I don't know how it happened.
I was in my room in Needham Massachusetts coming up with creative ways to procrastinate packing at three in the morning. I blinked and had this indescribably incredible dream; suddenly the calendar is telling me it's four months later, and I am procrastinating the dreaded packing again in Dublin. This time, though, I'm avoiding it because it makes my departure a reality. As soon as I see empty drawers and closet space, it is real.
All week I worked on my portfolio, the 27 page long analysis of my internship at Starcom. Handing that in today was epic. It was a huge relief; the work is done, but now, so is the adventure. The program hosted a delicious luncheon for us as a farewell, handed out our DCU sweatshirts, and little green teddy bears that say I <3 Ireland. It was so, so cute. I reluctantly handed back my bodhran, and quite delightedly gave back all of the textbooks. It really is over.
Yesterday at Starcom everyone was absolutely incredible. I am going to miss them so much, and they made me feel like I was going to be missed as well, which was huge for me. My main goal was to contribute something to the company, to leave it better than I found it, in whatever small way, and I feel like I did that. As a very generous leaving present, they got me a gorgeous Newbridge Silverware bracelet that I haven't taken off since, a box of sinfully delicious Butler's chocolates, and adorable business cards with the Starcom logo that say Eileen O'Hara, Media Intern. I will most definitely be handing those out to friends and family. We went out for drinks and said our goodbyes; I know they have temporary employees come and go, but this was my first real desk job, therefore quite memorable, and it was hard to say goodbye.
Let me think of what else I can say to put off the packing.
To be true to my melodramatic self, I must admit; I feel heartbroken. It has been the most incredible experience being here, and it actually hurts to think that I won't be living this life anymore. I know I am blessed to have an amazing family, friends, etc etc, and I wouldn't trade those for anything. I have a wonderful home. But a part of me feels like this is home too, and it always has. Who knows what the future brings. If I am so fortunate to grow old and retire someday, it will certainly be in Ireland. Hopefully a portion of my young life can be here as well.
For now, I have so much to look forward to when my plane lands, so that is what I'm trying to focus on. All of us that have become so close in the program are spending our last night packing and being together. I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry.
Now the only question is-- what do I do with my blog??
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Eileen
I forgot to mention something so cool that happened in Galway the other weekend. On the Sunday that we walked around the city shopping for gifts, we found ourselves strolling through a small street filled with vendors, mostly selling crafts. Some of the jewelry was pretty awful, but one booth caught our eye; the stone and beadwork was just beautiful, and there was a huge array of styles. Bingo.
"Eileen, try this one on," one of my friends said.
"Which one of you is Eileen?" we heard a voice say. I stepped back to see the middle-aged woman sitting next to the table smiling up at us. "That's my name!"
Now, my excitement at this news may have seemed excessive, but I haven't met another Eileen my entire time here, and she agreed she didn't get to meet too many. As we all chatted with her, we learned that she made all of this jewelry herself, but hadn't been out to sell it in a couple months. She has a daughter who went away to college but transferred back to Dublin because, as she put it, "You don't appreciate where you're from until you leave it for a while." That hit home for us. As amazing as traveling has been, we're all missing the good ol' US of A. Boston in particular. Oh, I love that dirty water.
Eileen also told me that our name means "peace". This is utterly false. Eileen means "light" or "brightness", and I have known this since I can remember, ask any baby names website! I didn't correct her though; she was pretty keen on giving me an Eileen-discount on the absolutely gorgeous ring I got for my friend, so I say let her think it means peace!
Every Irish person I have met here has shown some form of approval upon learning my name, from airport employees to friends. I've always loved my name, but here it's like a get-out-of-jail-free card, somehow. They also pronounce it differently, emphasizing the EI rather than the LEEN. I guess I owe my parents a thank you for that; thanks for not naming me anything else!
After a few snippets of life advice, we purchased our jewelry and were on our way. She thanked us for bringing her such wonderful luck; after months of being away, she was nervous about not making any sales her first day back, but she said we made her feel great about her merchandise again. I think that should have been worth a free pair of earrings, personally.
"Eileen, try this one on," one of my friends said.
"Which one of you is Eileen?" we heard a voice say. I stepped back to see the middle-aged woman sitting next to the table smiling up at us. "That's my name!"
Now, my excitement at this news may have seemed excessive, but I haven't met another Eileen my entire time here, and she agreed she didn't get to meet too many. As we all chatted with her, we learned that she made all of this jewelry herself, but hadn't been out to sell it in a couple months. She has a daughter who went away to college but transferred back to Dublin because, as she put it, "You don't appreciate where you're from until you leave it for a while." That hit home for us. As amazing as traveling has been, we're all missing the good ol' US of A. Boston in particular. Oh, I love that dirty water.
Eileen also told me that our name means "peace". This is utterly false. Eileen means "light" or "brightness", and I have known this since I can remember, ask any baby names website! I didn't correct her though; she was pretty keen on giving me an Eileen-discount on the absolutely gorgeous ring I got for my friend, so I say let her think it means peace!
Every Irish person I have met here has shown some form of approval upon learning my name, from airport employees to friends. I've always loved my name, but here it's like a get-out-of-jail-free card, somehow. They also pronounce it differently, emphasizing the EI rather than the LEEN. I guess I owe my parents a thank you for that; thanks for not naming me anything else!
After a few snippets of life advice, we purchased our jewelry and were on our way. She thanked us for bringing her such wonderful luck; after months of being away, she was nervous about not making any sales her first day back, but she said we made her feel great about her merchandise again. I think that should have been worth a free pair of earrings, personally.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Party in the USA
Alright... it's only fair now I talk about things I'm excited to get back to in the US, since all I'm thinking and talking about is what I'm going to miss here.
Goes without saying, I am beyond excited to see everyone I've been missing for the past few months. Family and Friends are the number one thing I am so, so thrilled to return to. Even with my family's visit, I'm still anxious to get back to them.
Aside from the obvious, in no particular order:
Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee (Medium French Vanilla with skim milk and two splenda. I know... I know... splenda is chemicals. But it tastes better than sugar.)
Regular exercise -Fitrec, walking, and hopefully-- IRISHSTEP!
Singing with AFix. It will will have to wait until September, but I am so, so excited to start up again. I miss my girls and I MISS singing so much it hurts.
Music- I feel so behind with new music coming out. Can't wait to catch up on the country music I've been missing, since most chart music has traveled across the pond, but country wouldn't.
Driving. No I don't do it often, but I do enjoy doing it, and this summer may be spent driving a lot!
The dollar. Not having to think to myself during every tiny purchase, "How much is this actually costing me?"
GLEE. Watching it when it's actually on, and not online the day after.
Hulu and other websites that dont' work here
My cell phone. Texting my friends at random points during the day.
Having time to sit and read a book; here, I feel like I should be out doing things, seeing things... I miss feeling relaxed, like I have time.
WORKING. I miss my job at SMG Catering, and knowing that I am putting money into my account, not just watching it drain.
My mom's cooking. Separate from missing my mom, of course. But not separate from missing her buying the groceries, and not me. I'm just being honest! :)
Going to the movies
SUNSET NACHOS. Those are very close behind friends and family.
Painting. No space or money or time to do it here, so hopefully getting a few pieces in over the summer.
No more time difference!!
This has proved to be an incredibly hard list to make, since my thoughts keep drifting off to what I love and am going to miss about here. Which is just everything.
Goes without saying, I am beyond excited to see everyone I've been missing for the past few months. Family and Friends are the number one thing I am so, so thrilled to return to. Even with my family's visit, I'm still anxious to get back to them.
Aside from the obvious, in no particular order:
Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee (Medium French Vanilla with skim milk and two splenda. I know... I know... splenda is chemicals. But it tastes better than sugar.)
Regular exercise -Fitrec, walking, and hopefully-- IRISHSTEP!
Singing with AFix. It will will have to wait until September, but I am so, so excited to start up again. I miss my girls and I MISS singing so much it hurts.
Music- I feel so behind with new music coming out. Can't wait to catch up on the country music I've been missing, since most chart music has traveled across the pond, but country wouldn't.
Driving. No I don't do it often, but I do enjoy doing it, and this summer may be spent driving a lot!
The dollar. Not having to think to myself during every tiny purchase, "How much is this actually costing me?"
GLEE. Watching it when it's actually on, and not online the day after.
Hulu and other websites that dont' work here
My cell phone. Texting my friends at random points during the day.
Having time to sit and read a book; here, I feel like I should be out doing things, seeing things... I miss feeling relaxed, like I have time.
WORKING. I miss my job at SMG Catering, and knowing that I am putting money into my account, not just watching it drain.
My mom's cooking. Separate from missing my mom, of course. But not separate from missing her buying the groceries, and not me. I'm just being honest! :)
Going to the movies
SUNSET NACHOS. Those are very close behind friends and family.
Painting. No space or money or time to do it here, so hopefully getting a few pieces in over the summer.
No more time difference!!
This has proved to be an incredibly hard list to make, since my thoughts keep drifting off to what I love and am going to miss about here. Which is just everything.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ch-ch-cha Changes
Observations about minor changes I've gone through in the past few months.
Due to the utter lack of decent coffee available to me, I have become an avid tea drinker. Now, I prefer it. It is far to much fun to say you want a "cuppa". I have also put myself on Diet Coke Detox.
Hersheys has been replaced as my #1 chocolate. Now, it is Cadbury. Particularly, Twirl bars. They are bliss.
Eggs over easy, instead of scrambled.
The poor student version of a pasta dish- bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and a cheese single on top. I know Nick would shake his head in shame at the lack of creativity there, but it is easy and cheap.
I also developed an obsession with yogurt and granola.
Apart from food...
I can distinguish not only between the accents originating from different counties but now from different parts of Dublin.
Lingo that slips out: I vow that none of these will come back to the US with me.
That's deadly! (US insert: awesome, great)
Calling the US "The States".
I'll give you a ring. (call)
Putting "like" after a casual sentence rather than in the middle.
"Do you want to catch the bus or, catch a cab, like?" as opposed to, "... or, like, catch a cab?"
Saying brilliant. Particularly combining it with the above. "It was brilliant, like."
And of course... great craic. Particularly people and venues can be described as "good craic". Means fun. But kind of adds a little kick.
Before this past Christmas, I had never had any interest in owning a camera. Now, I absolutely LOVE taking pictures. I can't believe my camera clonked out when it did. I regret so much not being able to take pictures of Paris, Spain, the rest of Ireland. I would have documented everything. Soon as I get it fixed, my camera will never leave my purse.
Oh, last minor change... I will never like an American boy again. If he isn't Irish, I'm not interested. :) Not that that's much of a change, to be honest!
Due to the utter lack of decent coffee available to me, I have become an avid tea drinker. Now, I prefer it. It is far to much fun to say you want a "cuppa". I have also put myself on Diet Coke Detox.
Hersheys has been replaced as my #1 chocolate. Now, it is Cadbury. Particularly, Twirl bars. They are bliss.
Eggs over easy, instead of scrambled.
The poor student version of a pasta dish- bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and a cheese single on top. I know Nick would shake his head in shame at the lack of creativity there, but it is easy and cheap.
I also developed an obsession with yogurt and granola.
Apart from food...
I can distinguish not only between the accents originating from different counties but now from different parts of Dublin.
Lingo that slips out: I vow that none of these will come back to the US with me.
That's deadly! (US insert: awesome, great)
Calling the US "The States".
I'll give you a ring. (call)
Putting "like" after a casual sentence rather than in the middle.
"Do you want to catch the bus or, catch a cab, like?" as opposed to, "... or, like, catch a cab?"
Saying brilliant. Particularly combining it with the above. "It was brilliant, like."
And of course... great craic. Particularly people and venues can be described as "good craic". Means fun. But kind of adds a little kick.
Before this past Christmas, I had never had any interest in owning a camera. Now, I absolutely LOVE taking pictures. I can't believe my camera clonked out when it did. I regret so much not being able to take pictures of Paris, Spain, the rest of Ireland. I would have documented everything. Soon as I get it fixed, my camera will never leave my purse.
Oh, last minor change... I will never like an American boy again. If he isn't Irish, I'm not interested. :) Not that that's much of a change, to be honest!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Starcom
I've been interning at Starcom Advertising Agency since the middle of March Monday through Thursday. It replaces the courses of Irish History and Contemporary Irish Society which ended before spring break, while the Arts in Ireland course resumes on Fridays. On top of working the internship, because it is an academic course we have to compile a portfolio documenting everything we do on a day to day basis. I have a log starting from my first hours in the agency detailing everything I do. As you can imagine, they are each 5-6 pages. The minimum is two.
Starcom is a media planning and buying agency. In other words, it is exactly the type of agency I thought I would drown in. The nitty gritty, meticulous planning, number-crunching-practical-thinking atmosphere that I always assumed was a 180 degree from what I wanted to be doing- the creative, the ideas, the art. Looking back on the last six weeks of working at Starcom, I can't believe how wrong I was. I've certainly learned a lot. I've learned what I don't see myself doing in the future, but more importantly, that I AM capable of doing what does not come easily. And I really enjoy working hard!
The people are by FAR the most amazing part of this job. I laugh my way through the day amongst the cheerfulness, sarcasm, slagging, and generally fun attitude of everyone in the office. I'm surrounded by my favorite accents; the Managing Director is Scottish, the guy at the desk next to me is Australian, and everyone else is a rainbow of my favorite Irish accents. Sometimes I'm so fixated on the way they speak, I have to ask them to repeat themselves to listen to what they're actually saying.
They have been nicer than I could have ever asked for. I'm always included in conversations, jokes, lunch excursions, nights out. Everyone has shown such an interest in my life when I'm so much more interested in them, how they got to where they are, whether they have other plans for the future.
My favorite part of the internship has been sitting in on client meetings. I've been able to shadow someone multiple times, and I feel so privileged every time. Other than that I've learned the basics for the media world, placing ads, using archives, documenting trancerts, invoices, and most definitely learning my way around Excel Spreadsheet.
It just so happened that my first day was the beginning of a VERY busy time for the office. The beginning of two important pitches. I was handed two briefs first thing, and reading through them, I immediately felt like I was in over my head. But my supervisor and everyone else in the office definitely helped me out more than I could have hoped for.
After a month and a half of research, clue hunting, hunching, opportunity, themes, and ideas, we narrowed down the pitch ideas to 6 main statements. I illustrated the six ideas for the second pitch that happened this past week.
The final product!
So much meticulous work went into the research. Why not display it for the client to see?
I got to watch a lot of the real work go into it, but I know that there were even more hours of toil that went into this one presentation, competing for the business of these two companies. I hope I made a difference helping out; that was my main goal coming into this internship. I have one week left there; I'm going to miss it so much! The people better stay in touch!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Weekend of a Lifetime
Relaying events in their proper order is predictable. Far more exciting and interesting is to go backwards. At least that is the excuse I'm sticking with.
This past weekend was absolutely fantastic. Thursday night, I was invited to go to a party for work thrown by Sunday World. It was 70's and 80's themed, and while I was not cool enough to wear a costume, most people did. Everyone was so creative. From the Jackson 5 to Madonna to a Rubix Cube to Hulk Hogan, I was so impressed with how into it everyone was. I have never been to anything like it; open bar, food everywhere, and of course- the celebrity appearance.
If anyone caught these guys on Ellen Degeneres on St. Patty's day, you'll know just how ridiculous it is that I got to meet them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XXuRHq15o
Check it out first. They are outrageous. Goofy and cheesy, and yet incredibly fun and full of energy. Bit of a running joke amongst Irish people who are mortified that they were on Ellen. I missed the performance, unfortunately, as I showed up a bit late, but I got to meet all three of them later on. I chatted with the Mom for a solid twenty minutes. They are just as wholesome and sugary sweet as they seem on TV. It was bizarre seeing them up close. I also had a fantastic time with my coworkers who were introducing me to everyone and constantly making sure I was having a great time.
Friday, I was treated to my very first rugby game, Leinster v the Ospreys (Wales). The O'Keane family, friends of my dad, have been absolutely fantastic about showing me everything about Dublin. They have season tickets to Leinster rugby and were generous enough to bring me to a game.
The rules flew over my head, of course, but Eoghan O'Keane was great about filling me in on the basics. It is one of the coolest games I've ever watched. I can see how it's easy to get addicted; by the end of it, I had a good idea of what was going on, picked my favorite player, and was cheering as loud as everyone else. Leinster won 20-16. It was certainly a game I'll remember, a great first rugby experience.
The next day, I met my friends in Galway. They were able to go to the Aran Islands; due to the rugby game I had to miss out on that (save it for the next time I'm in Ireland!) but met up in Galway that afternoon.
It was so nice to see that city again. It brought a feeling of closure to my experience here, remembering a few months ago when I was there and all the amazing places I'd seen since. We had dinner at Couch Potatas, an amazing hidden gem. Every dish is a baked potato stuffed/topped with meat, veggies, sauce, cheese, etc. I could probably eat there every meal if it in Boston and was nutritionally acceptable. We had a few drinks on the town, but we were all pretty exhausted and called it an early night.
The next day we shopped for gifts around the city. Amongst wonderful souvenirs for my beloved friends and family, I also got myself something. I knew what I wanted; something I would wear every day, to symbolize my unforgettable time here in Ireland, and purchased from its city of origin- a claddagh ring. The original shop was closed for Sunday, but I found another jewelry place (that was most certainly cheaper anyway) that had just what I wanted. While I have an astounding amount of earrings that I change daily, I wear the same rings every day. I have worn the one on my left hand for two years now, and I envision this new claddagh ring will be around for a while, reminding me of my time here everytime I glance down at it.
A beautiful stroll around the harbor, some silly time taking pictures amongst large rocks like the mature 21 year olds we are, and we were off to catch the 3 hour bus back to Dublin. I felt pretty emotional leaving Galway (there may have been a rogue tear or two) but it only reminded me that I need to live it up the next two weeks. Tonight I'm going to try out the dancing at a local school. Let's home my feet remember what to do!
This past weekend was absolutely fantastic. Thursday night, I was invited to go to a party for work thrown by Sunday World. It was 70's and 80's themed, and while I was not cool enough to wear a costume, most people did. Everyone was so creative. From the Jackson 5 to Madonna to a Rubix Cube to Hulk Hogan, I was so impressed with how into it everyone was. I have never been to anything like it; open bar, food everywhere, and of course- the celebrity appearance.
If anyone caught these guys on Ellen Degeneres on St. Patty's day, you'll know just how ridiculous it is that I got to meet them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XXuRHq15o
Check it out first. They are outrageous. Goofy and cheesy, and yet incredibly fun and full of energy. Bit of a running joke amongst Irish people who are mortified that they were on Ellen. I missed the performance, unfortunately, as I showed up a bit late, but I got to meet all three of them later on. I chatted with the Mom for a solid twenty minutes. They are just as wholesome and sugary sweet as they seem on TV. It was bizarre seeing them up close. I also had a fantastic time with my coworkers who were introducing me to everyone and constantly making sure I was having a great time.
Friday, I was treated to my very first rugby game, Leinster v the Ospreys (Wales). The O'Keane family, friends of my dad, have been absolutely fantastic about showing me everything about Dublin. They have season tickets to Leinster rugby and were generous enough to bring me to a game.
The rules flew over my head, of course, but Eoghan O'Keane was great about filling me in on the basics. It is one of the coolest games I've ever watched. I can see how it's easy to get addicted; by the end of it, I had a good idea of what was going on, picked my favorite player, and was cheering as loud as everyone else. Leinster won 20-16. It was certainly a game I'll remember, a great first rugby experience.
The next day, I met my friends in Galway. They were able to go to the Aran Islands; due to the rugby game I had to miss out on that (save it for the next time I'm in Ireland!) but met up in Galway that afternoon.
It was so nice to see that city again. It brought a feeling of closure to my experience here, remembering a few months ago when I was there and all the amazing places I'd seen since. We had dinner at Couch Potatas, an amazing hidden gem. Every dish is a baked potato stuffed/topped with meat, veggies, sauce, cheese, etc. I could probably eat there every meal if it in Boston and was nutritionally acceptable. We had a few drinks on the town, but we were all pretty exhausted and called it an early night.
The next day we shopped for gifts around the city. Amongst wonderful souvenirs for my beloved friends and family, I also got myself something. I knew what I wanted; something I would wear every day, to symbolize my unforgettable time here in Ireland, and purchased from its city of origin- a claddagh ring. The original shop was closed for Sunday, but I found another jewelry place (that was most certainly cheaper anyway) that had just what I wanted. While I have an astounding amount of earrings that I change daily, I wear the same rings every day. I have worn the one on my left hand for two years now, and I envision this new claddagh ring will be around for a while, reminding me of my time here everytime I glance down at it.
A beautiful stroll around the harbor, some silly time taking pictures amongst large rocks like the mature 21 year olds we are, and we were off to catch the 3 hour bus back to Dublin. I felt pretty emotional leaving Galway (there may have been a rogue tear or two) but it only reminded me that I need to live it up the next two weeks. Tonight I'm going to try out the dancing at a local school. Let's home my feet remember what to do!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Beginning of the End
Yet another blog fail... I have so, so much to update on it hurts. I think I should just write a book and publish it, because now I'm so out of order. I left off, sadly, with Seville, nearly a month ago. The rest of Madrid and Barcelona was too action packed to sit down and blog, and when I returned immediately our internships began, my family visited, and since I've just lost track. So my sincere apologies for the utter lack of update.
I have exactly twelve days left here in Dublin. While there are elements of home that I will definitely be excited to return to (family, friends, Dunkin Donuts), I am not looking forward to the severe withdrawal I'm going to experience. I actually get sad seeing planes take off in the distance from my common room window.
Thus, the next two weeks are going to be the best of the trip. I have absolutely fantastic things planned. Pesky papers and assignments will not interfere.
Aside from hyper-blog-catch-up, my internship, job hunting for the summer, finding creative ways to not spend money on daily essentials, and fulfilling assignments for class and my portfolio, I also have the pleasure of participating in some Irish Dance. Better late than never, but I really could have used the optional class they started offering a couple weeks ago about three months ago. Not only is the class at DCU great fun, but the teacher has her own school based in Dublin that I'm going to check out tomorrow night. My mom brought my shoes to me, so I need to get a few good uses out of them. Dancing in her class and finding some good ceilis will be an excellent addition to my time here.
I have also started the optional Gaeilge lessons, picking up various Irish words and phrases, the very basics. I am, of course, in love with it. Is maith liom Baile Atha Cliath.
I'll chip away at everything I need to update you all on as much as I can this week. Very soon I will be home sharing it all in person, but here, you can ex out if you get tired of hearing about every minute detail, whereas in person, I don't even have a "minimize until later" option. Believe me, I understand.
I have exactly twelve days left here in Dublin. While there are elements of home that I will definitely be excited to return to (family, friends, Dunkin Donuts), I am not looking forward to the severe withdrawal I'm going to experience. I actually get sad seeing planes take off in the distance from my common room window.
Thus, the next two weeks are going to be the best of the trip. I have absolutely fantastic things planned. Pesky papers and assignments will not interfere.
Aside from hyper-blog-catch-up, my internship, job hunting for the summer, finding creative ways to not spend money on daily essentials, and fulfilling assignments for class and my portfolio, I also have the pleasure of participating in some Irish Dance. Better late than never, but I really could have used the optional class they started offering a couple weeks ago about three months ago. Not only is the class at DCU great fun, but the teacher has her own school based in Dublin that I'm going to check out tomorrow night. My mom brought my shoes to me, so I need to get a few good uses out of them. Dancing in her class and finding some good ceilis will be an excellent addition to my time here.
I have also started the optional Gaeilge lessons, picking up various Irish words and phrases, the very basics. I am, of course, in love with it. Is maith liom Baile Atha Cliath.
I'll chip away at everything I need to update you all on as much as I can this week. Very soon I will be home sharing it all in person, but here, you can ex out if you get tired of hearing about every minute detail, whereas in person, I don't even have a "minimize until later" option. Believe me, I understand.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Seville
Hola de España! I am going to have the hardest time not typing in Spanish right now. I´ve been having the time of my life brushing up on the language, and automatically start thinking in Spanish now, after just a few days! I wish I knew so much more, I love conversing with the people here but I have to warn them that solo hablo poquito Español.
I´m traveling with my four good friends from the BU program, and we just met up with some of our guy friends in Madrid (we booked the same hostel, the same floor, and didn´t even know it!). It´s an absolute blast traveling with my friends. We´re having an awesome time just taking it all in, struggling through the language together. We left Dublin Thursday night and arrived in Alicante, Spain at around midnight. Our flight to Sevilla, the real destination, wasn´t until 6am, so we all experienced our first all-nighter in an airport. Totally safe, there were guards and everything, so no worries there. But nothing was open, as we had anticipated. We stepped outside to at least say we breathed some Alicante air and it was WARM. Warm. So amazing. There were palm trees. We were psyched. We also met some great people who pulled the same all-nighter, a girl from Brazil and a boy from Madrid. He was so helpful giving us a list of places to go and food to try.
We arrived in Sevilla at last at around 11am the next day and passed out until 5pm. Luckily, one of the girls I´m with had a bunch of friends studying in Sevilla, so we had great tour guides to show us around the city that night.
Sevilla is beautiful. Even beyond our obsession with the palm trees, the narrow stone streets and flora everywhere is awesome and architecture is so fascinating. My favorite part was La Catedral de Sevilla, the largest cathedral I have ever seen. There were paintings covering every surface, countless altars adorned in gold, statues everywhere, and the ceilings were phenomenally high. There is a 34 story tower that gives you the BEST view of the city, and yes, we climbed it. Instead of stairs, however, you climb ramps to get up, originally built that way so that they could ride horses up. Looking out over the city was amazing. Tiny dots of every color umbrella swarmed through the stone streets amongst yellow-beige buildings with brightly colored doorways. Even with the rainy weather it was so colorful.
My favorite thing about Sevilla is the trees. There are orange trees and an occasional lemon tree EVERYWHERE you go, just orchards of them. They are not edible, we were warned, but they were so pretty, adding more splashes of color to every street. We got a good amount of rain, but it held off when we really needed it to, like during the walking tour. We learned all about the history of Sevilla, learned funny legends that always ended in someone converting to Christianity. Sevilla is the most Catholic place I have ever been.
The hostel we stayed at, The Garden, was amazing. The employees were so interesting to talk to and very helpful, providing the walking tour and a tour of the city at night. They also had a paella (this amazing Spanish rice dish) and sangria night for just 6 euro, which was absolutely declicious. Most of the other food we had wasn´t very Spanish, but since we were on a different meal schedule than is customary in Spain, it was hard to find places open. Meals are much later here, approximately at 11, 3, and then 9pm. Nightlife doesn´t start until midnight and most places don´t close until at least 6am. Not that we stayed out that late! ;)
Yesterday we sadly left for the 6 hour busride to Madrid, in a surprisingly comfortable bus that provided more leg room than I´ve ever seen in a vehicle. Yeah, that was wonderful. We arrived in Madrid, met up with the guys I mentioned previously, and hit the town for dinner. This proved to be problematic. None of us know the area at all, and we wandered in the rain for a solid half hour before we found a place that was serving la cena, the dinner. We all had a good laugh there, because the man wouldn´t let us order from anything but the American food on the menu. I kid you not, we had fries, a hot dog without a bun, a hamburger without a bun, a fried egg, and a tomato. That was the dish. We figured he went into the back and scratched his head thinking what Americans eat. We just wanted paella!
It was fantastic to meet up with our friends. It really brightened up the trip for us, and we´re headed out in a bit to explore the city with them in the gorgeous sunshine outside. Finally, sunshine!
Mas de Madrid luego!
I´m traveling with my four good friends from the BU program, and we just met up with some of our guy friends in Madrid (we booked the same hostel, the same floor, and didn´t even know it!). It´s an absolute blast traveling with my friends. We´re having an awesome time just taking it all in, struggling through the language together. We left Dublin Thursday night and arrived in Alicante, Spain at around midnight. Our flight to Sevilla, the real destination, wasn´t until 6am, so we all experienced our first all-nighter in an airport. Totally safe, there were guards and everything, so no worries there. But nothing was open, as we had anticipated. We stepped outside to at least say we breathed some Alicante air and it was WARM. Warm. So amazing. There were palm trees. We were psyched. We also met some great people who pulled the same all-nighter, a girl from Brazil and a boy from Madrid. He was so helpful giving us a list of places to go and food to try.
We arrived in Sevilla at last at around 11am the next day and passed out until 5pm. Luckily, one of the girls I´m with had a bunch of friends studying in Sevilla, so we had great tour guides to show us around the city that night.
Sevilla is beautiful. Even beyond our obsession with the palm trees, the narrow stone streets and flora everywhere is awesome and architecture is so fascinating. My favorite part was La Catedral de Sevilla, the largest cathedral I have ever seen. There were paintings covering every surface, countless altars adorned in gold, statues everywhere, and the ceilings were phenomenally high. There is a 34 story tower that gives you the BEST view of the city, and yes, we climbed it. Instead of stairs, however, you climb ramps to get up, originally built that way so that they could ride horses up. Looking out over the city was amazing. Tiny dots of every color umbrella swarmed through the stone streets amongst yellow-beige buildings with brightly colored doorways. Even with the rainy weather it was so colorful.
My favorite thing about Sevilla is the trees. There are orange trees and an occasional lemon tree EVERYWHERE you go, just orchards of them. They are not edible, we were warned, but they were so pretty, adding more splashes of color to every street. We got a good amount of rain, but it held off when we really needed it to, like during the walking tour. We learned all about the history of Sevilla, learned funny legends that always ended in someone converting to Christianity. Sevilla is the most Catholic place I have ever been.
The hostel we stayed at, The Garden, was amazing. The employees were so interesting to talk to and very helpful, providing the walking tour and a tour of the city at night. They also had a paella (this amazing Spanish rice dish) and sangria night for just 6 euro, which was absolutely declicious. Most of the other food we had wasn´t very Spanish, but since we were on a different meal schedule than is customary in Spain, it was hard to find places open. Meals are much later here, approximately at 11, 3, and then 9pm. Nightlife doesn´t start until midnight and most places don´t close until at least 6am. Not that we stayed out that late! ;)
Yesterday we sadly left for the 6 hour busride to Madrid, in a surprisingly comfortable bus that provided more leg room than I´ve ever seen in a vehicle. Yeah, that was wonderful. We arrived in Madrid, met up with the guys I mentioned previously, and hit the town for dinner. This proved to be problematic. None of us know the area at all, and we wandered in the rain for a solid half hour before we found a place that was serving la cena, the dinner. We all had a good laugh there, because the man wouldn´t let us order from anything but the American food on the menu. I kid you not, we had fries, a hot dog without a bun, a hamburger without a bun, a fried egg, and a tomato. That was the dish. We figured he went into the back and scratched his head thinking what Americans eat. We just wanted paella!
It was fantastic to meet up with our friends. It really brightened up the trip for us, and we´re headed out in a bit to explore the city with them in the gorgeous sunshine outside. Finally, sunshine!
Mas de Madrid luego!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Spain!... Almost.
Okay, I broke my promise. I was only able to update one ONE of my big trips, but in my defense, it was finals week! We just finished our last final for Contemporary Irish Society. Now it is officially spring break, and I have two hours to shower, clean, pack for nine days, and then (after an annoyingly scheduled two hour meeting) I am flying off to.... SPAIN!!
Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona. I cannot wait. I'm especially excited to speak Spanish again, I feel like it's going to come back to me pretty quickly. Hopefully, I'll be able to update from internet cafe's around each city. AHH so much to do! I better get started!
Adios, mi familia. :)
Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona. I cannot wait. I'm especially excited to speak Spanish again, I feel like it's going to come back to me pretty quickly. Hopefully, I'll be able to update from internet cafe's around each city. AHH so much to do! I better get started!
Adios, mi familia. :)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
John Ryan's Polka (The Final Jam Session)
To take a break from the trip updates, I'm going to write about the very bittersweet night I'm having. I am absolutely thrilled about the music class we just had, but so, so sad that it was our last one. Padhraic, our teacher, the most amazing bodhrán player I've ever seen, had a bunch of his musician friends come in so we could all have a jam session. There was Sheila, playing the accordion, Dervla, playing the fiddle, Michael playing the guitar, and then Padhraic himself threw around the bodhrán and his own little banjo-looking thing, leading every song. The rest of us played along on our bodhráns, sometimes with our tin whistles but that usually ends in catastrophe. We're all just in love with the bodhrán.
The first half of the class was spent mostly warming up and reviewing all the beats he taught us to different tunes, including reels, jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes, and polkas. Tonight was our seventh class, and we'd picked up a lot of really difficult rhythms. We were definitely ready for the session.
The best thing about Padhraic is how encouraging he is. Picture an adorable middle-aged man, humble as can be, but amazes us with his bodhrán playing when we beg him to play. As brilliant as he is, every time we would do anything, be it a slow hornpipe beat to a rapid polka, he would beam and say, "Brilliant!" or "Deadly. That's just deadly." And praise and praise us for how quickly we were picking it up. Certainly he's the reason we were any good- that kind of exaltation will make anyone feel like a bodhrán superstar!
The musicians tonight were amazing. They played together so fluidly, didn't have to name the tune, or really communicate with each other at all. Padhraic would just say, "Alright, the next one then, slow at first so they can run through it then we'll run the whole bit." And they would do everything in sync, perfectly. Their instruments spoke for them. They've been doing this for years, with and without each other, just entering a session and hoping the music just clicks. While I pretended to play the tin whistle, I watched them nod and interact with each other. It was such a great atmosphere.
We played along to everything, reels, jigs, hornpipes, and LOTS of polkas. On the bodhrán, polkas are VERY fast. My right hand is probably going to be really buff compared to my left. The acoustics in the classroom were surprisingly clear, and tune after tune resonated beautifully. I recognized every one of them from years of dancing and listening to it Sunday mornings in the kitchen at home. But speaking of dancing...
Padhraic had me jump up and do a reel. Wearing jeans was pretty rough, as was being over two years out of shape, but it was great fun to dance along to the musicians again. I also did a slow hornpipe, since I remember still my very favorite step from senior year; I just wish I had my hard shoes to show everyone the great rhythm! I wore my O'Dwyer sweatshirt- pride and joy of my life- to class tonight, not knowing I'd be representing the dance school even more than just wearing the paraphernalia. One boy in my class, Ryan, also plays the flute, and we got to listen to him show what he could do along with one of the polkas. The atmosphere felt very similar to that at the farm cottage on our Western Ireland trip; Padhraic was encouraging all of us to show off what we could do with the music. He really has a way of bringing it to life.
None of us wanted the class to end, but the fateful 8pm finally arrived. We finished up with a lively set of reels, banging away whatever rhythm we wanted on the bodhrán, and finished with one loud thrum.
Next, we all have to choose either Visual Arts or Theatre for the remainder of our semester here. I'm choosing Visual Arts in the hopes of learning about some great Celtic designs, but whatever we learn, and whoever instructs it, there are very large shoes to fill. Luckily we get to keep our bodhráns until the end of the semester, so when my family visits I'll be able to show off what I've learned.
(What I'm secretly hoping is that they'll be so impressed they'll buy me my own.)
The first half of the class was spent mostly warming up and reviewing all the beats he taught us to different tunes, including reels, jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes, and polkas. Tonight was our seventh class, and we'd picked up a lot of really difficult rhythms. We were definitely ready for the session.
The best thing about Padhraic is how encouraging he is. Picture an adorable middle-aged man, humble as can be, but amazes us with his bodhrán playing when we beg him to play. As brilliant as he is, every time we would do anything, be it a slow hornpipe beat to a rapid polka, he would beam and say, "Brilliant!" or "Deadly. That's just deadly." And praise and praise us for how quickly we were picking it up. Certainly he's the reason we were any good- that kind of exaltation will make anyone feel like a bodhrán superstar!
The musicians tonight were amazing. They played together so fluidly, didn't have to name the tune, or really communicate with each other at all. Padhraic would just say, "Alright, the next one then, slow at first so they can run through it then we'll run the whole bit." And they would do everything in sync, perfectly. Their instruments spoke for them. They've been doing this for years, with and without each other, just entering a session and hoping the music just clicks. While I pretended to play the tin whistle, I watched them nod and interact with each other. It was such a great atmosphere.
We played along to everything, reels, jigs, hornpipes, and LOTS of polkas. On the bodhrán, polkas are VERY fast. My right hand is probably going to be really buff compared to my left. The acoustics in the classroom were surprisingly clear, and tune after tune resonated beautifully. I recognized every one of them from years of dancing and listening to it Sunday mornings in the kitchen at home. But speaking of dancing...
Padhraic had me jump up and do a reel. Wearing jeans was pretty rough, as was being over two years out of shape, but it was great fun to dance along to the musicians again. I also did a slow hornpipe, since I remember still my very favorite step from senior year; I just wish I had my hard shoes to show everyone the great rhythm! I wore my O'Dwyer sweatshirt- pride and joy of my life- to class tonight, not knowing I'd be representing the dance school even more than just wearing the paraphernalia. One boy in my class, Ryan, also plays the flute, and we got to listen to him show what he could do along with one of the polkas. The atmosphere felt very similar to that at the farm cottage on our Western Ireland trip; Padhraic was encouraging all of us to show off what we could do with the music. He really has a way of bringing it to life.
None of us wanted the class to end, but the fateful 8pm finally arrived. We finished up with a lively set of reels, banging away whatever rhythm we wanted on the bodhrán, and finished with one loud thrum.
Next, we all have to choose either Visual Arts or Theatre for the remainder of our semester here. I'm choosing Visual Arts in the hopes of learning about some great Celtic designs, but whatever we learn, and whoever instructs it, there are very large shoes to fill. Luckily we get to keep our bodhráns until the end of the semester, so when my family visits I'll be able to show off what I've learned.
(What I'm secretly hoping is that they'll be so impressed they'll buy me my own.)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Western Ireland
As I sit here in my room at DCU listening to Galway Girl, one of my new found favorite songs, it seems to be the perfect time to FINALLY catch up on weekend trips and daily life. As infatuated as I am with Dublin, I couldn't wait to explore other areas of Ireland and other European cities. These trips turned out to be even more incredible than I anticipated, each so unique and an amazing learning experience. For now, I'll start with the Western Ireland trip, because each weekend truly deserves its own book, let along its own blog post.
WESTERN IRELAND
Clare and Galway
The next morning we awoke early, grabbed a slice of toast, and checked out of the hostel, departing Ennis at 9:30am. We were all pretty exhausted from the previous nights adventures, but as we drove on, the mood turned around. Without a doubt, this was one of the best days I've ever experienced.
The drive was very different from the previous day; everywhere we turned was scenic and absolutely beautiful, green hills and countryside for miles and miles. We gazed in awe at the scenery as we pulled up to the Cliffs of Moher, where we had a little over an hour to explore.
On the cliffs, you have two options; head to the right, and you'll ascend stone steps to the top of an absolutely breathtaking view; this is the route I took with my family six years earlier. Today, I wanted to take the more adventurous-albeit more dangerous- route, Go Left. The walk was stunning. Really, word's cannot describe it, and pictures barely do it justice.
The part that really took my breath away was beyond the point where one should go on the path; of course, almost every single student in my program that went left climbed over the stone wall to venture a little further, see a little more.
We couldn't get enough of the view, and the further out we went, the more beautiful it became. Only three or four of us went out a few miles, but it was absolutely worth it. 
And for being forbidden, the path was pretty well traveled. Sometimes we basked in the moment together, and other times we silently agreed to take it all in alone, for a few minutes, climbing up at different speeds. It wasn't too windy, so I could distinctly hear the waves crashing 400 feet below. The drop was frightening, but stunning. The water was almost turquoise, and soon the sky cleared, turning a crystal clear blue, and the sun illumined the green hills further out. It was a scene of such breathtaking beauty that even remembering it now makes me feel at peace. Three of us, Marion, Colleen, and I, lay down on our backs on the grass near the cliff edge, at the furthest point we went out. I had never experienced calm that way; it was utterly quiet, with thousands of years of rock, grass, and ocean beneath us. We were half-covered in mud and couldn't care less. Marion and Colleen even rolled down one of the hills as I held their bags. The entire experience was a perfect balance of peaceful and liberating; we reluctantly headed back to the main area where, of course, a gorgeous flute was playing (a smart musician- knew just how generous tourists would be after experiencing the amazing cliffs!) and again assembled on the bus to continue our journey at noon. We drove through the Burren listening to Caroline's historic commentary. The landscape reminded me a lot of a lunar scene, just gray rocks everywhere you looked.
We arrived at the Connolly farm- John's grandparents farm, actually- at 1pm, stomachs grumbling. Most of us burned through that piece of toast pretty quickly running around on the cliffs and were ready for a good meal. But there was one obstacle- a mountain.
John met us again at the farm where we were toured around the barn. The cows were HUGE! And very shy- some animal lovers tried to pet them, and they shied away pretty quickly. The strong scent of silage was somewhat overpowering, so the barn tour didn't last too long. Outside, we all gazed at the large Burren mountain just beyond the farm, not knowing that in just a few minutes, we would be climbing it.
John lead us up a grass field and began to climb up the stones, stopping every once in a while to give us a brief bit of history or information about farm life. Now, imagine about forty city-kids hiking up a mountain; it was about as comical as you can imagine. Most of us climbed slowly, rock to rock, dumbfounded at how high and far he was taking us. "We're not stopping yet!?" John made us feel a bit worse when he told us that the cows make this journey multiple times a year.
At one point, he stopped at a small tree that had countless bits of cloth tied to its branches; he told us that it was customary to tie something to the tree to leave a problem behind. This custom is shared by many different cultures, he said, naming countries all over the world that shed their problems in a similar fashion, using a tree. How cool is that, unrelated cultures all sharing the same custom? It says something about human nature. Particularly that we take a lot of our problems out on trees. I tied my elastic band to a branch. I'm not sure what problem I was leaving behind, but I figured the tree would know which one to take care of.
Onward we climbed, exhausted, and hungry. But as we hiked higher and higher up, we were awarded with a spectacular view of the countryside, like a green quilt, a beach and the ocean in the distance. I thought I'd had my fill of beautiful scenery that day, but I was wrong. Finally, we reached the highest point, and John lead us down a much easier, grassy decent, back to the farm cottage, where a meal awaited us- a purely homemade farm lunch of the most delicious chicken and vegetable quiche, potato and pasta salads, brown bread, and apple pie. Everything was cooked by John's mother from ingredients grown/produced by the farm. After a day of climbing cliffs and a mountain, it was the most delicious, fresh, and satisfying meal I've ever eaten.
Afterward, they offered us Irish coffees and we packed ourselves into a cozy room where two of Caroline and John's neighbors, ages 11 and 16, played some traditional music for us on the fiddle and accordion. We took turns singing, starting with some traditional Irish songs, and then going on to sing anything we all knew the words to.
It was great fun; I whipped out Molly Malone again, and this time everyone knew when to sing along at the chorus. The best was the "Four and Nine" song that one of the neighbors sang; to this day we still sing that song together. I also did a reel for everyone as the boys played, completely made up on the spot of course, and I'm sure nothing to write home about, but it was great fun to show everyone what I could do, and just to dance to live music again.
We left the farm and arrived in Galway city at about 5:30pm. After checking into our next hostel and taking a much-needed nap, we changed for dinner and a night out in Galway, which was GREAT fun. Earlier, Caroline introduced us to the song Galway Girl on the bus, played it for us and printed up lyric sheets, so we took it on as the song of the trip, singing what lines we knew and humming the rest. But that night, one girl, Meghan, actually got the band that played at the first pub we were at to play Galway Girl and dedicate it to the Americans; even if it was just the group of us cheering and singing along, it was still incredibly exciting when we heard the first few notes of it play. Now, we can sing every word.
Clare and Galway
We departed DCU by bus at 12:30 in the afternoon on Friday, the 29th of January. Caroline, my History of Ireland lecturer, gave a brief introduction to the tour and what was to come as we drove through Dublin city; she and her cousin, John, own their own tour company called MacCoole Tours, so as you can imagine she is an extremely talented tour guide, so knowledgeable about everywhere we went. The best part about their tours is the personal touch, but I'll go into further detail about that later.
The first day was spent traveling. The most notable thing we did was stop at a gas station, and watch Wedding Crashers on the bus, but excitement for what was in store kept us all from any prospect of sleep. We pulled into Ennis town in County Clare at about 5pm when we separated into rooms of six at the hostel. After a brief change of outfits (okay... perhaps not brief... but it was intended to be that way!) we all met in a big, dark wood room in the hostel where some young musicians played some traditional music. From there we were lead to the restaurant/bar, into a room entirely to ourselves, which was certainly a good thing for the rest of the people eating; thirty-odd Americans tend to be a boisterous bunch. At dinner, we met John, Caroline's cousin and fellow-tourguide, and Lughaidh (Louis), their friend who helps out with the company. Since Lughaidh is from Ennis, he lead us around that night on a tour/pub crawl through various streets in the town. We had a great time walking around the pretty streets and exploring the quaint pub scene; everyone in the dim-lit pubs seemed to know each other, and everyone was friendly. Everywhere we went, big or small, was a great atmosphere.The next morning we awoke early, grabbed a slice of toast, and checked out of the hostel, departing Ennis at 9:30am. We were all pretty exhausted from the previous nights adventures, but as we drove on, the mood turned around. Without a doubt, this was one of the best days I've ever experienced.
The drive was very different from the previous day; everywhere we turned was scenic and absolutely beautiful, green hills and countryside for miles and miles. We gazed in awe at the scenery as we pulled up to the Cliffs of Moher, where we had a little over an hour to explore.
On the cliffs, you have two options; head to the right, and you'll ascend stone steps to the top of an absolutely breathtaking view; this is the route I took with my family six years earlier. Today, I wanted to take the more adventurous-albeit more dangerous- route, Go Left. The walk was stunning. Really, word's cannot describe it, and pictures barely do it justice.
The part that really took my breath away was beyond the point where one should go on the path; of course, almost every single student in my program that went left climbed over the stone wall to venture a little further, see a little more.
We couldn't get enough of the view, and the further out we went, the more beautiful it became. Only three or four of us went out a few miles, but it was absolutely worth it. 
And for being forbidden, the path was pretty well traveled. Sometimes we basked in the moment together, and other times we silently agreed to take it all in alone, for a few minutes, climbing up at different speeds. It wasn't too windy, so I could distinctly hear the waves crashing 400 feet below. The drop was frightening, but stunning. The water was almost turquoise, and soon the sky cleared, turning a crystal clear blue, and the sun illumined the green hills further out. It was a scene of such breathtaking beauty that even remembering it now makes me feel at peace. Three of us, Marion, Colleen, and I, lay down on our backs on the grass near the cliff edge, at the furthest point we went out. I had never experienced calm that way; it was utterly quiet, with thousands of years of rock, grass, and ocean beneath us. We were half-covered in mud and couldn't care less. Marion and Colleen even rolled down one of the hills as I held their bags. The entire experience was a perfect balance of peaceful and liberating; we reluctantly headed back to the main area where, of course, a gorgeous flute was playing (a smart musician- knew just how generous tourists would be after experiencing the amazing cliffs!) and again assembled on the bus to continue our journey at noon. We drove through the Burren listening to Caroline's historic commentary. The landscape reminded me a lot of a lunar scene, just gray rocks everywhere you looked.We arrived at the Connolly farm- John's grandparents farm, actually- at 1pm, stomachs grumbling. Most of us burned through that piece of toast pretty quickly running around on the cliffs and were ready for a good meal. But there was one obstacle- a mountain.
John met us again at the farm where we were toured around the barn. The cows were HUGE! And very shy- some animal lovers tried to pet them, and they shied away pretty quickly. The strong scent of silage was somewhat overpowering, so the barn tour didn't last too long. Outside, we all gazed at the large Burren mountain just beyond the farm, not knowing that in just a few minutes, we would be climbing it.
John lead us up a grass field and began to climb up the stones, stopping every once in a while to give us a brief bit of history or information about farm life. Now, imagine about forty city-kids hiking up a mountain; it was about as comical as you can imagine. Most of us climbed slowly, rock to rock, dumbfounded at how high and far he was taking us. "We're not stopping yet!?" John made us feel a bit worse when he told us that the cows make this journey multiple times a year.
At one point, he stopped at a small tree that had countless bits of cloth tied to its branches; he told us that it was customary to tie something to the tree to leave a problem behind. This custom is shared by many different cultures, he said, naming countries all over the world that shed their problems in a similar fashion, using a tree. How cool is that, unrelated cultures all sharing the same custom? It says something about human nature. Particularly that we take a lot of our problems out on trees. I tied my elastic band to a branch. I'm not sure what problem I was leaving behind, but I figured the tree would know which one to take care of.
Onward we climbed, exhausted, and hungry. But as we hiked higher and higher up, we were awarded with a spectacular view of the countryside, like a green quilt, a beach and the ocean in the distance. I thought I'd had my fill of beautiful scenery that day, but I was wrong. Finally, we reached the highest point, and John lead us down a much easier, grassy decent, back to the farm cottage, where a meal awaited us- a purely homemade farm lunch of the most delicious chicken and vegetable quiche, potato and pasta salads, brown bread, and apple pie. Everything was cooked by John's mother from ingredients grown/produced by the farm. After a day of climbing cliffs and a mountain, it was the most delicious, fresh, and satisfying meal I've ever eaten.
Afterward, they offered us Irish coffees and we packed ourselves into a cozy room where two of Caroline and John's neighbors, ages 11 and 16, played some traditional music for us on the fiddle and accordion. We took turns singing, starting with some traditional Irish songs, and then going on to sing anything we all knew the words to.
It was great fun; I whipped out Molly Malone again, and this time everyone knew when to sing along at the chorus. The best was the "Four and Nine" song that one of the neighbors sang; to this day we still sing that song together. I also did a reel for everyone as the boys played, completely made up on the spot of course, and I'm sure nothing to write home about, but it was great fun to show everyone what I could do, and just to dance to live music again.We left the farm and arrived in Galway city at about 5:30pm. After checking into our next hostel and taking a much-needed nap, we changed for dinner and a night out in Galway, which was GREAT fun. Earlier, Caroline introduced us to the song Galway Girl on the bus, played it for us and printed up lyric sheets, so we took it on as the song of the trip, singing what lines we knew and humming the rest. But that night, one girl, Meghan, actually got the band that played at the first pub we were at to play Galway Girl and dedicate it to the Americans; even if it was just the group of us cheering and singing along, it was still incredibly exciting when we heard the first few notes of it play. Now, we can sing every word.
The next morning was an adventure. The six of us in the room awoke at about 9:30 but stayed in bed just talking and laughing until suddenly, Colleen remembered she had read on the door that on the day you check out, you had to be out of the room at 10:30. It was 10:17. We all shrieked and leaped out of bed. Our clothes were everywhere, items missing, makeup and toiletries littering the sink. It was utter chaos. But we were champs; an impressive fifteen minutes later, we were dressed, packed, and ready to rock. Missing money, phones, and jewelry were found, and we checked out just five minutes late. I still have no idea how six girls managed to do that without someone getting seriously injured.
We had until 1pm to explore Galway city, so we grabbed a delicious breakfast in a coffee shop and walked around the beautiful streets, poking into different shops and experiencing Galway city during the day. I wish we had more time, and definitely hope to return someday.
The final stop of the tour was Clonmacnoise, an old monastery ruin in County Offaly. After watching the not-quite-cinematic masterpiece of an audio/visual about the history, we explored the old ruins for a bit, basking in the glorious sunshine that topped off the final day of our tour beautifully. I loved the Celtic crosses everywhere.
Our arrival in Dublin city was the first (and to this day still the last) time I was disappointed to be back. As exhausted as I was, I had fallen in love with Western Ireland, and wished for one more day to explore a new county, a new city. I can't wait to go back. We all joked about living there someday, but for me, I'm not sure how much of that was a joke. :)
We had until 1pm to explore Galway city, so we grabbed a delicious breakfast in a coffee shop and walked around the beautiful streets, poking into different shops and experiencing Galway city during the day. I wish we had more time, and definitely hope to return someday.
The final stop of the tour was Clonmacnoise, an old monastery ruin in County Offaly. After watching the not-quite-cinematic masterpiece of an audio/visual about the history, we explored the old ruins for a bit, basking in the glorious sunshine that topped off the final day of our tour beautifully. I loved the Celtic crosses everywhere.
Our arrival in Dublin city was the first (and to this day still the last) time I was disappointed to be back. As exhausted as I was, I had fallen in love with Western Ireland, and wished for one more day to explore a new county, a new city. I can't wait to go back. We all joked about living there someday, but for me, I'm not sure how much of that was a joke. :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
SO SORRY
I am actually embarrassed at the amount of blogging I have to catch up on. I fell behind on one weekend and suddenly there are a good four or five novels that need to be written. This Friday, I am flying to Spain with 4 of my best friends here for spring break. I PROMISE that before then I will have written about everything!! Including my trips to:
Western Ireland: Ennis and Galway
Northern Ireland: Belfast and Derry
London
Paris
And all about my new internship! Which is not at bloom, surprise ending, but at Starcom, which is infinitely cooler.
Again, sincerely I am sorry that I've been falling behind, particularly to my Nana who has actually been asking where my "brogs" are. If that doesn't make me feel like a bad granddaughter, I don't know what does!
So this week- it shall be done! Just know in the meantime that I am seeing incredible things and having the time of my life. As excited as I am for Spain, the BEST thing coming is my family the week after, so I have some GREAT things to look forward to. As long as I can find the time to write all about it!
Western Ireland: Ennis and Galway
Northern Ireland: Belfast and Derry
London
Paris
And all about my new internship! Which is not at bloom, surprise ending, but at Starcom, which is infinitely cooler.
Again, sincerely I am sorry that I've been falling behind, particularly to my Nana who has actually been asking where my "brogs" are. If that doesn't make me feel like a bad granddaughter, I don't know what does!
So this week- it shall be done! Just know in the meantime that I am seeing incredible things and having the time of my life. As excited as I am for Spain, the BEST thing coming is my family the week after, so I have some GREAT things to look forward to. As long as I can find the time to write all about it!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Newgrange and Newjob
An exciting bit of news for the day- I was finally assigned my internship for here in Dublin! The program I'm in has us take classes for the first seven weeks, break, and then work as an intern somewhere in the city, depending on our majors, etc. As an advertising major, I was assigned-- bodhrán drumroll please-- BLOOM.
Bloom Advertising is an up and coming agency now looking to expand and broaden its client base. Like all agencies in Dublin, it is quite small- consists of five full-time staff. It is the only north side advertising agency in the city, and is known for an emphasis on creativity and new ideas. I'll be mostly shadowing at first, just learning about small specialized advertising agency work and then later participating depending on interest and ability.
I'm REALLY excited about this new internship. A lifetime of art class, recreational drawing, and volumes worth of daydream-induced doodles might finally pay off! My interview is February, so until then I'm concentrating on class and doing some research on the company- and hopefully trying to figure out some good answers to the question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Sadly, I don't think Broadway with a beautiful Irish husband is a valid answer.
In other news, today we saw Newgrange in Meath. It is a passage tomb built approximately 5,000 years ago- making it older than Stonehenge. It's best known for the annual event for Winter Solstice on December 21st, when fifty lucky people are chosen in a lottery to enter the tomb to watch the sunrise, which only enters the tomb on that day. Apparently it's an amazing thing to see.
Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the tomb, and while I took plenty of the outside, I'm temporarily without my camera cable. So, here's a website! The answer to everything!
http://www.knowth.com/newgrange-interior.htm
Which shows you a pretty good idea of the designs on the inside. I loved the swirly designs, and all of the possible inspirations for them. The most amazing thing about the site is how long it took to construct, and how the people laying down the first stones and even those decades after them knew they would never see the completed product, but their commitment to their community and the spiritual significance it held motivated them to build what has survived as one of the oldest sites in history. Today I stood in a 5,000 year old building. Not too many people can say they've done the same!
Bloom Advertising is an up and coming agency now looking to expand and broaden its client base. Like all agencies in Dublin, it is quite small- consists of five full-time staff. It is the only north side advertising agency in the city, and is known for an emphasis on creativity and new ideas. I'll be mostly shadowing at first, just learning about small specialized advertising agency work and then later participating depending on interest and ability.
I'm REALLY excited about this new internship. A lifetime of art class, recreational drawing, and volumes worth of daydream-induced doodles might finally pay off! My interview is February, so until then I'm concentrating on class and doing some research on the company- and hopefully trying to figure out some good answers to the question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Sadly, I don't think Broadway with a beautiful Irish husband is a valid answer.
In other news, today we saw Newgrange in Meath. It is a passage tomb built approximately 5,000 years ago- making it older than Stonehenge. It's best known for the annual event for Winter Solstice on December 21st, when fifty lucky people are chosen in a lottery to enter the tomb to watch the sunrise, which only enters the tomb on that day. Apparently it's an amazing thing to see.
Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the tomb, and while I took plenty of the outside, I'm temporarily without my camera cable. So, here's a website! The answer to everything!
http://www.knowth.com/newgrange-interior.htm
Which shows you a pretty good idea of the designs on the inside. I loved the swirly designs, and all of the possible inspirations for them. The most amazing thing about the site is how long it took to construct, and how the people laying down the first stones and even those decades after them knew they would never see the completed product, but their commitment to their community and the spiritual significance it held motivated them to build what has survived as one of the oldest sites in history. Today I stood in a 5,000 year old building. Not too many people can say they've done the same!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
DCU Life
As for the rest of what I've been up to, it has mostly involved sticking around campus. We are a rather disappointing 30 minute bus ride from the city, so during the week I'll stay at DCU, at least while it's still cold. For the most part, the terrifying ice weather we were forewarned about has been more lamb than lion. We've seen some pretty beautiful sunny days compared to what we're accustomed to in Boston. As if we don't stick out enough as Americans, we also wear very light clothing compared to the students here because even the chilly days feel like springtime. It hasn't even rained too much. I guess I bring good weather!
I'm taking The History of Ireland with Caroline (we are told to call them by their first name here, it is so foreign to me!) who is one of my favorite people here so far. I'm also studying contemporary Irish culture with Frank and the Arts in Ireland with Padhraic. In Art, to my utmost delight I learned that I would be taught to play the bodhrán and the tin whistle, my two favorite instruments on earth. I had my first lesson last night-- the former is MUCH easier to pick up than the second, which takes years to master. I told him I was an Irish dancer, and he assured me I would have great rhythm to pick up the bodhrán. By the end of the seven weeks, he said we'd all be good enough to partake in a pub session. Let's hope! I've wanted to do that my whole life.
The other classes are definitely interesting, but require a lot of reading. The greatest thing I've learned so far was actually the first day of orientation, when a woman came in and taught us basic Gaelic for an hour. I am hopelessly addicted. Combine my enthusiasm for linguistics with my obsession with Ireland and you have Gaelic. I want to learn more, so I'll have to ask around on campus for where I can do that. So far, my favorite is Baile Athá Cliath (The th sound is pronounced like an H), which is the Gaelic name for Dublin. The words light up the entrance of Henry Street in town, and I was dying to find out what they meant. Even if I am unable to become fluent in the language at any point in my life, I at least want to be proficient at reading and pronouncing it. Example: when I take visual arts after spring break, my professors name is Caoimhghin. It looks like a sneeze. In fact, it is pronounced something like "Queevin" and is Gaelic for Kevin. I love how little sense that makes.
Now, it's off to practice my bodhrán!
I'm taking The History of Ireland with Caroline (we are told to call them by their first name here, it is so foreign to me!) who is one of my favorite people here so far. I'm also studying contemporary Irish culture with Frank and the Arts in Ireland with Padhraic. In Art, to my utmost delight I learned that I would be taught to play the bodhrán and the tin whistle, my two favorite instruments on earth. I had my first lesson last night-- the former is MUCH easier to pick up than the second, which takes years to master. I told him I was an Irish dancer, and he assured me I would have great rhythm to pick up the bodhrán. By the end of the seven weeks, he said we'd all be good enough to partake in a pub session. Let's hope! I've wanted to do that my whole life.
The other classes are definitely interesting, but require a lot of reading. The greatest thing I've learned so far was actually the first day of orientation, when a woman came in and taught us basic Gaelic for an hour. I am hopelessly addicted. Combine my enthusiasm for linguistics with my obsession with Ireland and you have Gaelic. I want to learn more, so I'll have to ask around on campus for where I can do that. So far, my favorite is Baile Athá Cliath (The th sound is pronounced like an H), which is the Gaelic name for Dublin. The words light up the entrance of Henry Street in town, and I was dying to find out what they meant. Even if I am unable to become fluent in the language at any point in my life, I at least want to be proficient at reading and pronouncing it. Example: when I take visual arts after spring break, my professors name is Caoimhghin. It looks like a sneeze. In fact, it is pronounced something like "Queevin" and is Gaelic for Kevin. I love how little sense that makes.
Now, it's off to practice my bodhrán!
Howth
Sunday, a bunch of us decided to get away from the city to explore more of the area outside of Dublin and head to the coast. It took about an hour and a half to get there by bus with the traffic, but when we finally turned off one street and saw the glorious near-sunset dazzling off the water, the rest of the wait wasn't too terrible to endure.
We had landed in an area called Howth, a beautiful seascape complete with sunset, wide open sky, sailboats, docks, far off greenery, and wafts of fresh fish and chips awaiting. It was breathtaking; the water, the rocks, we walked all around the docks (and saw sea lions bobbing around! They entertained us until they realized we didn't have food.) and out onto these rocks that jutted out into the water. The whole sky grew pink with the setting sun, topped off with a bagpipe player down below who set the perfect mood. Won't deny it- I teared up a little it was so beautiful.
After walking and taking it all in for over an hour, we all teared up a little more when we saw how much it would cost us to sit for dinner in any of the restaurants lining the main street. But luckily we passed a place called Beshoffs, and it wasn't sit down but it was the best fish and chips I have ever experienced in my entire life. I have become a huge fan of the salt and vinegar on chips (fries) which I wasn't expecting! And the fish was the freshest I have ever tasted.
I cannot wait to go back to that area when it's warmer out. Next time I'll bring sardines or something for the sea lions, too.
We had landed in an area called Howth, a beautiful seascape complete with sunset, wide open sky, sailboats, docks, far off greenery, and wafts of fresh fish and chips awaiting. It was breathtaking; the water, the rocks, we walked all around the docks (and saw sea lions bobbing around! They entertained us until they realized we didn't have food.) and out onto these rocks that jutted out into the water. The whole sky grew pink with the setting sun, topped off with a bagpipe player down below who set the perfect mood. Won't deny it- I teared up a little it was so beautiful.
After walking and taking it all in for over an hour, we all teared up a little more when we saw how much it would cost us to sit for dinner in any of the restaurants lining the main street. But luckily we passed a place called Beshoffs, and it wasn't sit down but it was the best fish and chips I have ever experienced in my entire life. I have become a huge fan of the salt and vinegar on chips (fries) which I wasn't expecting! And the fish was the freshest I have ever tasted.
I cannot wait to go back to that area when it's warmer out. Next time I'll bring sardines or something for the sea lions, too.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
In Dublin Fair City, Where the Girls Are So Pretty...
FRIDAY
We return with the other teams to go over the answers and have a question and answer session with Mary. One of the answers was a statue of Molly Malone we had to find, and Mary asked us if anyone knew the song. Having sung that song every single summer around the bonfire at Canandaigua Lake with my family, I raised my hand. I was the only one. And she asked me, for two points to my team, to sing it. Mortifying? Absolutely. I said no at first, but at the protest from my team and the help of another girl, I did it. A few kids on the trip loved it so much they had me teach them, and they have on more than one occasion belted it walking down the city streets. While some locals undoubtedly find this annoying, quite a few have joined in.
The First Day!
Finally- some time to sit down and catch up on my first five days in Dublin!
There’s so much to write about I’ll split it up into a few posts.
THURSDAY
Erica and I had a great flight on Aer Lingus; it took about eight hours, and I REALLY missed that night’s sleep as the new day wore on, but I sat next to an entertaining flight buddy which made the whole experience pretty enjoyable. His name was Patrick, and he was a Cork native in his mid-seventies who actually studied at BU for his master’s once upon a time. We had a few things in common then, but I quickly found him to be a loquacious fellow. He rambled on about his accomplishments, careers, advice, children, and grandchildren as the instructional safety video played, drawing some annoyed looks from those sitting near us. I tried to slow his tangent by distracting him with a book my mom gave me- The Oxford Dictionary of the Origin of Words (perfect for a linguistics enthusiast like me!) but it only provoked him—he was delighted and shared every word that fascinated him, which ones must have been wrong, and which ones he had a better explanation for. While at the time it was a bit irksome, in retrospect I was glad to have made him so happy. He wrote down the title to buy his own copy. Once we finally landed, he helped me find customs, the baggage claim, and even hailed us a taxi, which was incredibly helpful.
The cab driver was also a colorful character, cracking jokes in the thickest northern Irish accent I’ve ever encountered. Though he had to repeat himself multiple times for me and Erica, the sleep-deprived zombies in the back seat, he was patient and really funny. We checked in, unpacked, and trudged over to our opening meeting, which was cruelly scheduled three hours after we all arrived. To be perfectly honest, I was so exhausted, I don’t remember a single word that was said at that meeting, but I was told there wasn’t much to it. After a solid shower and nap, we were ready to rock. We met a handful of other students in the program and ventured into the city.
It was an amazing night- we walked around the lit stone streets in search of anything, laughing and getting to know each other. We were without phones, without responsibility, just free to explore for one night. We didn’t get terribly far before our appetites got the best of us- though it was about 24 hours earlier, none of us had eaten since the plane food. We found Madigans, the kind of pub you’d imagine in a touristy area- dark wood, dim light, small round tables, mostly empty. The nine of us pushed four tables together and brought the place to life with our vivacious energy. Or we seriously annoyed the staff. Depends on how you look at it, I suppose! But we were so excited to be there that everything seemed so much better- the mediocre fish n chips we all ordered tasted like heaven.
Next stop was Fitzgerald’s across the river- we ordered our first pints of Guinness as legal citizens of the universe and continued to enjoy each other’s company. It was the perfect first night, a small group walking around with no solid idea of where we were going, just soaking it all in.
There’s so much to write about I’ll split it up into a few posts.
THURSDAY
Erica and I had a great flight on Aer Lingus; it took about eight hours, and I REALLY missed that night’s sleep as the new day wore on, but I sat next to an entertaining flight buddy which made the whole experience pretty enjoyable. His name was Patrick, and he was a Cork native in his mid-seventies who actually studied at BU for his master’s once upon a time. We had a few things in common then, but I quickly found him to be a loquacious fellow. He rambled on about his accomplishments, careers, advice, children, and grandchildren as the instructional safety video played, drawing some annoyed looks from those sitting near us. I tried to slow his tangent by distracting him with a book my mom gave me- The Oxford Dictionary of the Origin of Words (perfect for a linguistics enthusiast like me!) but it only provoked him—he was delighted and shared every word that fascinated him, which ones must have been wrong, and which ones he had a better explanation for. While at the time it was a bit irksome, in retrospect I was glad to have made him so happy. He wrote down the title to buy his own copy. Once we finally landed, he helped me find customs, the baggage claim, and even hailed us a taxi, which was incredibly helpful.
The cab driver was also a colorful character, cracking jokes in the thickest northern Irish accent I’ve ever encountered. Though he had to repeat himself multiple times for me and Erica, the sleep-deprived zombies in the back seat, he was patient and really funny. We checked in, unpacked, and trudged over to our opening meeting, which was cruelly scheduled three hours after we all arrived. To be perfectly honest, I was so exhausted, I don’t remember a single word that was said at that meeting, but I was told there wasn’t much to it. After a solid shower and nap, we were ready to rock. We met a handful of other students in the program and ventured into the city.
It was an amazing night- we walked around the lit stone streets in search of anything, laughing and getting to know each other. We were without phones, without responsibility, just free to explore for one night. We didn’t get terribly far before our appetites got the best of us- though it was about 24 hours earlier, none of us had eaten since the plane food. We found Madigans, the kind of pub you’d imagine in a touristy area- dark wood, dim light, small round tables, mostly empty. The nine of us pushed four tables together and brought the place to life with our vivacious energy. Or we seriously annoyed the staff. Depends on how you look at it, I suppose! But we were so excited to be there that everything seemed so much better- the mediocre fish n chips we all ordered tasted like heaven.
Next stop was Fitzgerald’s across the river- we ordered our first pints of Guinness as legal citizens of the universe and continued to enjoy each other’s company. It was the perfect first night, a small group walking around with no solid idea of where we were going, just soaking it all in.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Paradox of Packing
Here's my issue. Without music playing, I have no motivation to pack. But while music is blaring, and I start making strides organizing, I start singing along, grooving, and before I know it I've belted along to an entire song without touching a thing. Most recent example: Mariah Carey, "Heartbreaker". You cannot avoid singing along to that song. My poor parents and sister are probably ready to ship me to Dublin in any form of transportation at this point, rickety rowboat included.
Despite my inability to focus for more than two minutes, I'm finally starting to see progress. Once clothes are out of the way, the rest shouldn't be too hard. It is hard to believe that twenty-four hours from now, I'll be on an Aer Lingus flight, being served an adorable miniature dinner by kelly-green-clad flight attendants with bright red lipstick (they crack me up). Hope there's a good movie playing. If not, my amazing oldest brother Johnny provided me with the rest of Wolverine and the X-Men season 1 for my iPod. That's love.
And fortunately, my roommate-to-be, Erica, will be on the same flight. Hyde Park born and raised, she has THE thickest Boston accent you'll ever hear. I've known her for a couple years at BU, and when we found out we were both in the program, we decided to room together and coordinate the same flight to make things easier. It's comforting that we can be lost and anxious together getting a cab from the airport to our campus residence. It's all happening so soon! But there's still so much to do!
Like... packing. I guess I've procrastinated enough. Let's just hope for productivity sake that no Glee pops up on shuffle.
Despite my inability to focus for more than two minutes, I'm finally starting to see progress. Once clothes are out of the way, the rest shouldn't be too hard. It is hard to believe that twenty-four hours from now, I'll be on an Aer Lingus flight, being served an adorable miniature dinner by kelly-green-clad flight attendants with bright red lipstick (they crack me up). Hope there's a good movie playing. If not, my amazing oldest brother Johnny provided me with the rest of Wolverine and the X-Men season 1 for my iPod. That's love.
And fortunately, my roommate-to-be, Erica, will be on the same flight. Hyde Park born and raised, she has THE thickest Boston accent you'll ever hear. I've known her for a couple years at BU, and when we found out we were both in the program, we decided to room together and coordinate the same flight to make things easier. It's comforting that we can be lost and anxious together getting a cab from the airport to our campus residence. It's all happening so soon! But there's still so much to do!
Like... packing. I guess I've procrastinated enough. Let's just hope for productivity sake that no Glee pops up on shuffle.
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