Hi Aunt Lorraine!!

Check out my pictures from hiking the mountain! It was amazing!
By the way, when you get to the photo album I recommend clicking the slideshow button or the grid button, it's easier to see the pictures that way. =] I love you!

Tired...

...doesn't even begin to describe me. I've done a lot of climbing this weekend so I figure I'll start with Saturday. Saturday I went to Cashel, Co. Tipperary (By the way Uncle Paul Tipperary is only about a 2 hour bus ride from here.). The trip was amazing. First we went to the Rock of Cashel and watched a video on the area and explored it. It was beging retored so some it wasn't available for viewing. but the areas that were were just breathtaking. TWe walekd through the cemetery too which had absolutely beautiful Celtic Crosses as almost all of the stones. I got some great pictures of it. That was a pretty quick walk, although it was really fun to explore we finished with it rather wuickly. We could see another castle-like building in the distance and went into the main entrance to ask the desk worker how to get to the castle. She told us how and said something about please don't break down the gate to go through. We had no idea what she meant - the gate had a door. I have a feeling she wanted us to walk all the way down and around but let's be real. We are all college students and we clearly know that the quickest way to get somewhere is in a straight line. So (in preparation for Sunday's adventure) we mountaineered down the side of the hill for the Abbey in the distance. When we got there we were amazed. In my personal opinion it was a lot more fun to explore this abbey than it was to explore the rock of Cashel. Both were cool but I quickly realized that you could easily climb the Abbey, so I did and other followed and next thing you know we are all on top of the Abbey. It was turdy it had lasted since 1272, so I wasn't too worried and It was so cool to be standing on top of it and look around. I could see for miles. I wish I could describe the feeling of when I was on top of the abbey. It just felt so good, so amazing, so utterly incomprehensible and unbelievable. Eventually we scurried down off of the abbey and walked into town where we stopped at a cute little nook and got some delicious lunch which were all cracing. by the time we finished, we were done and ready to go home. We were all tired from walking and just wanted to be home. I went across the street to check the bus schedule and realized that the bus was supposed to have been there 4 minutes ago, and that the next one wasn't for 2 hours. I went in and told everyone that there were two possibilities: A. The bus was late. or B. The bus left roughly 5 minutes ago and the next wasn't for 2 hours. We decided to stand by the bus stop and pray that, like many things in Ireland, the bus was late. When we saw the bus coming around the corner we all pumped our fists into the air. Victory was ours, plus a nice 2 hour ride home which would most definitely include naps for all of us. By the time we got home it was around 7 here and I figured I would lay down for a bit since I had a skype date at 9 with my family. Unfortunately I didn't awake until about midnight and it was only because a friend texted me. What can you do. I chatted with mom (Hi mom!) for a bit and went to bed because Sunday would be a bright and early start.
I was up by 7am on Sunday because we had to catch a bus to Mahon Falls at 8:30 in order to go mountaineering with the UCC Mountaineering club. Just so we are clear mountaineering is totally different than hiking - hiking has a path. Mountaineering has a MOUNTAIN. You follow a trail of sheep shit half the time and the rest of it you just pray. It was amazing. The weather was absolutely perfect for it and it was one of the best experiencing of my life. Granted as I write this at 10pm my feet are throbbing and my legs can barely move - but it was totally worth it. I cannot even begin to express the level of amazement I had. I did put up pictures though so you can see exactly what I am talking about. But there is something to point out - both Saturday and Sunday - pictures do not do this justice. No picture I took even compared to the view in person. It was utterly breathtaking. When we reached the top of the mountain I was in awe of everything around me. I could see the ocean! Clouds were floating by us at one point! There are no words that could ever do this experience justice. Since pictures are suppose to say a thousand words I pray that you will find some explanation that portrays the magnitude of the experience that I was so lucky to take part in. Sunday is the Lord's Day and I truly felt like God was all around me when I was at the top of that mountain. The rays of sun shining through the clouds and the scenery that surrounded me everywhere I looked. I wish I could have shared those moments with all of you.

I must apologize...

...it feels like a long time since I last wrote. Almost a week in fact. I'm not totally sure where I left off. Oh yeah, our "garden." Joy - We planted flowers, sweet pea and wildflowers and strawberries. On Friday of that week we went to Waterford Co. and went on the tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory. That was one of those days where everything went right. Sam and Care and I made the bus perfectly on time, when we got on the bus the man driving was so kind, he gave me a map of the city and dropped us off right in front of the factory - which isn't even a bus stop! After the tour was over he was still the driver and he chatted with us about the factory and told us that his brother works there. We asked if he had been working that day, and when the bus driver said yes we laughed and told him that we probably took pictures of his brother since we took pictures of everything going on!
It was really cool to see how everything was created and all the different stops along the way. I have so many pictures from that day! Oh we also got interred in a jail. We were the last group for the tours of the day and so when we returned to the main entrance of the tower we noticed that the door was locked. Sorry mum, they must have found out I stole dirt from UCC. We had dinner at an Italian restaurant with Indian waiters, very unique. The food was very good though.
The next day we hopped on a bus and went to Kinsale and walked around. It's a very cute little town, we'll definitely go back there again when it is nicer.
This week is Rag Week, and no I'm not being too personal right now. Rag Week is a festival at UCC where shows and parties are put on to raise money for charity. There are events on campus all day including bands and juggling and eating contests and at night clubs open their doors for charity as well. It's wonderful. Unfortunately it means that there are parties every single night. Bummer. Tonight is Mystery UCC Tour, you buy a ticket for 10 Euro and a bus picks you up (by you I mean like 700 students) and drops you off in a town at a club and picks you up at the end of the night and drives you home. Rumors are that tonight's destination is Limerick.
PICTURES ARE UP! Yes I was finally able to add pictures and be online for more than 30 seconds at a time which is totally awesome! So clearly I added a whole bunch of pictures and you can see them. They are all in one folder and I attempted to give them titles but they are from my visit to Waterford Crystal, our visit to Kinsale, a night at the bar and thenight we stole dirt from UCC. Check them out: My Pictures!!
I have to run! Talk to you later!

Irish Invasion...

...no lie.
Yesterday we were invaded by a little over a dozen Irish college boys. I'm not complaining - I'm explaining. Just so we have that clear. Now I'll continue. It was Tuesday night. Now to put you in our shoes, we weren't sure if we wanted to go out that night. We heard a traditional Irish band was playing and it was going to be a good night but we just weren't feeling it. We were sitting in our rooms doing homework and checking facebook (the usual) when our door opened and suddenly we heard an Irish voice say, "Sorry wrong house." To which we replied, "No problem." Then the door opened again and another young Irish voice came ringing, "Sorry wrong house." At around the fourth Irish voice yelling that through out open door, Sam began to invite them in and actually went to the door. At this point I joined her at the door, or rather I made a quick sprint across my roon and into the hallway in order to join her at the door as quickly as possible. They encouraged us to get to know the locals, and clearly this was as good a chance as any other. Soon these dozen or so Irishmen were inhabiting our living room proclaiming how awesome our apartment was and telling us that it was the birthdays of two of the boys. Brilliant. One began to ask us our names, "Samantha," then it was my turn, "Brittany." They immediately erupted into loudness at the mention that my name was Brittany. I guess it doesn't get much more American than Samantha and Brittany. Soon enough they began to invite us out to wherever they were going, though only after chastising us that we weren't already out or at least ready to go out. They invited us to a bar and said, if we see you there we'll buy you each a drink. As soon as the door shut behind them as they went to meet their taxi, Sam and I looked at each other and said, "15 Minutes?"
In the end Sam chose not to go, but Carolan and I went to the Old Oak for what ended up being an ok show, but a really fun night anyways. At least for me, I got us tickets to a private event at the bar we always go to. It pays to flirt with the bartender - what's ironic is that I was only flirting with him to get information for my friend who liked him who refused to flirt with him. COnfused yet? It's much easily to flirt with someone for someone else. Does that make sense? In any case we have VIP tickets to a show with a "Brilliant band," as Dave the bartender said. 1 Point Brittany, 0 Points Somebody else.
Today brought yet another adventure as we decided how to bring our plans for a garden to fruition. The plans for our indoor garden, at that point, included some cleaned out glass jars from peanut butter, spaghetti sauce and the like, and a cookie tin, plus a good deal of compost and packets of seeds for flowers, vegetables, and fruits. We go all out. See anything missing though? Yeah - dirt. We decided there was no way we were going to pay for dirt especially when we are surrounded by so much dirt. So we planned to head out on a mission at 20:00 toward the UCC Campus because today, by some divine intervention, I spotted a large pile of dirt behind the main quadrangle. (See that building at the top of my blog - behind that.) But what would we put the dirt in? First we had planned on filling the biggest pot we had, which we covered with tin foil in a feeble attempt to make it look like potluck instead of a bit of stolen earth. But, lucky for us, the Irish boys had been patroling yet again today, this time with a bucket which they left in the lobby of our apartment complex. Sam grabbed it, I refused because I insisted on not looking suspect and I wondered what it would look like carrying a large plastic bucket and a silver serving spoon around campus and the streets of Cork. Finally we arrived at the spot. Sam filled her bucket and Carolan filled her while I stood guard over the scene. Soon I saw a security officer heading our way, "Security! Security is coming! Security!" I began muttering loudly to them, to which Carolan stood up with her bucket looked at me and said, "I think I took enough dirt for our garden." Later she revelaed to me that she though I was kidding about security. I explained, "Carolan, when you are on a stealth mission to steal something from a campus in a foreign country, be it dirt or a copy of the final exam, the person yelling that security is coming is never lying." In any case we made it back to the apartment, dirt in hand, after walking the streets of Cork and recieving plenty of odd looks from the locals. Yes, that's us - the crazy Americans stealing dirt. We then combined the dirt with our compost and planted us a garden! I hope that it will be lovely, but only time will tell.
All right it's about time for me to go to bed, I have Gailge (pronounced -> Gail-ge with a hard G sound) and Italian class tomorrow. Goodnight!

Today, the rain...

...waited. Till about 9:15 PM. I was walking around on the patio (which should be a garden patio) when I noticed in the light of the street lamp that it appeared to be raining. I tilted my head straight up towards the stars and as the rain hit my face I thought, "How did I not notice this earlier?"
Anyways, today was a good day. It was sunny pretty much all day. We got up and went to church at noon, which was wonderful yet again. After the mass ended we took some time to take pictures of the church, which was also wonderful and beautiful. THe eucharistic minister from the mass actually came out and told us a little more about it. She told us the meaning of all the writings and pictures along the floor which is tiled beautifully and invited us up onto the altar to get a better look at it and to show us the tabernacle which is gorgeous. She also brought us some pamphlets and she and one of the preiests chatted with us all about where we were from and what we were doing in Ireland. It was one of the most pleasant receptions we have had in Ireland, yet again at church. I suppose that's fitting. The church is called Honan Chapel and it's named for the Cork merchant family who funded it. The tabernacle, shaped like an early Irish oratory, has a door embellished with brilliant enamelling by Oswald Reeves. (All from the Pamphlet) It's beautiful.
After leaving we walked around the campus taking pictures while waiting for some friends to meet for lunch. It was a perfect day to take pictures and I got some amazing shots of the view of Cork from UCC, plus some lovely shadow photos just to prove that the sun shines in Ireland. We were starting to think the sun would never shine, but it did! When our friends arrived we headed to Lennox's for some fish and chips. I'm pretty sure it was good, but I was so hungry by the time we got there that I may have swallowed it all in one bite. I don't even remember, I just rememberreaching a point where my stomach couldn't possibly take another bite. From there we walked into town and picked up some things the "2 Euro" Store (Ireland's Equivalent to the Dollar Store I guess) and Penny's. We walked around for a while basically becoming more acquainted with the area. We also saw the Beamish factory on our way into town. That was pretty cool. It was a great day, but definitely a 5 Mile day. We walked for so long this weekend I feel like my legs should be in pain, but they aren't. They will be once I start the gym this week though. I'm so excited!
By the time we got home we were all exhausted and not at all hungry since the fish and chips filled us so much so we all went our separate ways. Carolan took a nap and I put on the movie Newsies and started going over my archaeology book and taking some notes. I got up and boiled some chicken and potatoes, yes boiled, it came out really good. I loved it. I put some lemon and herb seasoning on it. Delicious. I attempted to continue taking notes but I wasn't in the mood so I went out onto the patio and walked around and that's basically where I started this blog. Not a super exciting day, but a great one for pictures. As soon as our internet connection doesn't stink I will add pictures. Until then, check out a new album here: http://flickr.com/photos/22857838@N08/. There are only a few pictures on it, but you get the idea.
I am going to go do some more school stuff and hopefully head to bed. Talk to you later!

No previews....

...at least not at this movie theatre in Cork. But let me back track a second. We woke up with the intention of going to Blarney and after setting out very late to walk to the Cork Bus station to take a bus there we missed our first bus. We then bought tickets for the next bus and as we looked for it in the "Departing Buses" section of the bus station, it left without four of us, two of us made it onto the bus but the rest of us did not. At this point, dejected and wet from the constant rain that has been falling in Ireland as of late, we had no interest in going to Blarney anymore. So we walked to a music store we saw along the way and stopped in and then we asked where the closest movie theatre was. After asking maybe 5 times for directions we finally found ourselves at the Cork Cinema.
This cinema was a very different experience for me. To start with, you buy your ticket and then you wait outside of the theatre. Our movie started at 1:30, so at 1:27 one of the employees went and opened the doors to allow the other movie-goers to file out of the movie that showed before and then we rushed in, found seats and the movie started sans previews by 1:40. Genna and I saw P.S. I Love You. Why I even wore make-up today I haven't a clue. Throughout the whole movie I had a river flowing down my face, I don't think I have ever cried so incessantly through a movie. It was amazing, I highly recommend it. PLUS - it's got some great scenes of Ireland in there. It was awesome to think, "Hey I'm there right now." So definitely go see it. After that we checked out some sports stores. I had hopes of finding the perfect rugby but did not and ending up finding a beautiful Boston (Ironic huh?) Fighting Irish sweatshirt. Which said 100% Irish on the tag, and I'm basically in love with it. Then we came back here napped, hung out, watch a creepy De Niro movie while complaining that we could not watch the football game.
By the way, I have like 3 channels on our TV. So that means no football game, which at this point in the season s basically torture, even for me and football isn't even my fave. Hence why it is now 2:10 in the morning here and I am still awake watching the scores change on NFL.com and reading the play-by-play. At least it gives me a chance to catch you all up on the day. I know you love to read about when I take naps.
So that's my day, I hope you are all enjoying your BBQ chicken wings and my Dad's delicious nacho dip while watching the Pats game on the HD big screen. I could be jealous of you, but I'm in Ireland, so you know it's only a millisecond of jealousy and then I remember - oh yeah I'm in a foreign country with rolling hills and green, green grass and good looking Irish men. Plus, my school looks like Hogwarts. Awesome.
Yesterday night was really fun. Carolan, Sam and I got up and went to the school to register for our history classes and pass in some papers to sign up for a Heritage Weekend in Kerry - which I am wicked excited for. We then took a quick library tour to learn how to use their high-tech library, which is wicked nice and newly renovated. While walking we found some really awesome graffiti. Then we went to the Cork museum and spent some time walking through the beautiful gardens, walked up the white footbridge and then stopped for a cup of tea and some chocolate cake in a small cafe beside the river. It was a dream come true. We had a great time in the museum too, which was free admission. I think we are definitely going to go back later after we have taken more of our Irish History and History of Archaeology of Ireland classes so we can understand and appreciate it all a little bit more. Plus the gardens are going to be even more beautiful in the spring. Oh and on our way out of the gardens we saw the cutest little girl frolicking through the gardens. It was adorable.
After that we checked out the sports complex which is, in one word, amazing! First of all, you don't get in with your card you get it with a fingerprint. No lie they finger print you and it is the only way to enter the gym complex. Plus everything is free to members of UCC (the college I go to here) and they have this great personal trainer type program (also free) and a pool, and a women's only gym. They have plenty of equipment and I can definitely see myself taking full advantage of that free gym. I am so excited.
We ended up staying in for the night and just hanging out in the apartment with everyone. It was a good craic. (That means good times over here in Ireland - sorry I couldn't resist.) And now I am here watching the scores change on NFL.com. I'm so glad church is at noon so I can actually sleep in. Oh yeah, I also got a free poster from the movie theatre. They give away the posters once they are done with them so I grabbed the last "We Own the Night" movie posters for our apartment. Nothing spruces up and apartment like Mark Wahlberg on your wall.
By the way, I apologize that I haven't uploaded pictures. I've been having a lot of trouble with photobucket. But as soon as I am able to upload more I will. For now I'll just upload a couple and try to put them into my journal entries. Sorry!

"I'm sorry...

we're American."
That was Paul's apology to the others at The Old Oak when Smashmouth's "All Star" started to play and the entire table bursted out into song - something that occurred repeatedly throughout the night. Who wouldn't sing along to Journey, The Police, and Counting Crows? We headed out at around 8:30, which is a good time to leave in Ireland because things start and end a little earlier, at least in comparison to America. We were at Old Oak around 9 since it takes about a half hour to walk from our apartment to the city. Old Oak is a really open space, and it has a great vibe, plus it plays some great music and we love to sing along. The nice waitstaff, including a cute bartender or two doesn't hurt either. One of the bartenders, a sweet girl with blonde hair, actually chatted with me a bit about school and what each of us were studying, which may have been a first for me. The younger locals here haven't been the kindest so far, so that was a nice treat. There I discovered a new favorite drink, and Carolan tried something new, hated it and went back to her never failing Bailey's & milk. I went for a half pint of Bulmer's cider, and continued with Bulmer's throughout the night. Something to note - a pint here is much bigger than a pint in the States (that's my new thing to say "Back in the States..."), so ladies if you ever plan on visiting Ireland pay attention and order the half pint. It's smaller and much more manageable, plus you never know how long you'll stay at one bar. The map of Dublin is color coded - bars are in red. In Cork this whole road is filled with different bars to go to and a smaller drink makes it more likely that you won't have to waste any if your crew decides they want to move to a new bar. Of course you're always welcome to order a pint if you're feeling bold - as for the boys. Don't order a half pint, it definitely looks girly in a guys hand. Sorry.
We stayed there just long enough to begin to mildly annoy some of the older (no offense intended) people in the crowd that were there to see whoever would be performing. I don't know if it was our singing or our very original dance moves, or perhaps our hysterical laughter. My face hurt so much from laughing and I don't even remember why! It could have been the lovely suggestive coasters on the tables. On one side it said Miller on the tag of a zipper and on the other side it said "Genuinely easy. Miller." How clever. Anyways, with a quick vote we finished the last of our drinks and headed to an Brog, the college friendly bar I wrote about last night. It's a great bar to head to at the end of the night because it is packed and noisy and with my crew there is very little chance of annoying other people with our loudness. You can barely hear each other there. Luckily Sam, my roommate, offered to grab me a drink from the bar so I could go play some fooseball. When we got there a group of Irish boys were playing but two left and they offered to let us play with them so Carolan and I jumped in. It wasn't bad. We played a few more games and when the Irish boys left Pat and Paul joined me and Carolan. We played a few more games before calling it a night and heading back on our half of an hour long walk back to Victoria Station. And I'll have to get back to you tomorrow on the events of today because I am way too exhausted to explain it all. xoxo, brit

Good night moon...

...good night something else.
It's 2 am and we just got home from the bars. It was a pretty awesome night. *I'm not gonna lie.* We stayed a few hours at Old Oak bar and then we moved to an brog which is more of a college student age group. Plus I think the old Oak people were getting really annoyed with our loudness. In America I wouldn't deem myself loud, but in Ireland I am in a group that is loudest of the loud. I feel out of place a little.
But it was a great night and we got a ot of ridiculous pictures. We played a little foosball with some authentic Irish men and then Paul and I played against Pat and Carolan who actually beat us, which I say is out of pure luck. I'm exhausted now and I'm going to hit the hay, but I will write again tomorrow with some good pictures I promise!! g'night!

Class on Mon, Tues, Wed...

...and so far, that's it!
I finished my schedule!! Well as far as I can anyway. Three of my classes times are to be determined. They actually organize their class times around your other class times so that you can take the class. Currently I have 35 Credits (which is like the equivalent to 20 credits at UMass). So worst case scenario, I can actually do without one of those courses. I wish I could take more courses, but there's no way I'd be able to do all that work. There are way to many interesting courses here. Anyways here's the schedule, let me know if you notice a trend: =P

Spring 2008 Semester at University College Cork – Cork, Ireland

AR1111: Introduction to the Archaeology of Ireland
(10 Credits)
Monday 11 – 12
Room: Pres S2
Tuesday 9 - 10
Room: Pres S3
Wednesday 2 – 3
Room: Aras na Laoi, West End J5

MU Introduction to Traditional Irish Music *(No Final Examination)
(5 Credits)
Monday 5-6
Room: Connelly

LL3002 Travel Writing (No Final Examination)
(2.5 Credits)
Tuesday 1-2
Room: Pharmacy (Kavanagh) Building Lecture Theatre 2

HI1115 Introduction to Irish History *(No Final Examination)
(5 Credits)
Tuesday 6-8
Brookview

GA1120 Introduction to Modern Irish (Gaelic) *(No Final Examination)
(5 Credits)

IT1120 Introduction to Written and Spoken Italian *(No Final Examination)
(5 Credits)

MUP175b Early Music Ensemble *(Performance March 19th)
(2.5 Credits)

The Vikings...

...seemed wicked interesting until our teacher started his lecture today. He looked so nervous and uncomfortable. I could barely pay attention, I was nervous for him and I had no idea why! I felt awful for him.
So Carolan and I decided that was NOT a class that we wanted to take. Today we also decided not to take Irish Folklore. It's not quite the storytelling we wanted, and the Into to Traditional Irish Music class is only one day a week, the same amount of credits, and has no final. Cha-Ching! We hit the jackpot. I still haven't finalized the rest of my classes. But I'm working on it! I promise! I wish we had the final schedule then I would pick my classes depending on when their finals are. I currently have 2 classes with finals and I would love to have more of the month of May to travel rather than be back in Ireland for say 2 finals that are like 8 days apart or something. I don't want it to chop up my vacation time. I know - I'm here to go to school to. But it's EUROPE!
I took a nap today. But I'm still tired. All this rain is so depressing. I'm going to have to get over that though. I'm going to go attempt to finalize my class schedule and work on my articles for the collegian. Peeeace.

Couldn't help it...

...I've been surfing the web making sure that even though galoshes, a rain coat and umbrella will be the attire of the semester, I know what's going on in NYC, Paris, London and Milan. Fashion magazines are my guilty pleasure. Vogue, Allure, and Glamour satisfy my hunger for stylish outfits that are completely unnecessary and close to impossible in this climate, never mind my 3 mile hike to and from class. Looking at all those clothes makes me feel like I've just snuggled into my blankets at home. It's good to know that Dolce & Gabbana, Kate Spade, and some Chanel can help me out when I'm feeling homesick.

Time for dinner!

You're only going to miss one class a week...

...so that should be fine.

One class out of 2 classes. That's what our archaeology professor said to my roommate Sam when she asked him if he would mind her taking his class which conflicts with Immunology on Tuesdays. Fantastic.

Intro to Archaeology of Ireland seems like it will be an excellent class. Three days a week, plus field trips. I love it. At 5 o'clock today, or rather at 17:00, I have Aspects of Irish Folklore which I hope will prove to be a fun class. There are far too many classes that I want to take here. What's mroe is that the way the schdule classes is totally different. Instead of a class that meets 3 times a week in the same room, at the same time, for say an hour we have a class that will meet 1, 2, or 3 times a week for probably one hour, in different rooms and buildings throughout the campus and at different times. Such as my Celtic Religion and Mythology class which meets on Wednesdays 12-1 in Kane room G19, and on Thursdays 10-11 in Boole Room 2. I came to Ireland to experience new things, but I didn't expect that.

I'm working on a resume for a summer internship right now and attempting to finalize my classes, I forgot to tell you that I wanted to take Italian as well so that I can speak it when we visit Italy. Input would be awesome people! Let me know what you think!

12 Days of Christmas?

At home they were already putting up the Valentine's Day items, but here Christmas is aliveand thriving. At church we sang Christmas songs and heard the story of the three wise men and at all the stores the Christmas sales are still going on (which save me money!! =] ). It's great I love that they don't rush by things. At home I felt like I couldn't listen to Christmas music the day after christmas, here I feel like I could get away with it till at least February! It's fantastic for a Christmas music lover like me!!

I just bought a lovely James Dean Canvas picture to go on the wall beside the one of Marilyn Monroe that I picked up the other day. As soon as Audrey Hepburn is back in stock I will be picking her up as well and then I will feel like I can post some good pictures of my apartment. Once it's all organized and looking more home-like.

I'm going to go pick some classes, here are my faves:
Intro to Modern Irish (gaelic)
Intro the Archaeology of Ireland
Step Dancing
Intro to Irish History
Aspects of Irish Folklore
HIstory of Media in Ireland
Celtic Religion and Mythology
Introduction to Music in Modern Ireland

Let me know what you think!!

God be with you...

...and also with you.

We just got back form church which was wonderful. It's a very small but gorgeous church, and mass starts at 12. We walked in and sat down about mid-way through the pews. We happen to be seated right across from the gifts and a minute after sitting down the priest came over to us and asked if there was any one willing to bring the gifts up during the offertory. A boy sitting in front of us agreed and so did I. It was really cool that he just walked through the church and picked people for that. It's very relaxed. In his greeting he even extended a greeting to the "visiting American students" who were joining him. It was the best greeting we have gotten so far.

THere were a few children in the church some of them parading through the aisles. One child even made it so far as togo up onto the altar. To my surprise, the response of the priest was a chuckle and the other priest on the altar simply scooped the child up into his arms and sat him down as his lap while a woman read the second reading. It was such a nice reaction, not the way I would expect things to be in our church back home. I vaguely remember one of our priests stopping and having the child leave the chapel.

In any case it was a wonderful morning and we intend on going to this church which is righ ton campus, every Sunday for mass from now on.

I'm heading to Tesco now to get a few things and finish settling into and decorating our apartment. Then I really need to work on finalizing my classes but there are so many that I want to take! Peace!

What a beautiful day...

...brings to mind that U2 song.

Carolan and I slept for so long today! We didn't get out of bed until 2 in the afternoon, I can't remember if I've ever done that before. I took a shower, thankfully we've figured out how to work the heat system for the water so it wasn't freezing this time. The first day that we were here I seriously took a wicked cold shower. I needed to shower so I didn't really care that much. But this time it was beautiful and warm and greatness.

I got a straighten yesterday. Whoooot. Not having a hair straightener helped me to make a decision too, I seriously need to grow my hair out befire we set off on our Europe adventures. There is no way that I will be able to throw my hair up with the cut I have. My bangs take way too much work. THis should be fun, I love those awkward times between haircuts and growing it out where your hair has the weirdest shapes and looks possible. I should be experiencing a lot of that. Thank god for headbands.

We're picking classes now which is super confusing. They have a very unique set up here. They call it "organized chaos". Very interesting. Two of my classes don't have times et up yet. Instead you figure out the rest of your schedule and they plan your classes around those times. It's really interesting. Two of my other classes have field trips! Archaeology of Ireland and aother one, I think it's Intro to Modern Irish. One field trip is a Heritage Weekend in Kerry, we'll visit Killarny including Vallentia Island, Skellig Centre and Ballinskelligs, plus tours of Cahersiveen and Derrynane House, Sneem, Moll's Gap and more. I'm so excited.

I feel like I am always going to be super busy while I am here. It's insane.

When it rains...

...it keeps raining.

Rain Rain go away, come again another day. I currently look like I just took a shower, not the case.Rain is one thing if you are driving places, it's a total different thing when the only way you know how to get from point A to point B is to walk. However, I now understand why Ireland is so green, so much rain and such mild temperatures. It's not cold, it's rainy. I actually find myself missing the snow.


Anyways, I went to bars last night. But first we attempted to find food and apparently after 4 o'clock, nobody serves food around here, just booze. That was extremely disappointing, all we wanted was some fish 'n chips. So we went back to the apartment, which happens to be the "penthouse" apartment in Victoria Station. Everyone is quite jealous of our accomodations. What's better is that we actually paid less for this apartment because Caroland and I chose to share a room. Biggest apartment for less money = Really Great Deal. So I made dinner, we had some spaghetti, spaghetti sauce and some chicken and I cut up the chicken and mixed it all together. Not bad, everyone liked it.

We decided it would be a good idea to hit the bars and see what Irish pubs are like. We left around 9:30 I suppose, which happens to be quite late in Ireland - something I will have to get used to. We tried one bar, where I had a creepy encounter of an Irish kind. Luckily Pat saved the day by making a quick discrete call to my cell phone, for which I am so very, very grateful. From there, which has a great acoustic singer, we headed to another bar, less expensive which was fantastic, but there were less kids our age there. But it was really nice, and they played good music. From there we went to one of the local hang outs, it was fun but I've got a feeling Americans aren't among the quickly accepted anywhere in Europe.

Everywhere we go, people watch, stare, listen, glare. There are sweet, sweet people that are so kind to you, and then there is the younger crowd which seems to be the most hostile toward us. One girl actually attempted to trip my roommate Sam on our way backfrom the bar, they also said something really awful to her which I feel no need to repeat. The point is that it was unnecessary and uncalled for, we hadn't even talked to them we were chatting between each other about whether or not to go out Friday. I am hoping that with more time here people will either learn to like us more, or we will learn where to be careful so that we don't aggravate the locals.

The older gentlemen that we meet are so nice and willing to chat. They greet us on the street and are helpful and everything. However, during our speeches yesterday in our orientation, there were probably 5 random "Bush sucks"-type statements. They didn't outwardly say it, many did the cough *speak* cough, thing. But it was definitely clear that they are not a fan of US politicians. Who can blame them, most of America isn't a fan of the current US political state.

We just found out the grocery store delivers, which is great because it started to hail. I hope everyone else made their way to their apartments before it started.

Hotel at Cork airport…

…ok, so there is no hotel in Cork airport. At least, we didn’t stay at any hotel in Cork airport. However, we did stay in Cork airport for the night. Our flight came in around 11:10 and after heave ho-ing our extra heavy bags onto a wonderful luggage cart, we met a new friend and found the perfect place to spend the night. (See Picture) Welcome to L’Hotel de Starbucks. The Starbucks doesn’t open until 5:30, which gives us plenty of time to relax in our deluxe 4-table suite complete with piles of empty Starbucks cups just waiting to be filled.
Even luckier for me, there’s a plug! Convenient because my laptop was bordering on death. We’ve still got a few more hours here. It’s only about 4:30 in the morning. The Starbucks guy just came in. We’re watching Mean Girls, it’s ridiculous. I love it. In fact I love it so much that it has dragged my attention away from writing this entry. I’ll have to get back to you.

View from the top...

…is all clouds right now.

Reader’s Digest Version: In bed by 1 am on New Years Eve, up by 5 am New Years Day. By 6:20 am I joined Carolan, my soon-to-be roommate and her family at the airport. By 7 I had dropped off my luggage and headed toward the security check. With a tearful good-bye I hugged my parents, took pictures, told them I loved them and waved good-bye as I proceeded beyond security and headed to my gate.

Extended Version: This is what really happened.
When I first opened my eyes it hit me, this is the last time I get to sleep in my own bed for 5 months. I clamped my eyes shut and buried my face into the familiar comfort of the pillows and blankets that I’m leaving behind. I then admitted to myself that my alarm was in fact going off and that I would have to get up and turn it off. I crawled back into my bed after turning it off praying that the day wasn’t quite here.
But it is, and so I got up and went over to the outfit that I had prepared for today and began to get ready. Once I was dressed and ready, I went into Tierney’s room. I jumped into her bed and gave her a hug. She wrapped her arm around me and said, “Just sleep here.” I started to cry and told her that I couldn’t because I had to leave in a few minutes. “DO me a favor and be good while I’m gone, I don’t want to have to worry about you,” I said as the tears that I tried to hold back continued to pour down my face. She looked over at me stretching with the half-awake half-asleep eyes and groaned, “I’m a good kid.” “I know.” We said our I love yous and I’ll miss yous and I walked out of her room stopping at the door to give her a peace sign.
I turned toward Troy’s room, gave myself a second to wipe the tears from my face. This one is either going ot be really easy, or the hardest good-bye. I walked in and sat down on his bed. I gave him a hug and he sat up and returned to favor. We said our I love yous, and he said to me, “Will you have some wine?” I looked at him, thinking that Ireland was not exactly known for its wine, and said, “In Ireland?” He laughed, “No! On the plane.” All I could do was laugh. “I’ll see what I can do.” He probably doesn’t even remember it, I doubt he was really awake, but that was the best good-bye I could have asked for from him. It was so perfectly Troy.
Fast Forward, I’m on the plane now, headed toward London’s Heathrow airport. It’s about a 6 and a half hour trip. There is a baby crying. How cliché. Someone is rustling their newspaper quite loudly. I’m watching the latest Harry Potter and trying to move my legs a bit, my ankles hurt. There is an older gentleman in the opposite aisle walking in a little circle beside his seat while listening to head phones. For about 10 minutes I suspected that he was waiting to use the toilet. Now I realize that he’s probably just trying to keep his legs moving.
Carolan is beside me writing in her journal. My hips are really bothering me, no matter which way I move they end up with shooting pain. We are currently over the Atlantic Ocean, about half way to our destination. The outside temperature is -52 C. Sounds lovely. There’s been a fair amount of turbulence on the flight, but the sky is blue and the clouds below us are heavenly white.
I’m crossing an ocean right now. It is so surreal. The trip of a lifetime. A trip many people just dream about, and here I am. 20 years old and embarking on a journey that I cannot even begin to imagine. Amazing.
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you.
PS Mom – You should really try that paraffin wax spa thing you got me. It’s in the rec room. The directions are there. It’s really cool.