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

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."

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!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

"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.