So this week I've been pretty busy but not of the exciting kind. School started this week so I'm going to combine the past few days into one big unexciting blog. Hopefully I can keep it a little interesting :)
Well Monday we finally got to sleep in (a first since we got here). It was so nice sleeping in then I just lounged around until we had our orientation. The orientation was pretty typical, these are classes, this is your schedule, these are the rules... you get the picture (I'll spare you the details).
After orientation we headed to the book store to get some books and binders, and I got a NUIG (National University of Ireland, Galway) sweatshirt as well. We then found a little cafe that had Afterwards we went shopping at a grocery store, and I made my first alcohol purchase in a store (rebel, I know)! We then took a taxi back from the grocery store, finished unpacking, and got our drink on. We went downtown to a pub called the King's Head and they were playing live music which was really fun, of course the place wasn't very happening (it was a Monday night), so we called it good early to get some sleep for classes the next morning.
I had 2 classes on Tuesday, my Gaelic Language class and my Irish History class. Both were very interesting, and I'm really looking forward to learning more for the duration of the classes. However, it seems like a lot to do in only 5 weeks. After class 5 of us went downtown to do some shopping and to dinner, then we dropped by a pub for an Irish coffee and then called it a day. Pretty uneventful, as I warned.
And on to today. I had only one class today and was done by 11:30, which was really nice! One of the other girls and I went into town to do some shopping and to get a little more acquainted with the area. We walked around different souvenir shops and a couple clothing stores (don't worry mom, I refrained from the clothes) and I got a couple really great things for friends and family. Then we went out to lunch at this place that was a little busy so we thought it'd be good... boy were we wrong! Everything was so greasy that we got instant stomach aches! We ate as much as we could then headed for home (Corrib Village) on the bus. Luckily we took the bus because it started raining!
Since then I've been working on homework, catching up on my journal, and my blog. So not too exciting. The first week in Galway will be pretty boring and I don't have any pictures yet. However, we start field trips and tours this weekend, so my life in Ireland is bound to get more exciting! Thanks for reading, and more (and better) stories are to come! :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
On The Road Again
Today we began our excursion toward Galway. We packed our bags and headed out of Dublin across Ireland. It was a little rough for some people because they had too much fun the night before, but not me of course ;). We headed out on a tour bus at around 11:00 with hopes of getting to Galway around 4:30 or so.
The trip is only a 2 and a half hour trip if you go straight through but we made a detour and stopped in Strokestown. Strokestown had a mansion, gardens and a famine museum. A picture of the gardens is shown to the right. The stop was interesting, but mainly what we learned about was how the rich people who lived in the mansion suffered during the famine, but what I was really curious about was how it affected the common public. I mean one million Irishmen and Women were killed during the famine and another 2 million migrated from Ireland, so it would have been nice to know a little more about that.
After we left there we headed straight for Galway. The scenery was breathtaking, and unfortunately I didn't get any good snapshots of it but I hope to be traveling back through there so I will get some pictures then!
When we arrived in Galway it was pouring rain! It was the first time it's rained since we've been on the trip so no one was really prepared. We were assigned to rooms and got about an hour or so to settle in. We then took a tour around the National University of Ireland, Galway (my school!) campus and walked around town a bit. We ate at a fabulous Italian place (I know, I know)and then I went back to the room, unpacked and settled in for the night. It was a fairly uneventful day... but the days to come surely will be!
The trip is only a 2 and a half hour trip if you go straight through but we made a detour and stopped in Strokestown. Strokestown had a mansion, gardens and a famine museum. A picture of the gardens is shown to the right. The stop was interesting, but mainly what we learned about was how the rich people who lived in the mansion suffered during the famine, but what I was really curious about was how it affected the common public. I mean one million Irishmen and Women were killed during the famine and another 2 million migrated from Ireland, so it would have been nice to know a little more about that.
After we left there we headed straight for Galway. The scenery was breathtaking, and unfortunately I didn't get any good snapshots of it but I hope to be traveling back through there so I will get some pictures then!
When we arrived in Galway it was pouring rain! It was the first time it's rained since we've been on the trip so no one was really prepared. We were assigned to rooms and got about an hour or so to settle in. We then took a tour around the National University of Ireland, Galway (my school!) campus and walked around town a bit. We ate at a fabulous Italian place (I know, I know)and then I went back to the room, unpacked and settled in for the night. It was a fairly uneventful day... but the days to come surely will be!
Monday, June 28, 2010
A Change of Pace
Today was AMAZING! By far the best day yet! We went on a bus tour through County Wicklow, making various stops along the way. It was so nice to get out of the city and explore the country, and boy is Ireland countryside more amazing than anything I could have ever imagined! When we first got on the bus we drove through the city along the River Liffy out to the port to view it, then from there we headed inland to County Wicklow!
The bus ride was equipped with a driver who talked over the PA system as our tour guide also. His name was Shaelyn and he was really funny! He pointed out some really neat areas and told us the names to all of the rivers and churches and towns we passed through. After about an hour of driving through amazing countryside landscapes, we stopped at our first destination, the Powerscourt House and Gardens.
The Powerscourt House is an amazing house built in the 1700’s with a garden that is almost 50 acres! The gardens were absolutely breathtaking, and to the left is a picture of the gardens from the back of the house! There are a lot more pictures of the gardens posted on my facebook if you’d like to see more. The beauty of the gardens is extremely hard to put into words. The weather was sunny and about 70 or so degrees so it was a perfect day for us to explore the stunning gardens!
The next stop was the Glendalough, which means the valley of the two lakes in Gaelic. Glendalough is higher in the mountains than Dublin, so the scenery was quite different. It was very green and had a lot of timber, which kind of reminded me of home and of Oregon. Glendalough is home to an Early Medieval monastic settlement that was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. It was amazing to see such old structures that are still sturdy and standing today! There is a round Tower that is 30 meters tall! To the right is a photo of the tower and the cathedral from a distance. After the monastery was no longer in use, it became a cemetery; so many people are buried there, with the oldest tombstone dating back to the 1640’s. It is believed that Glendalough is the site where the Book of Kells was transcribed, as well as some other ancient manuscripts of the gospel.
After lunch at Glendalough, we headed out to take a scenic tour on our way back to Dublin. We stopped at the top of the mountain looking down to Glendalough valley to look back onto it. The scenery looked extremely familiar to me, but not in the since I stated earlier. Just then the bus driver told us that this was the filming location for parts of P.S. I Love You and Braveheart! I knew that I had known the area from somewhere! To the left is a picture of the most beautiful place I have witnessed since being in Ireland, which also happens to be the filming location. Haha. After stopping there, we headed further north to Wicklow Gap where we were able to take more pictures in the beautiful country.
Now we are back in Dublin and it is time for a night on the town! I mean it is our last night in Dublin after all! Until next time…
<3 Ashley
The bus ride was equipped with a driver who talked over the PA system as our tour guide also. His name was Shaelyn and he was really funny! He pointed out some really neat areas and told us the names to all of the rivers and churches and towns we passed through. After about an hour of driving through amazing countryside landscapes, we stopped at our first destination, the Powerscourt House and Gardens.
The Powerscourt House is an amazing house built in the 1700’s with a garden that is almost 50 acres! The gardens were absolutely breathtaking, and to the left is a picture of the gardens from the back of the house! There are a lot more pictures of the gardens posted on my facebook if you’d like to see more. The beauty of the gardens is extremely hard to put into words. The weather was sunny and about 70 or so degrees so it was a perfect day for us to explore the stunning gardens!
The next stop was the Glendalough, which means the valley of the two lakes in Gaelic. Glendalough is higher in the mountains than Dublin, so the scenery was quite different. It was very green and had a lot of timber, which kind of reminded me of home and of Oregon. Glendalough is home to an Early Medieval monastic settlement that was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. It was amazing to see such old structures that are still sturdy and standing today! There is a round Tower that is 30 meters tall! To the right is a photo of the tower and the cathedral from a distance. After the monastery was no longer in use, it became a cemetery; so many people are buried there, with the oldest tombstone dating back to the 1640’s. It is believed that Glendalough is the site where the Book of Kells was transcribed, as well as some other ancient manuscripts of the gospel.
After lunch at Glendalough, we headed out to take a scenic tour on our way back to Dublin. We stopped at the top of the mountain looking down to Glendalough valley to look back onto it. The scenery looked extremely familiar to me, but not in the since I stated earlier. Just then the bus driver told us that this was the filming location for parts of P.S. I Love You and Braveheart! I knew that I had known the area from somewhere! To the left is a picture of the most beautiful place I have witnessed since being in Ireland, which also happens to be the filming location. Haha. After stopping there, we headed further north to Wicklow Gap where we were able to take more pictures in the beautiful country.
Now we are back in Dublin and it is time for a night on the town! I mean it is our last night in Dublin after all! Until next time…
<3 Ashley
IMMA Busy!
Well after surviving my first night out, we had a busy busy day! The night out was very fun. A majority of the group all went together to a pub called Porterhouse, where we eventually split up into smaller groups and ventured to different bars and pubs. The next place we went was the Braisen Head (which is the oldest pub still operating in Dublin!) for a drink, then headed off to Temple Bar (an area in Dublin that is not actually a bar but is house to many of them) to experience some more of Dublin's night life.
After a good night’s sleep we began the adventures of the day. We started off by walking to the IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art. The museum was in the opposite direction of where most places we went were so the walk was nice and a change of scenery. The museum was in an old World War I military hospital which was gorgeous! A picture of the building is to the right. We weren’t able to take pictures of the art inside, however. But in all honesty, I didn’t get the art… I guess I just don’t think about with the right side of my brain to understand it. I appreciate and respect the art done, just don’t really comprehend the meaning and/or message of the piece.
After a lunch in the café at the museum, we headed to Kilmainham Gaol which is an Irish prison with a great deal of history. Many historic events took place at the jail, some of which can be attributed to why Ireland is a free republic today, such as the brutal executions of two men who were involved in revolts against the British government and the Easter Rising. One man was wounded in the revolt and was unable to stand up to be shot at execution, so he was strapped to a chair in front of the firing squad. The other was executed only 12 hours after marrying his wife, and was only allowed to see her for 10 minutes before the execution took place (I won’t get into too much history in effort not to bore you). A picture of one of the blocks of the jail is shown to the left, as well as one of the sights of execution of one of these men mentioned above to the right.
When done with the tour of the prison, we walked back to the National Museum of Ireland. It was very interesting to me because the stuff on display was ancient. There was intricately carved jewelry and other gold cups as well as bells. There were also some artifacts from the presence of the Vikings in Ireland. After we saw those couple of things, we got to go look at Bog Bodies, which are bodies that were preserved in bogs from hundreds or thousands of years ago. I was pretty creeped out by it; nevertheless it was interesting to see. Unfortunately we were unable to take any pictures at the sight. After all of that walking, we were pretty tired, so we went and napped at the hotel.
After our nap, we got all dressed up and headed off to the Abbey Theater where we were able to watch a play. The play was called Bookworms and we went on the debut night. It was a comedy about the fall of the Celtic Tiger (the recession in Ireland basically after 15 years of economic booming). Some parts were very funny, and other times people would laugh and I would have no idea what about. I guess that shows the difference in cultures. After the theater, some of us headed out for a drink or to at a bar called Fitzsimons, then we headed back to the hotel to call it a night.
It was a really long day, but we got to see so much! I’m really starting to look forward to heading to Galway and experiencing a slower and less jammed packed Irish experience. Until next time… Thanks for reading.
<3 Ashley
After a good night’s sleep we began the adventures of the day. We started off by walking to the IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art. The museum was in the opposite direction of where most places we went were so the walk was nice and a change of scenery. The museum was in an old World War I military hospital which was gorgeous! A picture of the building is to the right. We weren’t able to take pictures of the art inside, however. But in all honesty, I didn’t get the art… I guess I just don’t think about with the right side of my brain to understand it. I appreciate and respect the art done, just don’t really comprehend the meaning and/or message of the piece.
After a lunch in the café at the museum, we headed to Kilmainham Gaol which is an Irish prison with a great deal of history. Many historic events took place at the jail, some of which can be attributed to why Ireland is a free republic today, such as the brutal executions of two men who were involved in revolts against the British government and the Easter Rising. One man was wounded in the revolt and was unable to stand up to be shot at execution, so he was strapped to a chair in front of the firing squad. The other was executed only 12 hours after marrying his wife, and was only allowed to see her for 10 minutes before the execution took place (I won’t get into too much history in effort not to bore you). A picture of one of the blocks of the jail is shown to the left, as well as one of the sights of execution of one of these men mentioned above to the right.
When done with the tour of the prison, we walked back to the National Museum of Ireland. It was very interesting to me because the stuff on display was ancient. There was intricately carved jewelry and other gold cups as well as bells. There were also some artifacts from the presence of the Vikings in Ireland. After we saw those couple of things, we got to go look at Bog Bodies, which are bodies that were preserved in bogs from hundreds or thousands of years ago. I was pretty creeped out by it; nevertheless it was interesting to see. Unfortunately we were unable to take any pictures at the sight. After all of that walking, we were pretty tired, so we went and napped at the hotel.
After our nap, we got all dressed up and headed off to the Abbey Theater where we were able to watch a play. The play was called Bookworms and we went on the debut night. It was a comedy about the fall of the Celtic Tiger (the recession in Ireland basically after 15 years of economic booming). Some parts were very funny, and other times people would laugh and I would have no idea what about. I guess that shows the difference in cultures. After the theater, some of us headed out for a drink or to at a bar called Fitzsimons, then we headed back to the hotel to call it a night.
It was a really long day, but we got to see so much! I’m really starting to look forward to heading to Galway and experiencing a slower and less jammed packed Irish experience. Until next time… Thanks for reading.
<3 Ashley
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Dublin Drifter
Well as day 2 in Dublin comes to an end (but by no means does this mean the night has to) I'm starting to get acquainted with the town and the time change. We had a pretty busy and touristy day. I feel like such a tourist while I'm exploring the town, equipped with a camera around my neck, a over sized bag, and walking everywhere with large groups of people. I'm ready to experience the locals and what life in Ireland is all about, which is to come soon (and I'm extremely anxious for it!). Now for the tales of today!
We started off by walking through the Christ Church which is right near our hotel. The church was built 1030 and is still a church that holds mass. It was pretty incredible and awfully beautiful. It had a crypt down below the church that was filled with a museum and gift shop. The picture to the left is a picture of the Church.
After that we went on a walking tour of Dublin focusing on the 1916 Uprising, which was an attempt to break away from the British Control. Our leader was a funny fellow, constantly making jokes about American's and other pop culture. I learned a great deal on this tour and I feel like it will help me out in the History class I'm taking, which will be nice!
Then we got to tour the Dublin Castle which no longer is used for much except tours and for Inauguration the President of Ireland. Most of the original castle was destroyed when part of the castle caught fire, and that area was close to where the gun powder was stored, and the explosion destroyed most of the castle so it had to be rebuilt. The picture to the right is of about half of our group int he courtyard of the castle. It feels like everyone is starting to get more comfortable and know each other better which is making the experience more fun!
Well, as the day draws to an end I will be heading to the pubs with some of the group and relaxing after along day! Talk to ya soon... Until next time.
<3 Ashley
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Serious Case of Jetlag
As I'm typing up this blog I have been up for the last 30 hours... Between traveling and gallyvanting around Dublin today I'm pretty beat. However, I guess it's my fault I haven't got more sleep...I got zero sleep on the plane from JFK to Dublin for a couple reasons.... 1. We had personal TV's with my favorite shows on them (took up the first couple hours), then we were served dinner after that, and shortly there after a woman passed out in the aisle next to me (crazy!). Between all that, and the lightening I could see out my window (plus the screaming baby in the background) I was unable to find time to sleep, but I'm sure that my excitement was the biggest factor. Either way I made it safe and sound, and have only an orientation to go to left tonight, so I'm sure I'll make it through. The picture on the left is of a busy city street that has coffee shops, shopping, resturants, and pubs (of course!). It is called Grafton Street, and is in the central area of Dublin.
For today being my first day, we've already done so much! Customs was a breeze! They just asked how long I was staying and if I was studying and then stamped me a 3 month visa! Our taxi driver from the airport to the hotel was great, and our hotel is quaint and very authentic! Once we settled in, a large group of us went and grabbed some lunch together and tried getting to know each other a little bit. I must admit, it's almost like I'm moving in to the dorms all over again. Then the real fun began :)
As a group we then got a tour of some places in Dublin with the leaders of our Study Abroad Program. We saw Steven's Green (a park in central Dublin), took a tour through two 18th century mansions, walked the shopping strip, some busy streets, and got to see Trinity College. My favorite part by far was Trinity College. It is so beautiful, like out of the story books. No words can describe it, and I would never leave campus if I went to school in a place like that! While on the campus we were able to see the Book of Kells (a manuscript from 800AD written by Monks and their scribes) and the old library of the Trinity College which along with the setting was just as breathtaking! The picture to the left is of the 'Long Room' (a library) at Trinity College. It held many important Irish documents as well as books that were up to century's old. This picture includes a funny story: We weren't allowed to take pictures, but I really wanted one so I tried to be stealthy and take a photo from my bag. I didn't get noticed the first time but the picture was blurry so I attempted again and giggled in doing so. I was caught so the guard came up to me and asked if I took a picture. I replied with yes, and he told me because I was honest he would let me keep it but asked me not to take anymore. Haha.
Now as I sit in my motel room listening to European sirens zoom by on the streets below, I'm contemplating just going to bed or taking a nap so I can go out with everyone for a drink or two. Only time can tell... and until next time, thanks for reading :)
Ashley <3
Friday, June 18, 2010
Last Day at Home
Busy Busy Busy. I'm sitting in my newly remodeled office with Kendra getting the last of my stuff together so I can leave tomorrow. Sitting here with her makes me realize how much I'm going to miss everyone. On the other side of things, talking with her about how it's going to be in Ireland is making me really really excited!
I still have some last stuff to do (including cleaning my room which is a daunting task) but for the most part I'm ready, well physically at least. The mental part is what's going to be hardest for me... preparing to leave family and friends behind. I feel like I am just psyching my self out for that part, and I'll get past it.
Well, hopefully my blogs get more exciting as I begin to travel. Feel free to comment on the blog and I plan on posting pretty regularly so I can respond as well. Have a safe, happy, and fun summer!
I still have some last stuff to do (including cleaning my room which is a daunting task) but for the most part I'm ready, well physically at least. The mental part is what's going to be hardest for me... preparing to leave family and friends behind. I feel like I am just psyching my self out for that part, and I'll get past it.
Well, hopefully my blogs get more exciting as I begin to travel. Feel free to comment on the blog and I plan on posting pretty regularly so I can respond as well. Have a safe, happy, and fun summer!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Departure is Quickly Approaching!
Well, I have 8 days until my flight leaves from SFO. There is so much to do in the little time I have left before I leave, and time just keeps ticking. I'm not sure exactly how I'm feeling, it's kind of a slough of emotions: happy, excited, anxious, nervous, scared, and a little sad.
I am happy, excited, and anxious to see and experience things so much bigger than me. I am going to a country that I have never been to, on a continent I have never been to and I get to explore for 7 weeks! What an amazing opportunity and I am so thankful that I get to go on this journey. I've been communicating with fellow students going on this trip as well through Facebook, and all of which seem like incredible people and I cannot wait to meet them! Just thinking about it makes me want to jump around with excitement. I mean come on, how many people get the opportunity to do this at such a young age. At times I really can't believe that I am doing this because it seems too good to be true! But I know it's not, and I am doing this!
Now for the nervous, scared and a little sad part. It almost feels as if I'm moving out of my family's house and to college for the first time again. I'm just not sure what to expect, I can imagine all I want but I know it's not going to be how I see it in my mind. I'm scared to be away from my family, boyfriend and friends for 7 weeks with limited communication! I think this trip will help me realize how much they all mean to me, but at the same time help me to become a bit more independent. I'm sad to be leaving them, but honesty... the positives of this trip far out way anything that I am worried for.
Bottom line is I leave in 1 week, ready or not. I am ready for the time of my life and I am hoping to come back a better and more well rounded person in 8 weeks. This is the journey of a lifetime...
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