats (that did not allow for wall bounce passes) and it had a wooden floor. The gym was in a building next to a hurling/rugby field, and had changing rooms for each team. As there were only two other girls in the tournament of seven teams other than those on my team, we were obligated to change and shower with da boys. This was hilarious as our team in a mixture of all ages, sexes, and nationalities. The locker room had one side of showers with curtains which served as changing rooms as needed.
As the Lightening are a new team, we only won one game (that was this morning), but we had a great weekend and were not beaten too badly. This brought back memories of the early Falcon varsity days. Last night, The tournament organizers reserved an area of a pretty cool pub for a mixer after the games. I think that drinking after hours of exercise and before another long day of exercise that drinking to excess is no the best idea, but MANY others did not have my same feelings. The music was great and getting to know people from the other teams was a riot. My favorite character of the evening was the Russian ice hockey player, the scariest looking person you will ever meet, and known throughout the day as the badass guy who can make amazing shots and but cannot stop as he was not used to inline skates yet. He later befriended our goalie and then danced the night away to GAGA and anything that came on with either a nervous partner or himself. HILARIOUS. I also enjoyed seeing my hockey friends outside of hockey and Galway let loose a little bit.
Today was a little rough in the morning with a bad, sloppy loss in the first game. Throughout the day it was great talking to the people we had hung around with at the bar last night. We played (AND BEAT) a group of them later in the day and had a great time rubbing it in. The last part of the day was sad as I had to say goodbye to people I had the best time with this weekend and this past semester. I really had a great time this weekend, but all the goodbyes ruined the afternoon. I am really going to miss all of the amazing people I have had the privilege of getting to know, this includes all of the goodbyes I had to say earlier to all of my Galway girls. Again, the memories I have made with everyone here will be something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Tonight is the last night I will spend in Galway, Ireland. Tears do not roll down my face as I write this, but I have a strong feeling they are coming. At least for a while, I will not be able to walk or skate the Salthill prom, yell at the mute swans in the bay, walk down shop street either during the day or at night (both very different), see my favorite bums, dance at the Roisen, Cuba, or GPO, watch the dancing at Monroe's, take off on spur-of-the-moment day trips to random towns, head to Murvue Rec Center for a Wednesday night hockey session, stare at people from my window, or fit in with my very badly burned nose and forehead. These activities, and things unlisted, will be dearly missed and the memories created in these experiences treasured for the rest of my life.
I did get to end my Ireland experience with an amazing inline hockey tourney weekend in Kilkenny, Ireland with my city team the Galway Bay Lightening. I hopped a bus yet again this past Friday and met up with the team who was scattered across Kilkenny in B&B's and hostels.
Yesterday, we arrived at the tourney to find that unlike our dear ol' Murvue gym, this gym did not have fold-able seats (that did not allow for wall bounce passes) and it had a wooden floor. The gym was in a building next to a hurling/rugby field, and had changing rooms for each team. As there were only two other girls in the tournament of seven teams other than those on my team, we were obligated to change and shower with da boys. This was hilarious as our team in a mixture of all ages, sexes, and nationalities. The locker room had one side of showers with curtains which served as changing rooms as needed.
As the Lightening are a new team, we only won one game (that was this morning), but we had a great weekend and were not beaten too badly. This brought back memories of the early Falcon varsity days. Last night, The tournament organizers reserved an area of a pretty cool pub for a mixer after the games. I think that drinking after hours of exercise and before another long day of exercise that drinking to excess is no the best idea, but MANY others did not have my same feelings. The music was great and getting to know people from the other teams was a riot. My favorite character of the evening was the Russian ice hockey player, the scariest looking person you will ever meet, and known throughout the day as the badass guy who can make amazing shots and but cannot stop as he was not used to inline skates yet. He later befriended our goalie and then danced the night away to GAGA and anything that came on with either a nervous partner or himself. HILARIOUS. I also enjoyed seeing my hockey friends outside of hockey and Galway let loose a little bit.
Today was a little rough in the morning with a bad, sloppy loss in the first game. Throughout the day it was great talking to the people we had hung around with at the bar last night. We played (AND BEAT) a group of them later in the day and had a great time rubbing it in. The last part of the day was sad as I had to say goodbye to people I had the best time with this weekend and this past semester. I really had a great time this weekend, but all the goodbyes ruined the afternoon. I am really going to miss all of the amazing people I have had the privilege of getting to know, this includes all of the goodbyes I had to say earlier to all of my Galway girls. Again, the memories I have made with everyone here will be something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Bugz and the field of Athenry
26/5/2010
Wow, I guess I haven't posted in a while. Whoops. I've been busy this week saying goodbye to all of my friends here in Galway. Despite a few delays due to the ash cloud, everyone made i home safely. Whoooo hooooo!
Joe said goodbye to his friends over in Paris and arrived here in Galway last week to finish his time before the long journey home. This meant that I had an excuse to do fun things like go to the Cliffs of Moher again and take a trip to Athenry, a town just 20 minutes away with a castle, two churches, the city walls and arches, and the fields for which "The Fields of Athenry" has made famous.
Fields of Athenry- Dropkick
Fields of Athenry-Paddy Reilly
The Cliffs of Moher tour this time was just as great as the first time with Mary back in January. The weather was amazing, as it has been for the last week, and allowed the bus to make it to the Dolmen on top of the Burren and to the caves which we opted out of. The bus passed a ring fort after we left the cave area and the bus driver didn't say anything, so I had to convince myself that I hadn't hallucinated with the signs on the side of the road that did indeed indicate a ring fort.
Yesterday, We hopped a bus over to Athenry. Even though I anticipated a small town after reading about it, Athenry was literally smaller than three city blocks each way, but packed with cool things. The old city wall cuts directly through town and two church ruins and a castle dominate the "skyline." There were barns and etc. that I am confident were older than the united states and what I believe to be a sealed town well scattered through the little town. The scenery was beautiful and open areas around each site were perfect for a nap and killing three hours until the bus came in the afternoon. One of the fields of Athenry held a playground where mom's brought their kids and hooligans skipping school had a game of soccer and stood as still as rabbits when a police van stopped at the head of the playground.
The day trip was well worth it! Later this week I will be heading to Kilkenny in the mainland below Dublin for a inline hockey tournament. I will be one of three girls participating with one of the others being another girl on our team... should be interesting. I will move out of the apartment the day after I return and head to Dubs for two days before making the great journey back home!
Wow, I guess I haven't posted in a while. Whoops. I've been busy this week saying goodbye to all of my friends here in Galway. Despite a few delays due to the ash cloud, everyone made i home safely. Whoooo hooooo!
Joe said goodbye to his friends over in Paris and arrived here in Galway last week to finish his time before the long journey home. This meant that I had an excuse to do fun things like go to the Cliffs of Moher again and take a trip to Athenry, a town just 20 minutes away with a castle, two churches, the city walls and arches, and the fields for which "The Fields of Athenry" has made famous.
Fields of Athenry- Dropkick
Fields of Athenry-Paddy Reilly
The Cliffs of Moher tour this time was just as great as the first time with Mary back in January. The weather was amazing, as it has been for the last week, and allowed the bus to make it to the Dolmen on top of the Burren and to the caves which we opted out of. The bus passed a ring fort after we left the cave area and the bus driver didn't say anything, so I had to convince myself that I hadn't hallucinated with the signs on the side of the road that did indeed indicate a ring fort.
Yesterday, We hopped a bus over to Athenry. Even though I anticipated a small town after reading about it, Athenry was literally smaller than three city blocks each way, but packed with cool things. The old city wall cuts directly through town and two church ruins and a castle dominate the "skyline." There were barns and etc. that I am confident were older than the united states and what I believe to be a sealed town well scattered through the little town. The scenery was beautiful and open areas around each site were perfect for a nap and killing three hours until the bus came in the afternoon. One of the fields of Athenry held a playground where mom's brought their kids and hooligans skipping school had a game of soccer and stood as still as rabbits when a police van stopped at the head of the playground.
The day trip was well worth it! Later this week I will be heading to Kilkenny in the mainland below Dublin for a inline hockey tournament. I will be one of three girls participating with one of the others being another girl on our team... should be interesting. I will move out of the apartment the day after I return and head to Dubs for two days before making the great journey back home!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
PAUL RUDD
13/5/2010
I saw Paul Rudd here in Galway on my way to dinner with a couple of friends. Very cool, had a flashback to the Georgetown days with my DC friends and the Tapas Jake Gyllenhaal night!
I saw Paul Rudd here in Galway on my way to dinner with a couple of friends. Very cool, had a flashback to the Georgetown days with my DC friends and the Tapas Jake Gyllenhaal night!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Adventure!
11/5/2010
Today I went on one of my customary walking adventures out past the Salthill beaches. I hiked up a land mass after traversing some rocky coastline and ate lunch on a cliff and watched ponies frolic. On the descent, I nearly trampled a crab, yes, I said a crab. It wasn't that large and it was dead but it did give me a fright. The encounter with the crab sparked a fruitful crab hunt for a while.
My friends are studying for finals tomorrow and are preparing to go home. That means we will be going out a whole bunch this week to millions of places and trying to pack in all the places we haven't gone to yet. I wonder if my bank account can handle it?
Today I went on one of my customary walking adventures out past the Salthill beaches. I hiked up a land mass after traversing some rocky coastline and ate lunch on a cliff and watched ponies frolic. On the descent, I nearly trampled a crab, yes, I said a crab. It wasn't that large and it was dead but it did give me a fright. The encounter with the crab sparked a fruitful crab hunt for a while.
My friends are studying for finals tomorrow and are preparing to go home. That means we will be going out a whole bunch this week to millions of places and trying to pack in all the places we haven't gone to yet. I wonder if my bank account can handle it?
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Giant's Causeway and Port Rush
10/10/2010
This past Thursday, I pulled a Scotland and got up at 5AM to take my second bus trip to Derry on my way to Port Rush, Ireland. Once I was in Derry, I hopped a train to Port Rush, Ireland where Joe has been living for his HECUA program. What he failed to tell me this whole time was: PORT RUSH IS GORGEOUS and 7 miles away from the Giant's Causeway!
My friends are taking their finals this week, and as I finished two weeks ago and would then have nothing to do while they studied, I made a quick decision to head to Northern Ireland. This new spring weather has changed Ireland's look drastically. Galway is more gorgeous with all of the green and shrubs, but Derry and Port Rush and the Causeway were simply out of this world.
Port Rush has beaches on two sides and a cliff on the apex. While Joe was busy doing school things, I walked around town and the furthest I could get down the beaches. The East Strand is closest to the Giant's Causeway and features a view of Dunluce Castle which separates Port Rush with the Causeway. On the way down the beach you can see the Skerry Islands to the left where black rabbits and seals live and a waterfall that must have formed during the thawing process.
We tramped around town and the beach with the other students of Joe's program for a day and then headed out to the Causeway. The weather was great, I have the sunburn to prove it! The view was simply amazing, everything I expected Ireland to be before I headed over for the semester. I can't convey just how beautiful it was so here's a sub par pic.
I had originally planned to head home by way of Belfast, but I decided that my wallet had had enough bludgeoning for the week and navigated the dinky trains back to my bus in Derry. The trip was a success! I am a little sad now as most of my friends head back to their homes at the end of this week. An end to an adventure, but the beginning of a new perspective!
This past Thursday, I pulled a Scotland and got up at 5AM to take my second bus trip to Derry on my way to Port Rush, Ireland. Once I was in Derry, I hopped a train to Port Rush, Ireland where Joe has been living for his HECUA program. What he failed to tell me this whole time was: PORT RUSH IS GORGEOUS and 7 miles away from the Giant's Causeway!
My friends are taking their finals this week, and as I finished two weeks ago and would then have nothing to do while they studied, I made a quick decision to head to Northern Ireland. This new spring weather has changed Ireland's look drastically. Galway is more gorgeous with all of the green and shrubs, but Derry and Port Rush and the Causeway were simply out of this world.
Port Rush has beaches on two sides and a cliff on the apex. While Joe was busy doing school things, I walked around town and the furthest I could get down the beaches. The East Strand is closest to the Giant's Causeway and features a view of Dunluce Castle which separates Port Rush with the Causeway. On the way down the beach you can see the Skerry Islands to the left where black rabbits and seals live and a waterfall that must have formed during the thawing process.
We tramped around town and the beach with the other students of Joe's program for a day and then headed out to the Causeway. The weather was great, I have the sunburn to prove it! The view was simply amazing, everything I expected Ireland to be before I headed over for the semester. I can't convey just how beautiful it was so here's a sub par pic.
I had originally planned to head home by way of Belfast, but I decided that my wallet had had enough bludgeoning for the week and navigated the dinky trains back to my bus in Derry. The trip was a success! I am a little sad now as most of my friends head back to their homes at the end of this week. An end to an adventure, but the beginning of a new perspective!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
BEALTAINE!
1/5/2010
Happy Bealtaine! Today is Bealtaine, a quarter day festival that celebrates the coming of summer! I hope you rubbed your face with the morning dew this morning, bought or picked some flowers, or were the first one to take water from the well for some good luck!
I officially finished all of my finals last week and am free to frolic for a whole month! The weather is fantastic so lately I've been filling my time with walks and rollerblading on the beachfront! I didn't realize how out of shape you can get in just one month! It rained a little when I went skating today, but it did feel nice.
My friend and I took a walk by the Spanish Arch last week and sat to look at the bay and low and behold... a SEAL was swimming! The seal didn't get within 100 feet from us but it was really great to see him swimming around. I saw a seal on the ferry to the Aran Islands back in January which was great too. I just can't wrap my mind around seal sightings. We do not have those in Minnesota that's for sure!
The seal was swimming in the area in front of the boat. I also think that palm trees in Ireland is hilarious! The platform is at the end of the beachfront... I plan to jump off of it next week!
Happy Bealtaine! Today is Bealtaine, a quarter day festival that celebrates the coming of summer! I hope you rubbed your face with the morning dew this morning, bought or picked some flowers, or were the first one to take water from the well for some good luck!
I officially finished all of my finals last week and am free to frolic for a whole month! The weather is fantastic so lately I've been filling my time with walks and rollerblading on the beachfront! I didn't realize how out of shape you can get in just one month! It rained a little when I went skating today, but it did feel nice.
My friend and I took a walk by the Spanish Arch last week and sat to look at the bay and low and behold... a SEAL was swimming! The seal didn't get within 100 feet from us but it was really great to see him swimming around. I saw a seal on the ferry to the Aran Islands back in January which was great too. I just can't wrap my mind around seal sightings. We do not have those in Minnesota that's for sure!
The seal was swimming in the area in front of the boat. I also think that palm trees in Ireland is hilarious! The platform is at the end of the beachfront... I plan to jump off of it next week!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Home again home again
23/4/2010
According to the date above, I missed both of my finals due to volcanic ash... I'll say that again VOLCANIC ASH. That is not something everyone can say! I took off from Sweden yesterday morning, went to the bathroom in Norway, and then took another flight to Dublin... and then a three and a half hour bus ride back to Galway! HOORAY! I really did not know how much I missed Galway until the plane touched down in Dublin.
I was extremely nervous that my flight would be canceled as I sat in the airport watching it snow. I was twitchy after watching ash clouds of doom drift by the apartment in Marsta, Sweden and gloomy news programs the week leading up to my potential return. The plane did not leave on time, but it left!
Norway, or the bit I saw of it, is also like northern Minnesota in that it is covered in pine forests and rocks and cute little red and yellow houses. Very much like Sweden, but don't tell them that!
The view during the flights was most eye opening. Personally, when someone says that I can't go home because a volcano in Iceland is shooting ash into the air, I think they are telling the worst lie ever. But, the haze of ash was there, we flew through it for a while. The ocean also had a film over it that was interrupted by patches of shiny ocean, almost like a skin over the top. I believed all of the warnings and news guys after seeing that. I also engaged in a couple of my thought experiments and freaked myself out during both flights.
This morning I walked around Galway to run some errands and really enjoyed myself.
As I have missed both of my finals, I now have to head over to the college office and prove that I was indeed stuck in Sweden and not playing Xbox with my homeboys... Monday will be interesting to say the least... maybe they can just look in my lungs for ash and the glass pieces it is said to contain?
According to the date above, I missed both of my finals due to volcanic ash... I'll say that again VOLCANIC ASH. That is not something everyone can say! I took off from Sweden yesterday morning, went to the bathroom in Norway, and then took another flight to Dublin... and then a three and a half hour bus ride back to Galway! HOORAY! I really did not know how much I missed Galway until the plane touched down in Dublin.
I was extremely nervous that my flight would be canceled as I sat in the airport watching it snow. I was twitchy after watching ash clouds of doom drift by the apartment in Marsta, Sweden and gloomy news programs the week leading up to my potential return. The plane did not leave on time, but it left!
Norway, or the bit I saw of it, is also like northern Minnesota in that it is covered in pine forests and rocks and cute little red and yellow houses. Very much like Sweden, but don't tell them that!
The view during the flights was most eye opening. Personally, when someone says that I can't go home because a volcano in Iceland is shooting ash into the air, I think they are telling the worst lie ever. But, the haze of ash was there, we flew through it for a while. The ocean also had a film over it that was interrupted by patches of shiny ocean, almost like a skin over the top. I believed all of the warnings and news guys after seeing that. I also engaged in a couple of my thought experiments and freaked myself out during both flights.
This morning I walked around Galway to run some errands and really enjoyed myself.
As I have missed both of my finals, I now have to head over to the college office and prove that I was indeed stuck in Sweden and not playing Xbox with my homeboys... Monday will be interesting to say the least... maybe they can just look in my lungs for ash and the glass pieces it is said to contain?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Spring break 2010 pt2
20/4/2010
We got up crazy early to catch a taxi to King's Cross for our train to France. The security was interesting as our tickets would not scan, of course. The train ride was great, but I fell asleep for the whole portion under the water. I couldn't tell you what it was like. I woke up to France's beautiful blue sky and little cottages in the countryside. We arrived in Paris and had fairly little trouble finding our hostel.
The view from our hostel window was Sacre Coeur! Very cool. We set our things down, dodged the bracelet con artists, and took in Paris in all of its smoggy glory within two hours of arriving! The church did not allow photography so Joe and I took in the church's beauty while listening to a man constantly scream at those who were entering. blarg.
Paris was all that and more of what London was lacking in its "Londoness"/ "Londosity?" Maybe if America had been colonized by France I would feel differently?
Anywhos, We walked around Monmartre Cemetery and the area of our hostel in the afternoon before grabbing groceries and taking a nap. Then, Robert Langdon called so we met him at the Louvre! The Louvre is simply amazing and jam packed with EVERYTHING. I forgot to look for clues to help Robert out (he was whiney in London anyways). Shucks.
After perusing Raphael, Venus, Sarcophagi, the Hammurabi Code, etc. we went outside for some night time sightseeing! The Louvre was beautiful, and the Champs and Eiffel were light up as well. It was a great first day that is for sure.
We had a day of gardens and parks like in London, but this time we brought baguettes, tarts, and other tasty things with us. We hit up Notre Dame which was beautiful and packed with Canadians and Saint Chappelle which is also known as "The Jewel Box." The windows of Saint Chappelle depict Biblical stories because the church was built to house artifacts of Christianity such as the crown of thorns which was purchased for a huge sum a while ago. The church only housed the items for a short while before they were moved to Notre Dame.
Saint Chappelle
Next we hit up the Pantheon and Foucault's pendulum and the famous people buried in the tomb below it. We tried to fool the entrance guard to get in free, but he caught on. He was a little confused when I handed him my Irish college id and my Minnesota license all with my very French last name on them. The pendulum was very cool and the tombs below were full of interesting people like Alexander Dumas, Emile Zola, Louis Braille, and Victor Hugo!
We visited the Pantheon at 3pm... can you tell?
The Eiffel Tower was as impressive as I had expected even though the lines to go up were outrageous.
From the tower we headed to Napoleon's tomb in the Hotel des Invalides and the war museum there. Napoleon surrounded himself with his brother and best generals and adorned the walls around it with scenes with him at his "visual best" or something to that effect. In other words, Napoleon appeared as a muscular, tall man in every scene.
We took a nap in front of the Hotel Des Invalides and headed back to our ant ridden hostel. We went out onto the Champs that night and did some people watching. On our last day in Paris, we went to the Champs in daylight and climbed the stairs to the top of the Arch de Triomphe to take in the view and watch Lance win the final stage. The next day Joe and I parted ways and I flew to Sweden or shall I say Northern Minnesota!
I am sure my adventures are not over yet so there will be more blogs to come!
We got up crazy early to catch a taxi to King's Cross for our train to France. The security was interesting as our tickets would not scan, of course. The train ride was great, but I fell asleep for the whole portion under the water. I couldn't tell you what it was like. I woke up to France's beautiful blue sky and little cottages in the countryside. We arrived in Paris and had fairly little trouble finding our hostel.
The view from our hostel window was Sacre Coeur! Very cool. We set our things down, dodged the bracelet con artists, and took in Paris in all of its smoggy glory within two hours of arriving! The church did not allow photography so Joe and I took in the church's beauty while listening to a man constantly scream at those who were entering. blarg.
Paris was all that and more of what London was lacking in its "Londoness"/ "Londosity?" Maybe if America had been colonized by France I would feel differently?
Anywhos, We walked around Monmartre Cemetery and the area of our hostel in the afternoon before grabbing groceries and taking a nap. Then, Robert Langdon called so we met him at the Louvre! The Louvre is simply amazing and jam packed with EVERYTHING. I forgot to look for clues to help Robert out (he was whiney in London anyways). Shucks.
After perusing Raphael, Venus, Sarcophagi, the Hammurabi Code, etc. we went outside for some night time sightseeing! The Louvre was beautiful, and the Champs and Eiffel were light up as well. It was a great first day that is for sure.
We had a day of gardens and parks like in London, but this time we brought baguettes, tarts, and other tasty things with us. We hit up Notre Dame which was beautiful and packed with Canadians and Saint Chappelle which is also known as "The Jewel Box." The windows of Saint Chappelle depict Biblical stories because the church was built to house artifacts of Christianity such as the crown of thorns which was purchased for a huge sum a while ago. The church only housed the items for a short while before they were moved to Notre Dame.
Saint Chappelle
Next we hit up the Pantheon and Foucault's pendulum and the famous people buried in the tomb below it. We tried to fool the entrance guard to get in free, but he caught on. He was a little confused when I handed him my Irish college id and my Minnesota license all with my very French last name on them. The pendulum was very cool and the tombs below were full of interesting people like Alexander Dumas, Emile Zola, Louis Braille, and Victor Hugo!
The Eiffel Tower was as impressive as I had expected even though the lines to go up were outrageous.
From the tower we headed to Napoleon's tomb in the Hotel des Invalides and the war museum there. Napoleon surrounded himself with his brother and best generals and adorned the walls around it with scenes with him at his "visual best" or something to that effect. In other words, Napoleon appeared as a muscular, tall man in every scene.
We took a nap in front of the Hotel Des Invalides and headed back to our ant ridden hostel. We went out onto the Champs that night and did some people watching. On our last day in Paris, we went to the Champs in daylight and climbed the stairs to the top of the Arch de Triomphe to take in the view and watch Lance win the final stage. The next day Joe and I parted ways and I flew to Sweden or shall I say Northern Minnesota!
I am sure my adventures are not over yet so there will be more blogs to come!
Spring break 2010 Pt1
20/4/2010
I have a little free time on my hands as I am still grounded in Sweden (... stupid volcano) so I will try to remember my spring break trip in which I went to Derry, London, and Paris.
The day after classes ended I took a bus up to visit Joe in Derry in Northern Ireland before we headed over to London. Although the town has quite a bit of history, it did not take us long to fit all the sites in in under one day. Of course we missed some museums I am sure.
We took a walk around the city walls the afternoon I arrived for a bird's eye view of both the bogside where the catholic community lives and the gated protestant area of town. From the walls we could see the graffitti on both sides, murals, and the damage from the ongoing conflict.
The next day we walked in the bogside and spent some time looking at the murals and the Museum of Free Derry. The museum and surrounding area were definitely moving. We walked right through where Bloody Sunday happened and the wall of the house on which was written "You are now entering Free Derry." It was definitely and experience I will not forget. The protestant area showed many of the same signs of violence as the bogside with graffiti slogans and broken windows etc. but also had curbs painted with red, white, and blue for the Union Jack.
The wall of the house on which "You are now entering Free Derry" and a mural on nearby apartments.
A Protestant mural
We got up nice and early to catch our flight to London and did not have any problems reaching our hostel. This is the best hostel I have EVER stayed in. There was free breakfast, a cheap pub in the basement, a cheap restaraunt, a place for laundry, trunks where you could lock your valuables, and free internet. The hostel also had events pretty regularly and was right on the metro line, close to Abbey Road Studios, and close to parks as well.
We hit up Abbey Road Studios that afternoon before hitting up the park. The building was nothing special, but the wall infront was covered in writing etc. Not too impressive but hey, everything can't live up to your expectations. Hyde park was very nice and had man made ponds where there were tons of birds and cute people feeding them. I still cannot get over the fact that they actually call a kind of cookie a Digestiv... they are definitely tasty, but I get nervous eating tasty things called Digestivs.
We covered London in a couple of days and ground our knee and feet joints into dust. Westminster was amazing as it contains a ton of tombs and beautiful architecture. I kept expecting Robert Langdon to pop out or ask me to him him solve the mysteries of the world. The London Eye was cool and Big Ben as well, but every time we passed a HP site that's all that I could talk about. The HP was most potent at the pedestrian bridge that the dementors twisted.
King's Cross Platform and Joe holding onto the bridge while I shot my Patronus
Besides awkward HP pictures, I made Joe trek to Wimbledon Village and the Wimbledon Tennis Club... !!!!!!!! I am sure I almost passed out a million times. The season was not starting for a few weeks yet so many of the outside courts did not have the painted lines. We did get to visit court number two and centre court which was really fun! The whole place was smaller than I had expected but very fun to walk through anyways.
The whole trip we kept trying to get into King's Cross for some Harry Potter action BUT, we found that the movie actually filmed the scene at platforms four and five as platforms nine and ten are actually in a separate terminal thing. J.K. had forgotten this so they had to film it at different platforms in the main building. We did not get to the spot though because we were running late before we caught the tube train to Paris. I did get pics of the station though which was beautiful.
We tried to watch the changing of the guard, but there were just too many dang people in the way. We were there, but we didn't see jack.
On one of our many accidental detours, we stumbled across the Sherlock Holmes museum, a Sherlock Holmes pub, and frequented the Baker Street metro stop often. London was a winner even though it did not feel what I refer to as "Londony."
ugh, I just looked out the window and saw the whirling ash... barf!
I have a little free time on my hands as I am still grounded in Sweden (... stupid volcano) so I will try to remember my spring break trip in which I went to Derry, London, and Paris.
The day after classes ended I took a bus up to visit Joe in Derry in Northern Ireland before we headed over to London. Although the town has quite a bit of history, it did not take us long to fit all the sites in in under one day. Of course we missed some museums I am sure.
We took a walk around the city walls the afternoon I arrived for a bird's eye view of both the bogside where the catholic community lives and the gated protestant area of town. From the walls we could see the graffitti on both sides, murals, and the damage from the ongoing conflict.
The next day we walked in the bogside and spent some time looking at the murals and the Museum of Free Derry. The museum and surrounding area were definitely moving. We walked right through where Bloody Sunday happened and the wall of the house on which was written "You are now entering Free Derry." It was definitely and experience I will not forget. The protestant area showed many of the same signs of violence as the bogside with graffiti slogans and broken windows etc. but also had curbs painted with red, white, and blue for the Union Jack.
The wall of the house on which "You are now entering Free Derry" and a mural on nearby apartments.
A Protestant muralWe got up nice and early to catch our flight to London and did not have any problems reaching our hostel. This is the best hostel I have EVER stayed in. There was free breakfast, a cheap pub in the basement, a cheap restaraunt, a place for laundry, trunks where you could lock your valuables, and free internet. The hostel also had events pretty regularly and was right on the metro line, close to Abbey Road Studios, and close to parks as well.
We hit up Abbey Road Studios that afternoon before hitting up the park. The building was nothing special, but the wall infront was covered in writing etc. Not too impressive but hey, everything can't live up to your expectations. Hyde park was very nice and had man made ponds where there were tons of birds and cute people feeding them. I still cannot get over the fact that they actually call a kind of cookie a Digestiv... they are definitely tasty, but I get nervous eating tasty things called Digestivs.
We covered London in a couple of days and ground our knee and feet joints into dust. Westminster was amazing as it contains a ton of tombs and beautiful architecture. I kept expecting Robert Langdon to pop out or ask me to him him solve the mysteries of the world. The London Eye was cool and Big Ben as well, but every time we passed a HP site that's all that I could talk about. The HP was most potent at the pedestrian bridge that the dementors twisted.
King's Cross Platform and Joe holding onto the bridge while I shot my Patronus
Besides awkward HP pictures, I made Joe trek to Wimbledon Village and the Wimbledon Tennis Club... !!!!!!!! I am sure I almost passed out a million times. The season was not starting for a few weeks yet so many of the outside courts did not have the painted lines. We did get to visit court number two and centre court which was really fun! The whole place was smaller than I had expected but very fun to walk through anyways.
Wimbledon Center Court
The whole trip we kept trying to get into King's Cross for some Harry Potter action BUT, we found that the movie actually filmed the scene at platforms four and five as platforms nine and ten are actually in a separate terminal thing. J.K. had forgotten this so they had to film it at different platforms in the main building. We did not get to the spot though because we were running late before we caught the tube train to Paris. I did get pics of the station though which was beautiful.
We tried to watch the changing of the guard, but there were just too many dang people in the way. We were there, but we didn't see jack.
On one of our many accidental detours, we stumbled across the Sherlock Holmes museum, a Sherlock Holmes pub, and frequented the Baker Street metro stop often. London was a winner even though it did not feel what I refer to as "Londony."
ugh, I just looked out the window and saw the whirling ash... barf!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
volcano pt deux
18/4/2010
The volcano continues to hinder my studies! My flight on Monday has been cancelled and there are no more flights until Thursday, the day of my second final. I guess the school will have to figure out something for all of us unable to get back. I wonder if I could go to a library here in Sweden and get someone to proxy my exam? Brainstorm.
The volcano continues to hinder my studies! My flight on Monday has been cancelled and there are no more flights until Thursday, the day of my second final. I guess the school will have to figure out something for all of us unable to get back. I wonder if I could go to a library here in Sweden and get someone to proxy my exam? Brainstorm.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Mt. St. ICELAND
16/4/2010
I know I have not written in FOREVER, but here I am! I will sit down with my pictures from Derry/Londonderry, London, and Paris and write an entry, but for now, I will regale you with my Swedish adventures!
On Sunday I left the creepy Paris hostel for Sweden (Skavsta airport to be exact)! The air plane began its decent and all I could think was: HELLO DULUTH, MINNESOTA! Sweden is covered with woods, lakes, and rocks. Further, my friend who is hosting me and I jumped in there car the other day and it still had its SNOW TIRES on! hahhahahahha I felt at home.
Now I say that Sweden looks like northern Minnesota, but the cities do not. Stockholm itself is built on a group of islands and the buildings are gorgeous and resemble castles. Unlike London, Stockholm and the other cities, Sweden actually looks Swedish!
The View from our ferry on the way to the Vasa (seen later on)
I made my friend take me around the city and had a blast. The tourist office with a native was a riot! We walked around the city and headed to the Vasa museum which houses a really old ship that was expensive when it was built and promptly sunk in the harbour. VERY NEAT.
Then we headed over to the Riksdag (Sweden's Parliament) for a tour that examined all the art in the building. I was more interested in the rooms and walking around. It was a long tour and completely in Swedish with a tour guide who could have been Gary Busey's twin!
The Riksdag and Gary Busey or whatever his name was.
The next day, we headed to Sigtuna, the oldest city in Sweden. The city is small but there were tons of old churches with dead guys and rune stones EVERYWHERE. The lakes and area were gorgeous and still had a little ice on them even though the weather was gorgeous!
St. Olof's Church (not St. Olaf!) and also the home of Eric from True Blood
We headed to Upsala, my friends university town, to look around and meet up with some friends. We walked around too tired for our own good and ate a French hot dogs. SO TASTY. Later, we went out to a Nation for a concert which was great! A Nation is like a fraternity club. No one lives in the house, and the Nation organizes events and is in charge of student housing. So, if you like the benefits of a certain Nation, or want to live in their apartments, you pay a membership to join. It was fun, especially since I do not speak Swedish, to see the young crowd in their habitat.
Yesterday I tried to fly back to Galway. But, A VOLCANO ERUPTED IN ICELAND AND SHOT ASH INTO THE AIR SO EVERY PLANE IN EUROPE IS GROUNDED. It felt like I was in Twin Peaks with Pierce Brosnan. I had to take a bus alllllll the way out to the airport and rebook my ticket because no one had any information and because I needed to talk to someone who spoke English. It was a LONG day, but I got to see the sights again!
I am excited to have a couple more days in Sweden, but I have finals next week and none of my materials here with me to study! SCARY. I hope the planes get up and running soon!
I know I have not written in FOREVER, but here I am! I will sit down with my pictures from Derry/Londonderry, London, and Paris and write an entry, but for now, I will regale you with my Swedish adventures!
On Sunday I left the creepy Paris hostel for Sweden (Skavsta airport to be exact)! The air plane began its decent and all I could think was: HELLO DULUTH, MINNESOTA! Sweden is covered with woods, lakes, and rocks. Further, my friend who is hosting me and I jumped in there car the other day and it still had its SNOW TIRES on! hahhahahahha I felt at home.
Now I say that Sweden looks like northern Minnesota, but the cities do not. Stockholm itself is built on a group of islands and the buildings are gorgeous and resemble castles. Unlike London, Stockholm and the other cities, Sweden actually looks Swedish!
The View from our ferry on the way to the Vasa (seen later on)
I made my friend take me around the city and had a blast. The tourist office with a native was a riot! We walked around the city and headed to the Vasa museum which houses a really old ship that was expensive when it was built and promptly sunk in the harbour. VERY NEAT.
Then we headed over to the Riksdag (Sweden's Parliament) for a tour that examined all the art in the building. I was more interested in the rooms and walking around. It was a long tour and completely in Swedish with a tour guide who could have been Gary Busey's twin!
The Riksdag and Gary Busey or whatever his name was.
The next day, we headed to Sigtuna, the oldest city in Sweden. The city is small but there were tons of old churches with dead guys and rune stones EVERYWHERE. The lakes and area were gorgeous and still had a little ice on them even though the weather was gorgeous!
St. Olof's Church (not St. Olaf!) and also the home of Eric from True Blood
We headed to Upsala, my friends university town, to look around and meet up with some friends. We walked around too tired for our own good and ate a French hot dogs. SO TASTY. Later, we went out to a Nation for a concert which was great! A Nation is like a fraternity club. No one lives in the house, and the Nation organizes events and is in charge of student housing. So, if you like the benefits of a certain Nation, or want to live in their apartments, you pay a membership to join. It was fun, especially since I do not speak Swedish, to see the young crowd in their habitat.
Yesterday I tried to fly back to Galway. But, A VOLCANO ERUPTED IN ICELAND AND SHOT ASH INTO THE AIR SO EVERY PLANE IN EUROPE IS GROUNDED. It felt like I was in Twin Peaks with Pierce Brosnan. I had to take a bus alllllll the way out to the airport and rebook my ticket because no one had any information and because I needed to talk to someone who spoke English. It was a LONG day, but I got to see the sights again!
I am excited to have a couple more days in Sweden, but I have finals next week and none of my materials here with me to study! SCARY. I hope the planes get up and running soon!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
End of Classes
30/2/2010
Whew, it's been a while since my last post! Lectures will wrap up tomorrow for NUI Galway Semester II 2009/2010. Personally, I can't believe it. According to the date, I have been in Ireland for three months and a day.
I am half done with my finals already as I turned in my English papers yesterday, gave a German presentation about my hockey helmet, and took an in class essay on Monday. I have only the German written final and a Celtic mythology/ folklore written. The odd thing about NUIG is that they do not have enough large rooms on campus and so have quite a few off site. For instance, I am taking my written German final in a hotel.
I have class tomorrow and then Thursday I am off to London, Paris, and Sweden. If anyone needs to reach me, use my email (laroche@stolaf.edu) or facebook wall posts as many internet connections at hostels cannot open facebook messages. I will try to check my email etc. regularly.
Until April 15th then!
Whew, it's been a while since my last post! Lectures will wrap up tomorrow for NUI Galway Semester II 2009/2010. Personally, I can't believe it. According to the date, I have been in Ireland for three months and a day.
I am half done with my finals already as I turned in my English papers yesterday, gave a German presentation about my hockey helmet, and took an in class essay on Monday. I have only the German written final and a Celtic mythology/ folklore written. The odd thing about NUIG is that they do not have enough large rooms on campus and so have quite a few off site. For instance, I am taking my written German final in a hotel.
I have class tomorrow and then Thursday I am off to London, Paris, and Sweden. If anyone needs to reach me, use my email (laroche@stolaf.edu) or facebook wall posts as many internet connections at hostels cannot open facebook messages. I will try to check my email etc. regularly.
Until April 15th then!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Skating on the "Prom"
22/3/2010
I didn’t end up going to church yesterday like I had planned and instead skated on the path next to the beach with some hockey buddies. I received a text and realized that I had been sitting on my bum all day working on my paper outline and really needed to move before I lost feeling in my legs. The boardwalk, or prom as they call it, was amazing. The weather was sunny and windy right until we pulled into the parking lot. Then it turned grey and gloomy before eventually raining on us at the end. People were walking their dogs and couples and families were walking together… very cute. I did not fall but I did almost biff it one time. I need to remember there are dips in the sidewalk for crosswalks next time.
ALSO, there is a diving platform where you can just jump off to swim! I am so totally doing it in May even though there were two guys (or maybe just one guy who got in twice?) who were swimming while we were there.
It was tons of fun and I felt like I got to know my buds a little more after the excursion. A couple of us stopped for coffee afterwards which kept me up later, but it was totally worth it. I plan on doing it again soon and buying a pair when I get back home now that I know how to stop(ish)!
I didn’t end up going to church yesterday like I had planned and instead skated on the path next to the beach with some hockey buddies. I received a text and realized that I had been sitting on my bum all day working on my paper outline and really needed to move before I lost feeling in my legs. The boardwalk, or prom as they call it, was amazing. The weather was sunny and windy right until we pulled into the parking lot. Then it turned grey and gloomy before eventually raining on us at the end. People were walking their dogs and couples and families were walking together… very cute. I did not fall but I did almost biff it one time. I need to remember there are dips in the sidewalk for crosswalks next time.
ALSO, there is a diving platform where you can just jump off to swim! I am so totally doing it in May even though there were two guys (or maybe just one guy who got in twice?) who were swimming while we were there.
It was tons of fun and I felt like I got to know my buds a little more after the excursion. A couple of us stopped for coffee afterwards which kept me up later, but it was totally worth it. I plan on doing it again soon and buying a pair when I get back home now that I know how to stop(ish)!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
St. Patty's!
I AM ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! I went through St. Patty's and didn't even lose an arm!
Last week was INSANE, but yesterday was just as, if not more, fun if you can believe it! We started the day off with some breakfast at the Spanish Arch and headed to a friend's apartment that was very close to the parade to regroup. From the apartment, we walked over to a bridge over the Corrib River to watch the parade. I have never wanted to steal a child that badly, but those little gingies were the CUTEST THINGS IF EVER SEEN! I will either send my child to a school with uniforms or buy a set and make them wear it even if it's not required!
After the parade, we headed to get a bite to eat before continuing on our way. After last week, watching people drink Guinness and eat apple pie was off-putting, but my shepard's pie was delightful.
We jumped in a cab after a rest and feigned ignorance and drove around to steal our monies before we finally arrived at the rugby pitch! Connact v Dragons 13-6! I had to support the home team and purchased the cheapest sports jersey I have ever purchased. It's like Christmas! The Dragons we complete crap and really should have just gone home. Literally saw a guy trampled...youch.
We hoofed it the couple blocks back to town, grabbed some dinner, and headed to groove the night away before ending the night singing from my balcony. It was a fun day!
I wrote two papers this week but must really buckle down for a final on Monday and a German presentation on my hockey helmet on Friday... zoinks.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
RAG WEEK
10/3/2010
This week is NUIG's Rag Week. Basically, it is a whole week where the college raises money for charities by letting the students run wild. Crazy kids. The school also puts on tons of activities to try and divert the students from alcohol.
Monday The Coronas played in a hotel downtown and rocked the house! With no effort or intent by myself, I was shoved into the very front. I enjoyed the concert immensely but find myself wondering: What happened to the good old days when people enjoyed themselves at concerts rather than trying to annoy the people around them?
Anywhoooooooos the show was great and bumping into them at my favorite pub later on in the night was pretty rad. I am jamming to one of the opener bands, The Chapters, who are pretty sweet too. Check out "black room" by The Chapters.
This week is NUIG's Rag Week. Basically, it is a whole week where the college raises money for charities by letting the students run wild. Crazy kids. The school also puts on tons of activities to try and divert the students from alcohol.
Monday The Coronas played in a hotel downtown and rocked the house! With no effort or intent by myself, I was shoved into the very front. I enjoyed the concert immensely but find myself wondering: What happened to the good old days when people enjoyed themselves at concerts rather than trying to annoy the people around them?
Anywhoooooooos the show was great and bumping into them at my favorite pub later on in the night was pretty rad. I am jamming to one of the opener bands, The Chapters, who are pretty sweet too. Check out "black room" by The Chapters.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
the "beach"
7/3/2010
This morning I woke up to one of the most beautiful days I've had in Ireland! I made a lunch and headed to the beach with a packed lunch. I have never been to the Salthill beaches beyond the pier so it was a new adventure. The beaches are rock and turn into sand the closer you get to the water. There are mussels up the wazoo with some shells mixed in. I do love to walk around looking for shells.
The mussels
I tried climbing on some seaweed-covered rocks and figured out when i was trapped just how slippery and creepy the seaweed was. It squishes and makes popping noises as you walk on it. It made the rocks too slippery and dangerous so I had to retreat and take the civilian path... I know, weak.
I headed further down the beach to the bridge that takes you to the lighthouse. The water was beautiful and clear. You could see the deep blues where the seaweed grew and the turquoise areas where the sand prevailed. There were little islands of rocks beside the bridge that kept tricking me into thinking they were seals. It's really not out of the question to expect seals as they are in the area. Mary and I saw them on our ferry ride out to the Aran Islands.
Pedestrians were not allowed into the lighthouse area so I sat down on the bridge and enjoyed a sub-par PB&J. The fun bits of today are over, now it's time to start studying for the GRE or writing a paper... hmmm one more tv show couldn't hurt.
This morning I woke up to one of the most beautiful days I've had in Ireland! I made a lunch and headed to the beach with a packed lunch. I have never been to the Salthill beaches beyond the pier so it was a new adventure. The beaches are rock and turn into sand the closer you get to the water. There are mussels up the wazoo with some shells mixed in. I do love to walk around looking for shells.
The mussels
I tried climbing on some seaweed-covered rocks and figured out when i was trapped just how slippery and creepy the seaweed was. It squishes and makes popping noises as you walk on it. It made the rocks too slippery and dangerous so I had to retreat and take the civilian path... I know, weak.
I headed further down the beach to the bridge that takes you to the lighthouse. The water was beautiful and clear. You could see the deep blues where the seaweed grew and the turquoise areas where the sand prevailed. There were little islands of rocks beside the bridge that kept tricking me into thinking they were seals. It's really not out of the question to expect seals as they are in the area. Mary and I saw them on our ferry ride out to the Aran Islands.
Pedestrians were not allowed into the lighthouse area so I sat down on the bridge and enjoyed a sub-par PB&J. The fun bits of today are over, now it's time to start studying for the GRE or writing a paper... hmmm one more tv show couldn't hurt.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Cork and the Blarney Stone!
6/3/2010
HOORAY! I survived the 4 hour bus ride back from Cork, Ireland!
Yesterday morning I got up quite early to meet some friends at the coach station to set off for our Blarney stone adventure!
We arrived in Cork, Ireland before noon, checked into our hostel, bought bus tickets for Blarney Village, and just like that we were on our way! It was such a GORGEOUS day yesterday! In the sun I was sweaty... yes, I know. The sun was shining and there was nary a cloud in the sky. Our bus ride to the village was fun... so much fun that we missed our stop and had to run to the bus driver and beg him to let us off. HA, yes we're tourists.
Anywhooooooos, the grounds were amazing and really made the trip for us. There were patches of flowers blooming everywhere you looked and the streams were the clearest I've ever seen and full of beautiful green algae. The Blarney grounds include the castle, the Blarney house, a lime kiln, a waterfall, dolmen, a forest, a tree and flower lined lane, the buildings supporting the Blarney house and castle, and the STONE!
The castle had little signs posted everywhere that told you what things did including the murder hole. This is where you would drop, shoot, or poor things on unwelcome visitors and an unwelcome pit where you would fall through the floor if someone flipped a switch when you entered. VERY COOL.
We climbed to the top where there were AMAZING views...
We walked over to the house and the kiln, strolled around the witches kitchen, the wishing stairs which end in a waterfall, and took in the weather in all its glory before heading into town for an expensive yet tasty shepard's pie and Bailey's cheesecake.
We jumped the bus back to Cork and took our customary nap in the hostel before heading out for some craic. We discovered a small pub in an alley way that played THE BEST music ever and was full of normal, calm, and fully clothed people. The last place we went to played the same kind of music and had the same people but in a larger venue with a live dj.
Today, we walked around Cork for some real shopping after an amazing breakfast in the English Market. I finally got my grubby, little hands on some grapes, a naner, and the best scone I've had to date. You will be please or shocked (depending) to hear that I was the only girl not to buy shoes today! I did buy some nifty earrings as I have lost one from each pair that I brought to a champion. Does that mean I have too much fun or that I get my ears caught and ripped by random things constantly? Food for thought.
This week is RAG week, aka Lutefest for four days straight usually ending in burning cars and lots of police so wish me luck and watch for me on the news!!!
HOORAY! I survived the 4 hour bus ride back from Cork, Ireland!
Yesterday morning I got up quite early to meet some friends at the coach station to set off for our Blarney stone adventure!
We arrived in Cork, Ireland before noon, checked into our hostel, bought bus tickets for Blarney Village, and just like that we were on our way! It was such a GORGEOUS day yesterday! In the sun I was sweaty... yes, I know. The sun was shining and there was nary a cloud in the sky. Our bus ride to the village was fun... so much fun that we missed our stop and had to run to the bus driver and beg him to let us off. HA, yes we're tourists.Walking back into town...
Anywhooooooos, the grounds were amazing and really made the trip for us. There were patches of flowers blooming everywhere you looked and the streams were the clearest I've ever seen and full of beautiful green algae. The Blarney grounds include the castle, the Blarney house, a lime kiln, a waterfall, dolmen, a forest, a tree and flower lined lane, the buildings supporting the Blarney house and castle, and the STONE!
The castle had little signs posted everywhere that told you what things did including the murder hole. This is where you would drop, shoot, or poor things on unwelcome visitors and an unwelcome pit where you would fall through the floor if someone flipped a switch when you entered. VERY COOL.
We climbed to the top where there were AMAZING views...
Blarney Village
There was very little ceremony. You climb to the top, walk over to the two cute old guys, sit your butt down and lean back to kiss the stone. It was nice and easy because I didn't look all the way down until I had kissed the stone. There is a grate under your head, but then it's a 300 foot drop to the ground! Like I said, amazing views of the grounds!
We walked over to the house and the kiln, strolled around the witches kitchen, the wishing stairs which end in a waterfall, and took in the weather in all its glory before heading into town for an expensive yet tasty shepard's pie and Bailey's cheesecake.
We jumped the bus back to Cork and took our customary nap in the hostel before heading out for some craic. We discovered a small pub in an alley way that played THE BEST music ever and was full of normal, calm, and fully clothed people. The last place we went to played the same kind of music and had the same people but in a larger venue with a live dj.
Today, we walked around Cork for some real shopping after an amazing breakfast in the English Market. I finally got my grubby, little hands on some grapes, a naner, and the best scone I've had to date. You will be please or shocked (depending) to hear that I was the only girl not to buy shoes today! I did buy some nifty earrings as I have lost one from each pair that I brought to a champion. Does that mean I have too much fun or that I get my ears caught and ripped by random things constantly? Food for thought.
This week is RAG week, aka Lutefest for four days straight usually ending in burning cars and lots of police so wish me luck and watch for me on the news!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Airplanes and altitude are the DEVIL
28/2/2010
Let's take a look at the date! I have now been living and studying in Ireland for over two months... yowza. I still have three months and two days before I head home, but who's counting?
This morning I finished constructing a board game that is meant to aid primary students in comprehending a book that I have picked out for their reading level. I know exactly what you're thinking, and no there are no zombies, BUT, there are PIRATE DINOSAURS! Yes, you read correctly, I said PIRATE DINOSAURS! The book is titled Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. Someone will be getting a pretty sweet book when I'm through with it.
I am glad we get the chance to pick out a book for the kids we tutor because the books they have to read are horrible and boring. No wonder kids don't read or like to read anymore. School readers are doing a disservice. I wouldn't want to read about cows on a farm discussing what clothes they are going to wear to a party either. What the heck kind of book is that?!?!?! Give me pirates and creepy crawlys or flying over-sized cats and magic hats!
I would say my board game is pretty plain because we had to include certain things, but it does have a pirate ship and a dinosaur with a sword and a captain's hat. The sad thing is that I didn't want to pay a dollar for one stinking piece of unlined paper soooooooooo I cut up two pharmacy bags for white paper... hahahaha.
Speaking of pharmacy bags, it seems as though I didn't leave everything from Scotland behind. On the flights to and fro Scotland, both of my eardrums perforated due to a slight cold, altitude, and the resulting EXTREME PRESSURE. Now it is pretty difficult for me to hear anything. That, paired with my failing eyesight, has left me in a tight spot these days. I don't have to sleep with my earplug now though so that's pretty neat. I'm just waiting for the morning where I wake up to find one of my earplugs either in a nostril or between my toes! I do have hope that I will be able to make the flight to London in a month despite my ears and am on some intense meds and a strict regimen of pseudoephed.
I went on a walk over to the school today and found that the rowing team was out again! This time the boats were actual rowing boats and were not submerged with large oily engines. The weather is beautiful today but there are the odd rainy clouds with light showers and hail bursts. Weird as heck.
This next picture is for Stephanie, and for that matter anyone who either absolutely HATES or LOVES fairtrade coffee. I especially enjoy the lady (or child depending on how you look at it) in the hat. Just remember how I usually like my coffee... hahaha
Let's take a look at the date! I have now been living and studying in Ireland for over two months... yowza. I still have three months and two days before I head home, but who's counting?
This morning I finished constructing a board game that is meant to aid primary students in comprehending a book that I have picked out for their reading level. I know exactly what you're thinking, and no there are no zombies, BUT, there are PIRATE DINOSAURS! Yes, you read correctly, I said PIRATE DINOSAURS! The book is titled Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. Someone will be getting a pretty sweet book when I'm through with it.
I am glad we get the chance to pick out a book for the kids we tutor because the books they have to read are horrible and boring. No wonder kids don't read or like to read anymore. School readers are doing a disservice. I wouldn't want to read about cows on a farm discussing what clothes they are going to wear to a party either. What the heck kind of book is that?!?!?! Give me pirates and creepy crawlys or flying over-sized cats and magic hats!
I would say my board game is pretty plain because we had to include certain things, but it does have a pirate ship and a dinosaur with a sword and a captain's hat. The sad thing is that I didn't want to pay a dollar for one stinking piece of unlined paper soooooooooo I cut up two pharmacy bags for white paper... hahahaha.
Speaking of pharmacy bags, it seems as though I didn't leave everything from Scotland behind. On the flights to and fro Scotland, both of my eardrums perforated due to a slight cold, altitude, and the resulting EXTREME PRESSURE. Now it is pretty difficult for me to hear anything. That, paired with my failing eyesight, has left me in a tight spot these days. I don't have to sleep with my earplug now though so that's pretty neat. I'm just waiting for the morning where I wake up to find one of my earplugs either in a nostril or between my toes! I do have hope that I will be able to make the flight to London in a month despite my ears and am on some intense meds and a strict regimen of pseudoephed.
I went on a walk over to the school today and found that the rowing team was out again! This time the boats were actual rowing boats and were not submerged with large oily engines. The weather is beautiful today but there are the odd rainy clouds with light showers and hail bursts. Weird as heck.
This next picture is for Stephanie, and for that matter anyone who either absolutely HATES or LOVES fairtrade coffee. I especially enjoy the lady (or child depending on how you look at it) in the hat. Just remember how I usually like my coffee... hahaha
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
COINCIDENCE? I think not!
24/2/2010
I just wanted to insert another WEIRD coincidence of the week. I was walking back from traditional dancing night at Monroe's on Tuesday and passed some very obnoxious Americans... one of which I knew! A fellow from my summer course at Georgetown was walking towards me!!! I could not believe it and leaped like a rabid animal at him.
Thank goodness he remembered me otherwise that would have been weird. Man, this is a small world!
On another note, at volunteering also on Tuesday, the heating had shut off in the buildings with the younger classes. We had only one student show up for homework club... there were five adults. I thought it was funny as last week had also been canceled for Fat Tuesday.
Tonight I went to inline hockey and enjoyed myself immensely despite my nasty coughing attacks and weak and feeble muscles. On the way home, we were stopped by an enthusiastic Canadian going to GMIT, "the other school," in town who had been looking for a team since he's been here. Poor guy's friends whisked him away when he found we were from NUI Galway. He's missing out!
This weekend will be a planning weekend for Easter break and Cork next weekend hopefully! "lick the Blarney stone... I dare you."
I just wanted to insert another WEIRD coincidence of the week. I was walking back from traditional dancing night at Monroe's on Tuesday and passed some very obnoxious Americans... one of which I knew! A fellow from my summer course at Georgetown was walking towards me!!! I could not believe it and leaped like a rabid animal at him.
Thank goodness he remembered me otherwise that would have been weird. Man, this is a small world!
On another note, at volunteering also on Tuesday, the heating had shut off in the buildings with the younger classes. We had only one student show up for homework club... there were five adults. I thought it was funny as last week had also been canceled for Fat Tuesday.
Tonight I went to inline hockey and enjoyed myself immensely despite my nasty coughing attacks and weak and feeble muscles. On the way home, we were stopped by an enthusiastic Canadian going to GMIT, "the other school," in town who had been looking for a team since he's been here. Poor guy's friends whisked him away when he found we were from NUI Galway. He's missing out!
This weekend will be a planning weekend for Easter break and Cork next weekend hopefully! "lick the Blarney stone... I dare you."
Monday, February 22, 2010
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND!!!
22/2/2010
This last Friday, I got up at 2:50AM to catch a bus and flight to Edinburgh, Scotland... BEST WEEKEND EVER!!! I started walking to the bus station when all of the drunk people were still walking home. This made for a great start of the trip; there is nothing like having a young man sing opera to you from a street corner.
I have been sick since our trip to Killarney a couple weeks back and did not have a fun flight to Scotland even though the scenery was beautiful and the flight was only one hour. The bus into the town proper was fun. We rode a double-decker bus through the birthplace of Harry Potter and it was wonderful.
The hostel is perfectly located, smack in between the Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. We shared a larger room with a couple different groups of girls and were delighted to find the warmest showers in town right down the hall. The kitchen and "family room" of the hostel was quite an experience with 60 or so other guests and an industrial gas stove. Too much fun.
We found out late in the trip that a cafe that we were told was the 'birthplace of Harry Potter,' to remain nameless, was an impostor. We found the original cafe on Sunday, but I will never forget the fake reputation that cafe proclaims. J.K. Rowling did write at many places and she may have here so I won't be too enraged. I do possess some pictures with this cafe that strengthen their fake reputation.
After the 'Harry Potter' (FAKE) cafe and a spot of lunch, we then walked down to the Holyrood Palace where the Queen stays when she is in town. There were many scenic places for fotos on the way down that overlooked the valley to new town that were spectacular. The Holyrood Palace (pronounced Holly-rude) was gorgeous and surrounded by the volcanic mountain and the new Parliament building that looking like bamboo is glued to the sides. We took advantage of the FREE audio guides and learned about assassinations, jealousy, and paintings that were very ugly. The palace has a church attached to it that has fallen into disrepair. It is now beautiful ruins with graves attached to the still functioning and upkept palace. the gardens were closed down for the winter which stunk.
To save a little money, we picked up some groceries and then went for an EPIC nap before cooking dinner and heading to the UNDERGROUND CITY TOUR (I am awesome at spotting pamphlets!).
The doppelganger of Doctor Who turned out to be our tour guide for one of the best parts of the trip. The tour was more based in the history of the town and the huge problems Edinburgh had with sewage, population control, living quarters, and the people in charge of the city. Long story short, no one lived outside the city walls built to keep out the English (not at all effective and kept the Scots in rather then the English out) and there were too many people than the city could hold so the people dug tunnels into the valley side under the buildings and etc. The sewage from above leaked into this living space which cut the life expectancy of a healthy adult male to 16 months.
Those living under the city tried to fix the sewage problem by putting straw down which only led to fires nearly on the hour. City and underground fires killed many people and have led to myths and urban legends that held true and are continuing as new tunnels are discovered and excavated. On the way out, we stood in front of a wall where a ceiling arch was evident. We were told that the city and nation have been nervous about exploring these tunnels because of the threat of terrorists and etc. We were told by 'Doctor Who' that they were given permission the day prior to open that specific vault. VERY COOL stuff. For this tour, we met outside St. Giles Cathedral and walked through specific areas and alleys and etc. to get the history of the town and to get to the tunnels. The tour company is owned by a rugby player whose name I forget at the moment. A great end to our first day.
The next day, we headed out early to a market at the bottom of the hill where the castle sits and had some of the best hot chocolate EVER. We walked around and bought fresh scones, porridge, and stared at still moving shrimp and babies on leashes disguised as a monkey. Then we headed back up the hill to the castle. We were beat up the stairs by a little french boy with a lot of energy.
The admission was worth every penny. Inside, I sat on a cannon, went through the Scottish War Museum, the Dragoon Museum, saw the oldest building in Edinburgh (a very old and very small chapel), the Royal jewels and quarters within the castle, saw a cannon shot off at 1pm, locked my friends in the castles dungeon, and had a great view.
After lunch, we went to the Scotch Whisky Experience (yes, that is the correct spelling) next to Edinburgh Castle. We enjoyed a ride in a barrel which gave us some info of the process of making whisky and then had a personal tasting and information session. Then we got to enter the late master blender's personal collection room. VERY COOL. We got to keep our glasses too!
Again, we headed back to make dinner and take a quick nap before crashing a pub crawl which one of our friends was attending with a friend from her home who was studying in Edinburgh. The live music was great (nothing like Galway, but what can you expect?) and the mix of people was definitely interesting. We met a German who was pushing seven feet tall and a neighbor boy to the Duluth Cleary's. My friend pointed out a guy who was from Minnesota. Naturally, I introduced myself to find out that this guy knew the Duluth Clearys well as he lived just down the road!
We had a great time and went to around six or so bars (including one called Frankenstein) before ending at a four level club called Espionage. The music was okay but the guys in costumes (one from Thundercats I might add) were slightly disturbing, so we left for hamburgers and the hostel.
Sunday, our last free day, we started off with the National Museum of Scotland which was a treat. I would have even paid admission if they required it! the museum was slightly disorganized and confusing but chock full of old and interesting stuff. I quite enjoyed the display of artifacts from Roman occupation, Dolly the sheep (who had been stuffed!), and the 'famous Scots' display. The viewing deck was closed which stunk, but we were definitely impressed.
THEN we went to the REAL birthplace of Harry Potter!!! The cafe was cute and the perfect place for J. K. to write about my husband Ron and his friends. Out of the rear windows, you can see both the Edinburgh Castle and a private school that had four towers... Very cool. The cafe was very active and concerned with Elephant rights too... interesting. wizards and elephants.
After not purchasing things at the HP cafe, we began our hunt for the traditional Scottish breakfast which led us to around six different places. I was starving as I had not eaten breakfast. My sour mood did not help and nearly triggered a violent reaction from me when a table of foreign men thought it would be funny to pretend to steal from my friend who was asking a question from the bar tender. Needless to say, I did not let them get away with this.
We did find a great place that did serve Scottish breakfast and were satisfied with our haggis. It really isn't bad. Other than the texture, I actually liked it. I would compare it to a heartier, and more gravy based cornbeef hash.
I spent the rest of the day with some of the girls in New Town on the other side of the valley at the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the National Gallery, and walking the shopping area.
We had an early bus this morning for our 8:25 AM flight back to Ireland, but the doubledecker made up for it again. Edinburgh 2010 was definitely a success!!!!!
This last Friday, I got up at 2:50AM to catch a bus and flight to Edinburgh, Scotland... BEST WEEKEND EVER!!! I started walking to the bus station when all of the drunk people were still walking home. This made for a great start of the trip; there is nothing like having a young man sing opera to you from a street corner.
I have been sick since our trip to Killarney a couple weeks back and did not have a fun flight to Scotland even though the scenery was beautiful and the flight was only one hour. The bus into the town proper was fun. We rode a double-decker bus through the birthplace of Harry Potter and it was wonderful.
The hostel is perfectly located, smack in between the Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. We shared a larger room with a couple different groups of girls and were delighted to find the warmest showers in town right down the hall. The kitchen and "family room" of the hostel was quite an experience with 60 or so other guests and an industrial gas stove. Too much fun.
We found out late in the trip that a cafe that we were told was the 'birthplace of Harry Potter,' to remain nameless, was an impostor. We found the original cafe on Sunday, but I will never forget the fake reputation that cafe proclaims. J.K. Rowling did write at many places and she may have here so I won't be too enraged. I do possess some pictures with this cafe that strengthen their fake reputation.
After the 'Harry Potter' (FAKE) cafe and a spot of lunch, we then walked down to the Holyrood Palace where the Queen stays when she is in town. There were many scenic places for fotos on the way down that overlooked the valley to new town that were spectacular. The Holyrood Palace (pronounced Holly-rude) was gorgeous and surrounded by the volcanic mountain and the new Parliament building that looking like bamboo is glued to the sides. We took advantage of the FREE audio guides and learned about assassinations, jealousy, and paintings that were very ugly. The palace has a church attached to it that has fallen into disrepair. It is now beautiful ruins with graves attached to the still functioning and upkept palace. the gardens were closed down for the winter which stunk.
To save a little money, we picked up some groceries and then went for an EPIC nap before cooking dinner and heading to the UNDERGROUND CITY TOUR (I am awesome at spotting pamphlets!).
The doppelganger of Doctor Who turned out to be our tour guide for one of the best parts of the trip. The tour was more based in the history of the town and the huge problems Edinburgh had with sewage, population control, living quarters, and the people in charge of the city. Long story short, no one lived outside the city walls built to keep out the English (not at all effective and kept the Scots in rather then the English out) and there were too many people than the city could hold so the people dug tunnels into the valley side under the buildings and etc. The sewage from above leaked into this living space which cut the life expectancy of a healthy adult male to 16 months.
Those living under the city tried to fix the sewage problem by putting straw down which only led to fires nearly on the hour. City and underground fires killed many people and have led to myths and urban legends that held true and are continuing as new tunnels are discovered and excavated. On the way out, we stood in front of a wall where a ceiling arch was evident. We were told that the city and nation have been nervous about exploring these tunnels because of the threat of terrorists and etc. We were told by 'Doctor Who' that they were given permission the day prior to open that specific vault. VERY COOL stuff. For this tour, we met outside St. Giles Cathedral and walked through specific areas and alleys and etc. to get the history of the town and to get to the tunnels. The tour company is owned by a rugby player whose name I forget at the moment. A great end to our first day.
The next day, we headed out early to a market at the bottom of the hill where the castle sits and had some of the best hot chocolate EVER. We walked around and bought fresh scones, porridge, and stared at still moving shrimp and babies on leashes disguised as a monkey. Then we headed back up the hill to the castle. We were beat up the stairs by a little french boy with a lot of energy.
The admission was worth every penny. Inside, I sat on a cannon, went through the Scottish War Museum, the Dragoon Museum, saw the oldest building in Edinburgh (a very old and very small chapel), the Royal jewels and quarters within the castle, saw a cannon shot off at 1pm, locked my friends in the castles dungeon, and had a great view.
After lunch, we went to the Scotch Whisky Experience (yes, that is the correct spelling) next to Edinburgh Castle. We enjoyed a ride in a barrel which gave us some info of the process of making whisky and then had a personal tasting and information session. Then we got to enter the late master blender's personal collection room. VERY COOL. We got to keep our glasses too!
Again, we headed back to make dinner and take a quick nap before crashing a pub crawl which one of our friends was attending with a friend from her home who was studying in Edinburgh. The live music was great (nothing like Galway, but what can you expect?) and the mix of people was definitely interesting. We met a German who was pushing seven feet tall and a neighbor boy to the Duluth Cleary's. My friend pointed out a guy who was from Minnesota. Naturally, I introduced myself to find out that this guy knew the Duluth Clearys well as he lived just down the road!
We had a great time and went to around six or so bars (including one called Frankenstein) before ending at a four level club called Espionage. The music was okay but the guys in costumes (one from Thundercats I might add) were slightly disturbing, so we left for hamburgers and the hostel.
Sunday, our last free day, we started off with the National Museum of Scotland which was a treat. I would have even paid admission if they required it! the museum was slightly disorganized and confusing but chock full of old and interesting stuff. I quite enjoyed the display of artifacts from Roman occupation, Dolly the sheep (who had been stuffed!), and the 'famous Scots' display. The viewing deck was closed which stunk, but we were definitely impressed.
THEN we went to the REAL birthplace of Harry Potter!!! The cafe was cute and the perfect place for J. K. to write about my husband Ron and his friends. Out of the rear windows, you can see both the Edinburgh Castle and a private school that had four towers... Very cool. The cafe was very active and concerned with Elephant rights too... interesting. wizards and elephants.
After not purchasing things at the HP cafe, we began our hunt for the traditional Scottish breakfast which led us to around six different places. I was starving as I had not eaten breakfast. My sour mood did not help and nearly triggered a violent reaction from me when a table of foreign men thought it would be funny to pretend to steal from my friend who was asking a question from the bar tender. Needless to say, I did not let them get away with this.
We did find a great place that did serve Scottish breakfast and were satisfied with our haggis. It really isn't bad. Other than the texture, I actually liked it. I would compare it to a heartier, and more gravy based cornbeef hash.
I spent the rest of the day with some of the girls in New Town on the other side of the valley at the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the National Gallery, and walking the shopping area.
We had an early bus this morning for our 8:25 AM flight back to Ireland, but the doubledecker made up for it again. Edinburgh 2010 was definitely a success!!!!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday
17/2/2010
It is Ash Wednesday, the day after Pancake Day here in Ireland, and I had no time to get to church today. The church bells were ringing all day as I sat in my five classes.
Yesterday I walked to the school where I volunteer to find the whole school shut down! I got in a nice walk yesterday as no one mentioned the schools close for Ash Wednesday and Fat Tuesday/Pancake Day.
THEN, after dinner, I dyed my hair brown! Exciting! Well, not for you, but I'm jazzed.
Tonight I headed back to the city inline hockey team practice. It was fun except I keep bruising the same spot on my arm. It is now a mountain of hurt.
I am heading to Scotland on Friday morning at 3:30 AM so wish me luck.
It is Ash Wednesday, the day after Pancake Day here in Ireland, and I had no time to get to church today. The church bells were ringing all day as I sat in my five classes.
Yesterday I walked to the school where I volunteer to find the whole school shut down! I got in a nice walk yesterday as no one mentioned the schools close for Ash Wednesday and Fat Tuesday/Pancake Day.
THEN, after dinner, I dyed my hair brown! Exciting! Well, not for you, but I'm jazzed.
Tonight I headed back to the city inline hockey team practice. It was fun except I keep bruising the same spot on my arm. It is now a mountain of hurt.
I am heading to Scotland on Friday morning at 3:30 AM so wish me luck.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Valentine's Day: the only day where you can walk down Shop Street safely
15/2/2010
Yes, it is the day after Valentine’s Day, but believe it or not, I had a great day! I caught up on all my homework and then had a very “romantical” dinner at a Tex-Mex restaurant on Shop Street. The food was really great and not as expensive as all of the other Valentine’s Day menus about.
The Olympics are on. Very cool. I bet we take Canada down this year. I’ll bet Monopoly dollars, but nothing else. I am getting ready for my Scotland trip at the end of this week so I bet I’ll be Googling tons of stuff. I’ll take some ibuprophen so my fingers don’t ache.
Yes, it is the day after Valentine’s Day, but believe it or not, I had a great day! I caught up on all my homework and then had a very “romantical” dinner at a Tex-Mex restaurant on Shop Street. The food was really great and not as expensive as all of the other Valentine’s Day menus about.
The Olympics are on. Very cool. I bet we take Canada down this year. I’ll bet Monopoly dollars, but nothing else. I am getting ready for my Scotland trip at the end of this week so I bet I’ll be Googling tons of stuff. I’ll take some ibuprophen so my fingers don’t ache.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
11/2/2010
This week I volunteered again and so far haven’t done as much homework as I should have. It does little to motivate me if, as a professor, you have only two assignments for the course and then tell the international students that they don’t have to do the first one. The first assignment I’ve had to turn in (besides German), I am turning in today… I’ve been here for over a month and a half. German doesn’t even count though. We meet five times a week on four days. Yes, that means on one day we meet twice. I thought there would be no possible way that I could dislike German more, but Ireland has found it. 2adays.
Last night I went to the city inline hockey team and had the best time ever. A couple of us had to take the bus up there but it was worth it. I have been to scared to do anything without elbow pads or breezers. My skates were not meant for inline and because of this, I am afraid to fall. The other people have real skates and that makes me sad and jealous beyond woooooooooords. It is so much fun to be back out there. It’s not as intense as normal hockey and I am held back by my equipment but it is tons of fun. The people are great and really get into it.
This week I volunteered again and so far haven’t done as much homework as I should have. It does little to motivate me if, as a professor, you have only two assignments for the course and then tell the international students that they don’t have to do the first one. The first assignment I’ve had to turn in (besides German), I am turning in today… I’ve been here for over a month and a half. German doesn’t even count though. We meet five times a week on four days. Yes, that means on one day we meet twice. I thought there would be no possible way that I could dislike German more, but Ireland has found it. 2adays.
Last night I went to the city inline hockey team and had the best time ever. A couple of us had to take the bus up there but it was worth it. I have been to scared to do anything without elbow pads or breezers. My skates were not meant for inline and because of this, I am afraid to fall. The other people have real skates and that makes me sad and jealous beyond woooooooooords. It is so much fun to be back out there. It’s not as intense as normal hockey and I am held back by my equipment but it is tons of fun. The people are great and really get into it.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Killarney and the Ring of Kerry
7/2/2010
This Friday we finally jumped the bus to the long awaited Killarney/ Ring of Kerry excursion. I was nervous about the buses but they were really easy to navigate and we arrived in Killarney and were booked in our hostel and for the Ring tour by 4pm.
We then took a walk around the area and checked out a church and the college in town before picking up things to fix for dinner.
We headed to a pub near the bus station to wait for the rest of the group to arrive. Half of the group was told to get off at a wrong stop along the way so we were very relieved when everyone made it.
After everyone was checked in, we headed out for the night and heard some amazing trad music and then moved on to another bar with an AMAZING cover band and eventually ANOTHER pub with the best cover band I have EVER heard. They played every single one of my favorite bands.
After all that we entered a nightclub in the back of the last pub where I recommend everyone who breathes to go. There were laser beams and FAKE SNOW! YES, I SAID FAKE SNOW. It was glorious. All this made for a LATE night and a long next morning.
We got up early for the Ring of Kerry tour and were sad to see tons of fog. I was really sad but the sun came up and BAM it was a beautiful day. 60 degrees and blindingly sunny!
Just like everyone says, the Ring of Kerry tour really is a must do if you're ever in Ireland. There is a tower that monks built around 200 or 300 feet high that was built to evade the attacking Vikings. It has a door twenty feet up which the monks reach by climbing a rope. INTENSE. There is also an island where more monks built their home after cutting footholds into its sheer rock face where two tourists died last year. It can only be reached in the most perfect weather conditions.
We also drove through Daniel O'Connell's hometown which was really amazing. My Ireland in the 19th course revolves around the unification and O'Connell's leadership role in it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_O%27Connell). WE later drove by the home he spent the end of his life at. It was really neat to see a little of what I have been studying in the flesh... or rather stone? His home town has tons of monuments and a church that is dedicated to him instead of a saint which is a BIG deal.
We drove on the side of a mountain nearly all day and chased sheep at a couple beautiful stops. We also stopped in the city where Charlie Chaplin regularly vacationed and walked on the beach for an hour. The water was beautiful and the waves really made me want to run in for a dip.
After lunch we drove to a ring fort that overlooked yet another amazing view splattered with sheep and got a little sunburned. I would just like to interject that I violently twitch and freak out when we drive past a CASTLE and the tour guide SAYS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
We finished the trip by driving through the Killarney National Park that we were going to visit later and saw some wild goats and learned about the estate near Killarney that has Ross Castle in it.
We went out again that night and listened to trad music at yet another amazing place and danced like maniacs in the club (without fake snow this time) until they kicked us out. These towns have a definite drought in women, my friends and I accounted for 95% of the female population in the place no strike that the whole town. There were ten in total on the weekend trip.
This morning we packed up and headed over to the national park which was beautiful and green, green, green. Ross castle was only a mile walk through the park which took no time. On the way we ran into five deer. The castle was HUGE and amazing. It is built on a side of rocks right on a river where a rowing team was practicing and a bunch of swans were swimming. I decided it was a good idea to climb the side of the castle and sit on a rock ledge. It was great until I saw how high I had gone and remembered that I am afraid of heights... yikes. The view was beautiful though. We took the long way back to the hostel to check out.
This weekend I had moments where I would feel a surge of overwhelming happiness about my Ireland adventure. They made me feel even better about flying over for school. The town was PERFECT, the music was AMAZING,and I really had a good time getting to know a couple of the girls better too. It could not have been better in any way. There were even hot showers. No lie.
I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything.
I am going to try playing with the city inline hockey team this week which I am looking forward to. Also planning a trip to Scotland, Cork, and Belfast!
This Friday we finally jumped the bus to the long awaited Killarney/ Ring of Kerry excursion. I was nervous about the buses but they were really easy to navigate and we arrived in Killarney and were booked in our hostel and for the Ring tour by 4pm.
We then took a walk around the area and checked out a church and the college in town before picking up things to fix for dinner.
We headed to a pub near the bus station to wait for the rest of the group to arrive. Half of the group was told to get off at a wrong stop along the way so we were very relieved when everyone made it.
After everyone was checked in, we headed out for the night and heard some amazing trad music and then moved on to another bar with an AMAZING cover band and eventually ANOTHER pub with the best cover band I have EVER heard. They played every single one of my favorite bands.
After all that we entered a nightclub in the back of the last pub where I recommend everyone who breathes to go. There were laser beams and FAKE SNOW! YES, I SAID FAKE SNOW. It was glorious. All this made for a LATE night and a long next morning.
We got up early for the Ring of Kerry tour and were sad to see tons of fog. I was really sad but the sun came up and BAM it was a beautiful day. 60 degrees and blindingly sunny!
Just like everyone says, the Ring of Kerry tour really is a must do if you're ever in Ireland. There is a tower that monks built around 200 or 300 feet high that was built to evade the attacking Vikings. It has a door twenty feet up which the monks reach by climbing a rope. INTENSE. There is also an island where more monks built their home after cutting footholds into its sheer rock face where two tourists died last year. It can only be reached in the most perfect weather conditions.
We also drove through Daniel O'Connell's hometown which was really amazing. My Ireland in the 19th course revolves around the unification and O'Connell's leadership role in it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_O%27Connell). WE later drove by the home he spent the end of his life at. It was really neat to see a little of what I have been studying in the flesh... or rather stone? His home town has tons of monuments and a church that is dedicated to him instead of a saint which is a BIG deal.
We drove on the side of a mountain nearly all day and chased sheep at a couple beautiful stops. We also stopped in the city where Charlie Chaplin regularly vacationed and walked on the beach for an hour. The water was beautiful and the waves really made me want to run in for a dip.
After lunch we drove to a ring fort that overlooked yet another amazing view splattered with sheep and got a little sunburned. I would just like to interject that I violently twitch and freak out when we drive past a CASTLE and the tour guide SAYS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
We finished the trip by driving through the Killarney National Park that we were going to visit later and saw some wild goats and learned about the estate near Killarney that has Ross Castle in it.
We went out again that night and listened to trad music at yet another amazing place and danced like maniacs in the club (without fake snow this time) until they kicked us out. These towns have a definite drought in women, my friends and I accounted for 95% of the female population in the place no strike that the whole town. There were ten in total on the weekend trip.
This morning we packed up and headed over to the national park which was beautiful and green, green, green. Ross castle was only a mile walk through the park which took no time. On the way we ran into five deer. The castle was HUGE and amazing. It is built on a side of rocks right on a river where a rowing team was practicing and a bunch of swans were swimming. I decided it was a good idea to climb the side of the castle and sit on a rock ledge. It was great until I saw how high I had gone and remembered that I am afraid of heights... yikes. The view was beautiful though. We took the long way back to the hostel to check out.
This weekend I had moments where I would feel a surge of overwhelming happiness about my Ireland adventure. They made me feel even better about flying over for school. The town was PERFECT, the music was AMAZING,and I really had a good time getting to know a couple of the girls better too. It could not have been better in any way. There were even hot showers. No lie.
I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything.
I am going to try playing with the city inline hockey team this week which I am looking forward to. Also planning a trip to Scotland, Cork, and Belfast!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"Rowing Team" My Rear
4/2/2010
I forgot last week to write about the funniest thing I've seen in ages, or to get a picture of it. Dang. You'll still appreciate it now soooooo
I was walking to school last week and crossed the bridge over the river that has a million tires and umbrellas in it every morning only to discover that the Rowing Team which has a sign posted by the road actually existed... and it wasn't pretty. As I crossed the bridge, I first saw to guys who had taken out a boat and were working on the engine with the rear of the boat off the ramp already.
On second look, the rear of the boat WAS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER AND THE GUYS WERE TRYING TO GET THE ENGINE OFF. I laughed the loudest laugh ever... and I was walking by myself so it made it funnier. Anyways, the "Rowing Team" looked pretty amateur and in trouble deep to boot.
What did not surprise me was the oil leaking into the river from the engine. Everything here is VERY polluted and gross. I don't understand a place that is so keen on two minute showers and regulated energy that then profusely pollutes and does not pick it up. We may use more energy in America, but we do pick up after ourselves. There are islands of floating trash in a river/creek two kitchen table widths... I just don't get it.
On another note, I registered with the GARDA on Monday and am officially allowed to stay in Ireland for study. Good thing I took a cab to get there after having walked around the area this weekend to find it. Directions in Ireland, even on paper, are equivalent to someone standing up and throwing a general direction and some scattered street names your way. What they don't tell you when you get here is that buildings rarely have assigned numbers or lie on a direct road. For instance, my apartment address has two street names attached to it and no numbers other then my apartment number. ADVENTURES.
On Tuesday, I volunteered at the primary school again and had a great time with some young gentlemen and a girl. I think their "joined writing" could beat mine.
I have a rescheduled inline hockey session tonight so let's hope it goes better than last time. Surprisingly, Major bruises just aren't my thing. Speaking of bruises, I have finally been able to get Supernatural to work on my computer and am rediscovering all the beautiful one-liners. I never have time during the day to watch anything, but I cackle uproariously by myself in my room while my flatmates watch smut tv. It's a beautiful thing.
Some friends and I bought tickets for Killarney and the Ring of Kerry this weekend so I hope we don't miss our buses.
I forgot last week to write about the funniest thing I've seen in ages, or to get a picture of it. Dang. You'll still appreciate it now soooooo
I was walking to school last week and crossed the bridge over the river that has a million tires and umbrellas in it every morning only to discover that the Rowing Team which has a sign posted by the road actually existed... and it wasn't pretty. As I crossed the bridge, I first saw to guys who had taken out a boat and were working on the engine with the rear of the boat off the ramp already.
On second look, the rear of the boat WAS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER AND THE GUYS WERE TRYING TO GET THE ENGINE OFF. I laughed the loudest laugh ever... and I was walking by myself so it made it funnier. Anyways, the "Rowing Team" looked pretty amateur and in trouble deep to boot.
What did not surprise me was the oil leaking into the river from the engine. Everything here is VERY polluted and gross. I don't understand a place that is so keen on two minute showers and regulated energy that then profusely pollutes and does not pick it up. We may use more energy in America, but we do pick up after ourselves. There are islands of floating trash in a river/creek two kitchen table widths... I just don't get it.
On another note, I registered with the GARDA on Monday and am officially allowed to stay in Ireland for study. Good thing I took a cab to get there after having walked around the area this weekend to find it. Directions in Ireland, even on paper, are equivalent to someone standing up and throwing a general direction and some scattered street names your way. What they don't tell you when you get here is that buildings rarely have assigned numbers or lie on a direct road. For instance, my apartment address has two street names attached to it and no numbers other then my apartment number. ADVENTURES.
On Tuesday, I volunteered at the primary school again and had a great time with some young gentlemen and a girl. I think their "joined writing" could beat mine.
I have a rescheduled inline hockey session tonight so let's hope it goes better than last time. Surprisingly, Major bruises just aren't my thing. Speaking of bruises, I have finally been able to get Supernatural to work on my computer and am rediscovering all the beautiful one-liners. I never have time during the day to watch anything, but I cackle uproariously by myself in my room while my flatmates watch smut tv. It's a beautiful thing.
Some friends and I bought tickets for Killarney and the Ring of Kerry this weekend so I hope we don't miss our buses.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Dancing at Monroe's
28-1-10
I would first like to point out the date. Tomorrow, it will have been a month since Mary and I sat on a plane on our way to Dublin... whoa.
This morning I woke up to my mother's text informing me that I had missed the State of the Union this morning at 2am... they'll probably play it today then. That, or I'll youtube it. I hope he followed through on his statements about increase spending in education.
Tuesday I volunteered for the first time at a homework club for a primary school. I was scared as we walked to the door, but the kids were great and I really enjoyed myself. I haven't really worked with any kids since open skate back in high school so I felt I might be out of practice. All I have to say is thank you Quintin, Shane, and Finnian! I worked with two fellows of 6 and 7 and had the best time. I did get nervous because they were doing timetables and all of a sudden I could not remember 7x8 for the life of me! The whole time I was just hoping they wouldn't ask me. Don't worry, I remembered shortly thereafter. It'll be a short nice walk for me on Tuesday afternoons. Hooray for community involvement!
Wednesday was Australian Day which I found out is a big deal for students around here. I personally think students here just like an excuse to go crazy like they do every other night. A group of us decided to have a more calmer night and headed to Monroe's. We walked in and were disappointed that the regular stand tables had been removed. We found out later that they were moved so that people could do Irish dancing to the band who was playing.
COOLEST thing ever. There were couples of varying ages and a mom and daughter couple. Mom, if you were there, you would probably have gone crazy if none of us danced with you! The girls had to hold me in my seat. The partners whipped each other around while clogging and joined in group dancing at parts too. I found that the older gentlemen were the best dancers. The guy in the white shirt was the best though.
Later we headed over to Roisin Dubh to some great music and a VERY different crowd. We headed upstairs after a bit into what I call "the Mary room." They played all the music Mary loves which was great dance music. The people watching was off the charts. I decided men with bob haircuts either make me cackle loudly or are ironically very handsome, unless they had pencil mustaches... which left about two. HAHAHAHA I think I was the ONLY American there.
Then to round out the night, on my way back to my apartment, and in front of a very busy fast-food place, a young guy started talking to me as if he were Mr. Glass. I nearly DIED. I just stared for a bit and then started laughing as he and his friend started to wrestle WWE style. I laughed all the way home.
Inline hockey tomorrow night and hopefully I can get to the town museum in the afternoon tomorrow or Saturday.
I would first like to point out the date. Tomorrow, it will have been a month since Mary and I sat on a plane on our way to Dublin... whoa.
This morning I woke up to my mother's text informing me that I had missed the State of the Union this morning at 2am... they'll probably play it today then. That, or I'll youtube it. I hope he followed through on his statements about increase spending in education.
Tuesday I volunteered for the first time at a homework club for a primary school. I was scared as we walked to the door, but the kids were great and I really enjoyed myself. I haven't really worked with any kids since open skate back in high school so I felt I might be out of practice. All I have to say is thank you Quintin, Shane, and Finnian! I worked with two fellows of 6 and 7 and had the best time. I did get nervous because they were doing timetables and all of a sudden I could not remember 7x8 for the life of me! The whole time I was just hoping they wouldn't ask me. Don't worry, I remembered shortly thereafter. It'll be a short nice walk for me on Tuesday afternoons. Hooray for community involvement!
Wednesday was Australian Day which I found out is a big deal for students around here. I personally think students here just like an excuse to go crazy like they do every other night. A group of us decided to have a more calmer night and headed to Monroe's. We walked in and were disappointed that the regular stand tables had been removed. We found out later that they were moved so that people could do Irish dancing to the band who was playing.
COOLEST thing ever. There were couples of varying ages and a mom and daughter couple. Mom, if you were there, you would probably have gone crazy if none of us danced with you! The girls had to hold me in my seat. The partners whipped each other around while clogging and joined in group dancing at parts too. I found that the older gentlemen were the best dancers. The guy in the white shirt was the best though.
Later we headed over to Roisin Dubh to some great music and a VERY different crowd. We headed upstairs after a bit into what I call "the Mary room." They played all the music Mary loves which was great dance music. The people watching was off the charts. I decided men with bob haircuts either make me cackle loudly or are ironically very handsome, unless they had pencil mustaches... which left about two. HAHAHAHA I think I was the ONLY American there.
Then to round out the night, on my way back to my apartment, and in front of a very busy fast-food place, a young guy started talking to me as if he were Mr. Glass. I nearly DIED. I just stared for a bit and then started laughing as he and his friend started to wrestle WWE style. I laughed all the way home.
Inline hockey tomorrow night and hopefully I can get to the town museum in the afternoon tomorrow or Saturday.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reservoir Dogs the play
26/1/2010 Reservoir Dogs (Play) MURRAY VS. NADAL (Australian Open)
Last night two of the girls and I went to Galway Town Hall Theater to see Reservoir Dogs, the play. I did not really think about it, even after I bought the ticket, until sitting in the lounge before the show started. Were they going to fail horribly? What is the stage going to be like? I had not been to a play in FOREVER.
The last play I went to was freshmen year of college and I couldn’t tell you what the name of it was!
Turns out, the stage was as large as two of my house’s living rooms with two groups of props in front of seats which were equivalent to one set of bleachers at Alexander Park (number of seats and size). I freaked out for a couple seconds… WHAT IN THE HECK. I thought it was going to be like amateurs beatnik-ing around for hours on end interpretive dancing out the movie.
But do not worry, the show was awesome. Although it was slow at times, the actors were great and Mr. Blonde was AMAZING. He nailed the mannerisms and dance scene perfectly. I didn’t like one actor though, his lines consisted of yelling everything all the time and always sounded like he was just about to forget the lines.
All in all it was a great experience.
This morning I am watching the much anticipated Australian Open quarterfinal between Nadal and Murray… EXCITING. I really don’t know who to cheer for. Nadal doesn’t look like he’s in tip top shape. But Murray has always been my favorite underdog. I would go berserk if I was playing a sport and camera guys stuck cameras in my face when I was resting.
I am trying to get to the French Open the week directly before my flight home in June.
Maybe I can see Murray in Scotland if that doesn’t work out?
Last night two of the girls and I went to Galway Town Hall Theater to see Reservoir Dogs, the play. I did not really think about it, even after I bought the ticket, until sitting in the lounge before the show started. Were they going to fail horribly? What is the stage going to be like? I had not been to a play in FOREVER.
The last play I went to was freshmen year of college and I couldn’t tell you what the name of it was!
Turns out, the stage was as large as two of my house’s living rooms with two groups of props in front of seats which were equivalent to one set of bleachers at Alexander Park (number of seats and size). I freaked out for a couple seconds… WHAT IN THE HECK. I thought it was going to be like amateurs beatnik-ing around for hours on end interpretive dancing out the movie.
But do not worry, the show was awesome. Although it was slow at times, the actors were great and Mr. Blonde was AMAZING. He nailed the mannerisms and dance scene perfectly. I didn’t like one actor though, his lines consisted of yelling everything all the time and always sounded like he was just about to forget the lines.
All in all it was a great experience.
This morning I am watching the much anticipated Australian Open quarterfinal between Nadal and Murray… EXCITING. I really don’t know who to cheer for. Nadal doesn’t look like he’s in tip top shape. But Murray has always been my favorite underdog. I would go berserk if I was playing a sport and camera guys stuck cameras in my face when I was resting.
I am trying to get to the French Open the week directly before my flight home in June.
Maybe I can see Murray in Scotland if that doesn’t work out?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Volunteering
23-1-2010
I started my Literacy Service Learning class this week and am starting to understand why a ton of my friends are education majors… IT’S FUN. Along with our class, we are required to volunteer at a homework club here in Galway. That is what first attracted me to the class. I wanted to get involved in the town and thought it would be great to tutor.
I was fortunate enough to hear back from a homework club early this week and am looking forward to meeting Irish primary students. I hope I can still do long division… heck, maybe they can tutor me!
This morning I walked to Russia and back trying to find the school so I hope I can get exact directions before Tuesday. Everything here is “straight over the roundabout on the left a ways.” Can you define a ways? And there is no “straight” across the roundabout! GAGH!
Hey, a little/lot of exercise never hurt anybody.
I went to hockey again last night and was shocked to see the number of students that showed up… we’re moving up in this world! It was fun but it could have been better if they would quit making us play girls vs. girls. Nearly all of the girls are beginners. One ran into me because she couldn’t stop/ change directions, and I went flying and now have major sticky-outy bruises all over my arms and a huge, black pinky finger to boot. I feel at home once again.
I am planning a trip to Killarney two weekends from now that will be an adventure. I could work at a travel agency upon repatriation!
I started my Literacy Service Learning class this week and am starting to understand why a ton of my friends are education majors… IT’S FUN. Along with our class, we are required to volunteer at a homework club here in Galway. That is what first attracted me to the class. I wanted to get involved in the town and thought it would be great to tutor.
I was fortunate enough to hear back from a homework club early this week and am looking forward to meeting Irish primary students. I hope I can still do long division… heck, maybe they can tutor me!
This morning I walked to Russia and back trying to find the school so I hope I can get exact directions before Tuesday. Everything here is “straight over the roundabout on the left a ways.” Can you define a ways? And there is no “straight” across the roundabout! GAGH!
Hey, a little/lot of exercise never hurt anybody.
I went to hockey again last night and was shocked to see the number of students that showed up… we’re moving up in this world! It was fun but it could have been better if they would quit making us play girls vs. girls. Nearly all of the girls are beginners. One ran into me because she couldn’t stop/ change directions, and I went flying and now have major sticky-outy bruises all over my arms and a huge, black pinky finger to boot. I feel at home once again.
I am planning a trip to Killarney two weekends from now that will be an adventure. I could work at a travel agency upon repatriation!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Inline Hockey, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey day trip, and around Galway
17/1/2010
This weekend was jam packed with activities.
Earlier in the week I found out that I was going to have friends in town this weekend and planned a trip through Connemara and Kylemore Abbey for everyone. Mary and I had been trying to get to Kylemore Abbey, but the weather was so horrible that the tour company canceled Mary's tour.
On Tuesday, Mary and I went to club fair at school where I signed up for INLINE HOCKEY. People were rollerblading around and shooting pucks... I almost screamed with excitement. The table had hockey skates on it as well but the tablers said that the temporary ice was leaving town... sad. BUT I SIGNED UP ANYWAYS.
On Friday, I went to practice at the new sports facility and had the best time EVER. My friend was coming into town during practice but I just couldn't miss out.
We went through a couple drills and tried to learn how to stop and started a game. I never really learned how to stop during the drills so I nearly killed myself but it was okay. I met tons of great people and ripped up my feet and legs because the skate boots are insane, but it was the best time I've had in a while.
After practice, I met up with my friends in my sweaty sweatpant outfit in a bar and got the weirdest looks from the bouncers... priceless. We then headed to an Erasmus student party. Since Erasmus students are strictly European exchange students, it was interesting to be the ONLY Americans there... culture shock if I've ever felt one.
Saturday we woke up nice and early to hop on the bus for Connemara (16/1/2010). Lally Bus Tours has the best drivers EVER. Ours was great and cracked jokes throughout his in depth tour of the area. I think I'm an expert on Connemara ponies, films shot in the area, and sheep of course.
No one besides our group of 16 was on the bus so we had a great time. Our tea stop in a small town that was one of the spots for the movie The Fields was great. It was right on Ireland's only fjord where they net for muscles. Definitely a sight to see.
The Kylemore Abbey, built by Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret, was amazing and beautiful. The Abbey, the garden, and the church Henry built in memory of his wife, was purchased by Benedictine Nuns who had to flee Belgium during WWII and has operated as a school. The school will close after next year so the Nuns will be able to focus on fixing up the garden and abbey for tourists.
The church was amazing and the views are something I will not forget. The garden was HUGE and amazing. Pictures gave you an idea of the progress the Nuns have made since they purchased it and what it looked like originally.
We drove home along the coast by the town where the ferry Mary and I took leaves for the Aran Islands. A great view.
This morning, my Semester at Georgetown friend, her roommate, and I went for a full Irish breakfast before walking around town. I was SO full.
We walked around town again starting with the dock area at the Spanish Arch and then to NUI Galway, the Cathedral, then to Columbus' church, the Barnacle house, Lynch's window, and then back to the apartment. A great end to a busy weekend.
I hope next weekend will be just as fun!
This weekend was jam packed with activities.
Earlier in the week I found out that I was going to have friends in town this weekend and planned a trip through Connemara and Kylemore Abbey for everyone. Mary and I had been trying to get to Kylemore Abbey, but the weather was so horrible that the tour company canceled Mary's tour.
On Tuesday, Mary and I went to club fair at school where I signed up for INLINE HOCKEY. People were rollerblading around and shooting pucks... I almost screamed with excitement. The table had hockey skates on it as well but the tablers said that the temporary ice was leaving town... sad. BUT I SIGNED UP ANYWAYS.
On Friday, I went to practice at the new sports facility and had the best time EVER. My friend was coming into town during practice but I just couldn't miss out.
We went through a couple drills and tried to learn how to stop and started a game. I never really learned how to stop during the drills so I nearly killed myself but it was okay. I met tons of great people and ripped up my feet and legs because the skate boots are insane, but it was the best time I've had in a while.
After practice, I met up with my friends in my sweaty sweatpant outfit in a bar and got the weirdest looks from the bouncers... priceless. We then headed to an Erasmus student party. Since Erasmus students are strictly European exchange students, it was interesting to be the ONLY Americans there... culture shock if I've ever felt one.
Saturday we woke up nice and early to hop on the bus for Connemara (16/1/2010). Lally Bus Tours has the best drivers EVER. Ours was great and cracked jokes throughout his in depth tour of the area. I think I'm an expert on Connemara ponies, films shot in the area, and sheep of course.
No one besides our group of 16 was on the bus so we had a great time. Our tea stop in a small town that was one of the spots for the movie The Fields was great. It was right on Ireland's only fjord where they net for muscles. Definitely a sight to see.
The Kylemore Abbey, built by Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret, was amazing and beautiful. The Abbey, the garden, and the church Henry built in memory of his wife, was purchased by Benedictine Nuns who had to flee Belgium during WWII and has operated as a school. The school will close after next year so the Nuns will be able to focus on fixing up the garden and abbey for tourists.
The church was amazing and the views are something I will not forget. The garden was HUGE and amazing. Pictures gave you an idea of the progress the Nuns have made since they purchased it and what it looked like originally.
We drove home along the coast by the town where the ferry Mary and I took leaves for the Aran Islands. A great view.
This morning, my Semester at Georgetown friend, her roommate, and I went for a full Irish breakfast before walking around town. I was SO full.
We walked around town again starting with the dock area at the Spanish Arch and then to NUI Galway, the Cathedral, then to Columbus' church, the Barnacle house, Lynch's window, and then back to the apartment. A great end to a busy weekend.
I hope next weekend will be just as fun!
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