Wow, I can't believe in 3 days I am going to be on a plane home. It's been such an amazing experience and I'm sorry I haven't posted more often but at the end of the day all I want to do is lay in my bed and sleep.
It's been an eventful couple of days that have all been fun. This past weekend a small group of us went to Cork for the night and stayed in a hostel. That was my first experience with a hostel and it was nice but I would much rather stay in a cheap hotel. It was clean and safe but I don't know, something about a stranger having the possibility of staying in your room is strange. Anyways, we arrived really early in the morning so we were able to go around town and get some shopping done :) Mom and Dad, I'm sorry if I spent to much but I don't think that I did personally...I had saved up all my "me" money for two amazing purchases that have nothing to do with Ireland but I had to have them haha. On that buying note it has been really hard to souvenir shop here. I knew what I was going to get my girlfriends and parents but I have not been able to find anything really good for Danny, I know he wants a celtic cross but all the ones I find just aren't right, there really are not "authentic" Irish shops around here which is kind of disappointing. And Andrew James, don't even get me started, you are impossible to shop for, my present to you might just have to be that I'm coming home finally :)
But back to Cork. So we shopped and had dinner at a nice place, and we went to the oldest pub in Cork City itself, and they had live music which was cool. Towards the later end of the night we made our way to a supposed to be club called Society. And it was a club and there were people there but it just so happened that we came on a pretty good night. The music they played was all eighties, "Dancing Queen", "Wanna Dance with Somebody", "Summer of 69", "Jump Around". It was so fun just dancing around not caring what you looked like, singing at the top of your lungs.
The next day was slow to start but we eventually made our way to Blarney Castle which was a beautiful sight. The castle itself is gorgeous and a lot of it is still intact, even on of the fireplaces of the great hall. We also went into the dungeon and cave of the grounds. But kissing the stone was probably the most memorable. You had to wait in line throughout the castle to get to it so it was convenient because we got to see the whole castle and look into each of the rooms. Once we got to the top I was a little nervous. Not because of the height or the chance of falling but because we had all heard rumors that people pee on the Blarney stone. Yeah, that made me think twice about it, but then I figured, what the hell, I could use the gift of gab. So we slathered on the lip gloss and took the plunge, it was amazing.
We spent the rest of the weekend trying to catch up on all our school work and sleep. That is one of the things that I can't wait for, to sleep in my own bed.
Excited to see everyone!!! Love you all, see you in 3 days :)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 16
Wow, I can't believe that tomorrow I will be in the single digits of this trip coming to an end. It has gone by so so fast. But anyways, yesterday we went to the pub that was used in the making of "P.S. I love You", it was called Whelans and it was pretty cool. The atmosphere was very relaxed and they had live music with a different artist every half an hour. The drinks were cheap too so that is always a plus :)
Today we had class outside which was amazing, the weather here really has been on our side. It hasn't rained very much which is odd for Ireland, I blame global warming. But today was warm and sunny and on all of our day trips it has always been nice. I'm thankful. Also today we meant with an artist who works with art that is outside of the canvas. His area is of maps and creating images that make a landscape. He gave us assignments to work on around a part of Dublin called "the Liberties" so that was interesting. My groups task was to eavesdrop on random peoples conversations. He made a note on our paper to be discreet and respectful :). But we heard some random and different conversations, one was a group of lawyers discussing an upcoming case, another was a group of old men discussing that South African wine is the best there is and that water should only be used for washing ones hands. I thought that was pretty insightful haha.
We also went to dinner at the oldest pub in Dublin, The Brazen Head. Supposedly it came into business in the year 1128. They knew what was important back then I guess.
Staying in tonight to read and get things put together for Cork this weekend hopefully! Hope everything is going well over there in Niles. Love you all!
P.S. my computer is refusing to let me put pictures up so hopefully it starts behaving soon, and pictures will be updated!!
Today we had class outside which was amazing, the weather here really has been on our side. It hasn't rained very much which is odd for Ireland, I blame global warming. But today was warm and sunny and on all of our day trips it has always been nice. I'm thankful. Also today we meant with an artist who works with art that is outside of the canvas. His area is of maps and creating images that make a landscape. He gave us assignments to work on around a part of Dublin called "the Liberties" so that was interesting. My groups task was to eavesdrop on random peoples conversations. He made a note on our paper to be discreet and respectful :). But we heard some random and different conversations, one was a group of lawyers discussing an upcoming case, another was a group of old men discussing that South African wine is the best there is and that water should only be used for washing ones hands. I thought that was pretty insightful haha.
We also went to dinner at the oldest pub in Dublin, The Brazen Head. Supposedly it came into business in the year 1128. They knew what was important back then I guess.
Staying in tonight to read and get things put together for Cork this weekend hopefully! Hope everything is going well over there in Niles. Love you all!
P.S. my computer is refusing to let me put pictures up so hopefully it starts behaving soon, and pictures will be updated!!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Finally back!
Oh my gosh I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted! I have literally lost track of the time and the days and already I'm going to be home in 12 of them. Unbelievable. Anyways, this past weekend we went to Galway and it was amazing, though I must say that I missed Dublin quite a bit, mostly because the place that we stayed at was very creepy but the places we went were amazing.
The first day we went on a day trip to the Aran Island and Inis Mor and it was so beautiful. We spent the entire day riding bikes around the island seeing all of the beautiful sights and taking in everything. Since the island is an island one of my favorite smells was all around me, the ocean. I had forgotten how much I loved that smell. We biked up to Dun Aonghasa which was a cliff there and it was AMAZING! Oh my gosh I could have sat there all day and just relaxed watching the ocean. Have you ever had that? Been to a place where you didn't need any technology, book, chair, or anything, you could just sit there with nothing but the scenery. We went to the very edge of the cliff, not on our feet though we crawled there on our stomachs and looked over, wow. The drop was so far but it was cool seeing it up close. It was wonderful and I'm glad that I got to experience it. We also found a sweater shop that sold authentic wool sweaters. I really really wanted one but I HATE wool so I thought I should better spend the money elsewhere, which I did, on TOM shoes :)
The next day we went to the Cliffs of Moher and it was incredible. One of the most amazing sights that I have ever seen and probably will ever see. They were breathtaking and I hope that I was able to capture it and do it justice but I don't think that I or anyone ever could. I even went past the point of "Do not Pass" and "In memory of those who have fallen from the cliff". It was scary but so worth seeing the cliffs from an unprotected spot. I even kind of went to the edge so I could get a picture there. I was scared and a tad light headed. But I loved it.
Every night while we were in Galway we went to the same restaurant, most people would question why we wouldn't want to experience other places. But you would go there every night if you had ate there. It was called Bon Appetito and it was so delicious. They had an amazing variety of food and it was reasonably priced. I had pizza and mussels with spaghetti and every night I made the right food choices and the dessert was delicious, nutella and banana crepes and banana splits :) oh and also Bailey's with hot chocolate..mmmmmm
We got back today and I'm exhausted from the weekend. I miss everyone at home and wishes they were here with me. I would have loved to see the cliffs of Moher with the family and climbed Don Aonghasa with Andrew James and shopped and pub hopped with the girls :) But I am loving every second of being here don't you guys worry! Sorry I haven't written in so long but most nights all I want to do is go to my bed immediately. Love you all so much!
Love from a traveled girl <3
The first day we went on a day trip to the Aran Island and Inis Mor and it was so beautiful. We spent the entire day riding bikes around the island seeing all of the beautiful sights and taking in everything. Since the island is an island one of my favorite smells was all around me, the ocean. I had forgotten how much I loved that smell. We biked up to Dun Aonghasa which was a cliff there and it was AMAZING! Oh my gosh I could have sat there all day and just relaxed watching the ocean. Have you ever had that? Been to a place where you didn't need any technology, book, chair, or anything, you could just sit there with nothing but the scenery. We went to the very edge of the cliff, not on our feet though we crawled there on our stomachs and looked over, wow. The drop was so far but it was cool seeing it up close. It was wonderful and I'm glad that I got to experience it. We also found a sweater shop that sold authentic wool sweaters. I really really wanted one but I HATE wool so I thought I should better spend the money elsewhere, which I did, on TOM shoes :)
The next day we went to the Cliffs of Moher and it was incredible. One of the most amazing sights that I have ever seen and probably will ever see. They were breathtaking and I hope that I was able to capture it and do it justice but I don't think that I or anyone ever could. I even went past the point of "Do not Pass" and "In memory of those who have fallen from the cliff". It was scary but so worth seeing the cliffs from an unprotected spot. I even kind of went to the edge so I could get a picture there. I was scared and a tad light headed. But I loved it.
Every night while we were in Galway we went to the same restaurant, most people would question why we wouldn't want to experience other places. But you would go there every night if you had ate there. It was called Bon Appetito and it was so delicious. They had an amazing variety of food and it was reasonably priced. I had pizza and mussels with spaghetti and every night I made the right food choices and the dessert was delicious, nutella and banana crepes and banana splits :) oh and also Bailey's with hot chocolate..mmmmmm
We got back today and I'm exhausted from the weekend. I miss everyone at home and wishes they were here with me. I would have loved to see the cliffs of Moher with the family and climbed Don Aonghasa with Andrew James and shopped and pub hopped with the girls :) But I am loving every second of being here don't you guys worry! Sorry I haven't written in so long but most nights all I want to do is go to my bed immediately. Love you all so much!
Love from a traveled girl <3
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
One Week Gone
Oh my goodness, I really must get better at getting on this blog. Sorry everyone! So we have done a lot in the past couple of days. Let's see, have I written about the Guinness factory yet? I can't remember ahaha so I will just tell you that I met two couples from California and one of their sons had gone to Penn State and one of them had gone to Notre Dame! Her husband was wearing an ND hat and I struck up a conversation with them. They were excited for us to be in Ireland and taking classes. Yesterday, we went to probably one of the coolest places we have been to yet, we went to Kilmanin Gaol (Jail). It was amazing, it was creepy inside because they had restored it but keep the design the same. The jail was huge and the guide said that at one point it held 9,000 inmates when the capacity was only for 500 or so. Could you imagine? They were kept in the hallways and with 5 people to a cell and the jail held men, women, and children. The youngest boy recorded there was 5 years old for stealing of all things. But it was by far the most interesting thing we have seen so far I think. That night we decided to stay in and play games, it is expensive to go out here, even though it is so much fun.
Today we took a day trip to Kilkenny and saw a castle and an old cathedral. The castle had been remodeled a lot so it wasn't like getting the same experience as the jail, but it was still cool to see all of the rooms and the "portrait room" was amazing. There used to be hundreds of portraits on the walls that there was no wall to see but obviously most of those paintings were taken down, but the outlines of the paintings were still there. And it was huge, and we found secret doors and staircases so it was like an adventure. The cathedral we went to was less restored then the castle so it was nice to see something in its original splendor. Before going on a tour we climbed a tower that was 8 stories high, now that may not sound like a lot but the tower had zero foundation and if you were claustrophobic you were ill-advised to make the climb. And it wasn't stairs we climbed but ladders all the way and once there you could stand on the top of the tower with nothing supporting you but a railing that came up to your chest. The views were breathtaking and well worth the climb. Inside the church had beautiful glass-stained windows AND the grave of President Obama's 6th generation grand uncle was buried in the church, interesting eh?
Tonight we went back to Temple Bar because it's just a really fun atmosphere to be around and the music there is great, we didn't stay long though because even though we are in Ireland we are still taking classes :(
Well Galway this weekend, I'm so excited to see the Cliffs of Moher, I'll be thinking of my Aunt Karen while I'm there. Love you all!
Love from an aching feet girl <3
Today we took a day trip to Kilkenny and saw a castle and an old cathedral. The castle had been remodeled a lot so it wasn't like getting the same experience as the jail, but it was still cool to see all of the rooms and the "portrait room" was amazing. There used to be hundreds of portraits on the walls that there was no wall to see but obviously most of those paintings were taken down, but the outlines of the paintings were still there. And it was huge, and we found secret doors and staircases so it was like an adventure. The cathedral we went to was less restored then the castle so it was nice to see something in its original splendor. Before going on a tour we climbed a tower that was 8 stories high, now that may not sound like a lot but the tower had zero foundation and if you were claustrophobic you were ill-advised to make the climb. And it wasn't stairs we climbed but ladders all the way and once there you could stand on the top of the tower with nothing supporting you but a railing that came up to your chest. The views were breathtaking and well worth the climb. Inside the church had beautiful glass-stained windows AND the grave of President Obama's 6th generation grand uncle was buried in the church, interesting eh?
Tonight we went back to Temple Bar because it's just a really fun atmosphere to be around and the music there is great, we didn't stay long though because even though we are in Ireland we are still taking classes :(
Well Galway this weekend, I'm so excited to see the Cliffs of Moher, I'll be thinking of my Aunt Karen while I'm there. Love you all!
Love from an aching feet girl <3
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Been a few days
Sorry everyone that I've been so neglectful!! I have seriously been so exhausted, every day is something to do, somewhere to go and for the first time on the trip we got to sleep in this morning and it was fabulous :)
Well let's see, two days ago we saw a play called "Quare Times", it was a very small play, only 6 actors and the theatre only fit 77 people. But it was so good, very humorous and we Americans picked up on most of the jokes, but sometimes we were the only ones not laughing at some points and it was obvious that it was Irish humor. We have also spent a few nights celebrating birthdays but our groups usually end up separating anyways. The bars around are really great, the atmosphere is very relaxing and we can where just jeans and a sweatshirt to it and that is my kind of bar :) Also we have found a gelato bar!! I'm so excited it is delicious, perfectly creamy.
Yesterday was a very busy day for our group, we woke up and had a group meeting at the Irish Film Institute which is where we go every other day to watch a film and let me tell you guys that it is so hard to stay awake when we are there. The seats are so comfy in the theatre and when they dim the lights most of us are goners haha. I won't lie I did fall asleep on the first day, but so far I've been able to make it through the rest of them. Then we went to the Dublin Writers Museum which was pretty interesting but the man who took us on the tour was so so so boring and his accent was really thick so he was hard to understand. He looked and talked exactly like I picture an old English grandfather sitting in his leather chair by the fire reading the newspaper with his spectacles on and a pipe hanging from his lips. But the museum itself had information on all the famous authors of Ireland and some of the books and letters they had written. And it was in an old victorian house so that was cool as well. Then we went back to the theatre where we had seen "Quare Times" and got a chance to talk to some of the actors, the writer, and the director of the play. They had some fun interesting things to say about play making and all the things that go into creating characters and how each one is of importance and must be represented on the stage whereas in a novel a waiter can come remove your tray and then he's done. I thought that was interesting and something that I had never thought of before. We decided to stay in that night, catch up on some sleep and just hang out with each other.
Today we went and saw Pygmalion at the Abbey Theatre and it was very good, not really what I had expected it to be because I had forgotten that My Fair Lady had been based off of it so I keep waiting to hear "The rain in spain falls mainly in the plains" (insert nasally british accent) but it never came. Anyways, it was a very well done play and ended quite abruptly which I wasn't expecting but all in all I enjoyed myself.
Then we decided that we might as well stay out in the city since we were already there so we went and got fish and chips and Guinness. The fish and chips was delicious the Guinness not so much, I think it was my first and last :) but I'm glad that I tried it. Then we went to this great pub that served amazing drinks and had the Ireland soccer game playing so it was fun to watch the reactions of everyone when the scored. The margarita I had was absolutely delicious :) So we are definitely going back to that bar.
I love all of my roommates they are so fun and I'm already looking forward to reunions once school starts back up!
Congrats to the Niles baseball team! District champs!
Love from a margarita lover in Dublin <3
Well let's see, two days ago we saw a play called "Quare Times", it was a very small play, only 6 actors and the theatre only fit 77 people. But it was so good, very humorous and we Americans picked up on most of the jokes, but sometimes we were the only ones not laughing at some points and it was obvious that it was Irish humor. We have also spent a few nights celebrating birthdays but our groups usually end up separating anyways. The bars around are really great, the atmosphere is very relaxing and we can where just jeans and a sweatshirt to it and that is my kind of bar :) Also we have found a gelato bar!! I'm so excited it is delicious, perfectly creamy.
Yesterday was a very busy day for our group, we woke up and had a group meeting at the Irish Film Institute which is where we go every other day to watch a film and let me tell you guys that it is so hard to stay awake when we are there. The seats are so comfy in the theatre and when they dim the lights most of us are goners haha. I won't lie I did fall asleep on the first day, but so far I've been able to make it through the rest of them. Then we went to the Dublin Writers Museum which was pretty interesting but the man who took us on the tour was so so so boring and his accent was really thick so he was hard to understand. He looked and talked exactly like I picture an old English grandfather sitting in his leather chair by the fire reading the newspaper with his spectacles on and a pipe hanging from his lips. But the museum itself had information on all the famous authors of Ireland and some of the books and letters they had written. And it was in an old victorian house so that was cool as well. Then we went back to the theatre where we had seen "Quare Times" and got a chance to talk to some of the actors, the writer, and the director of the play. They had some fun interesting things to say about play making and all the things that go into creating characters and how each one is of importance and must be represented on the stage whereas in a novel a waiter can come remove your tray and then he's done. I thought that was interesting and something that I had never thought of before. We decided to stay in that night, catch up on some sleep and just hang out with each other.
Today we went and saw Pygmalion at the Abbey Theatre and it was very good, not really what I had expected it to be because I had forgotten that My Fair Lady had been based off of it so I keep waiting to hear "The rain in spain falls mainly in the plains" (insert nasally british accent) but it never came. Anyways, it was a very well done play and ended quite abruptly which I wasn't expecting but all in all I enjoyed myself.
Then we decided that we might as well stay out in the city since we were already there so we went and got fish and chips and Guinness. The fish and chips was delicious the Guinness not so much, I think it was my first and last :) but I'm glad that I tried it. Then we went to this great pub that served amazing drinks and had the Ireland soccer game playing so it was fun to watch the reactions of everyone when the scored. The margarita I had was absolutely delicious :) So we are definitely going back to that bar.
I love all of my roommates they are so fun and I'm already looking forward to reunions once school starts back up!
Congrats to the Niles baseball team! District champs!
Love from a margarita lover in Dublin <3
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 3
Is it even day 3? I'm beginning to lose track already! It feels as though we have already been here for a month because we have done so much, but I'm not complaining.
Yesterday we went to a mall that was on steroids called "The Dundrums" it was so overwhelming and I was still tired from the trip in so I couldn't really be excited and realize what was going on (Mom & Dad be thankful :)). And later that night we went to a place called Luigis and it was so obvious that we were unwanted. The service was terrible and our waiter completely ignored us for the entire time we were there. He forgot things and took 20 minutes to get us our check after we asked for it. Just the atmosphere of the place was unwelcoming. I thought we should have left him an American penny as a tip. Take that!! Then we went to a popular tourist/local bar called The Temple Bar and it was great, the atmosphere was happy and fun and the bar itself was incredible, when we first walked in we thought the space was pretty small but then we realized it turned into a HUGE space with a bar on the other side. They played live music which was incredible, it was eighties American music and traditional irish music as well, fantastic. AND they have raw oysters, so we are definitely going back (Dad).
Today was amazing, I don't know if I'm going to be able to describe it to you all, so I'll also post pictures. We went on a bus tour with the most amazing guide, Tony, an irishmen for the north of dublin. He took us up into the mountains to the villages of Wicklow and Glendalough. The views were breathtaking, if you close your eyes right now and picture Ireland countryside it is EXACTLY what you are thinking. Beautiful rolling hills, looks like a leprechaun threw up it's so green. It was like nothing I had ever seen and we as a group decided there is nothing landscape wise that we would ever see that would ever match those sights.
We stopped in a cute village and ate some amazing home made food, fresh goulash and irish soda bread, and mom you know that I HATE goulash, but I ate every last bite of this one, absolutely delicious :)
The Glendalough Monastery we visited was interesting in its collective, deep history. Monks who came to this place to completely isolate themselves from the outside world to learn and and surround themselves with the teachings of the bible. The grave stones were old and beautiful, with a huge tower right in the middle of the land that used to be a hiding place against intruders. Loved the richness of the entire place.
We also saw Bono's house, Van Morrison (Brown Eyed Girl) and an amazing bay with dolphins swimming in it, our guide could not have been more excited. He called probably eight people to tell them about it, even the news, "hello news, yes this is Tony". He was such a character. On our way back I was nodding on and off because I am still tired haha. Hopefully after this week I'll finally be on Irish time. But we came home and decided to have a family dinner so we cooked pasta with chicken and veggies, delicious. I love the people that I am on this trip with, they are looking for the same experiences that I am from Ireland.
Well once again procrastination has gotten the best of me, I have two journals due on Friday and have I started them yet? Of course not. But tomorrow definitely, because right now my bed is looking so comfortable it's ridiculous.
I miss everyone at home, family, friends and of course Andrew James :). I love you all so so much!!
Love from an exhausted, happy girl <3
Yesterday we went to a mall that was on steroids called "The Dundrums" it was so overwhelming and I was still tired from the trip in so I couldn't really be excited and realize what was going on (Mom & Dad be thankful :)). And later that night we went to a place called Luigis and it was so obvious that we were unwanted. The service was terrible and our waiter completely ignored us for the entire time we were there. He forgot things and took 20 minutes to get us our check after we asked for it. Just the atmosphere of the place was unwelcoming. I thought we should have left him an American penny as a tip. Take that!! Then we went to a popular tourist/local bar called The Temple Bar and it was great, the atmosphere was happy and fun and the bar itself was incredible, when we first walked in we thought the space was pretty small but then we realized it turned into a HUGE space with a bar on the other side. They played live music which was incredible, it was eighties American music and traditional irish music as well, fantastic. AND they have raw oysters, so we are definitely going back (Dad).
Today was amazing, I don't know if I'm going to be able to describe it to you all, so I'll also post pictures. We went on a bus tour with the most amazing guide, Tony, an irishmen for the north of dublin. He took us up into the mountains to the villages of Wicklow and Glendalough. The views were breathtaking, if you close your eyes right now and picture Ireland countryside it is EXACTLY what you are thinking. Beautiful rolling hills, looks like a leprechaun threw up it's so green. It was like nothing I had ever seen and we as a group decided there is nothing landscape wise that we would ever see that would ever match those sights.
We stopped in a cute village and ate some amazing home made food, fresh goulash and irish soda bread, and mom you know that I HATE goulash, but I ate every last bite of this one, absolutely delicious :)
The Glendalough Monastery we visited was interesting in its collective, deep history. Monks who came to this place to completely isolate themselves from the outside world to learn and and surround themselves with the teachings of the bible. The grave stones were old and beautiful, with a huge tower right in the middle of the land that used to be a hiding place against intruders. Loved the richness of the entire place.
We also saw Bono's house, Van Morrison (Brown Eyed Girl) and an amazing bay with dolphins swimming in it, our guide could not have been more excited. He called probably eight people to tell them about it, even the news, "hello news, yes this is Tony". He was such a character. On our way back I was nodding on and off because I am still tired haha. Hopefully after this week I'll finally be on Irish time. But we came home and decided to have a family dinner so we cooked pasta with chicken and veggies, delicious. I love the people that I am on this trip with, they are looking for the same experiences that I am from Ireland.
Well once again procrastination has gotten the best of me, I have two journals due on Friday and have I started them yet? Of course not. But tomorrow definitely, because right now my bed is looking so comfortable it's ridiculous.
I miss everyone at home, family, friends and of course Andrew James :). I love you all so so much!!
Love from an exhausted, happy girl <3
Monday, May 30, 2011
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