tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77916265542662178572024-02-06T21:36:15.639-08:00Irish ShenanigansA Semester AbroadBrit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-39678739407725452282015-10-01T22:36:00.001-07:002015-10-03T15:48:22.974-07:00The Last Last OneI meant the previous post to actually be my last one, but then this happened haha.....<br />
<br />
Julie got a job with UFV Study Abroad, and requested a blog post from me about my time over there and if I had any advice for anyone who is looking at adventuring out.<br />
<br />
So, I went about writing something up for her, and I think it turned out pretty good! Hence, I've decided to post it here as well, and hopefully you like it as much as I do. So, without further ado, here it is:<br />
<br />
<u>Travels & Beer & Being Alive</u><br />
<br />
My decision to study abroad was fuelled by many different factors - a desire to see a place other than my own home, to expand not only my knowledge of the world but also of people, and an intrinsic need to just live differently. Ireland specifically has been somewhere I've always wanted to go, and I eventually felt like all those study abroad posters in the UFV halls were just for me, telling me to go, urging me to actually make it happen, rather then just imagine it.<br />
<br />
And for how scary it was, making plans to live somewhere I couldn't even accurately picture, I am so unbelievably happy that I went ahead with it and did it all anyway. There are so many parts to what made my experience so incredible, and it would take forever to describe it all, so I've done my best to condense it!<br />
<br />
I lucked out, and got to travel with another student from UFV, Julie, who after a very long plane ride, and a few short weeks, became one of the best parts of my whole experience. We also got to meet about 25 other international students from all over (mainly) Europe and Brazil, and they became my family away from home. They are some of the best people I've ever known - people with the biggest hearts, an uncanny love for adventure, and somehow even when I was right along with them, they inspired me to do whatever it took to really live life.<br />
<br />
And while we were abroad, live life we did! Sure, there was school involved, and that did stay a priority, but we also traveled, went to pubs once a week (ok, maybe a bit more then that), and got to be a part of something that was unique to just us - a whole bunch of students from all over the world, living in a country foreign to all of us, trying to soak up and really experience every single day.<br />
<br />
We took the opportunity during a couple of our weeks off from school to travel around the west coast of Ireland, and then to travel to four other European countries. Every single place held a different taste of life, and it's amazing to see how other people live - to realize that "normal" isn't actually a thing, because it all depends on where and how you choose to live.<br />
<br />
When I look back at my five months in the land of luck, I remember more then just the traveling though. There's too many amazing moments to pick a favourite, but one of the contenders happened in the first week. All us international students had been introduced a couple days ago, and we were still at the point where we were learning each other's names, overcoming jet lag, and with wide-eyes, adjusting to the fact that we were in Ireland. There were 20 of us that went out to a pub one night, and we got put into the smoking room because there wasn't enough room in the actual pub. I distinctly remember being in that room, smelling nothing but smoke, being absolutely freezing cold, and sitting squished between an American girl and a Polish guy. And I was so happy - because there I was, amongst all these other people who have not only the capacity to dream greatly but to act on it; because I was sitting in Ireland, with it's green hills and sheep and beer; and because I felt alive, sparked by everyone and everything.<br />
<br />
And so to anyone reading this, who even has an inkling of going - do it. It will at times be hard, and it will be scary, but I guarantee it'll be even harder to leave when it's all over. The experience, the adventure, and the places and people you will meet will be worth every single problem you may encounter. It is worth it ten-fold. So go research, go dream, and go make it happen.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEWdldO2tR_zI32vwMmcqvVk2316qymAcWXTAWXiRIVqLAAapAoDC_xhRJgGZxpEhE7v44V_-1Lg5rzyS00CNsruJYXUqdzJRPIX-8G3_Az4ivO_gxEpPvlRFv1IafOXpNrtcdpOs73YX/s1600/Ireland-road-540x360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEWdldO2tR_zI32vwMmcqvVk2316qymAcWXTAWXiRIVqLAAapAoDC_xhRJgGZxpEhE7v44V_-1Lg5rzyS00CNsruJYXUqdzJRPIX-8G3_Az4ivO_gxEpPvlRFv1IafOXpNrtcdpOs73YX/s400/Ireland-road-540x360.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 26, 153); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<i>To unpathed waters & undreamed shores - Shakespeare</i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 26, 153); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-70954330410997992592015-09-14T21:31:00.000-07:002015-10-03T15:48:41.126-07:00The Last OneI have re-written this post about six times now, and haven't been able to get it right. Some versions were too sad, some were too introspective, and some just didn't have any unifying theme haha. So now, almost four months after I've been home, I've decided this has to be it - this has to be the right one, because I've already stretched it out too long. In fact, I wouldn't doubt if I'm the only one who reads this, but nevertheless, I'll post it anyways :P<br />
<br />
Since being back from Ireland, there's been a couple different phases. It was nice at first to be back, to see everyone again, and to not have to pay for laundry. But that was pretty short-lived. I realized that after five months of amazing adventures, I had no inkling or plans of what I was going to do with my summer (or my entire life, really), and so my days fell into this horrible mental berating of myself. I was all alone in this big house for hours for days on end, and I was driving myself crazy - spinning my thoughts in circles, and basically just feeling quite sad and out of place. I had made the decision to go to Ireland at a point in time when I didn't like my life that much, and I was terrified that I was going to fall back into that place.<br />
<br />
Then I started to work two jobs and consequently didn't have time to breathe, let alone overthink.<br />
<br />
And now, I've been back in school for a week, and things have sort of fell into a routine again.<br />
<br />
Ireland still invades my thoughts a couple times a day (okay, like every second minute), and it's tough not to compare my life here to my life there. Sometimes it feels like a dream - Ireland was so different and it brought out a laid-back, unhurried side of me that doesn't occur so much over here. While I was over there, I felt so full of life and excitement - I was genuinely at peace with where my life was, and here, I feel like such a chaotic mess, completely drained half the time.<br />
<br />
I've been told that chaos and heavy stress are just a part of life, which I sort of accept - but I refuse to believe that's it's inevitable that real life is just this draining process where we pay bills, go to a job that doesn't actually fulfill us, and live a life that we force ourselves to be content with. I refuse. And maybe that'll make my life arduous and inconsistent, but I fear a life of melancholic restlessness much more then a life of uncertainty.<br />
<br />
And so, I'm consequently still left in a flurry of a busy life, just going one day at a time, trying to figure out the world and where I fit into it.... maybe that's a life long quest haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so happy, and so, so grateful that I had this opportunity. I don't think I'll ever be able to express in words what that semester meant to me. Thank you to everyone who cheered me on, everyone who read one, two, or all of my posts, and to my parents - thank you for the weekend skype calls, the frantic emails at 4am, and for so gracefully walking the line of supporting me, and letting me do it on my own.<br />
<br />
And to all you other international foreigners I met in the land of luck, know that even though I only knew you all for five months, you became some of the best people I've ever gotten to know - you hold some of the biggest hearts, an uncanny love for adventure, and somehow, the entire time when I was right along with you - you all inspire me to do whatever it takes to love life.<br />
<br />
Annnnd with that, it's over! I mean, technically it was over 3.5 months ago, but now it's official hehehe. I think I'll go "borrow" a guinness from my dad's stash to commemorate ;)<br />
<br />
Until the next adventure.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrKjx0lD4udxw9SrCf5ob76Gx3p82HHx3TzoawrH4cj4DiVy6iVPBRD3DgjLMaWMPL70JIAVECe3oUuSh_PPmAw7BtsLGKXmZSzwfM_M7wdyDf6wa1KIc1B30Wq_dtJK9HybXXPpI6jMx/s1600/DSCN1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrKjx0lD4udxw9SrCf5ob76Gx3p82HHx3TzoawrH4cj4DiVy6iVPBRD3DgjLMaWMPL70JIAVECe3oUuSh_PPmAw7BtsLGKXmZSzwfM_M7wdyDf6wa1KIc1B30Wq_dtJK9HybXXPpI6jMx/s320/DSCN1396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">"<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i>~ </i></span><i>Is fada an bóthar nach mbíonn casadh ann ~</i><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 26, 153); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 26, 153); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
~ It's a long road that has no turning. ~</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-72626836872151499952015-05-22T14:15:00.001-07:002015-05-22T14:27:12.055-07:00Trips & TearsThe last week and a half have been .... both very cool and very sad.<br />
<br />
Everyone is leaving, and these are situations where I can't help but cry buckets. Since I'm practically one of the last three of our core group to leave, I've had to say goodbye to someone practically every second night or so. These people have been like my family for the last five months, and it's hard to accept that I don't know when or if I'll ever see them again. Who knows what the future holds, but in the present moment, it's just sad.<br />
<br />
On to lighter stuff:<br />
<br />
Me and Julie went on two trips this last week, to fill up the time before I go home, and she continues on to travel Europe for a month! We went to Belfast last weekend, and Killarney during this last week.<br />
<br />
Belfast is still a very troubled city with the obvious divide between Catholics and Protestants. We took a black taxi tour our first day there, which goes through the political history of the city and Northern Ireland. With the accent and the rate at which he was talking, it was hard to understand at times, but the main point is that even though the city is functioning at the moment, there's still a lot of unrest and tension. There are two obvious religions, two segments of the city, and even some pubs are part of that divide. Parts of the city are gated, closing at night, and some houses that are near the divide between the two city segments have cages around their backyards. It's sad and kind of disturbing. Long story short, it's not somewhere where I would want to raise kids.<br />
<br />
With such an influence from Britain, it also reminded us of a mini Irish London. The buildings were big, old, and the side streets were reminiscent of the white clustered buildings of London as well. We also took a tour to Giant's Causeway from Belfast, and it was really pretty. The actual causeway was smaller then I expected, but it didn't matter too much because everything in Ireland is gorgeous. I could be in a random field of green surrounded by sheep and be happy (as long as the sheep weren't too close hehe).<br />
<br />
We came back to Waterford on Sunday night, said more goodbyes, and then left Monday morning for Killarney, which was absolutely brilliant. Within the first ten minutes of walking around the town, I knew I was going to love it. It was quaint and cozy, kind of like Waterford. We were welcomed that day with pouring rain though, so we chilled at the hostel for a bit, before deciding to brave the weather and go for a walk through Killarney National Park anyways. Half the time, Ireland weather changes so much that within ten minutes the rain goes away, ten minutes it's back, and so forth. However, that was not the case this time, so we only walked for about 15 minutes into the park before we turned back around. That was ok though, as we did go back both Tuesday and Wednesday night, exploring with much better weather.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, we took a tour through the Dingle Peninsula, and by far, this was the best tour I've been on. We stopped at a whole bunch of gorgeous places and wandered through the town of Dingle for a bit, stopping for possibly some of the best ice cream I've ever eaten. It might help that it was coffee flavoured infused with Jameson whiskey ;) Later that night, we went out for drinks at a pub that was recommended to us by the hostel. The environment was really snug and cheerful, though they were unfortunately out of the beer I wanted, so I tried a stout beer called Beamish instead, which is produced in Cork. I also sampled a pale ale that's brewed in Dingle, called Creans. Both were actually pretty good. The shock.<br />
<br />
Wednesday we went to the Ring of Kerry, which was a day of ups and downs. The first half of the day wasn't anything spectacular, which was disappointing after having such a great day the day before. The second half improved though - we saw a lot of really majestic looking mountains, which you can never go wrong with. When we got back to Killarney, we stopped again for ice cream, and I got the coffee with whiskey again, and rum and raisin..... because when in Ireland ;) After walking through the Park again, we went out to.... wait for it..... The Shire Bar! It's a Lord of the Rings themed pub and it was actually great hahaha. They even had five or six themed beers! - I had a tankard of Barliman's Best, and Julie had Gandalf's Ale. It was cooler then it sounds, ok?<br />
<br />
And that was it! Thursday morning we headed back bright and early to home. Which is only home for three more days....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1afv26IjG7fiH1Wag9oA3j5Vda2NrxuzrgN1pgBL58ky35C38-JZ8PaNIL9A7v7L669FPa6v6C9EgWNzjvQIBh5mSa5M-BKd9qZQRY0ZmhVrdCVOaSonGYVZI4mHOw2duhrHY1aEjF-CV/s1600/100_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1afv26IjG7fiH1Wag9oA3j5Vda2NrxuzrgN1pgBL58ky35C38-JZ8PaNIL9A7v7L669FPa6v6C9EgWNzjvQIBh5mSa5M-BKd9qZQRY0ZmhVrdCVOaSonGYVZI4mHOw2duhrHY1aEjF-CV/s320/100_3757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Queen's University in Belfast. We didn't get to see a whole lot of the actual city- we were only there for a day and a half, and the weather didn't cooperate for a lot of it - but, we did go for a quick walk, and found the University. We found out that there was a Canada Room somewhere in it as well, so we went and explored and found that too - whether we were supposed to explore or not, who knows....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UCNabstoRU-MYkw6jsh6wjDD0Xdzg6LnBlZxh_QsGHOjlEtXMDwzhxv5CbK7HSeZyxktnoHKgNfG5qTgvfufo74F0ISxOC1m54WBcBb47vvYsIYPpnjgjumM5AJxlQDgup8AymPPXhHX/s1600/100_3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UCNabstoRU-MYkw6jsh6wjDD0Xdzg6LnBlZxh_QsGHOjlEtXMDwzhxv5CbK7HSeZyxktnoHKgNfG5qTgvfufo74F0ISxOC1m54WBcBb47vvYsIYPpnjgjumM5AJxlQDgup8AymPPXhHX/s320/100_3789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Giant's Causeway. It rained on and off the whole day, but it wasn't too bad for most of it, luckily. It was a pretty cool place, and I don't have room for it next to this picture, but if you'd bored, the myth as to how the causeway was created is pretty interesting. Or you can just wait until I'm back and then I'll tell you ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiYOsVU3Rkp4XourrCm2XMry1u8OMzmlMcJepM2-CGohOOrF2vqW8ZxMpn712_xCQUb8w7T0V3sSLpWuXChggW_SHQLisbZL-_aG8HJA390wrPxJAJGE-uAribTuiZv0Q6mM6E0Wm9dy3/s1600/100_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiYOsVU3Rkp4XourrCm2XMry1u8OMzmlMcJepM2-CGohOOrF2vqW8ZxMpn712_xCQUb8w7T0V3sSLpWuXChggW_SHQLisbZL-_aG8HJA390wrPxJAJGE-uAribTuiZv0Q6mM6E0Wm9dy3/s320/100_3847.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also on our tour to the Causeway, we stopped at Carrick-A-Rede, which is this basically just this little rope bridge that you cross, and gets you to a little island. What's on this island, you may ask? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I paid five euro to cross a bridge and see the same thing I could see on the other side hahaha. But, hey, it was a cool experience!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPniLiCCbuK3kfeY7aSZjksnqWdOwRJxw7yszJXPRjkwwy1Yu3UsA7LYO7tIllKYe-nlNYaUqunFwkRCdDIZ1YqJWWps-9561EmjrjkY0C8DI1dJgNDEYEm8kndhdEFXmli9fUG5hVDqm/s1600/100_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPniLiCCbuK3kfeY7aSZjksnqWdOwRJxw7yszJXPRjkwwy1Yu3UsA7LYO7tIllKYe-nlNYaUqunFwkRCdDIZ1YqJWWps-9561EmjrjkY0C8DI1dJgNDEYEm8kndhdEFXmli9fUG5hVDqm/s320/100_3889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fast forward a couple days, and this is on the tour to Dingle! We stopped at a place called Inch Beach, which was gorgeous. Being me however, I have decided to not post a picture of the beach, and instead post a picture of words, because I loved this. It was on the wall of the one little shop on the beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lIay8V48huAKcL1FPOUUGeEBJ_vlfedUiUzKYnAMCwCYb-OaABt14vRDPs_54s4FYRsxWxXZgUzNAHhgoSsuQhJWFxkiv5oVot7DyPHsVE-lBuaNL6kjt80uPI0Kla0mD3_QWAdeKaot/s1600/100_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lIay8V48huAKcL1FPOUUGeEBJ_vlfedUiUzKYnAMCwCYb-OaABt14vRDPs_54s4FYRsxWxXZgUzNAHhgoSsuQhJWFxkiv5oVot7DyPHsVE-lBuaNL6kjt80uPI0Kla0mD3_QWAdeKaot/s320/100_3891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Doesn't this look photoshopped? Haha, it's not, I swear! I'm not good enough with technology to do that...<br />
<br />
Them green hills though <3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFEmdBtZCgkBHpkpLzGgiSP0OvnV2FduUUuMFSJbfGb8UHLJWy1ldzriXxVdQzghyphenhyphenGqwVfXxT6WrT6q1ciUJoRAAR875m52T_QSPzVXlSbqlEx5GXV2grwZ6U4yGa-fyjqCQrwmct0eDS/s1600/100_3910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFEmdBtZCgkBHpkpLzGgiSP0OvnV2FduUUuMFSJbfGb8UHLJWy1ldzriXxVdQzghyphenhyphenGqwVfXxT6WrT6q1ciUJoRAAR875m52T_QSPzVXlSbqlEx5GXV2grwZ6U4yGa-fyjqCQrwmct0eDS/s320/100_3910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was in Dingle somewhere.... I don't actually remember specifically where - which is kind of sad, seeing as it was only two days ago haha. Anyways, here's a beach for you guys :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmkQNootkWVCvRcnJeEOcVE-Yt7jHnbpkmD4M2uiz4HIfq9bu-MF2rQ6bpqAWgNIXY0pd90JHX20Gs1-SsJMju4SS2neIIlTreBEMeGq2s0uS1lZ6ZW3Y1RQOsz3_SllL9tgG3XswJKJF/s1600/100_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmkQNootkWVCvRcnJeEOcVE-Yt7jHnbpkmD4M2uiz4HIfq9bu-MF2rQ6bpqAWgNIXY0pd90JHX20Gs1-SsJMju4SS2neIIlTreBEMeGq2s0uS1lZ6ZW3Y1RQOsz3_SllL9tgG3XswJKJF/s320/100_3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have a serious obsession with green hills. Is it sad that I sort of love the bus rides here because I can just stare out the window forever and not get bored? I haven't even left yet, and I already miss all the green.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko20c96JaJs5PCPHmQXxuzkunPxsUq1NQtMP8iI-9kd5_vsQgRa1K6RnDRVG8xKumR9k7Hgmlyr0WAMLgHed71jXEQKOv4Dlm28PnJawJTVJsQ8b1eSOpaZYplK9j9fPXvWZoOl-m88sQ/s1600/100_3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko20c96JaJs5PCPHmQXxuzkunPxsUq1NQtMP8iI-9kd5_vsQgRa1K6RnDRVG8xKumR9k7Hgmlyr0WAMLgHed71jXEQKOv4Dlm28PnJawJTVJsQ8b1eSOpaZYplK9j9fPXvWZoOl-m88sQ/s320/100_3969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When in Canada, would a random walk through a park lead you to a castle that looks like this?! This was Ross Castle in Killarney National Park, and it was amazing. Everything in Ireland is so pretty, and while I try not to take any of it for granted, it is inevitable that eventually a castle is just another castle. For some reason though, maybe because the end is so near, when we got to this spot, it somehow hit me all over again where we were and the immensity of it all.<br />
What an adventure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZusWWjL9OxET5H-EiVe3XIDJgWqB87rd8uObXqJwyN9VM49f-ElcUA4nZ73SBunnZmks3mRuLQPImYP_A2-BYERfgwZygiua8C0MKNQjZadUsLjQE5czmIHsJR2iVQFOG9t3FAhuIn7/s1600/100_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZusWWjL9OxET5H-EiVe3XIDJgWqB87rd8uObXqJwyN9VM49f-ElcUA4nZ73SBunnZmks3mRuLQPImYP_A2-BYERfgwZygiua8C0MKNQjZadUsLjQE5czmIHsJR2iVQFOG9t3FAhuIn7/s320/100_4032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
THE PARK.<br />
<br />
MORE GREEN STUFF.<br />
<br />
AHHHH.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZEpuXnHyZ1L8gpKwavqUgL0x95ZJb8TloudwMGdtgZKXbZHinq6z8hmdKL_qftU1XXK4pmrhVt7yCVGoV-rbQkMd8wfYq34pABjQ2L0zzq8MqVzt-mRWrzBMz1dnhti33gex-Hl_6Hee/s1600/20150517_223646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZEpuXnHyZ1L8gpKwavqUgL0x95ZJb8TloudwMGdtgZKXbZHinq6z8hmdKL_qftU1XXK4pmrhVt7yCVGoV-rbQkMd8wfYq34pABjQ2L0zzq8MqVzt-mRWrzBMz1dnhti33gex-Hl_6Hee/s320/20150517_223646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Okay, kind of funny story (this was before everyone started leaving):<br />
<br />
So as a group of 20 or so international students, we've had a fair number of birthday's over the last five months. Obviously, quite a few people still have birthday's to come however, so our German friend Chris decided to have a birthday party for all those people in the latter 7 months...<br />
<br />
So, here we are, with birthday hats and streamers, celebrating.... no one's birthday in particular hahaha.<br />
<br />
Gotta love it.<br />
<br />
And, that is it. The last blog I'll be writing in Ireland. I'll write my official last one within the first week that I've been back, summing everything up, and probably getting way too deep haha.<br />
<br />
Feelings about coming home are definitely mixed. I'm obviously very excited to see my family and friends again, and to have the comforts of free laundry and hot water. I'm excited to drive, to go to Tim Hortons, and I'm definitely ready for warm weather.<br />
<br />
In terms of how I feel about leaving Ireland, I've realized that my experiences here have been greatly influenced by the people I've met, and without them, Ireland isn't quite the same. Of course I'll miss the green hills, the laid back atmosphere, hearing accents everywhere, and random ruins in the middle of the city, but I wouldn't want to stay here by myself. With every person that leaves, I understand that what I've loved about this semester is ending, and it makes me appreciate coming back home :)<br />
<br />
See you all soon <3<br />
<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-18220894956641669252015-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:002015-05-11T09:17:17.462-07:00Surfing, Spanish food, & the Start of GoodbyesThe title pretty much says it all this time around haha<br />
<br />
To get right to it, we had our last international dinner this week, where our friend Carlos made Spanish food for everyone. It was really, really Spanish hahahaha - so it was later then he originally said, and it was delicious. Spanish ham is weird though - apparently it's this really big thing in Spain, but I wasn't a fan. Also, I like olive oil as much as the next person, but in Spain, it's not just oil - it's a way of life.<br />
<br />
Last Monday, the day before my first exam, I took the longest study break of my life, and went surfing in Tramore. By far, that was one of the coolest things I've done here - not only cause it was in Ireland, but also just because I've never gone surfing. My friend Anna orchestrated the whole thing. She had called the place where we could rent wetsuits and boards from, and it sounded legit, so four of us decided to go for it. We got to Tramore, and walked inside this well worn, blue building. The bottom floor was a small cafe, with a couple tables and a small cashier stand. We were a bit confused, since this was supposed to be a surfing place - not a cafe. We saw stairs though, and figured it was on the second floor. Except the stairs led to one unmarked, deserted, locked door, which we obviously couldn't get in, and no one answered when we knocked. So we walked back down the stairs, and looked for someone to talk to. Nobody looked like they worked there though, so we had to wait until we saw a girl who looked like she was taking orders from someone. Turns out she did work there, and we were just supposed to rent boards and wetsuits from the same cashier that takes your coffee order. So, in between a chai latte and a green tea, we bought our stuff for surfing. We were told to wait outside in front of this old weathered, falling apart shed, for some guys to meet us. We waited for a bit, wondered if we were even in the right spot, finally saw the guys, and were given wetsuits that were still damp, and shoes that weren't the same size. But hey, I guess if it keeps you from freezing, right....? They didn't give us any instructions either, even though there out of four of us had never surfed! Consequently, it took us half an hour just to change, both because the wetsuits were the wrong size and still damp, and also because we were trying to convince ourselves we weren't completely crazy. It was a really sketchy experience hahaha.<br />
<br />
Once we were in the water though, it was amazing. I mean I sucked, but it was fantastic. I stood up a solid five or six times, but only for a couple seconds each. I was determined to stand up and feel confident for at least five seconds, but by the end of our two hours, my limbs were slowly becoming unmovable from the cold, so I had to recognize that it wasn't going to happen. I'm pretty stoked with the whole experience though - it definitely makes for one of my favourite days here.<br />
<br />
Other things this week include writing two exams. Not that exciting. They are strict about the procedure though - they have this whole speech the profs have to read out before we start - about how we can't have our phones, or any written material on us, etc, and that's it a breach of exam regulations and we can get kicked out, blah blah blah. Basically, don't cheat. My last exam is tomorrow, and I am so excited to be done with this school.<br />
<br />
Also last week, was the week that people started to leave. I've said goodbye to three friends already, and another one leaves tonight. I don't really have anything to say, except that it sucks. This type of situation, where we all arrive in a foreign country, friendless, missing home, and lost and confused, lends itself to making friends really fast. There's no other option, unless you decide to spend five months in your cold apartment room alone on Skype. In January, five months felt like it was a lifetime, but we all knew there was an expiration date. It's tough to accept that realistically, I'm never going to see most of these people again - I guess that's the price for making friends across the world. But I also suppose that's why I downloaded snapchat ;)<br />
<br />
Plans for this week include writing my last exam, maybe going on a day trip or something with everyone one last time, and then me and Julie are leaving on Friday to go to Belfast for a couple days! We'll get back Sunday, and then leave Monday to go to Killarney & Dingle. We're back from that next Friday, and then the following Monday, the 25th, I fly home.<br />
<br />
Two weeks, my friends. See you all soon :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstJSrw5NVuPRuZgA9dwL6LhSb2P4GH24c5cacxX03kz5ILBgKrPxnOkiw3EX_JxMn-GgCcT2XmzAJxyVrqGOGyGdO8NDAIvmUbZ3J7MBKL85L84CJCarv5jTwdA-NFstFGijOzFqNWO-D/s1600/WP_20150505_08_49_50_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstJSrw5NVuPRuZgA9dwL6LhSb2P4GH24c5cacxX03kz5ILBgKrPxnOkiw3EX_JxMn-GgCcT2XmzAJxyVrqGOGyGdO8NDAIvmUbZ3J7MBKL85L84CJCarv5jTwdA-NFstFGijOzFqNWO-D/s320/WP_20150505_08_49_50_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The main exam room. When I saw it, I just sighed. I haven't been in a room like this since high school. They're kind of depressing....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrEAdX0blbDvnh4SLgnolaPij3FBlJekiO6LFQjf-HAhYH_O70ZBGLQ14h8KawxrIIGKksRNr97d9faYcBxZrmKsdGaWPwinV5RVNUX8GhdeUsa5g86AFlDaBsrJUyLLCW_pLsjV33lWh/s1600/IMG-20150504-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrEAdX0blbDvnh4SLgnolaPij3FBlJekiO6LFQjf-HAhYH_O70ZBGLQ14h8KawxrIIGKksRNr97d9faYcBxZrmKsdGaWPwinV5RVNUX8GhdeUsa5g86AFlDaBsrJUyLLCW_pLsjV33lWh/s320/IMG-20150504-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From Spanish night. On the left is Hubert, who's Polish, and Carlos is on the right. It was his birthday that day too actually, so we were all surprised that he wanted to cook for the whole day, but he was quite adamant about it haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze_GcxAONo19D426nNQ8AKYyXnFnK3FGUGRIUymv7sVuxGN1BpC0ouIVpje5SJIaLgCuyvFCI3SUcqwrHNP5uAllfsCQb6s_25GAW1W85aFZ2NhtfdedHNqTlyPpaoD6XIyAcR46UKOhg/s1600/WP_20150501_19_54_42_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze_GcxAONo19D426nNQ8AKYyXnFnK3FGUGRIUymv7sVuxGN1BpC0ouIVpje5SJIaLgCuyvFCI3SUcqwrHNP5uAllfsCQb6s_25GAW1W85aFZ2NhtfdedHNqTlyPpaoD6XIyAcR46UKOhg/s320/WP_20150501_19_54_42_Pro.jpg" width="179" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I've gone running a bunch since the weather finally lightened up a bit. The route I take is really nice. The day I took this wasn't the greatest, but further down the path, the branches on each side of the path sort of curve into each other, and it looks like a magic doorway haha.<br />
<br />
I'm surprised I even notice that sort of thing when my main priority is usually just trying to remind myself why I like running....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITDh3Z5SCgCcMU26OdiE8bTmmci2y5wCIojYpCHgXvoc-5dg016akUwFN6NQRYXWnC12JI6VFZUPQlTgVZWAfzOhq6JE3-8_j0V1xlx7wtjpYj1Hr1pKZYB3lnfMkqAfBH0nG-5Jlj1T2/s1600/IMG-20150508-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITDh3Z5SCgCcMU26OdiE8bTmmci2y5wCIojYpCHgXvoc-5dg016akUwFN6NQRYXWnC12JI6VFZUPQlTgVZWAfzOhq6JE3-8_j0V1xlx7wtjpYj1Hr1pKZYB3lnfMkqAfBH0nG-5Jlj1T2/s320/IMG-20150508-WA0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On Friday afternoon, Evelyn (next to me) had just finished her last exam, and I'd just finished my second, so we went out to celebrate. It was also her last day in Ireland, so even though this isn't a great picture, it's going up to commemorate her last day :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EoOC8qnqf_50IGQhGoracjttv9CcZW-fUmSIfEXNplhEtU64zDHZjuX8PyNrVxJmiDfAuI3gpqJVJUEm0kOXk01wNPQ81Rrg7hv6vReuoWkDii9ucJaguEJgt8zkDhAAP-jd1Q8iW51f/s1600/InstagramCapture_be9d0ed7-553b-46a4-9696-38fff64e0eb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EoOC8qnqf_50IGQhGoracjttv9CcZW-fUmSIfEXNplhEtU64zDHZjuX8PyNrVxJmiDfAuI3gpqJVJUEm0kOXk01wNPQ81Rrg7hv6vReuoWkDii9ucJaguEJgt8zkDhAAP-jd1Q8iW51f/s320/InstagramCapture_be9d0ed7-553b-46a4-9696-38fff64e0eb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Surfing! Such a cool experience :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-63551478435697499732015-05-02T04:35:00.003-07:002015-05-02T04:41:47.120-07:00French toast, Vikings, and Getting FancyI'm currently knee-deep in exam study, so writing this blog is my study break. Well, I don't know if knee-deep is an accurate description, but yes, some studying has been taking place....<br />
<br />
The last three weeks since I have gotten back from Europe have been good, though not as much stuff to write about has happened. There were the last two weeks of classes, and then this last week has been "study week" before exams start. We don't get a study week at home, so I've studied more in advance then usual, and I'm worried I'm going to forget everything before the exams even start haha. I'm curious/anxious to see what they're like. I haven't had to take any exams here yet, so it'll be interesting to see the layout. Apparently, even though classes here are laid back, exams are super intense - you need to identify yourself, sit in a certain seat, and literally leave your cell phone at home. Who knows if it's actually as scary as they make it sound, or if they're just trying to intimidate us. Probably a bit of both.<br />
<br />
Aside from school and exams, the fun stuff that I've been par-taking in is mainly just a lot of hanging out and eating food, which you can never go wrong with. I think I might've mentioned this before, but all us international students here agreed at the beginning of the semester to have a night where they would cook traditional food from their country for everyone. Before the break, we ate Mexican and Brazilian food. Since the break, I've gone to American night, French night, German night, and yes, we put on a Canadian night as well.<br />
<br />
I know only the name of one thing I've eaten - not including the American food, because really, we eat most of the same stuff haha. Other then that though, everything from all the other nights is unpronounceable - but delicious.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC1FHFl4zp08RHGq8ZiaIkloPMsNKhgpoC-MtH4uWvfFgNBrcPhI4S_ouJuB0QSl6m6jZsGokaXJM4BNE25zvOGvIRdq0A7cVX8vcOxDWhDxYy0UvCwHQR04u7zmj0KmfZv_G0xKYKMGN/s1600/IMG-20150428-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC1FHFl4zp08RHGq8ZiaIkloPMsNKhgpoC-MtH4uWvfFgNBrcPhI4S_ouJuB0QSl6m6jZsGokaXJM4BNE25zvOGvIRdq0A7cVX8vcOxDWhDxYy0UvCwHQR04u7zmj0KmfZv_G0xKYKMGN/s1600/IMG-20150428-WA0004.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
The one thing I know the name of! It's called: kaiserschmarrn. It's a German dessert that is like shredded pancake, but not as sweet.<br />
<br />
So basically, what Canadians eat for breakfast is has more sugar then what Germans eat for dessert.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV5JkI2K0mdvaMTXb6txmRoRv6FfnqXq3pS2NDZun5fwniwhxIRy7FZRuOF1uz-sOm4fvV-Q96DpOgp5GOMV51xqi4VnNfGzTnzU6mndexVKyGOlZsHHDlFCbIScCsSGYzqDqGYpAnRMa/s1600/WP_20150419_22_15_44_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV5JkI2K0mdvaMTXb6txmRoRv6FfnqXq3pS2NDZun5fwniwhxIRy7FZRuOF1uz-sOm4fvV-Q96DpOgp5GOMV51xqi4VnNfGzTnzU6mndexVKyGOlZsHHDlFCbIScCsSGYzqDqGYpAnRMa/s1600/WP_20150419_22_15_44_Pro.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Apple pie from French night! My roommate Vivien made this actually. He did a good job too, cause it was delicious.<br />
<br />
We didn't have French night at our apartment, but they did make a lot of the food here and needless to say, our apartment smelled amazing for a couple of days!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For Canadian night, myself and Julie were kind of stumped on what we were going to do, but eventually decided to do Breakfast for Dinner - so we made French toast, scrambled eggs, sausages, and fruit salad. This mainly stemmed from the fact that my parents brought over this huge jug of maple syrup when they visited, and there was no way just me and Julie were going to make that many pancakes before coming back home. So, we had over 25 people in our tiny apartment, and made over 50 pieces of French toast. It was absolutely crazy, but I'm pretty proud to say that it was a successful night. So successful in fact, that security had to barge in, and tell us to be quiet. That's the second time our apartment has been bombarded by security ..... I'm going to blame that on the fact that we live right next to reception ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zTAah9LywUpkIxEe4N_cV-0XFbzERArPc_zdHQvTRmvo16KH3vnu_3o2RynvXrIyeHWZ_tIaTFIGlqI1LdkG3ykGS5BkuzQ6tQvaTgGQjMjwnTJogxVuYhMn2CkvotqdoMNfzOO3noUa/s1600/IMG-20150426-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zTAah9LywUpkIxEe4N_cV-0XFbzERArPc_zdHQvTRmvo16KH3vnu_3o2RynvXrIyeHWZ_tIaTFIGlqI1LdkG3ykGS5BkuzQ6tQvaTgGQjMjwnTJogxVuYhMn2CkvotqdoMNfzOO3noUa/s1600/IMG-20150426-WA0005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Canadian night! Julie had brought a huge Canada flag with her, so we finally had a good reason to hang it up in our apartment. And it's still there hehe.<br />
<br />
This is the crew that stayed till the wee hours of the morning - no, not to clean up, but to play card games. Man, we're just the coolest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This week as a study break, me and Julie finally went to Reginald's tower. It's the third museum in Waterford, and the only one we hadn't gone to yet, so we walked down to city centre and made an afternoon of it. The tower only has three small levels, so it didn't take long. It was all history specifically regarding Waterford, which was really neat, seeing as that's where I'm currently living. Of course, I don't remember much.... only that Waterford used to be populated by vikings, and everyone drank wine because they thought water was contaminated.... you know, the cool stuff. I hadn't been to city centre in a while, so I was reminded again how different & pretty Ireland is. I have three weeks left here, and I'm going to try to not take any of it for granted.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0Klm6L2vUScr6I9NyVgsY9PhbANC8nwm1oTicmzNNBKtmQiSkm5VJLI87j-dNOd1RMTu9d3DD_Cwu7seldvojzgYkGP3l5YuOy-yjoJTEGrH-XpwDETYUKa3aS1Qae18miZzy9S8sEtQ/s1600/IMG-20150429-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0Klm6L2vUScr6I9NyVgsY9PhbANC8nwm1oTicmzNNBKtmQiSkm5VJLI87j-dNOd1RMTu9d3DD_Cwu7seldvojzgYkGP3l5YuOy-yjoJTEGrH-XpwDETYUKa3aS1Qae18miZzy9S8sEtQ/s1600/IMG-20150429-WA0003.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Reginald's tower, is literally a tower. And for how big it is, the door is quite small.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5RLDN9v_8R2xeH1qsEq0S54UaDgAGlJnNDzbfaz0hKbAGaeVzAb71OQSQjswAraxsKuOopP_MdyK1NOZ-Un1kshyphenhyphen5XvlJWxqjQqAvfUgc1q9DjxX_OZB4zZ1JjvrX6ebqrEzHKMFEpWE/s1600/WP_20150429_15_21_41_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5RLDN9v_8R2xeH1qsEq0S54UaDgAGlJnNDzbfaz0hKbAGaeVzAb71OQSQjswAraxsKuOopP_MdyK1NOZ-Un1kshyphenhyphen5XvlJWxqjQqAvfUgc1q9DjxX_OZB4zZ1JjvrX6ebqrEzHKMFEpWE/s1600/WP_20150429_15_21_41_Pro.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The view of Waterford from one of the windows on the third floor of the tower. It was a grey, sort of nice, sort of rainy day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the Thursday just passed, there was a black tie event held in City Hall specially for international students, and everyone looked magnificent. It wasn't quite what we all expected - it was just a whole bunch of speeches, and then appetizers were passed around. Nevertheless, it was kind of cool - the mayor and the president of WIT were there, and even though I only understand about 50% of what they said, what I did get was interesting. After that, there was a slew of pre-parties, the party, and then after-parties. It makes it really obvious to see who came to Ireland just to drink haha. Overall, it wasn't the best night I've had here, but it was the last big international event, so it was definitely worth going to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0J85KkbOaBvZI_T4XTK4ZKsgUMMubxdHfoAFRoUDcQfT7TjtpSEWLx0SwpZOHA5eMFqJpKWx2i21Bzsgw6d3SbsayUz17r-5WxTgtt8YRMnKPLg7CEwEROLtjDpbGhLijfwtDvhmi7L-/s1600/InstagramCapture_415f6eb4-4cc4-48b7-aaab-f9184781e9b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0J85KkbOaBvZI_T4XTK4ZKsgUMMubxdHfoAFRoUDcQfT7TjtpSEWLx0SwpZOHA5eMFqJpKWx2i21Bzsgw6d3SbsayUz17r-5WxTgtt8YRMnKPLg7CEwEROLtjDpbGhLijfwtDvhmi7L-/s1600/InstagramCapture_415f6eb4-4cc4-48b7-aaab-f9184781e9b0.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
From left to right:<br />
Eva, who's from Germany; myself and Julie; and Bruna, who's from Brazil.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Looking forward, the next week and a half is exams, and the last week and a half I'll be hopefully heading up to Belfast, and then Killarney & Dingle. Nothing has been booked yet, but as it's been pointed out multiple times to me here: "Stop stressing and it'll all work out." Not exactly my strong suit, but I'm working on it haha.<br />
<br />
I know some exciting stuff is happening at home right now, so good luck to everyone who's traveling, opening up new places, or simply celebrating exams being done :)<br />
<br />
And a final thought for you all: I've learnt quite a lot about what the Europeans/Brazilians/Mexicans/everyone for who English is a second language, think about English. And the consensus is that it's strange. Their proof to back that up: this picture hahahaha<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdgLJux2LMbEGD86Lz-JLHwFryOdrGC_H4y4Kko7cH3I0DDQFauC4Rg3YKaBG3V-tJW6cNoE-IBLrhddKWGQQHb3S2xImv20YaPg0X7ZtlRK_HDHutCx4WDNQCIOgQz0Dtap0NjKJ443-/s1600/IMG-20150429-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdgLJux2LMbEGD86Lz-JLHwFryOdrGC_H4y4Kko7cH3I0DDQFauC4Rg3YKaBG3V-tJW6cNoE-IBLrhddKWGQQHb3S2xImv20YaPg0X7ZtlRK_HDHutCx4WDNQCIOgQz0Dtap0NjKJ443-/s1600/IMG-20150429-WA0001.jpg" height="166" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-51781593830343254302015-04-21T06:55:00.003-07:002015-04-21T15:36:10.173-07:00Europe, Part TwoHello again :)<br />
<br />
This is the second instalment of my Easter Break, which includes the last city we traveled in Europe, meeting my family back in Ireland, and then just some thoughts at the end.....<br />
<br />
So, to get straight to it:<br />
<br />
PARIS<br />
Ahh, Paris. I'll say right off the bat, the Eiffel tower is cool. And other then that, I didn't like Paris.<br />
<br />
Gasp! It feels so weird saying that.... how can someone not like Paris?! It's Paris! The city of lights, love, and crepes!<br />
<br />
But while their crepes were delicious, their macarons even moreso, it was just a big city, full of people, super touristy, and old tall buildings without any charm. Even the Eiffel tower, which I admit was stunning - especially lit up at night - is really just a big piece of metal. I do recognize that Paris was the last stop, and by this time, I was exhausted, dehydrated, and severely missing home-made food. However, even with that in mind, I can strongly say that I will be okay never going back to France.<br />
<br />
I still had some pretty cool moments though, one of them being: seeing the Eiffel tower for the first time (I think that's a given), and I really loved walking across the Love Lock Bridge. My friends are all cynics and were talking about how at least 70% of all those couples have probably broken up, gotten divorced, etc, and after I punched each of them in the shoulder, I sadly had to give them some credit, because they're probably right. It's such a touristy thing now anyways. Most of the bridge is panelled up now as well to prevent any more locks being put on, since all the added weight has caused damage to the bridge. But it was still pretty cool, and provided some really awesome pictures.<br />
<br />
Other big things we did included going to the Louvre, walking through both the Sacre-Coeur, and Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, Champs-Elysées, a couple museums, and Mont Parnasse. Pretty cool stuff.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO5G_H78ox1C3e2wKXzDvRYddR0JWkpk8WPKsxZ9B-YIlP4XQe0B8oUUpNGj47eE-rHM9krQbKz4LjpjwKIyPkwwZ_gi6Yal6pc6heQtXRJl0mIZ3CmYIIZnwbZhFcbwHl2mcna0-xHYi/s1600/DSCN0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO5G_H78ox1C3e2wKXzDvRYddR0JWkpk8WPKsxZ9B-YIlP4XQe0B8oUUpNGj47eE-rHM9krQbKz4LjpjwKIyPkwwZ_gi6Yal6pc6heQtXRJl0mIZ3CmYIIZnwbZhFcbwHl2mcna0-xHYi/s1600/DSCN0986.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
It was interesting walking through the Louvre, seeing an astounding amount of beautiful art work, and then coming across the Mona Lisa. You can see it's encased in glass, is bordered off so you can't get close to it, and it even had a guard to the side - and obviously no other painting was safeguarded to that extent. Compared to many of the other paintings, I thought it was small and ... well, uninteresting. It's just a painting of a woman. If it wasn't famous, it would just be another painting to glance at and walk past. Yet here we all are, lining up and taking selfies. How easily we are all fascinated with things just because society convinces us they're important.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGbehv3w7BxeRG-Y8qnHev7cDkq1y7ktp75ovnnUgNQbzXbM3TG-2lql6MXIGQnvEDslR7dJTlrpzkymOEPB8IgastioBdVbU2VH915IkAXZBYx8DzRgpeFjU4cEims_Hj8qpIY4m7SeC/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGbehv3w7BxeRG-Y8qnHev7cDkq1y7ktp75ovnnUgNQbzXbM3TG-2lql6MXIGQnvEDslR7dJTlrpzkymOEPB8IgastioBdVbU2VH915IkAXZBYx8DzRgpeFjU4cEims_Hj8qpIY4m7SeC/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
The view of Paris from Mont Parnasse. We didn't climb to the top of the Eiffel tower since all the tickets were sold out, but we did this instead, which I think is just as cool. We went up 56 (or something like that) stories, and got to see the entire city. We timed it perfectly, and got to see Paris slowly transition from day to night. It was very, very cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZaoQh_B8POkwZVKbyG4rQKRQbFG7xpw2hQPNyOqDyq45vdMrv36NWmT5pCFBt-_3EglkDnyBCbm9U1InhLsJ5vEmqS9qTfOcpUvyg7tyKNd7Z0YIfLVOFicv73Psb29TUp3B1rBnjeCu/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZaoQh_B8POkwZVKbyG4rQKRQbFG7xpw2hQPNyOqDyq45vdMrv36NWmT5pCFBt-_3EglkDnyBCbm9U1InhLsJ5vEmqS9qTfOcpUvyg7tyKNd7Z0YIfLVOFicv73Psb29TUp3B1rBnjeCu/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The Eiffel tower! Our second, and our last, full day in Paris we literally just spent the whole second half of the day looking at and taking pictures hahaha. It was awesome.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvQMzBuLjiOo33ksswfngUpE8NvZPKlncFAthF_xLOnfvgCQzf5effkMiq8-QhJohlU7L9W3rB1F0fP9ScSOq6_r0eVjdJ-TC9M9h4AzJWnWg76CAi_f_f2Qcr65ynj5PPjRClFyy-z6n/s1600/DSC_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvQMzBuLjiOo33ksswfngUpE8NvZPKlncFAthF_xLOnfvgCQzf5effkMiq8-QhJohlU7L9W3rB1F0fP9ScSOq6_r0eVjdJ-TC9M9h4AzJWnWg76CAi_f_f2Qcr65ynj5PPjRClFyy-z6n/s1600/DSC_1705.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ah, the love lock bridge. How picturesque.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwAd-4fn9yvb2F3G4pYnPYLFOPgxiwk0D8Rc9kz68MSvfOpo4KcCrHXqnMF4KlEamtD8wQLS3TjWxCNl9iCt1kB3fK8PPSbvNCzrNDz_wvWUWvEWwkue5OOotoKNirX05Qdhhp7lMtgJv/s1600/DSC_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwAd-4fn9yvb2F3G4pYnPYLFOPgxiwk0D8Rc9kz68MSvfOpo4KcCrHXqnMF4KlEamtD8wQLS3TjWxCNl9iCt1kB3fK8PPSbvNCzrNDz_wvWUWvEWwkue5OOotoKNirX05Qdhhp7lMtgJv/s1600/DSC_1825.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Every hour for five minutes, the tower sparkles. It must waste a ton of electricity, but it's pretty....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
DUBLIN<br />
After Paris, I met my parents and brother back in Ireland for the next three days! We met in Waterford, where I showed them my apartment, my school, and my Dad showed me his left side of the road driving skills haha. Since he kept us all alive, I deem it a success! It's a different view from the front of a car, and I was reminded again how narrow the roads are here. Everyone also drives like they're on a mission. Needless to say, I'm okay with not driving here myself hahaha.<br />
<br />
We were only in Waterford for half a day, since there's not much to do here. I think the main reason they came was cause it's where I'm living, so thanks guys! After that we headed to Dublin. To be honest, those three days were kind of a blur for me, filled with catching up on sleep, revelling in the chance to not make any decisions, and being incredibly thankful that I was staying in a hotel instead of a hostel.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, from what I remember haha, in Dublin we obviously went to the Guinness Storehouse. We got to see in detail each of the ingredients, how they make it, and how their advertising escalated, among other things. It was neat! Even though I don't really like Guinness, it's such a big part of what Ireland is known for that it was a really cool thing to experience. We didn't really do much else in Dublin - for being the capital, there's not as much to do as you'd think. We walked around, saw the Dublin Castle (which is undeserving of the title "Castle," if I do say so myself), and I pointed out stuff I'd gone to or seen on St. Patricks Day, which was cool. Dublin overall was extremely crowded and busy, like claustrophobically so. It makes me very glad that I'm residing in a smaller, much less touristy part of Ireland.<br />
<br />
We also went on a trip to Wicklow and Kilkenny! I hadn't yet been to the Wicklow Mountains, and it was great. It's been somewhere that I have wanted to go from the start, and though I would've loved to spend more then just an hour or so there, I'm just glad I got to see it. Trees, lakes, and mountains - it was stunning. Probably the closest thing to Canadian landscape that I've seen too, since I otherwise have not seen any mountains. From there, we continued on to Kilkenny, where I have been before, but obviously the rest of my family hadn't, so that was cool. Kilkenny is such a quaint, small city, so I think my parents really enjoyed it. It was a good end to the day.<br />
<br />
And that was it! I said goodbye to Samuel and my parents at the airport the next morning, and then headed back to Waterford. It's crazy to think I'll be back at the airport to leave myself in just five weeks. Five weeks! I'm starting to think about coming home more often now, and I have mixed feelings, like I figured would happen. But before then, I still have three more days of school, and exams to get through - blech.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-4_qb4dBFw74NlMN9oi4lfTSFAqY3C6ItrHKRLNMjf_1hn4eEt5jnND15dP43DB2xrXTsFv2-DMjJDcCLNffFVHOe-X_BvyotgpAKrB_F3kgwzfPasYbfH8WYCUlehj3Cm8UDecE2bH7/s1600/100_2248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-4_qb4dBFw74NlMN9oi4lfTSFAqY3C6ItrHKRLNMjf_1hn4eEt5jnND15dP43DB2xrXTsFv2-DMjJDcCLNffFVHOe-X_BvyotgpAKrB_F3kgwzfPasYbfH8WYCUlehj3Cm8UDecE2bH7/s1600/100_2248.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Mom and I on the streets of Dublin. It was ridiculously warm that day actually. I'm not sure how that happened. I think I've forgotten what heat felt like, but it was amazing haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0lLXAT9rEBOSoiIu2gWfNQawci2y8Xl6MEaKcp9Mb3eBOz2Jz2ZxdXaqIGQ9h1y9Ousg-nUsFC7_thWzG9DW4xr_zyw2h_q3vJZ36Zz8k5Qnr5xSbAqMZIMoDEH5Y1x4XDEJQ2hFx0S5/s1600/100_2284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0lLXAT9rEBOSoiIu2gWfNQawci2y8Xl6MEaKcp9Mb3eBOz2Jz2ZxdXaqIGQ9h1y9Ousg-nUsFC7_thWzG9DW4xr_zyw2h_q3vJZ36Zz8k5Qnr5xSbAqMZIMoDEH5Y1x4XDEJQ2hFx0S5/s1600/100_2284.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We each got a complimentary pint of Guinness at the Storehouse. And I totally drank all of mine, what are you talking about?...... (if my sarcasm wasn't thick enough there, I definitely did not drink the whole thing. In fact, I only got through like 1/5th of it. If that. Twas a sad, sad day).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l0v9K6vKP1xX8sUKG_0MBLa2smEg21njL1sYoENXDM5xOg9KgDUWaaB95dN3qp3wrIyjdPrwAHz-yWu72nYBkZPs1vio5kmI8NDVoQVCpbi-p-bXedqjts9Bh0GCPrACL-9J6LREZaAy/s1600/2c18c51d80fcebb6856d2689f0c5549d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l0v9K6vKP1xX8sUKG_0MBLa2smEg21njL1sYoENXDM5xOg9KgDUWaaB95dN3qp3wrIyjdPrwAHz-yWu72nYBkZPs1vio5kmI8NDVoQVCpbi-p-bXedqjts9Bh0GCPrACL-9J6LREZaAy/s1600/2c18c51d80fcebb6856d2689f0c5549d.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Wicklow Mountains. Pictures don't even do it justice; it was amazing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OTHER NOTES<br />
- I think those two weeks, I literally took every type of transportation imaginable. We went on planes, trains, buses, trams, a boat, the metro, the underground, and we also used our feet a lot haha. I think the only thing we didn't do was bike. Biking was actually something I really wanted to do in Amsterdam, but it didn't work out. So instead, we just looked at bikes, because they were everywhere. Like piled on top of each other, spilling into the street, you're about to get run over by a massive herd of bikes, everywhere.<br />
<br />
- Speaking of walking everywhere though, one of the guys has an app that told us how many km's we walked per day. I don't know what we averaged, but in Paris, in one day, we walked close to 20km! We were only a couple km's short of a half marathon distance! We didn't believe it at first hahaha.<br />
<br />
- So, now that I've gone backpacking for close to two weeks, here are my views on it, if I'm not to arrogant to think that you'll want to read my views haha.<br />
I think that traveling this way, with the right people, and with a good balance of planning and winging it, was simply freaking amazing. Poetic, right? ;) We had really good experiences with most of our hostels, so I have no complaints there. If nothing else, they remind you to never take for granted having a place to actually call home. Walking as much as possible allowed us to actually see the city - not just wave at it through a window, or just take pictures of tourist attractions. You get the creepy streets, and you get the amazing random views - you get it all. Waking up early, and staying out every night for as long as we could, not only made us feel like we weren't wasting our money haha, but gave us the chance to see and accomplish an incredible amount. Every night I just fell into bed, so tired, but so astounded at the world and what's out there. I felt so small, but in the absolute best way possible.<br />
<br />
- On the flip side, I also think that backpacking is romanticized, perhaps too much. There is a difference between the glorification of travel, and what actually happens. The glorification is eating crepes, having full camera's, and feeling full of life. And while all those things are true, there is also the constant headache from the lack of water and proper food, ever accumulating dirty laundry you can't do anything with, and constantly feeling lost and vulnerable, like when you're stuck who knows where in France, with no idea where to catch your train that leaves in 10 minutes. It's not like every second is wondrous. Simply transporting yourself to a different country does not automatically change the way you think. Worries do not disappear, and when you're hangry (yes, hangry), and lost, looking at a map on a random street in a random city is not that fun. Maybe that's all knowledge that just comes with experience, and most of you already know all this, but it was an intriguing concept for me.<br />
<br />
- To put it all in perspective, I would without a doubt, do this whole trip over again and change nothing, but it also was shocking how relieved I was when it was over. Twas an interesting enlightenment.<br />
<br />
And with that, the European adventure is done! I have about a million more pictures that haven't made it to this blog, so I found one more (the best one, obviously) to end off with hahahaha. Have a good rest of the week everyone :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmsFr34AU133EXDDm-ENdboc_TYXJ9zdE8p8AdpIri4bWEbLnosUTTQBLlIHa15nxUrsglxEZVkLAUrZ7L2qwul1TLYqPnw7YN3a9BPcKxiA6KLwpfIYhm8l-VJaEAJCiCAOEYaMWdehC/s1600/DSCN0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmsFr34AU133EXDDm-ENdboc_TYXJ9zdE8p8AdpIri4bWEbLnosUTTQBLlIHa15nxUrsglxEZVkLAUrZ7L2qwul1TLYqPnw7YN3a9BPcKxiA6KLwpfIYhm8l-VJaEAJCiCAOEYaMWdehC/s1600/DSCN0852.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They don't know I posted this picture..... shhh.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-23770864046500526082015-04-16T02:26:00.003-07:002015-04-16T02:39:15.550-07:00Europe, Part OneI'm back! It's weird writing a blog again actually, even though it's only been a few weeks. Forgive me if I sound rusty ;)<br />
<br />
So, during our two week Easter break off from school, eleven of those days were spent traveling to five different cities in four different countries. I went with three very cool people: Julie, my roommate; Carlos, who is from Spain; and Bert, who's from the Netherlands. It's weird to think that I've only known these people for three months, but here I went traveling around Europe with them. Yay for circumstances that create really fast friendships! hahaha. We actually accomplished a lot in that week and a half, so I've tried to narrow it down to the interesting stuff - in other words, this will won't be very detailed. Even so, it's still too much for one post, so I'll be writing two. A couple of cities today, a couple later.<br />
<br />
So, here we go, with city numero uno:<br />
<br />
LONDON<br />
London was huge. It looks exactly like you would think it would look like, with these massive, white, majestical, old buildings surrounding you almost no matter where you go. Telephone boxes were on every street, double decker buses were a constant sight, and the entire city sparkled at night. In fact, we didn't arrive at our hostel until later our first night, so when we finally got out to explore, it was already 8pm. Our first view of London was when everything was lit up, and needless to say, that was probably one of the best moments on the trip.<br />
<br />
Mostly, our adventures in London consisted of just walking around, seeing as much as possible. London is as expensive as everyone thinks, so there was no way we could possibly do all the touristy things without going broke in the first three days. We did choose one touristy thing though - the London Eye - and it was exceptionally cool getting to see the city from that high up.<br />
<br />
My favourite London experiences were probably that first night, seeing everything in the dark, and our last day, when we went for afternoon tea. (Ugh - that sounds really lame doesn't it? haha). We had just spent a whole day walking, and it was really nice to just sit down in a cafe, drink English Breakfast tea in London, and look out at the city. It was one of those moments where I thought, "Holy shit! I'm in London drinking tea! How cool is this?!" This whole trip was very surreal, so any moment where the gravity of what we were doing or where we were was actually apparent, was very welcome ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SutS2ER1fVHhETFybNA9g_1PE7-zFsf8z9YhHXLB-oGgxvxSpXc3AQ1h1hDHBPWhbxLjvlmmppErj7NVCvlXXL3-8yjuHufPKxgW1RwCkWI8L2WyjBIxYj2K9tdYT96R0uJZJJYtbdbE/s1600/22819_10206700214408376_5453306041146985936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SutS2ER1fVHhETFybNA9g_1PE7-zFsf8z9YhHXLB-oGgxvxSpXc3AQ1h1hDHBPWhbxLjvlmmppErj7NVCvlXXL3-8yjuHufPKxgW1RwCkWI8L2WyjBIxYj2K9tdYT96R0uJZJJYtbdbE/s1600/22819_10206700214408376_5453306041146985936_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
London at night! The London Eye was the first thing we saw, followed by Big Ben. Obviously, pictures don't do it justice, but nevertheless, it's still pretty cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF3N7ii3SxNcH2c857CjFt6daltpYSx5v_MoEjVdLnsCvVJSvWjywO7Rw3zPblaxG0Q-rNwfZ7UCwQs171rdKUzZ9R6-1PiAd4v6zWTKQvWh2FDp_iKxZ5EEjQD6wROOO2fOynL349psb/s1600/DSCN0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF3N7ii3SxNcH2c857CjFt6daltpYSx5v_MoEjVdLnsCvVJSvWjywO7Rw3zPblaxG0Q-rNwfZ7UCwQs171rdKUzZ9R6-1PiAd4v6zWTKQvWh2FDp_iKxZ5EEjQD6wROOO2fOynL349psb/s1600/DSCN0720.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The famous London Bridge. We took far too many pictures, and then slowly meandered our way across it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh76_EYocBMG0MjxJcuWeqiHYm37bSQcTMKL7tbMPRC5cweRQ77Octr5DJVbRsOcrf7QjBjVxVh98Bupf-alfeMcjYrf1oYETzBIpNvvuwv4ZbBksRL9EW_gyxVVEZk-KZMERO7bEH1fhk/s1600/DSCN0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh76_EYocBMG0MjxJcuWeqiHYm37bSQcTMKL7tbMPRC5cweRQ77Octr5DJVbRsOcrf7QjBjVxVh98Bupf-alfeMcjYrf1oYETzBIpNvvuwv4ZbBksRL9EW_gyxVVEZk-KZMERO7bEH1fhk/s1600/DSCN0652.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The guards in front of Buckingham Palace! We didn't get up close to any of them, but we actually lucked out. Without planning it, we showed up just in time to watch them change!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivToFfNBxBijG3W1P6oNlkCxjQYOOeM-F060kI1eyN5MGI81egRrPQECMazdqaUhzhF4fn0l6bha2yKNfBv7qkpwqbrwtDhupO4IZ7TWwwUsCpb6asO6OjxGBhAPoiJ7M9mmL2uEqKH1op/s1600/15824_10206700231048792_4836981792070538800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivToFfNBxBijG3W1P6oNlkCxjQYOOeM-F060kI1eyN5MGI81egRrPQECMazdqaUhzhF4fn0l6bha2yKNfBv7qkpwqbrwtDhupO4IZ7TWwwUsCpb6asO6OjxGBhAPoiJ7M9mmL2uEqKH1op/s1600/15824_10206700231048792_4836981792070538800_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The Canada gate! This is right close to Buckingham Palace, and at first, none of us had any idea what it was for. Upon closer inspection, each of the columns had Canadian provinces on it, basically stating when each joined the country. It was cool! Obviously, we had to take a picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTPl1gUH__XIMR3o9q4wQbr-Hex-FDdIIeBoeaTuq2leWBgitDT76lwXREXkGzZTiN11By_OWWraUzmjTpKJLH6_PCJlPJSrRcZE2VMaDtH6gfkFLYslKnaT02GMwFXxqZFCUimYMWH1M/s1600/11061657_10206700234728884_4550004182235832910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTPl1gUH__XIMR3o9q4wQbr-Hex-FDdIIeBoeaTuq2leWBgitDT76lwXREXkGzZTiN11By_OWWraUzmjTpKJLH6_PCJlPJSrRcZE2VMaDtH6gfkFLYslKnaT02GMwFXxqZFCUimYMWH1M/s1600/11061657_10206700234728884_4550004182235832910_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey from the London Eye. It started raining about halfway through our ride, but even so, we still got some pretty cool pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
AMSTERDAM<br />
Ironically, out of the four of us, I was really the only one who wanted to go to Amsterdam haha. Bert is from Holland, so it's analogous to me visiting Vancouver, and Carlos and Julie were interested, but not particularly excited. For some reason, I had it in my head that Amsterdam was going to be this quaint little city, beautifully lit up at night (I think I have a thing for cities at night hahaha), and there were going to be tulips everywhere, in front of all the characteristically tall skinny buildings. I think I'm too much of an idealist - though, except for the tulips, which were out of season, all of that was pretty much true.<br />
<br />
We went on a canal cruise, walked through a flower market, and ate some strange, probably really unhealthy, Dutch food. Croquette was the first thing, and I didn't particularly like it. It's a fried roll filled with some sort of meat. Secondly, we tried frikandel (no, I still can't correctly pronounce it), which is basically a type of hot dog, with curry, mayonnaise, and onions on it. It sounds disgusting, right? Well, I tried it anyway, and surprisingly enough, very surprisingly, I actually kind of liked it. Who knew?!<br />
We tried to go to the Anne Frank house too, but there was a two and a half hour wait, and at that point, it was windier then it was in Ireland, so with a unanimous vote, we went to a wax museum instead.... what a historical substitution, right?<br />
<br />
I guess I should also mention that yes, we did walk through the red light district, and once was enough.<br />
All in all, Amsterdam was beautiful, and I'm glad we chose it as one of our cities to visit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBg_C6p15eW32Xin6NZ1sFYgea87N7HOeHRuI1LKqSH2dIivNuqRJmwsdqBDfGUTHNXsPjY3Uo4UH8yotNCQymWhl8ipqo88j8ShBD9uBW_9Sf8BFksv88kqKeChXBzaUKpwvOVAfpOJC/s1600/DSCN0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBg_C6p15eW32Xin6NZ1sFYgea87N7HOeHRuI1LKqSH2dIivNuqRJmwsdqBDfGUTHNXsPjY3Uo4UH8yotNCQymWhl8ipqo88j8ShBD9uBW_9Sf8BFksv88kqKeChXBzaUKpwvOVAfpOJC/s1600/DSCN0798.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The canals! And tall, skinny buildings! Oh, behold!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO0n5SUwsKl1GArW0Vq4SKdf9c-PBCviKoQKGpYkjwgYZ8Fv9QU-mYkRvZwR7yH8wMF01DRUavM0GmEpAC6lr3whURBJhp4HTASzsFSr-6UFQh-8EgpiN_V4qYHd4YCmgf7s7tuR-hgaN/s1600/DSCN0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO0n5SUwsKl1GArW0Vq4SKdf9c-PBCviKoQKGpYkjwgYZ8Fv9QU-mYkRvZwR7yH8wMF01DRUavM0GmEpAC6lr3whURBJhp4HTASzsFSr-6UFQh-8EgpiN_V4qYHd4YCmgf7s7tuR-hgaN/s1600/DSCN0811.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
There is no escape from the bikes. No escape.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHEMWOAhEI71eJEbjlGy-hc1o4CMZouu6fHnbJ4hc8FO4WJMkY6IKZtJIJWSpMCN1WNGvLNRbKnAekKOddf3LUKsrzq1b09E-HNqLto_eEgAObH2FCSn9BuXTg0M4ANsgpOQVAMvzttiV/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHEMWOAhEI71eJEbjlGy-hc1o4CMZouu6fHnbJ4hc8FO4WJMkY6IKZtJIJWSpMCN1WNGvLNRbKnAekKOddf3LUKsrzq1b09E-HNqLto_eEgAObH2FCSn9BuXTg0M4ANsgpOQVAMvzttiV/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The I amsterdam sign! Both days we saw it, it was aswarm with tourists - so we took pictures from far away, and went back at night when it was quieter. I don't have any of those pictures yet though haha, so this'll have to do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
BRUSSELS<br />
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, and I loved it. If I were to go to any of these places again, I would come back here. Perhaps that's because I really love waffles, or perhaps that's because we only got to spend half a day there. Probably both, but whatever the case, Brussels was fantastic. Though, if I ever go back, I might want to learn French. Apparently, studying it for six years throughout school gave me nothing.<br />
<br />
We decided to go on a walking tour of the city, which ended up being led by an Irish guy! We talked to him a bit about Waterford and Ireland, after he educated us on the history of Belgium. It's a small world, I guess. We also drank Belgian beer, and ate chocolate, waffles, and fries. Honestly..... I think chocolate is just chocolate. Maybe I didn't try the right stuff? I didn't taste anything particularly different between chocolate from home and Belgian chocolate. The fries were good too, but since I don't really like fries, I can't say much on that front either. Everyone else loved them though, so they must've been good. And the waffles, you ask? Let's just say I will always be disappointed with Belgian waffles at home from now on. They were melt in your mouth, diabetes on a plate, absolute deliciousness. The streets literally smell like chocolate and waffles all the time too. It's great. Unless you're walking through them hungry.<br />
<br />
As a city, Brussels had a bit more of a modern twist to it, but since we only had one day here, we spent most of the time in the older, quainter section. (I know I overuse the word quaint, I'm sorry haha).<br />
Favorite moment: obviously eating waffles!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksjS8xfXAv7zH2qkKkFhqP7UMLOEeBY0HkyY1Wb37WwYy-NJR6mK9pkvm8gGpbW4zY_YVuA7BqbgI7V5BMsnTltqRlOoKvxfB4oduOXLos31aVOI_3AATg4g74liN3B1lvnY3sw1vqUc7/s1600/DSCN0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksjS8xfXAv7zH2qkKkFhqP7UMLOEeBY0HkyY1Wb37WwYy-NJR6mK9pkvm8gGpbW4zY_YVuA7BqbgI7V5BMsnTltqRlOoKvxfB4oduOXLos31aVOI_3AATg4g74liN3B1lvnY3sw1vqUc7/s1600/DSCN0863.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
Our hostel in Brussels was super cool. The whole common room was decorated with old ... artifacts, for a lack of a better word. They had planes, bikes, an old typewriter, etc.<br />
Generally speaking, we lucked out with all our hostels. As long as you keep the expectations low, then it will always be better then you thought haha. We didn't spend a lot of time in any of them either, which helped.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix97ezQZq8kGkIPKn07s8jtpWZZTGv-ZmwKLJImNPInPkIsLb57fn_GUqgyOnee16DRUruX4yLqD5a7D9YyziaqLThWXTnsSbJVPUx6-SeqjDlEq-fvh9CW9j5TZO4tnLWf64bJINqSLHW/s1600/DSCN0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix97ezQZq8kGkIPKn07s8jtpWZZTGv-ZmwKLJImNPInPkIsLb57fn_GUqgyOnee16DRUruX4yLqD5a7D9YyziaqLThWXTnsSbJVPUx6-SeqjDlEq-fvh9CW9j5TZO4tnLWf64bJINqSLHW/s1600/DSCN0895.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
One of the main buildings in the main square. One of the things we learned on our walking tour: this building was constructed improperly. If you look at either side of the building, they're actually unequal. The picture may not be the best to see it, but there's a pretty big difference. None of us noticed it at first, but once pointed out, it's literally all you can see. Even more, the door isn't centre in the column. It's significantly off to one side.<br />
Consequently, if you ever want to insult someone Belgian style, you call them a drunken architect ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_01YMwoSha9SzfqgdkxCr61P9hgAPBNfdpSpqpTNyQOB4Lh3ISJbsfwJ__4-_QeTYJlpYTLfVBX3vagPV-QKTFVCz9VVtvS8fDs1TwQeGEnDv1S_uMZ1pnVBkIhe1oypPXeEbxOvRUyIs/s1600/509dd739789de93dbcb68532c6959a5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_01YMwoSha9SzfqgdkxCr61P9hgAPBNfdpSpqpTNyQOB4Lh3ISJbsfwJ__4-_QeTYJlpYTLfVBX3vagPV-QKTFVCz9VVtvS8fDs1TwQeGEnDv1S_uMZ1pnVBkIhe1oypPXeEbxOvRUyIs/s1600/509dd739789de93dbcb68532c6959a5b.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mmmmmm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
BRUGES<br />
Bruges is the second city in Belgium that we visited. We went here because everyone that we had talked to who had visited Belgium, said that Bruges was actually much nicer then Brussels. Since the two cities are close enough to each other, we decided to go. Weirdly enough though, all of us agreed that we liked Brussels better. This may have been due to the fact that Bruges was a smaller town (though more medieval, which was cool), and after the excitement of three big cities right before, it was kind of underwhelming. Bruges is also known for it's canals, and while impressive on their own, they were nothing compared to the canals of Amsterdam. And while seemingly meaningless, the weather was much nicer in Brussels then Bruges, so that might have had something to do with it as well.<br />
<br />
We decided to go on a walking tour here too, and needless to say, it also may have coloured our glasses in an unflattering light. In the first two minutes of the tour, our guide must've sworn at everything and everyone five times. His jokes were incredibly uncomfortable & inappropriate, especially considering the fact that we were basically strangers. It was weird. We all sort of wanted to leave actually, but weren't sure how to execute it without being rude. All in all, just a tip then: if you want to go to Bruges, just explore it on your own hahaha.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzeofjXMxTFMhTTqCN6-0Xr1K1dCn3W46hD_9n3fhV_A-0LD6yerTvLzJUi2ojJeRshFr3qCu0ZN9K1Q1_sc6JFQ5J23QAD23ci3uE0w6bwxLAASg8mH8zupxQZf5e3GaQOTs096GOWs0/s1600/DSCN0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzeofjXMxTFMhTTqCN6-0Xr1K1dCn3W46hD_9n3fhV_A-0LD6yerTvLzJUi2ojJeRshFr3qCu0ZN9K1Q1_sc6JFQ5J23QAD23ci3uE0w6bwxLAASg8mH8zupxQZf5e3GaQOTs096GOWs0/s1600/DSCN0918.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Windmills are a big thing here. So we walked for ages (not really, it was like 20 minutes), and got to see some windmills up close.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2snmGvS2QXb2ioaFgLpzrbzo7qFjUTmpMgDSfGvvQAcDu7ue16DGXnorzR7TTqPLWKi6urngqjQtmvgit_zBINnq-Y_0eLjZpT0dyGFVqBj4hviOrG9zsCB4sTo5Aqp_lBblhh2ULZQG/s1600/DSCN0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2snmGvS2QXb2ioaFgLpzrbzo7qFjUTmpMgDSfGvvQAcDu7ue16DGXnorzR7TTqPLWKi6urngqjQtmvgit_zBINnq-Y_0eLjZpT0dyGFVqBj4hviOrG9zsCB4sTo5Aqp_lBblhh2ULZQG/s1600/DSCN0924.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Canals, medieval buildings, and boats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_lOAIgSlPo6G3bZNQl_dbVvEEvaIHUn2fjHVlL5hn2DZ5K-4d_ogDk_p4smzoWHtq_9Ofe3g0-uD7RL4lZidChndR6LPpR5hicZ4cZrEMd0afHG555z3q1zwRMHWVkOwBW128IK_xMfl/s1600/DSCN0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_lOAIgSlPo6G3bZNQl_dbVvEEvaIHUn2fjHVlL5hn2DZ5K-4d_ogDk_p4smzoWHtq_9Ofe3g0-uD7RL4lZidChndR6LPpR5hicZ4cZrEMd0afHG555z3q1zwRMHWVkOwBW128IK_xMfl/s1600/DSCN0926.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The main square. It was substantially smaller then any of the other cities so far. Still pretty amazing though, especially when you consider that nothing like this exists where we live.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z9S888MXIrHD_Pf76PFcFGTAqx4desGxwObJnIMvKBe-dPisGkzZ7yvxpDqCWXuMjd-4i2dnFWJI9jKH15Tpdfuqn7ZePhtUsW3bdkSNWcHd8KZQd2gPTglYqLP9Edv0E35z9Not-bR8/s1600/DSCN0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z9S888MXIrHD_Pf76PFcFGTAqx4desGxwObJnIMvKBe-dPisGkzZ7yvxpDqCWXuMjd-4i2dnFWJI9jKH15Tpdfuqn7ZePhtUsW3bdkSNWcHd8KZQd2gPTglYqLP9Edv0E35z9Not-bR8/s1600/DSCN0931.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
According to the tour guide, this is the most beautiful spot in Bruges. Why, I do not know haha. But here you go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, that's it for today! I have most of my next blog written already, so that should appear within another couple of days or so :)Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-77820467833837777552015-03-23T03:38:00.001-07:002015-03-23T06:58:10.651-07:00St. Patrick's DayST. PATRICK'S DAY WAS LAST WEEK!<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, we jumped on a bus and arrived in Dublin close to 11. We all know our priorities, so obviously, the first thing we did was get food. After, we tried to find a spot to watch the parade, which started at 12. We had 40 minutes to find a spot, but literally every street was packed. Completely packed. I was slightly claustrophobic, there were so many people. We couldn't make it to the front, so we hung out at the back, watching only the heads of people in the parade and the floats that were big enough that we could see them above the crowd. And what we did see, was strange. I'm not sure how any of the floats had anything to do with Ireland or St. Patrick's Day. It seemed to have a weather or an insect theme... there was a giant sun with creepy hands sticking out, a bee, a fox, a couple clouds, an owl.... I don't get it. But like I said before, Ireland sometimes just doesn't seem to make sense haha!<br />
<br />
After the parade, we wondered around and looked at Trinity College, a couple cathedrals, and the Dublin Castle. It's definitely a huge bonus that everything is within walking distance. We then found a cafe, hung out there, met up with more people, and then headed to a pub. I finally ordered my very own Guinness! Before you get excited, it was only a half pint. I'm such a wuss hahahahaha. I actually thought it would be cool to have green beer, but that was only Heineken, and that wasn't going to happen. We chilled there for almost three hours (feeling like such locals, since I'm pretty sure that's what they all do - hide in pubs to get away from all us foreigners), and then after that, went to find somewhere to get dinner. At this point it was 7pm, and we got directions to this other Irish pub that was right in city centre. Getting there however, proved to be an adventure - the streets at this point were absolutely disgusting - they were completely littered with cans and bottles. City centre was still packed with drunk people too, so it took 20 minutes just to force ourselves through the masses! Anyways, when we finally we got there, we were told it was full, so we ended up at a much less crowded Italian place. After that, we went to the Porter House (another pub haha), and stayed there until midnight, at which we then meandered our way back to the buses, to finally leave Dublin at 1am.<br />
<br />
Overall, I thought it was a really good day. It was so cool to just revel in the fact that I was in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day!! It was just as crazy as I expected it to be, and definitely one for the books. Dublin as a city was quite different from any of the other cities I've experienced here so far as well. It seems every city has a different sort of vibe, which I like a lot.<br />
<br />
I also had my birthday on Thursday, which was both strange not to be at home for, but also very cool to celebrate in a different country!! I especially have my friends here to thank for making it such an awesome day. I came home from school, and found out Julie had decorated my door, bought a cake, and even got me this adorable necklace, since my other one broke and I've been too cheap to buy myself a replacement hahaha. I lucked out with a really great roommate :) Later that night, a group of us went out for dinner, which we have not actually done yet here in Waterford, so that was pretty cool, and then came back to the apartment for cake, and just to hang out. So nothing super crazy, and maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely mine. I'm gonna miss all these people so much, but I won't think about that yet.<br />
<br />
Two other noteworthy things from this week:<br />
- We had a Brazilian night where all the Brazilians made authentic food for us. It was different, but so good!<br />
- This week has been kind of ..... WARM. I'm not consistently wrapped up in sweaters and scarves! It's so exciting!<br />
<br />
This coming Saturday, the next huge adventure begins. We leave to go to London, Amsterdam, Belgium, and Paris. It's crazy to think that in a week, I'll be living out of a backpack, in a different country. Though it may not be true, I always associate those types of travellers as bold, daring, and audaciously carefree. And I don't typically think of myself as any of those. Yet here I am, about to do it anyway. It's exciting, it's scary, and it's shifting my perspective on a couple things.<br />
<br />
I'll be back from that trip on April 7th, at which I will then meet my parents and brother who are visiting (yay!), and we'll all be in Dublin until the 11th. They will then fly back home, and I'll come back to Waterford. I won't have another blog post until probably mid-April, and while I don't post much on fb, other people do, so through them, I'm sure you'll all be able to see I'm still alive haha. Hope the rest of March treats you all well :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT31hiE2EQ_PudotntY-_xjt2QA9Bh3U7pL5l-bA3N3Q7ETKixdWsarNcrTwkblVEqP6mXM983WyiZTPihtkc7qQCPNTfpNUTmyygx1P0I5fxhCT1kDnP7QerBTuUOxXt1bNVumjJ2aSD0/s1600/IMG_20150317_142659615_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT31hiE2EQ_PudotntY-_xjt2QA9Bh3U7pL5l-bA3N3Q7ETKixdWsarNcrTwkblVEqP6mXM983WyiZTPihtkc7qQCPNTfpNUTmyygx1P0I5fxhCT1kDnP7QerBTuUOxXt1bNVumjJ2aSD0/s1600/IMG_20150317_142659615_HDR.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The temple bar in Dublin! The iconic place to be. We weren't cool enough to get in though... hahaha<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyzqol_aVWCgNLfCMzH4k5Omt7KmyG3kxvcuUaUxPbXtimGCOO-7-xOmAh3iUUhD5u05fSK4L8RWC2-itoXfyxfANXSGqpLJMMzR30_9BKsL1Q9NaPOxQhQK0Qew9BM91fbrJ57mEr42y/s1600/10414396_10206113375738958_2191136896601470302_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyzqol_aVWCgNLfCMzH4k5Omt7KmyG3kxvcuUaUxPbXtimGCOO-7-xOmAh3iUUhD5u05fSK4L8RWC2-itoXfyxfANXSGqpLJMMzR30_9BKsL1Q9NaPOxQhQK0Qew9BM91fbrJ57mEr42y/s1600/10414396_10206113375738958_2191136896601470302_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The exceptionally crowded streets of Dublin. I'm the one in the green ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l_DysmR5Fi-N9vl3zTmqeg_jdpy0pSDff5wLtQJVc6Noc_XaMst4ikuz555AF5wnz6_TpGyBpbBuXaqCpPlG_7kxH48WIIrXzqtulHTGJNylfrMAw0OOTzX1N32nzumadzMNrfFeRouN/s1600/IMG_20150317_151535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l_DysmR5Fi-N9vl3zTmqeg_jdpy0pSDff5wLtQJVc6Noc_XaMst4ikuz555AF5wnz6_TpGyBpbBuXaqCpPlG_7kxH48WIIrXzqtulHTGJNylfrMAw0OOTzX1N32nzumadzMNrfFeRouN/s1600/IMG_20150317_151535.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like I said, anything goes in Ireland. I have no idea why there was a duck in this parade. No idea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIYA5csVqfNi7yRroXJH7_34EBAop0yf-iInZPzIXsx-0SZHpIZojKsIPMGYskclavrhwkqVSEsCIbtO-DA7pqd36yDsUongb0HN9ESEFctac1LFp91cDSowGx_R-GYPnhGuTA3NW9ztE/s1600/IMG_20150319_235359968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIYA5csVqfNi7yRroXJH7_34EBAop0yf-iInZPzIXsx-0SZHpIZojKsIPMGYskclavrhwkqVSEsCIbtO-DA7pqd36yDsUongb0HN9ESEFctac1LFp91cDSowGx_R-GYPnhGuTA3NW9ztE/s1600/IMG_20150319_235359968.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think there were only 8 or 9 candles on the cake at this point, but we eventually crammed all 21 candles on there haha!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~ And, because I spent so much time on pinterest today instead of doing homework, here's a pinterest quote to end my blog today:<br />
<br />
"The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware; joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-12130595686755815172015-03-16T04:08:00.000-07:002015-03-16T07:13:42.066-07:00Wexford WoeLast week, I felt like I had nothing to talk about haha, but this week, I do!<br />
<br />
Tuesday night, 18 of us went to a pub called Phil Grimes for their jazz night, and surprise - they actually had room for us all! That's cause we were smart, and got their early. But are you ready? It started at 9, and we got there at 9:30, which yes, is early, because 9pm in Irish Time is actually 10:30..... believe it. This is the same place that we went to about a month ago, so it wasn't anything new or different, but it was still pretty awesome. It was one of those times where I just felt content with life, actually. I was drinking beer that I happened to not hate, listening to live jazz music, and having some pretty cool conversations. It was a good reminder that life isn't just a frenzied, chaotic mess, that half the time we're just trying to sludge through, but can be a rather wonderful thing.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, I met one of my best friends from Canada at the Waterford bus station!! She's currently studying abroad in Scotland this semester, and before we both left, we had talked about the possibility of her coming over for St. Patricks day and my birthday, which is this week Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. It's cheaper for her to fly back Wednesday morning though, so that's what she's doing. Nevertheless, it's one of the best presents ever, and I'm pretty stoked that she's here. She met all of us, tried and failed to remember all our names (totally okay, seeing as she was introduced to probably 20 people), and came along on all the weekend's adventures.<br />
<br />
Of which included going to Wexford (a city about an hour bus ride away) .... which proved to be quite interesting. We've actually had really good luck with all our trips so far, so we were bound to have some trouble eventually, and it happened on Saturday. We took a small bus to get from Wexford city center to Johnstown Castle, telling the bus driver where we wanted to go. Instead of getting dropped off at a castle however, we got dropped off at the side of the highway, next to a massive closed gate, and a whole bunch of cows. We stood there for five minutes griping about the bus driver - because why would he drop off us here when he knew where we wanted to go, we obviously were not from here, and it was obvious we were in the wrong spot. We literally had no idea where we were haha. Long story short, after calling the reception at the Castle, we ended having to walk another 25 minutes to the castle, during which one of our friends tripped and twisted his already sprained ankle. It worried all of us, but he pulled through. All in all though, if you fast forward through the unfortunate bus situation and ankle injuries, the castle and the grounds were beautiful, and it made for a pretty cool day. Absolutely freezing cold, but at least it didn't rain!<br />
<br />
Sunday, I figured my visiting friend needed to experience traditional Irish breakfast, so we did that, and then we went to Tramore. Julie and I had been there already, but it's a beach, and I will never tire of beaches.<br />
<br />
Anyways, now it's Monday morning, and I should probably stop writing this and go to school haha. Have a wonderful week everyone :)<br />
<br />
~ Also, here's a very, very, random fact of the day: It's not illegal to hitchhike in Hungary. So, if any of you feel the need to jump in some stranger's car and not go to jail for it, buy a ticket to Hungary. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
~ For Samuel: Listen to Mumford & Sons new song, Believe, if you haven't already. You'll like it.<br />
<br />
~ For Oma: Yes, I finally did wear my hair down the other day. And then had three people come up to me and say I looked like a different person. Go figure.<br />
<br />
Some of these pictures aren't the best quality (old phone camera's aren't always the best haha), but here you go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFkFhX270yrdI0MhErICCx66C7ljYB56K7Mp0UGANiaD5Ql-vVEF2vH7dRxqla0H83Ec8gVfR2VtBBHrAZUP8IZV9Tuy8xvqunJ5Cgy2qJakXXxcfKr5PzzBjV8Q_LZmGsd1JFr00BNUa/s1600/10426153_10206297556463743_9157787908319059932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFkFhX270yrdI0MhErICCx66C7ljYB56K7Mp0UGANiaD5Ql-vVEF2vH7dRxqla0H83Ec8gVfR2VtBBHrAZUP8IZV9Tuy8xvqunJ5Cgy2qJakXXxcfKr5PzzBjV8Q_LZmGsd1JFr00BNUa/s1600/10426153_10206297556463743_9157787908319059932_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI24LNjdvIvDbNxq5g4WDnUqmaXt-0yWOK1hMK0ofv6QMvac89LO3dq-h7oQH39Sp-B1riHeHkTKhHSwfw5LCojVqoqhlV3hIAJQ-385hIWPx6jly57ueFYMZqXy9vE5HdfgGItywz0AP/s1600/10357246_10206317409920067_1780900836932580344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI24LNjdvIvDbNxq5g4WDnUqmaXt-0yWOK1hMK0ofv6QMvac89LO3dq-h7oQH39Sp-B1riHeHkTKhHSwfw5LCojVqoqhlV3hIAJQ-385hIWPx6jly57ueFYMZqXy9vE5HdfgGItywz0AP/s1600/10357246_10206317409920067_1780900836932580344_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pub with live music! In this picture, we're representing Canada with three Canadians, two Americans, and one Brazilian (:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tramore, on a Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFAXNEHSbaej8dQAfSOFsGJFk3J9b2rTVfwSSS08JQR3gmDfWR85LtW3FjoVi8TlqqMqVqfWeS2X7bsITY7JetVnY2Kp5m6JND77gIHcozSwMVANaWox35tFyU1vea0TdqXiQdOSLkx0F/s1600/3d6835ddf4bec76a3a634073b4883f14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFAXNEHSbaej8dQAfSOFsGJFk3J9b2rTVfwSSS08JQR3gmDfWR85LtW3FjoVi8TlqqMqVqfWeS2X7bsITY7JetVnY2Kp5m6JND77gIHcozSwMVANaWox35tFyU1vea0TdqXiQdOSLkx0F/s1600/3d6835ddf4bec76a3a634073b4883f14.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So this was the gate that we were dropped off at in Wexford. I took a picture, because hey, for all we knew, that might have been the only thing we were to see in the city the whole day. Thankfully that was not the case haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtO1MpBvXdVcKzSu1ynxroBv3mVsLJ7WaKsnm9GBujWaoCZWo5iBHpJO8Yf3Kjl-acNdxrHuyo1RZrG214D6MaToTBBiaFoQv_rocnwmR3ToECVUvnsytByFpyYQsdTyW7rtT9vuzxGAL/s1600/4620bf985b3890078ccf7f197595b623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtO1MpBvXdVcKzSu1ynxroBv3mVsLJ7WaKsnm9GBujWaoCZWo5iBHpJO8Yf3Kjl-acNdxrHuyo1RZrG214D6MaToTBBiaFoQv_rocnwmR3ToECVUvnsytByFpyYQsdTyW7rtT9vuzxGAL/s1600/4620bf985b3890078ccf7f197595b623.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Ireland :)
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sHPVzgdwK08%2FVQa2Y_FpTpI%2FAAAAAAAAAL0%2FEyFExgGP5jY%2Fs1600%2F10357246_10206317409920067_1780900836932580344_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI24LNjdvIvDbNxq5g4WDnUqmaXt-0yWOK1hMK0ofv6QMvac89LO3dq-h7oQH39Sp-B1riHeHkTKhHSwfw5LCojVqoqhlV3hIAJQ-385hIWPx6jly57ueFYMZqXy9vE5HdfgGItywz0AP/s1600/10357246_10206317409920067_1780900836932580344_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-3pn11U4eRDs%2FVQa3jo5j_qI%2FAAAAAAAAAMA%2FkY0_ZkHH-5c%2Fs1600%2F4620bf985b3890078ccf7f197595b623.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtO1MpBvXdVcKzSu1ynxroBv3mVsLJ7WaKsnm9GBujWaoCZWo5iBHpJO8Yf3Kjl-acNdxrHuyo1RZrG214D6MaToTBBiaFoQv_rocnwmR3ToECVUvnsytByFpyYQsdTyW7rtT9vuzxGAL/s1600/4620bf985b3890078ccf7f197595b623.jpg" -->Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-36108263423699327892015-03-09T03:50:00.000-07:002015-03-09T03:54:50.059-07:00Life is lifeI'm finding it increasingly difficult to find funny and interesting things that happen during the week, because well, I'm not really doing funny and interesting things hahaha. The first while of being here, everything is new and worth talking about, but now, life is life, and I doubt you really care about how many times a week I go grocery shopping... though, if you do, it's like every third day, because when you go three times a week, it seems cheaper then if you do it all at once, no? ;)<br />
<br />
Anyways, exciting things that actually did happen this week include:<br />
<br />
- We booked flights, trains, and hostels for our eleven day trip through Europe! AHHHHHH!!! We will be in London for three days, Amsterdam for two, Belgium for two, and Paris for three. There's been a lot - I repeat, a lot - of thought and planning over the last two months for this, and we spent a couple nights this last week finally booking it all. I'm so incredibly excited (and sad, because I can hear my bank account in Canada sobbing from all the way over here haha). But mostly, just really, really excited.<br />
<br />
- Sometimes it seems that there are more Brazilian people in Ireland, then Irish people (at least in Riverwalk, which you'll recall is my place of accommodation). Hence, on Wednesday, there was Brazilian Day at my school. There was stuff during the day, and then that night, there was a Carnival (read: party). I love all my Brazilian friends, but they can be kind of crazy, so it made for an entertaining night. Again, also with the going out on a weekday - strange.<br />
<br />
- Friday, we went to a football game. Which is actually a soccer game haha. We bundled ourselves up so much that we all looked like the Michelin Man, and then walked to the stadium to watch the Waterford soccer team play against the team from Athlone. After finally figuring out which team we were rooting for, it was a pretty fun night. Waterford scored in the last thirty seconds of overtime, which was awesome - the whole stadium went crazy. I also realized that night that kids under the age of ten swear here more then I do..... which was slightly disturbing haha.<br />
<br />
- This weekend, we changed it up, and didn't do anything particularly exciting. We're finding out we've exhausted most of our travel options by bus now, so to get anywhere else cool we would need to rent a car. That'll happen one day I guess, but that day was not this weekend.<br />
<br />
Random Pictures, from no week in particular, or of any great importance:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqKYlt5u5daZEzJTbSkk-4rxYO5fmt_xTLlxq_g-TSQKdkYrCtXNHnLfAOpCthuzjh88oc1WUOSMkF3HIBXwokww5lmPfpyWIeczRf6YPCah4B5r6r-7gUWpRhywmK8RJ6ibyK9MBeQvS/s1600/IMG_20150221_145941831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqKYlt5u5daZEzJTbSkk-4rxYO5fmt_xTLlxq_g-TSQKdkYrCtXNHnLfAOpCthuzjh88oc1WUOSMkF3HIBXwokww5lmPfpyWIeczRf6YPCah4B5r6r-7gUWpRhywmK8RJ6ibyK9MBeQvS/s1600/IMG_20150221_145941831.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
We went to this sweet shop (that's literally what it was called), in Galway, and found chocolate frogs! I thought it was pretty cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8LMqF19stgMxLM4ZXqq4kMr4SteY6aED4gN9G8uV4zdwEaKW1oH1G0Zeb93xRRm4tynq6GMywE0F748lk6kxCNg0PKicz6CuleHx2vwzhNS6yQ_HGVJae9Ck35guXmM2SlGO_Pv9dZNS/s1600/IMG_20150221_194557591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8LMqF19stgMxLM4ZXqq4kMr4SteY6aED4gN9G8uV4zdwEaKW1oH1G0Zeb93xRRm4tynq6GMywE0F748lk6kxCNg0PKicz6CuleHx2vwzhNS6yQ_HGVJae9Ck35guXmM2SlGO_Pv9dZNS/s1600/IMG_20150221_194557591.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a much better limerick then the one we wrote. We found this in Limerick in the middle of the city, and I loved it so much I took a picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV3DapVdxeGCuZHj9yYdMbymCpxHTsjc5MQbgzkJRv_3UcqYT1-UGlfBJeWmnh5EcUvsN1fGPq0cYdY4oQVnPz36dSnWLWdxUm3YFbgPHs1dg_ejTB8E6rHb8LzQLR3yMHH_tvOWgZ9v0/s1600/IMG_20150228_122037774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV3DapVdxeGCuZHj9yYdMbymCpxHTsjc5MQbgzkJRv_3UcqYT1-UGlfBJeWmnh5EcUvsN1fGPq0cYdY4oQVnPz36dSnWLWdxUm3YFbgPHs1dg_ejTB8E6rHb8LzQLR3yMHH_tvOWgZ9v0/s1600/IMG_20150228_122037774.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I said last week, I found it awkward to watch all the people working at Waterford Crystal, but I pushed past it and took a picture of them anyway. I believe this was the engraving stage of the process.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HyQjFdXZe_I6-v34m6uqTeWQ8pZmLzMH89Sg8hHc_96R5c5Gh6VdwkCHfnnMI9zJdS4WFCxl5WxW88IJzvMZsrbb8i9OcdOEk-0YwJb63vqZLax65OrYazt6b3JDN5vyDByEv2oNh52y/s1600/IMG_20150303_104645190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HyQjFdXZe_I6-v34m6uqTeWQ8pZmLzMH89Sg8hHc_96R5c5Gh6VdwkCHfnnMI9zJdS4WFCxl5WxW88IJzvMZsrbb8i9OcdOEk-0YwJb63vqZLax65OrYazt6b3JDN5vyDByEv2oNh52y/s1600/IMG_20150303_104645190.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Look closely, for this is a rare of picture of...... a sunny day in Waterford! hahaha. This is part of the university. Most of my classes are in that red building. Which is ironic, seeing as the health science building is actually on the opposite side of the campus, and the red building is actually the tourism building. Ireland just doesn't make sense sometimes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
& that's it, my friends. Till next week :)Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-41395350461375817972015-03-04T04:44:00.003-08:002015-03-05T06:25:09.295-08:00List LoveHi everyone,<br />
Sorry I didn't get around to posting pictures earlier - I'll put some in at the end of this post!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, because it's now the middle of the week, it makes it a little bit odd to detail the previous week, so instead, here's the one cool thing I did on the weekend:<br />
<br />
- We went to Waterford Crystal! It's the one thing that Waterford is actually known for. I didn't even know about it though, until my Mom informed me a couple weeks before I came here, so there's an indication about how big Waterford is haha. It was pretty neat though - we paid to go on a tour of the factory, where we got to walk through and watch each step of the process as to how they make the trophies, wine glasses, etc. I thought it was a bit awkward to be watching all these people at work, but it was also pretty cool. We took a wander through the gift shop after, to check it all out and see if could we afford anything, anything at all. The answer was a resounding no.<br />
<br />
To lengthen this post now, I've decided after two months, I am now qualified to make some lists.<br />
<br />
<i><b> </b>First List<b> </b></i>: Things I miss about home (not including people, because that's obvious):<br />
<br />
1. Tim Hortons<br />
- Tim Hortons withdrawal is a very real thing.<br />
<br />
2. Not having to use so much brain power just to understand what people are trying to say to me.<br />
<br />
3. Knowing which side of the sidewalk to walk on.<br />
- You would think because they drive on the left side, people walk on the left side. However this is not the case. I've tried both sides, and either way, I still end up playing mind games with people coming the opposite way. The first month, I thought everyone was probably thinking I was crazy, switching from side to side, but really, there is no method to this madness.<br />
<br />
4. Punching bags<br />
- I'm not an agressive person, I swear, but there is something therapeutic about hitting them.<br />
<br />
5. Automatically having hot water to do the dishes, rather then having to boil the kettle and use that water haha.<br />
<br />
6. UFV<br />
- Just to clarify, I do not miss all the studying, but needless to say, I am quite disappointed with school here. Neither the profs nor the students seem to care much about classes, though I am in only three, so I won't generalize that to the entire school.<br />
<br />
7. THE WEATHER. WHY IS IT SO NICE BACK HOME?!<br />
- I think my cheeks are permanently tear-stained from crying constantly from the wind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Second Lis</i>t<b> </b>: Things I already know I'll miss about Ireland:<br />
<br />
1. Walking everywhere.<br />
- At home, the car beats walking almost every time. Here, there's no option of a car haha, and I've come quite accustomed to walking.<br />
<br />
2. Cute cafe's<br />
- Every third shop is some sort of cafe, and I love it.<br />
<br />
3. Everyone I've met here.<br />
<br />
4. How cheap it is to fly to other parts of Europe. Canada is crazy expensive.<br />
<br />
5. The minimal amount of school work.<br />
<br />
6. Being able to take a bus for five hours, and arriving on the other side of the country.<br />
- Everything is so close, which makes traveling much easier.<br />
<br />
7. The landscape<br />
- I miss mountains, but Ireland is also stunning in it's own right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Third List<b> </b></i>: Random interesting things I've learned:<br />
<br />
1. Brittany is not a common name here. I've asked a couple Irish students whether they know any other Brittany's, and they don't. Also, for my friends from Spain and Poland, Brittany was hard to pronounce at first. Who knew?<br />
<br />
2. People can surprise you, when you really give them the chance.<br />
<br />
3. It's not just 'hockey' over here - it's always 'ice hockey.'<br />
<br />
4. School as a system in Ireland is quite different compared to Canada. I've learnt about how school is structured in Germany and the Netherlands as well, and it seems every country has their own very, very unique way of implementing education. For example, the Netherlands have five different types of high school - so you may be in high school for five years, you may be in it for eight. I guess that explains why degrees in one country aren't accepted in other countries.<br />
<br />
5. Writing a limerick is hard.<br />
<br />
6. Being Canadian is simply straight up awesome.<br />
<br />
And with that, let's move on to some colour:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG9YqBDWZyUahxtHGwxuTqh6DD9Ss_e-3CxhbGyPCszmkFLTcDRag_Ra4C5WCXk47aRcujcY-ksyHTx4jIzhcyYrdOT4FuAyxxG2U3EWJrwRtnbhWieXocDB6hji_3XAeX0cmH3wxMXzh/s1600/100_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG9YqBDWZyUahxtHGwxuTqh6DD9Ss_e-3CxhbGyPCszmkFLTcDRag_Ra4C5WCXk47aRcujcY-ksyHTx4jIzhcyYrdOT4FuAyxxG2U3EWJrwRtnbhWieXocDB6hji_3XAeX0cmH3wxMXzh/s1600/100_3337.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is what we saw when we were rebelliously climbing around the outside of the Rock of Cashel. Like I said before, I don't think we were supposed to (seeing as there was a 'no climbing' sign haha....) but it was pretty spectacular to see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd1VBiEh4A_fS7JWNezFbuQsOgvNLC5EZtzRvcYv1WYKQRkMR8d4iNwRH72JNo-r7u744Y3p-4Ln1w5NQaEEJRZwB7ligtwBIBRrw4CSsk-TkY1QY-q5RgRXJ2wzCEPMZ3HZTOejqPOX7/s1600/100_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd1VBiEh4A_fS7JWNezFbuQsOgvNLC5EZtzRvcYv1WYKQRkMR8d4iNwRH72JNo-r7u744Y3p-4Ln1w5NQaEEJRZwB7ligtwBIBRrw4CSsk-TkY1QY-q5RgRXJ2wzCEPMZ3HZTOejqPOX7/s1600/100_3388.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The view from the top of King John's Castle in Limerick, overlooking the city and the River Shannon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QDxIdxLRWfpDMuqEtgN3vQsY-ZkMtk3lqY16zq8HEN8bCEvl3b5Y2j1tQXhXLdmrQbYgKUuuj-T3xaF_iSKIGjOVTOqSQTEBOner2CWt71pPoeV5MGoaIq8l9fQPPEMs3loPpVH4x-hb/s1600/11046772_10206364494255582_3161035672053248026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QDxIdxLRWfpDMuqEtgN3vQsY-ZkMtk3lqY16zq8HEN8bCEvl3b5Y2j1tQXhXLdmrQbYgKUuuj-T3xaF_iSKIGjOVTOqSQTEBOner2CWt71pPoeV5MGoaIq8l9fQPPEMs3loPpVH4x-hb/s1600/11046772_10206364494255582_3161035672053248026_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKGYh9CdV0iFjGDSehgM7l1Kl8ILLiA7Rgo70ArVsj3isjo6KqRf-nut1BPbi7xXArzMmkJW_EMxdX4dyxW-P2nq9FDHN7zZn4ty08t-Oy3RFQKbiuH3TnzaEWJARO5UCHguo7r_vEXm/s1600/11021155_10206219340628396_8438944448246332204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKGYh9CdV0iFjGDSehgM7l1Kl8ILLiA7Rgo70ArVsj3isjo6KqRf-nut1BPbi7xXArzMmkJW_EMxdX4dyxW-P2nq9FDHN7zZn4ty08t-Oy3RFQKbiuH3TnzaEWJARO5UCHguo7r_vEXm/s1600/11021155_10206219340628396_8438944448246332204_n.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY0odueeK5eEUjdbhzlv6yQPnvuegP2UWilCEjtRN1CacMZ8xwi5ylrxPi33FBoYFCg7oXF0cqUvCT-CeMDPAeI38Qste-LRyoFYmu9OD2qbFMS9LT1LjIFhWjvT6qmVsI04nac6rzF0N/s1600/11028364_10206364506335884_6294356466042769505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY0odueeK5eEUjdbhzlv6yQPnvuegP2UWilCEjtRN1CacMZ8xwi5ylrxPi33FBoYFCg7oXF0cqUvCT-CeMDPAeI38Qste-LRyoFYmu9OD2qbFMS9LT1LjIFhWjvT6qmVsI04nac6rzF0N/s1600/11028364_10206364506335884_6294356466042769505_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Me and Julie at the Cliffs at Moher.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also Julie and I, this time at the Cliffs on the Aran Islands. I kind of love this picture a little bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone from the trip! The girl second from the end on the right was an addition that day to our group. She was a very nice Canadian who we met on the bus, so we invited her to come along :)<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-81383261430577588172015-02-24T10:13:00.002-08:002015-02-24T10:23:10.458-08:00The West of IrelandWarning: this is long, and it's all words, cause I haven't downloaded pictures yet. Sorry!<br />
<br />
So, as you all know, I went on a trip through Ireland last week! We left early Monday morning, got back late Saturday night, and all the days in between were amazing! Obviously, there were some ups and downs, but overall, we saw some incredible things, and I feel so lucky that I am able to experience it all. I'll try my best to get the highlights of each place, and keep it to all the interesting stuff.<br />
<br />
Monday then, was the beginning of our journey, taking us to the city of Cahir. The main point of stopping here was the Cahir Castle, which we actually found out was closed due to maintenance. Awesome, right? The first part of our trip and we already were at the mercy of construction. We sulked for about a minute, and then sucked it up and went walking through a trail we found behind the castle, and it was stunning. Walking forwards we lucked out with the sun; on the way back though, the clouds darkened in what seemed like 30 seconds, and then we were soaked in another 30. Crazy Irish weather!<br />
<br />
We then went to Cashel, where we found the hostel that I had booked and got that sorted out. It wasn't hard to find, seeing as there's only a couple main streets in the whole city. We then went to explore the Rock of Cashel, which was also under construction - but thank goodness, we still got to go inside! Actually, we first were rebels, and walked all around the outside of the Rock, which I don't think we were supposed to do .... but I'm glad we did, because the views were amazing. Everything was so incredibly green.<br />
<br />
On to Tuesday!<br />
<br />
Tuesday morning, we caught the bus from Cashel back to Cahir, where we had a break in between buses and went to go eat something. We realized then that it was Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day - and I therefore decided to order pancakes. This place actually had them with maple syrup, which was exciting because how much more Canadian can you get?! I still tried the Irish pancakes though, which is basically a thick crepe with sugar and lemon. I don't know how particularly Irish I found it, but nevertheless, it was good. (I mean, it had sugar on it - of course it was good hehe)<br />
<br />
We then went to Limerick, and by the time we got settled in at the next hostel, it was close to 3. Everything in Ireland seems to close at 4:30, so we didn't have long to explore. We all wanted to see King John's Castle however, so that was our choice and by golly, it was the right one. We paid the entrance fee, and then were led to what was basically a museum explaining the history of the castle. I was kind of apprehensive at this point, because while that's great and all, I don't really find history that interesting - I just wanted to see pretty sights. (I do realize how unintelligent that makes me sound :S ). Anyways, we continued on, finished the museum section, and then BAM - we entered the the outside castle grounds, climbed a ton of stairs, and were consequently struck speechless, because it was gorgeous. The Castle is right next to the Shannon River, so when you climb to the top, you can see this massive river and the entire city. It was really, really, stunning. We stayed until they kicked us out for closing.<br />
<br />
Progressing to Wednesday.....<br />
<br />
Where two exciting things happened:<br />
1) I found the way to the hostel from the bus station! Me! I was so proud.<br />
2) We went to a traditional Irish pub that had eight people sitting around a table with instruments playing Irish music. It was incredibly cool to experience.<br />
<br />
Thursday:<br />
<br />
We went to the Cliffs of Moher! We booked a tour bus, so it left in the early morning, and stopped off at a bunch of really cool places as well as the cliffs. We went to a castle, a fairy ring, The Burren, the Cliffs, and then even after the Cliffs, we stopped again at this amazing rocky beach. It was a lot to take in, and it was all amazing. I wish I could take mental pictures of everything. The landscape is obviously very different from back home as well, and interestingly enough, it makes me really appreciate and miss BC.<br />
<br />
Advancing to Friday!<br />
<br />
Friday held our trip to the Aran Islands, which was probably one of my favourite things I've done since I've been here. I thought I'd like the Cliffs more, but the Aran Islands were captivating. Not just because again, it was beautiful, but because the type of lifestyle they have there is so different then what I'm used to. The whole day, I was thinking about what it would be like to live there. The Aran Islands consist of three islands, and we went to the largest one - Inis Mor. There are 800 people on the entire island; their main resources of income are fishing and tourism; they have 3 churches, 3 schools, 6 pubs (haha), 1 supermarket, 1 ATM, and 1 bank. The bank is open only one day a week for three hours.... !!!<br />
We had the option of renting bikes or going on a bus tour, and while I originally would have rather biked, the weather was kind of frightening, so we opted for the bus. Turns out, that was quite handy, because while the weather did hold out for the most part, we got directly driven to all these amazing places, and learned all the above information I just told you, none of which I would've known if we'd just biked. We got dropped off at the base of this hill, had progressively stunning views while climbing it, and then reached the top and realized it was a cliff! I could've sat and stared at the ocean all day. The water was like the thickest vanilla milkshake you've ever seen, swirling at the base, crashing against walls of rock. The other highlight was the stop right at the Atlantic Ocean. I stood too close to the waves, and ended up soaking my shoes, which made for a dismal walk back home at the end of the day, but hey - I touched the Atlantic Ocean!<br />
<br />
And lastly, Saturday.<br />
<br />
We basically just explored Galway for a couple hours, and then headed back to Waterford. I've decided Galway was my favourite city out of the four we went to, even though I feel like I saw the least of it. Cahir and Cashel were a bit too small for my liking, and Limerick felt a bit too city-ish for me - the building were higher, the streets were wider, things felt fancier. Galway though was vibrant, and full of life. It's like you could feel the people and the energy float off the streets.<br />
<br />
And, well, that's it! We've reached the end! That is my week in a 1200 word nutshell. Thanks for sticking with me :) I'll put some pictures up in a couple of days, hopefully.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the sunshine I've been missing back home for me (:Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-25579777706959987352015-02-15T02:06:00.002-08:002015-02-15T05:55:56.090-08:00Rag Week(First - yes, I did change the font. Hopefully this one's a bit easier to read and loads properly)<br />
<br />
Well, this week started off crazy. This week is what's known as "Rag Week," here in Waterford. It's basically an excuse for Irish students to go get drunk almost every night of the week and then miss class - all for charity. Rag Week is Monday through Thursday, each day a separate ticket that you have to buy if you want to attend. Each day consists of shows and DJs at the pub on campus, which continues through the evening. If you bought the ticket, you then get cheaper admission to a club downtown, also on that specific night.<br />
<br />
A bunch of us international students went on Monday. It was quite strange, going out on a Monday night. Who actually does that?! I woke up feeling disoriented Tuesday morning with the realization I had to go to school. And no, I was not hungover hahaha. Interestingly enough, that first class Tuesday morning, I was only one of five people to show up. All my classes had incredibly low attendance this week - like max seven people. I'm getting kind of frustrated with it actually. It's annoying walking all the way to school for one particular class, be the only one who shows up, have the prof hum and ha about what to do for twenty minutes, and finally eventually decide to cancel it. Don't ask me what I think we should do - I'm a student, I'm always going to want to leave early. You're the prof. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Thursday night, I went to this theatre production, which was.... interesting. I'm glad I went to it, even for the sole reason that I can now say I've been to the theatre in Ireland. It was a one man show, so for an hour and a half, we listened to this guy who was portraying a woman who was struck by lightning and consequently dealing with being horrifically disfigured. It was quite dark material, but the way it was presented, it was quite humorous too. It was an interesting and unique depiction of themes and morals that we've all been relentlessly exposed to throughout media, creating quite the thought-provoking environment. The music was really loud and kind of creepy though, and I felt like I was jumping out of my skin every five minutes. Pretty sure my blood pressure was through the roof the entire time.<br />
<br />
Also this week, we officially booked all our hostels and figured out our plans for this next week as best we could - recognizing that things never go quite as planned. Already, there's been some deviation - there was originally five of us setting out, and now there is eight. I would again, as I said in an earlier post, like to assume that this is just because me and Julie are so incredibly charismatic, but I think it has more to do with the fact that we planned everything out, and therefore everyone else has minimal work to do. To be honest, I'm a bit apprehensive about all our personalities shoved together for a week straight. I'll probably need some space at some point, but I've tried to mentally prepare for it. Whatever the case, I'm pretty stoked this is actually happening!<br />
<br />
Our plans are to leave tomorrow and first, go to Cahir, which is this little town that has a castle, and is supposed to be cute (the town, not the castle haha). After that, we continue onto Cashel, where we'll see the Rock of Cashel! On Tuesday, we trek to Limerick, where there's multiple things to do, and Wednesday, we'll find our way to Galway and have the day to explore there. Thursday will be the Cliffs of Moher, and Friday, the Aran Islands. Saturday brings the long bus ride home! As a note, I will not be bringing my computer with me for the week, so communication might be minimal!<br />
<br />
Two Other Random Factoids:<br />
<br />
- We booked bus tickets to go to Dublin for St. Patricks Day! I'm so excited! We were originally thinking about going to Cork, but we talked to a bunch of people for different opinions, and were pretty quickly persuaded to go to Dublin!<br />
<br />
- I keep thinking I see people from back home here. Obviously, no one else I know is actually here, and sometimes the resemblance isn't even that close hahaha, but it happens all the time. Maybe all of you have random dopplegangers living in Ireland. Or maybe I just miss you all. I guess it's probably the latter ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NsTxiUVYy_-zbFciLL9DTJWoWRNHiFWUHTu5V3OP7EcWE2ZYGdmkLQfXrEan5m2gqjEQ9Cxbnu2hgnQe3rf7LKoh4Xz_bZKZmzQyjPL246TpZB4Kn-FEsoUMtaRzcyHSJlkRSBkPcmSW/s1600/IMG_20150214_101623066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NsTxiUVYy_-zbFciLL9DTJWoWRNHiFWUHTu5V3OP7EcWE2ZYGdmkLQfXrEan5m2gqjEQ9Cxbnu2hgnQe3rf7LKoh4Xz_bZKZmzQyjPL246TpZB4Kn-FEsoUMtaRzcyHSJlkRSBkPcmSW/s1600/IMG_20150214_101623066.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
So this is where I live! My apartment is at the very right of this picture. It's a far cry from home, but it keeps me warm. Oh wait... no it doesn't haha. But I won't complain. Pretty much all the other international students live here too, so it's cool that within a few minutes, we can all hang out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszSNBLrhx-2EIJ07LxQxlT5zhbeWigObN6sXdVxmVZcwOelCWp8OItfF0tCSXx1WkpfHwRerZrE-k37JSoOzMupO5d2AfXFh28KJ06V65JndTmi38U3poQPFXqALKtZyX9pSlVqinsO5m/s1600/IMG_20150214_105300420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszSNBLrhx-2EIJ07LxQxlT5zhbeWigObN6sXdVxmVZcwOelCWp8OItfF0tCSXx1WkpfHwRerZrE-k37JSoOzMupO5d2AfXFh28KJ06V65JndTmi38U3poQPFXqALKtZyX9pSlVqinsO5m/s1600/IMG_20150214_105300420.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Me and Julie went out for full Irish breakfast! Highlights were the rashers, which they call bacon, but it's really more like ham; grilled tomato; and white pudding - which tastes like sausage with sunflower seeds.<br />
The white pudding was interesting, but overall, it was really good.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBN_Jkg_ZAtecmWkmuw5VdylgfYeqQ5hPlhZZx3kYFRYSFDjNzxocEBnu9vsBOp7tvTr-Evu7SkDm68zWI80CnumBR9NNvvkoX0mR8K5MAh0GvxMonS-6E1-HaDnQBPAM4yy5xnkua5Sr/s1600/DSCN0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBN_Jkg_ZAtecmWkmuw5VdylgfYeqQ5hPlhZZx3kYFRYSFDjNzxocEBnu9vsBOp7tvTr-Evu7SkDm68zWI80CnumBR9NNvvkoX0mR8K5MAh0GvxMonS-6E1-HaDnQBPAM4yy5xnkua5Sr/s1600/DSCN0293.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a picture from last week at Dunmore East. I don't know how I forgot to include it haha. My toes aren't pointed though, and of course I got my balance on the first try .... ! ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-57379034932735672922015-02-08T03:24:00.002-08:002015-02-08T03:26:36.759-08:00Coffee & CliffsMonday: school.<br />
Tuesday: school.<br />
Wednesday: school; city centre (bagels, tea, police); movie (Kingsman)<br />
Thursday: school; pub with live Irish music<br />
Friday: school; city centre (coffee, scarves)<br />
Saturday: Dunmore East<br />
Sunday: yet to be determined.....<br />
<br />
BAM. Everything from this week in a nutshell. Done.<br />
<br />
Haha, just kidding. I guess I can expand a little bit....<br />
<br />
Wednesday encompassed the most delicious bagel of my life (sorry Tims), a really cute cup of tea, and then I went and registered with the immigration at the police station. I had until February 6th to stay in Ireland before needing to get a visa, and preferably, I would've registered in the first two weeks of being here. However, I had some problems that deterred me from doing it earlier, and so ended up cutting it pretty close, only having two days before I wasn't legally supposed to be living in Ireland anymore! My goal here is not to get kicked out of the country, so I was quite relieved that everything finally worked itself out haha.<br />
<br />
The live Irish music was amazing. It made me sort of melancholy, stinging the hole in my heart left from leaving Irish dance, but nevertheless, it was cool to hear it live, six feet in front of me. A couple Irish girls were dancing (regularly haha), and dragged me and a couple friends out with them, so that was pretty cool too. I also learned that drunk Irish guys (well, a couple of them anyways) really are crazy.<br />
<br />
Me & Julie have decided to experiment and go to different coffee shops when we're in city centre, so we found this cute place called O'Briens (I love how Irish it sounds hehe), and I had one of the best chai latte's everrrr. Mmmm. And I bought another scarf while we were there. I have a problem. My suitcase coming home is just going to be filled with scarves hahaha.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, I was debating on doing an 8km race with my friends Carlos and Anna - but then Carlos sprained his ankle, and since he was the main motivator in our group, me and Anna had a couple days of contemplation about whether or not we were going to do it. We finally decided to register, then realized we actually missed the registration date. It was kind of disappointing, but maybe for the best, since the Irish weather has infiltrated all our lungs and gifted us all with colds. So, instead of running, we went to Dunmore East, which is this little coastal town about 30 minutes away from Waterford. It was similar to Tramore, which we went to two weeks ago, but this was less beach and more cliffs. It was beautiful, though slightly scary, because my eyes have a tendency to be constantly watering in this wind, so I feel like I'm climbing over rocks half blind with a constant stream of tears leaking out hahaha. We did find a cafe there though, selling Tim Hortons coffee!! Me and Julie freaked out, and everyone else was just really confused. All in all, it was wonderful, but I'm definitely a beach person over a cliff and rocks person haha.<br />
<br />
This next week looks towards more classes, and locking in our plans for the week after, which we have off school and are consequently going traveling! We're planning to do a six day trip through the west part of Ireland, hitting a whole bunch of castles, a bunch of hostels, and the famed Cliffs of Moher! I'm a bit nervous, thinking about living out of a backpack for almost a week, and being continuously on the go, but I'm also excited - I've never stayed in a hostel, or done this type of traveling. The people I'll be going with are awesome too. It'll be another thing to check off the bucket list! (:<br />
<br />
Well, I think that's it! Good luck to all my friends in school back home right now going through midterms! - don't study too hard ;)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWpbM6pjfvAAEfbFzbfJUyBM2j1LvToSb-_TxioSOTf_PyJr7I4vQN_RbgWYjBgoysjA_ih5ygkc7NqaamXJ_Eky5k0H4wNEC7ez19n4fnIB0A-274pt68D4FDPZm6rmYB7h8a1tyDbVT/s1600/10959469_904952989544435_544328731641285906_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWpbM6pjfvAAEfbFzbfJUyBM2j1LvToSb-_TxioSOTf_PyJr7I4vQN_RbgWYjBgoysjA_ih5ygkc7NqaamXJ_Eky5k0H4wNEC7ez19n4fnIB0A-274pt68D4FDPZm6rmYB7h8a1tyDbVT/s1600/10959469_904952989544435_544328731641285906_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Everyone who came with us to Dunmore East, in a 'cave selfie' haha. I've been a part of more selfies in the last month, then in my entire life.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx3-ZQIJwybxTcPX0lhU3SMRSpH8WVtoNS-2JbXNYImEim8VGMyxEwRzIyvLzpmMsUQqKe1NbRf6rOzwroqME0lfE5xNwNaJS-wx-2w-TbcnPkz6fcZVp8-t3SDl5zCeztE2ZYl2TbDqk/s1600/10338787_904956012877466_6051718500785847275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx3-ZQIJwybxTcPX0lhU3SMRSpH8WVtoNS-2JbXNYImEim8VGMyxEwRzIyvLzpmMsUQqKe1NbRf6rOzwroqME0lfE5xNwNaJS-wx-2w-TbcnPkz6fcZVp8-t3SDl5zCeztE2ZYl2TbDqk/s1600/10338787_904956012877466_6051718500785847275_n.jpg" height="180" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxva-y-PPVKscqhg_uFfv58IT-nXCYOaMpf-W9nEhb6-oz9HhrF3xpAY6XEFEXqErdI3n5p808Os8sctbOhQ-vdVkDtoBWvJVLX8O6_E-aG_f6jeefYKervADosuyKZa6j2Pk_DzTt69e/s1600/IMG_20150204_132058676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxva-y-PPVKscqhg_uFfv58IT-nXCYOaMpf-W9nEhb6-oz9HhrF3xpAY6XEFEXqErdI3n5p808Os8sctbOhQ-vdVkDtoBWvJVLX8O6_E-aG_f6jeefYKervADosuyKZa6j2Pk_DzTt69e/s1600/IMG_20150204_132058676.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Raul, Me, Julie, & Bert. We hiked up to this point a bit, so it was a really nice view from the edge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This picture is pointless, except to further the fact that I'm obsessed with tea. Tea and scarves, apparently....
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-DwZHXkNttyM%2FVNdBFjFLJYI%2FAAAAAAAAAIk%2FONyvdZ2Yysc%2Fs1600%2F10338787_904956012877466_6051718500785847275_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx3-ZQIJwybxTcPX0lhU3SMRSpH8WVtoNS-2JbXNYImEim8VGMyxEwRzIyvLzpmMsUQqKe1NbRf6rOzwroqME0lfE5xNwNaJS-wx-2w-TbcnPkz6fcZVp8-t3SDl5zCeztE2ZYl2TbDqk/s1600/10338787_904956012877466_6051718500785847275_n.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-h51YlGTmFx0%2FVNdCvEkOzYI%2FAAAAAAAAAI4%2FQKXaA0X2iNE%2Fs1600%2FIMG_20150204_132058676.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxva-y-PPVKscqhg_uFfv58IT-nXCYOaMpf-W9nEhb6-oz9HhrF3xpAY6XEFEXqErdI3n5p808Os8sctbOhQ-vdVkDtoBWvJVLX8O6_E-aG_f6jeefYKervADosuyKZa6j2Pk_DzTt69e/s1600/IMG_20150204_132058676.jpg" -->Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-53761548992099005242015-02-01T15:12:00.003-08:002015-02-01T15:12:25.306-08:00Macarons & CorkI'VE BEEN HERE A MONTH.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have I even learned anything in this adventure thus far?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, sure. That time goes crazy fast, that's what I've learned. I keep comparing this to the five weeks I spent in Quebec, because that's the only other thing that I've done that remotely compares to this. Except at this point, I'd already be thinking about going home - and here, I have another four months. FOUR MONTHS. Which seems like an exceptionally long time at this point, especially because while I'm not homesick, I am at the point where the initial shock of everything is finally starting to dim, and I miss everyone at home. But alas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nothing too interesting to report from school. Thus far, we've talked about perceptions, first impressions, the digestive system, and most interestingly, hamstring tears. I'm gonna nerd out on you guys for a sec though, cause I think this is cool! - Did you know that the location of a hamstring tear has a prominent influence on how long it takes you to recover? (If you've taken KPE 371, feel free to skip this paragraph haha). Basically, if it's closer to the inside of your leg (a proximal free tendon injury) then it takes much longer to heal, compared to if it's an intramuscular tendon injury tear (usually adjacent to the biceps femoris) - YET, for the most part, all hamstring tears are treated the same way...... interesting, no? How's that for expanding your intellectual prowess? I think we can say this blog now officially qualifies as educational material.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week overall otherwise, was pretty chill. Stayed home. Ate popcorn. Drank tea. Watched the entire first season of Super Fun Night, a show starring Rebel Wilson that Julie introduced me too. (Apparently, I don't watch enough TV, youtube videos, or movies - I know nothing about anything media). Drank more tea. And I also did laundry. Which was actually an interesting endeavour, because I no longer know the lovely luxury of having a washer and dryer at home - and the apartment makes you pay a freaking arm and leg (or to be more precise, 8 euro) to use theirs. So me and Julie thought we'd try and outsmart these money sucking machines, and bought hand washing soap instead. We dared to conquer the dirt in our sinks - and then reverently prayed that our clothes would actually dry in this frigid Ireland air - and they did! ..... in about a week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anything more exciting then laundry to tell you about? Well, no, not really. Here's the only other couple of remotely interesting details:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Since the karate club is a no-go, I went and asked about the kickboxing club they have. Well, instead of finding a time to meet, I just got sad eyes looking at me saying they don't think the club is running this year at all. Well then.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- We finally had to go buy more peanut butter since I devoured mine about two weeks ago, and have been eating Julie's since then (sorry Julie) and finished that too.... we bought the american stuff, and my report: it's weird. Next on the list will be irish peanut butter haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- I successfully used the Irish ATM with my new Irish bank card. I also finally, finally found a hole puncher and stapler that I can use in the school's library! All my sheets have just been floating around in my backpack and it was driving me mad. These things that I take for granted at home, feel like the biggest accomplishments here. When I had all that paper stapled up and in my notebook, the way I felt could've been synonymous to climbing mount everest! (Alright, maybe that's not quite the same, but the idea is there.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- A couple of us girls walked to city centre on Friday afternoon, and went to "Lily O'Brien's Chocolate Cafe." It had been beckoning for a while, and is even on trip advisor for things to do in Waterford! Yes, I googled things to do in Waterford. They're known for their hot chocolate, so even though I don't typically like hot chocolate, I got it anyway. It was the best decision of the entire day, because ohmygoodness, it was absolutely delicious. And I also had my first macaron! No, not macaroon - macaron - they're very different. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but I was quite excited just to eat it hahahaha. (Obviously - it's in my title post haha).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- We went to this talent show thing being put on by the university, and as my friend said, it was more like a #nobodyaroundheregottalent talent show. But, we can't critique too much - I commend their brave souls for getting up and performing. Or perhaps they didn't have to be brave - pretty sure everyone was on their sixth beer before the night even started hahaha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- That above was my first hashtag. And really, it wasn't even mine, cause I was quoting it. #myownofficialfirsthashtag #doesthatcount? #canyouevenincludequestionmarks?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On that note, that was the week. On the weekend, most particularly, on Saturday.....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WE WENT TO CORK! (For those of you who don't know what Cork is, it's the second largest city in Ireland, Dublin being the first).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six of us were up and walking to the bus station before the sun was even up to start the day's adventure. It was a two hour bus ride into Cork, and then another half hour to THE BLARNEY CASTLE. I was freaking out the entire second bus, cause I was so excited. Pretty sure I was quite the entertainment for all my friends. We spent two/three hours exploring, and it was amazing. We all kissed the blarney stone (Julie was anxious about all the germs, but we got her to do it anyway hehe), went through rock caves, took a million and a half pictures, and just had a really, really, good day. Back in Cork, we went through a free art gallery, got food at the English Market, wandered the streets, and then got more food at a pub. You can never have enough food. I also tried a beer called Murphy's, which is an Irish stout beer that is actually made, and is hard-pressed to find anywhere else, in Cork. It's similar to Guinness, but not as bitter - which is probably why I actually kind of liked it (surprise!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pictures from the day are in the post below :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.S - Happy birthday to Auntie Donna and Laura! Miss you guys, hope you both had phenomenal days!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.P.S - I got convinced to get Instagram. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but nevertheless, if I can remember I have it, I'll occasionally post pictures. (Do you need my username to see what I post? I don't know how this works. In any case, it's brit64.e) They're also trying to convince me to get twitter and ... I can't even remember what else.... but no. Just no. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a wonderful upcoming week everyone :)</div>
Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-19020604622047351952015-02-01T13:17:00.000-08:002015-02-01T13:19:24.045-08:00Just Another Picture Post Ya'llHi friends,<br />
A written post will be coming very shortly, but here's a visual prelude as to what's to come! :)<br />
<br />
Shout out to Carlos & Julie for about half of these pictures as well!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHA3EQhSfqHUWyHgsshQ48QALofdMGMn3E_NUTzMvKATWj_OZnEgvEtnaUaCn7rv1QwZsX7FYE6t3cZgjR65lUhIzUqq_RSk7qivrbfOynAhiloz62Q7Dxk7MgMKcZLMdqWIvuaHhL429/s1600/IMG_20150131_113216581_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHA3EQhSfqHUWyHgsshQ48QALofdMGMn3E_NUTzMvKATWj_OZnEgvEtnaUaCn7rv1QwZsX7FYE6t3cZgjR65lUhIzUqq_RSk7qivrbfOynAhiloz62Q7Dxk7MgMKcZLMdqWIvuaHhL429/s1600/IMG_20150131_113216581_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Blarney Castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBKCWG1gxWP111s87jkUXJNqvroBXXEcr5450dJY5nQYVfo3y8M3OOkArWzDBSFd91j3sy366-YTPYZH7qotSxjamuYigKKR8uLNyIeqE6q7k8jq92OI5Y5Jvlz0pxe4Jkeea0i-zQtxO/s1600/20150131_114233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBKCWG1gxWP111s87jkUXJNqvroBXXEcr5450dJY5nQYVfo3y8M3OOkArWzDBSFd91j3sy366-YTPYZH7qotSxjamuYigKKR8uLNyIeqE6q7k8jq92OI5Y5Jvlz0pxe4Jkeea0i-zQtxO/s1600/20150131_114233.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubert, Me, Julie, Carlos, in the caves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZJDa1m038Z-WVFrRIf94YITopadAqxWcbMTtlww222-LXTTxns-a9B6-UpSUF-I6heGopWMes7uYUR_NIJBd6IGlCRNJXfu8LCVAt1ERLy3KGn7LIvWhbZAltZbSVacr9VBk6zVfP-E8/s1600/DSCN0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZJDa1m038Z-WVFrRIf94YITopadAqxWcbMTtlww222-LXTTxns-a9B6-UpSUF-I6heGopWMes7uYUR_NIJBd6IGlCRNJXfu8LCVAt1ERLy3KGn7LIvWhbZAltZbSVacr9VBk6zVfP-E8/s1600/DSCN0206.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't get the scary face memo :/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgHB9IaidW8eAhKgCRVhwTIz6qOIx7iwgRTz267W8arPEaeTjdwhHb2Fi7EGJTI-Vxrz8UftRaqU9nFq0w8a6O7C_sC0zZHh1uozg8iv2Tm661ux2cn6NIKh62GACBwBfx761JGew7LzY/s1600/DSCN0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgHB9IaidW8eAhKgCRVhwTIz6qOIx7iwgRTz267W8arPEaeTjdwhHb2Fi7EGJTI-Vxrz8UftRaqU9nFq0w8a6O7C_sC0zZHh1uozg8iv2Tm661ux2cn6NIKh62GACBwBfx761JGew7LzY/s1600/DSCN0217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit blurry, but here's me & Julie in one of the cove things inside the castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDRJ0bREA7Jq6lcqEqyA64xkyPNxwIg_DnhM-HvMDuQCFuIH1gILTI_RmQabMaWu87KeyzlB-sUxVgl1dwV4Cb97wDB3P3uKKG64_57_kNl4rzU0yIJL7KInHxmaEaN1OLT5LW3mBTtBG/s1600/DSCN0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDRJ0bREA7Jq6lcqEqyA64xkyPNxwIg_DnhM-HvMDuQCFuIH1gILTI_RmQabMaWu87KeyzlB-sUxVgl1dwV4Cb97wDB3P3uKKG64_57_kNl4rzU0yIJL7KInHxmaEaN1OLT5LW3mBTtBG/s1600/DSCN0235.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm kissing the blarney stone!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKFK2v8t8tUEQTqRPR9K5HeJdWpJPEL4Qr3EWrPwbgTRZBHZDXZaicuThoxq5wEDBbiccPS1v1NRF1aqmgKGJf3Bwy-iqVKuWfmdFWbPYtgrAccYWOcgPScq-Q_73ggo5PvgmVe2MW5tq/s1600/DSCN0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKFK2v8t8tUEQTqRPR9K5HeJdWpJPEL4Qr3EWrPwbgTRZBHZDXZaicuThoxq5wEDBbiccPS1v1NRF1aqmgKGJf3Bwy-iqVKuWfmdFWbPYtgrAccYWOcgPScq-Q_73ggo5PvgmVe2MW5tq/s1600/DSCN0241.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full group: Ernany, Hubert, Carlos, Julie, Me, Evelyn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC7e5OJkxhRmY37mRO_QPuo2AkkRf8pk2xSZHjD8D25wMP6LGzoEiOqnTCkV3eTM2TUGc7dwixSjX8FaIX8Xe7nG3x0XjI1MC6B4cC2122-LCfxD8JnIi8LKOM-SaWg7z-R5JJlhKadWN/s1600/10372535_10206140294610731_3293438039808831405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC7e5OJkxhRmY37mRO_QPuo2AkkRf8pk2xSZHjD8D25wMP6LGzoEiOqnTCkV3eTM2TUGc7dwixSjX8FaIX8Xe7nG3x0XjI1MC6B4cC2122-LCfxD8JnIi8LKOM-SaWg7z-R5JJlhKadWN/s1600/10372535_10206140294610731_3293438039808831405_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubert had some balance problems. Only Evelyn was concerned haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha11BZEq1AlGMII6GpyJJNT1ufQHV1JWwmnBXfjTnv6Ga34ID-4LMI34tmY5CGIzc0ijy-YZzbp2LiHgJfrR2akrW07hFba63U_zscIGhReJfOnaxB1T7jQ3g_geUHYDOCOGX6jTXl4-SA/s1600/IMG_20150130_155108068_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha11BZEq1AlGMII6GpyJJNT1ufQHV1JWwmnBXfjTnv6Ga34ID-4LMI34tmY5CGIzc0ijy-YZzbp2LiHgJfrR2akrW07hFba63U_zscIGhReJfOnaxB1T7jQ3g_geUHYDOCOGX6jTXl4-SA/s1600/IMG_20150130_155108068_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first macaron!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdQpX2llNS3JJjV2Fw0YaZnf7-jCRRIo0w8WwimSPRLGXWJMGYjJ_12O3Lq7lv1vz0BhxizZhstfuZz-s9TZ2_DAdoI9IMn8IEISG4MbQOGo-kNo3I0KLG_GdEoUqEVHp7rySvnDk7QUo/s1600/IMG_20150131_113204518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdQpX2llNS3JJjV2Fw0YaZnf7-jCRRIo0w8WwimSPRLGXWJMGYjJ_12O3Lq7lv1vz0BhxizZhstfuZz-s9TZ2_DAdoI9IMn8IEISG4MbQOGo-kNo3I0KLG_GdEoUqEVHp7rySvnDk7QUo/s1600/IMG_20150131_113204518.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe we were here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLblYCCfYSnDC_g9W09IVdJks_or76DRumh7YvH80WLQA0p8AXe8XPnEOJLhgwOB04Q38FYse1pLGa1MAFrrcAM_dQQHaa2rGFRzbuYhdmhD_dXg0c72Noq2JoCyUIcBxm63oN1NayZVc/s1600/IMG_20150131_114344098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLblYCCfYSnDC_g9W09IVdJks_or76DRumh7YvH80WLQA0p8AXe8XPnEOJLhgwOB04Q38FYse1pLGa1MAFrrcAM_dQQHaa2rGFRzbuYhdmhD_dXg0c72Noq2JoCyUIcBxm63oN1NayZVc/s1600/IMG_20150131_114344098.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't I cute? ;) hehe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHTRWj0QlhVSx8s45GAOgJQjc8kjFiy70tt0GEiFsyjp3_4gmjDzGkl1YzUerfaqMJqW_yLMx7e2wiWnSZ8oCXq3ANzBoGtNH7zo-TtX7VLogvLLLA40qIXs9H9wCvjUlgecfOLXxXo63/s1600/IMG_20150131_115059250_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHTRWj0QlhVSx8s45GAOgJQjc8kjFiy70tt0GEiFsyjp3_4gmjDzGkl1YzUerfaqMJqW_yLMx7e2wiWnSZ8oCXq3ANzBoGtNH7zo-TtX7VLogvLLLA40qIXs9H9wCvjUlgecfOLXxXo63/s1600/IMG_20150131_115059250_HDR.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.....!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME5BvcTbBKd7ZkVlqBnuA8ktR4P6dUTRMdno8O3GVZcsNou91VAaQlivt5qaDtDm7Fo4gbTHVpHfwYrkwf4bLmtGaDLsp5QQWZR9eTeBvfeDET_BFEvl7jVJeTzEwo4svRFHWT7ejc6ko/s1600/IMG_20150131_115717474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME5BvcTbBKd7ZkVlqBnuA8ktR4P6dUTRMdno8O3GVZcsNou91VAaQlivt5qaDtDm7Fo4gbTHVpHfwYrkwf4bLmtGaDLsp5QQWZR9eTeBvfeDET_BFEvl7jVJeTzEwo4svRFHWT7ejc6ko/s1600/IMG_20150131_115717474.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt so small.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOwwgZx1GrNq0GZlNeNZ_x5OKeKIA9iU4_THz3eHHa8-6bEVYX2KKTNsV_1-GU4liGtj6ytWcOdSe8QtkXlrb95SppWYKhoFrB9mEm2yXT23CNx2ZAznnbctyRqWUI3x6lQRDPtotXOhC/s1600/IMG_20150131_131635705_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOwwgZx1GrNq0GZlNeNZ_x5OKeKIA9iU4_THz3eHHa8-6bEVYX2KKTNsV_1-GU4liGtj6ytWcOdSe8QtkXlrb95SppWYKhoFrB9mEm2yXT23CNx2ZAznnbctyRqWUI3x6lQRDPtotXOhC/s1600/IMG_20150131_131635705_HDR.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guys think the hidden car in this picture is hilarious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IQ6WIVNVkmhZBXAcZQtwDoWfkl5orf0j_zgajsCQ9FFJVl0uzYFZi4FrRRRrIZcgPOY6IwuYKjlAsAust9OeFoyOWWp_jQ-5JdUtsXL3JEstHCUDraYZ1eNA6rLQdAeYz5gLwMu5epnA/s1600/IMG_20150131_134347554_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IQ6WIVNVkmhZBXAcZQtwDoWfkl5orf0j_zgajsCQ9FFJVl0uzYFZi4FrRRRrIZcgPOY6IwuYKjlAsAust9OeFoyOWWp_jQ-5JdUtsXL3JEstHCUDraYZ1eNA6rLQdAeYz5gLwMu5epnA/s1600/IMG_20150131_134347554_HDR.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. much. green. I love it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGXWKvHMgBSsOq3VVnsAUvSuPfdmekPGOt-0ZSRoc9VrXU4NsDO1NsLghBQ9LQiRHpqUkMJe0FFzMliYjWBJnyySqauFzLmax_-rHjuAsOMxnF41_ueMbTKN2NdiiVt0Lo7asx8vOsvuT/s1600/IMG_20150131_134333035_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGXWKvHMgBSsOq3VVnsAUvSuPfdmekPGOt-0ZSRoc9VrXU4NsDO1NsLghBQ9LQiRHpqUkMJe0FFzMliYjWBJnyySqauFzLmax_-rHjuAsOMxnF41_ueMbTKN2NdiiVt0Lo7asx8vOsvuT/s1600/IMG_20150131_134333035_HDR.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VDvK-iIZpSgHpWeRqoTk3NdFjdhVg6j8GoDCKFy_DxQhs-b62gNLyOLCazoeX_nXcOVu3X_OTnDP1RGwZ0wKXaDu13gbqoxadmwVrfsNTdFcmKvTrDQE6m7JPf200oOhC700v-CGtjeM/s1600/IMG_20150131_134230876_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VDvK-iIZpSgHpWeRqoTk3NdFjdhVg6j8GoDCKFy_DxQhs-b62gNLyOLCazoeX_nXcOVu3X_OTnDP1RGwZ0wKXaDu13gbqoxadmwVrfsNTdFcmKvTrDQE6m7JPf200oOhC700v-CGtjeM/s1600/IMG_20150131_134230876_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm running out of things to say.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ReKhmr9eGZDZ9NuDTSdOsrJEfxFkuqa668Pq3EokkXnLRnMj8zciQyfs6_RqOV8knAhhxMHxANaEBZRe_6DdPzIFebwSN99rTrmZyGvb7DOn0xbU-RpW1MwFZL6sH1jbPCdXrka30KH6/s1600/IMG_20150131_134222898_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ReKhmr9eGZDZ9NuDTSdOsrJEfxFkuqa668Pq3EokkXnLRnMj8zciQyfs6_RqOV8knAhhxMHxANaEBZRe_6DdPzIFebwSN99rTrmZyGvb7DOn0xbU-RpW1MwFZL6sH1jbPCdXrka30KH6/s1600/IMG_20150131_134222898_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twas a magical place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-20031183427773863502015-01-26T02:37:00.000-08:002015-01-26T02:37:09.216-08:00Week ThreeOkay first, this blog has been loading weird - all the lettering should be blockishly cute (I understand that description is probably completely unhelpful) - it should not look like any sort of calligraphy or italicized at all. If it's coming up like that, I firstly apologize because I have no idea what to do about it, and it's not the greatest font to read - my solution is just refresh the page a couple times and it always eventually sorts itself out.<br />
<br />
Back to the fun stuff:<br />
<br />
It's been another week in the land of the Irish!<br />
<br />
School has been interesting. I've noticed a couple of things that are quite different then back in Canada. One of the most noticeable, is that the Irish seem to be quite confident, opinionated people, even with controversial issues where most of us have a degree of sensitivity with what we say. Well, it seems that the Irish students have none, and while it's interesting, I find it somewhat unnerving.<br />
<br />
Highlights from the week:<br />
<br />
- My second beer in Ireland was a German beer, and unfortunately, this one actually tasted like beer (the shock!) and though it wasn't horrible, it wasn't great either. My friend Hubert ended up taking the last quarter off my hands haha.<br />
<br />
- Tuesday night, I was super excited to go to a karate training session through the university's karate club - I've missed working out (does walking count? ;)) and was stoked to potentially have scheduled workouts, meet people, do something through the university, and even travel and compete! Unfortunately though, the whole thing was really disappointing. Even though I told the instructor I had done martial arts back home, she insisted on teaching me everything painstakingly slow and making me do the easier version of everything the class did. I get that it was my first class and everything, and I probably shouldn't be too harsh, but I can not justify paying money to go and learn how to punch. If I don't know how to punch by now, something is seriously wrong. I was very disappointed, and it made me miss the atmosphere and everyone at SHD very, very much.<br />
<br />
- Also on Tuesday night, there was a last minute decision to go to another pub because they had a jazz night! I was pretty tired at that point, but it was worth it. It was a "jam session," so all the people playing had no sheet music, they were just listening to each other. It felt very authentic, and was very cool to experience.<br />
<br />
- I found out scarves here are only 2 euro each! Which is like 3 dollars! I've bought two, but I think I should go back and buy ALL THE SCARVES! *crazy eyes*<br />
<br />
- I went to a club on Friday night, as there was a party being put on for international students. Since it's the only one I've been to here, I can't make any generalizations yet, but this one at least was pretty much the same as clubs in Vancouver - in other words, it's fun because of the people you go with, not because of the club itself.<br />
<br />
- We went to Tramore on Sunday, and it made for a really, really good day. It was fog-filled in the morning, got brilliantly gorgeous in the afternoon for an hour and a half, and then got really windy. There were only four of us this time, so we ended up with some really good pictures and had a pretty calm day. The beach there is the best part and what Tramore is mostly known for, so we spent most of the day just walking around and climbing over rocks trying to get the best view. It was stunning. I finally saw some of the cliche Ireland views, and it was amazing. If I could live by the water, anywhere, I would.<br />
<br />
On a different note, I've thought a lot this week about travel, and change, and life in general (yes Dad, I can see you shaking your head). In particular, I read this quote on pinterest the other day, and it resonated. It read: "Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you've been all along." I've thought multiple times about my own reasons for wanting to travel, and everyone knows that cliche of traveling to "find yourself," whatever that means. Well, I've decided I liked this quote better.<br />
I think that everyone has multiple sides to themselves: we have the side that comes out at work or school, where we have to be professional and smart, having our best head on our shoulders. We have the crazy side that finds itself on a night out, and its mellow crazy cousin on sleep deprived days, when you're in that state of melancholy bliss. We have sides with our parents, sides with our hobbies, and sides when we find ourselves alone, staring out the window with nothing but our own swirling thoughts to keep us company. Some of these sides are less frequently used then others, but does that make them any less part of who we are? I think that perhaps traveling does not help us find ourselves, because all of our selves are already within us. Rather, we travel to unleash the sides that don't often come out otherwise. To remember who we are at our core, when everything else is stripped away and we have no expectations from ourselves or from others, except simply to be.<br />
<br />
ANYWAYS. I've only been here for three weeks, I doubt I'm qualified to make observations on traveling hahahaha.<br />
<br />
I'd also like to say thank you again to my Oma & Opa - you know what for, and I appreciate it greatly. Also, thank you to everyone who has commented on any of these blogs or said or liked anything on Facebook - it's wonderful to hear from you all even when I'm all the way out here :)<br />
<br />
- All these pictures are from Tramore (and I take credit for none of them haha) (:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy2xHr-ZQkvshRgL0AJF4FnLwNZjL5u6Zh4PCD3Dntt4fUtRAlcqV-RupC2j1fdiJodg263RzcmPWntfyEUM-FAtEr6AALV5FrT5O9R7KEXcz5_fNv_ThQ82f_OHXkgKaOIIC5Zot89Ct/s1600/936687_898507020189032_14051980957538076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy2xHr-ZQkvshRgL0AJF4FnLwNZjL5u6Zh4PCD3Dntt4fUtRAlcqV-RupC2j1fdiJodg263RzcmPWntfyEUM-FAtEr6AALV5FrT5O9R7KEXcz5_fNv_ThQ82f_OHXkgKaOIIC5Zot89Ct/s1600/936687_898507020189032_14051980957538076_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_qwfZNWPsSOWAkQoQP8kblEzm6n_N71J7oP5Jt2rNWP86QAHRUpx_o9EeE7d-VagJA75UgzK6qHqClHOyZmxqVJs35zDGFMSQ7x2eY9-UfwRtAMGJLBwg59z-1GjYVlCXNNHDoAkRQNA/s1600/10157110_898509140188820_4175223946382508471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_qwfZNWPsSOWAkQoQP8kblEzm6n_N71J7oP5Jt2rNWP86QAHRUpx_o9EeE7d-VagJA75UgzK6qHqClHOyZmxqVJs35zDGFMSQ7x2eY9-UfwRtAMGJLBwg59z-1GjYVlCXNNHDoAkRQNA/s1600/10157110_898509140188820_4175223946382508471_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhOWE89ApzZmJW48ZapzgLrqljxprg7t0C0ve7MZjRu6Y0tQez9cA8OAocmBQ7vwJxqMF8f9r7G9R4IXFcT23lJnMaM08P85Ar8B8u6d00BeZ4NOTXTfJ8VMzQklvCZvNmb6MzJPr_3Ab/s1600/10410763_10206089494700765_4448491627349603165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhOWE89ApzZmJW48ZapzgLrqljxprg7t0C0ve7MZjRu6Y0tQez9cA8OAocmBQ7vwJxqMF8f9r7G9R4IXFcT23lJnMaM08P85Ar8B8u6d00BeZ4NOTXTfJ8VMzQklvCZvNmb6MzJPr_3Ab/s1600/10410763_10206089494700765_4448491627349603165_n.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODq0zB-RZ0-o9HjulXsTeWDm1WUzdPBH1O-x7vJ6z8IFRVbfHzl9sYg2OSGHkX9ignu9O4d8YDrmwmPK237cPGsHedXebaDPu8mnE1B7C-Nn7e-1NLnCR1Sm1iNOb3Qs4fmIyyY9qoPt0/s1600/10801739_10206089492460709_4160686767667520255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODq0zB-RZ0-o9HjulXsTeWDm1WUzdPBH1O-x7vJ6z8IFRVbfHzl9sYg2OSGHkX9ignu9O4d8YDrmwmPK237cPGsHedXebaDPu8mnE1B7C-Nn7e-1NLnCR1Sm1iNOb3Qs4fmIyyY9qoPt0/s1600/10801739_10206089492460709_4160686767667520255_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRms-BGnAGCE5e2oshGVXIIt4nvRI2S_J3OLdj_hVaslvr-0MrrsBQUcwaMMMtob4W8GcpiF8Tyb2fmciaShu4c4HHR0BTrggP99ak4iEcYx6ToAFgSb6i55xdytRpqdX3SrmqmgZTb2h/s1600/10922536_10206089494620763_5548919150652413334_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRms-BGnAGCE5e2oshGVXIIt4nvRI2S_J3OLdj_hVaslvr-0MrrsBQUcwaMMMtob4W8GcpiF8Tyb2fmciaShu4c4HHR0BTrggP99ak4iEcYx6ToAFgSb6i55xdytRpqdX3SrmqmgZTb2h/s1600/10922536_10206089494620763_5548919150652413334_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bert, Julie, Me, Carlos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-25573562148082335482015-01-19T03:05:00.002-08:002015-01-19T12:26:32.601-08:00Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope you all don't mind, I'm putting the pictures from the weekend in a separate post. I have no idea how to work the layout on here, so it may not look pretty :S - but here they are, nonetheless!</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWGAEynp0VfZYZE7ZlBaXRpvUAUG28pHEDNhRDH1M6c1HRQ7H8QiNg6FJMA0Ww0fFYqMsEoLVqwEI7S5yc7wWNKDbYJg-QjC59mqtTUnejwa48wdXF0HhEzOynxFZ6mTBJCixrIOdSXvK/s1600/IMG_20150117_114226653_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWGAEynp0VfZYZE7ZlBaXRpvUAUG28pHEDNhRDH1M6c1HRQ7H8QiNg6FJMA0Ww0fFYqMsEoLVqwEI7S5yc7wWNKDbYJg-QjC59mqtTUnejwa48wdXF0HhEzOynxFZ6mTBJCixrIOdSXvK/s1600/IMG_20150117_114226653_HDR.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Streets of Kilkenny</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Melc7oubI8zKHtAr6gZK9E27EzXxM6_vQSRECNoY3mh6bdTV0kByghyphenhyphenO1OeM_c_O4naZ13J7uir6BLjX5eGJrdw6S8dnivTWTAitbNOtS0SzWgPIV0bzx4jby7oCbUoGfLTB1XdCRDOf/s1600/IMG_20150117_114935751_HDR.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="179" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well hello.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUNJZtHybVeiFDqQkx3JdmzgZ-2uQUrLLRL2yY205lhbqciL5qZsjGnxlM7L8EPOcOaaRN0mXEXvG0wk584wxS2xG0oHwNlky98u00VBnB3ZdDTYGaBsc9Q43mEKqsT4zc6_pTQAXj1dG/s1600/IMG_20150117_115509104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUNJZtHybVeiFDqQkx3JdmzgZ-2uQUrLLRL2yY205lhbqciL5qZsjGnxlM7L8EPOcOaaRN0mXEXvG0wk584wxS2xG0oHwNlky98u00VBnB3ZdDTYGaBsc9Q43mEKqsT4zc6_pTQAXj1dG/s1600/IMG_20150117_115509104.jpg" height="179" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7uOq1A-lGOhCfsESal4-KEoXL_Ct3PY1kkdljOucXNWxGRAxtxqTd2z4zzkcByyY9ian8akXHQ8xkwWW7Exl3lA6rXeHhHvA2i9me9CgF-H2BYAMhp0zddIpGEMjY7zUZYkTrCU-gTic/s1600/IMG_20150117_155118367_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7uOq1A-lGOhCfsESal4-KEoXL_Ct3PY1kkdljOucXNWxGRAxtxqTd2z4zzkcByyY9ian8akXHQ8xkwWW7Exl3lA6rXeHhHvA2i9me9CgF-H2BYAMhp0zddIpGEMjY7zUZYkTrCU-gTic/s1600/IMG_20150117_155118367_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walkway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCKVs9SvJvVbZ5LiHFehi10s36bS1jI7Lg97-6Gva_UzHRsHzt_GG45L5lXWDj0NF2DzoMsVbJdU6jhbRivRI1uKPwn3KLs1kUOx9z04sKebtmKF0VAxXphYY4fVQFPz9OkHTpRVbKg7F/s1600/IMG_20150117_155926113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCKVs9SvJvVbZ5LiHFehi10s36bS1jI7Lg97-6Gva_UzHRsHzt_GG45L5lXWDj0NF2DzoMsVbJdU6jhbRivRI1uKPwn3KLs1kUOx9z04sKebtmKF0VAxXphYY4fVQFPz9OkHTpRVbKg7F/s1600/IMG_20150117_155926113.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cathedral.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05rpge2N4pjSjX1VDlX-cdDhvHKyew7-yJmj44eTbTj2WhVq0KKKiowzLl-nhvY-PJ8jir3a4vIbWSby0TkuImSexm2lXyQQcHf3uKq99UNkHFwP2IKcrLFjGYuGc_B7L3pnvFI-V-4EO/s1600/IMG_20150117_155252904_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05rpge2N4pjSjX1VDlX-cdDhvHKyew7-yJmj44eTbTj2WhVq0KKKiowzLl-nhvY-PJ8jir3a4vIbWSby0TkuImSexm2lXyQQcHf3uKq99UNkHFwP2IKcrLFjGYuGc_B7L3pnvFI-V-4EO/s1600/IMG_20150117_155252904_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool stuff in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lbBRr7O8j6Y2j9JY45d955grvNA9JrSIcwqGMIz6MWxhEis4Xz702umfNvn_MtT3W5uD7UpSwntMr_3ljtjhWDNaDzFK7gJUt_FvxnJr5Sq0mDoroeY6L3HUpWD7thjLlI0Jh6Hw6gpM/s1600/10931339_10205660652621163_1745029623064016082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lbBRr7O8j6Y2j9JY45d955grvNA9JrSIcwqGMIz6MWxhEis4Xz702umfNvn_MtT3W5uD7UpSwntMr_3ljtjhWDNaDzFK7gJUt_FvxnJr5Sq0mDoroeY6L3HUpWD7thjLlI0Jh6Hw6gpM/s1600/10931339_10205660652621163_1745029623064016082_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GREEN.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qBObEcR68vDiUjYq_OK_GITv3IOCqKUVcSVx7eQNmbZWDqP04RbkN8T4-8tCaDXvdXEBXmit13JA235j6z3RIIrQbVg-sjyCiWPRXEzyggTNJ447sp8eJp__4B3hqcJkXKVc1YbcIYTl/s1600/988c74321566ecdda95bb61fa68e3cc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qBObEcR68vDiUjYq_OK_GITv3IOCqKUVcSVx7eQNmbZWDqP04RbkN8T4-8tCaDXvdXEBXmit13JA235j6z3RIIrQbVg-sjyCiWPRXEzyggTNJ447sp8eJp__4B3hqcJkXKVc1YbcIYTl/s1600/988c74321566ecdda95bb61fa68e3cc6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Bruna, trying to take pictures :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT63GRnIaPlRIqBa7mBO8r8JP8_cOoxk9aXsgZ3HKRI6EZVDnuwcRoRGKav6pOu9f4wpV-gWT1vDfm8wa1W81bwB_0KbdzdO5cd5p0vgl19zZcyIf-OGOfqsfEQ0h9aStOE2oBkgN1zt9T/s1600/1cbdf99af1520574a02169a7200c326e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT63GRnIaPlRIqBa7mBO8r8JP8_cOoxk9aXsgZ3HKRI6EZVDnuwcRoRGKav6pOu9f4wpV-gWT1vDfm8wa1W81bwB_0KbdzdO5cd5p0vgl19zZcyIf-OGOfqsfEQ0h9aStOE2oBkgN1zt9T/s1600/1cbdf99af1520574a02169a7200c326e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle from the inside of the grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hHMz_ir_3NKtdlgdwIraTaPoVw72EPMB_7ZOM_Apb__qTKbOKEYXwxEmbfWtRDcJs464S34xIGiD5Jb5ELna2M-JuhdTiG8-YyCAS3GSrWMpVCgJG8iqQPhyphenhyphen5BrxsvgzVjPQwtDV2Eel/s1600/10940462_10205660641660889_2826398773896045536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hHMz_ir_3NKtdlgdwIraTaPoVw72EPMB_7ZOM_Apb__qTKbOKEYXwxEmbfWtRDcJs464S34xIGiD5Jb5ELna2M-JuhdTiG8-YyCAS3GSrWMpVCgJG8iqQPhyphenhyphen5BrxsvgzVjPQwtDV2Eel/s1600/10940462_10205660641660889_2826398773896045536_n.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're such tourists.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIdL1hY1oilZ1PnggL7BxRwuWx6leR1TSDm6Rk2QDI_vtSKzZOcqEaDQzVGrRXiqOA2RtRzHHbMogcFTHnM6qaXjsi1Urt-H5Pwn2P9QQPKFIyCsw2WGFOXQfzr1uKaoUi0APYjogOSzi/s1600/DSCN0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIdL1hY1oilZ1PnggL7BxRwuWx6leR1TSDm6Rk2QDI_vtSKzZOcqEaDQzVGrRXiqOA2RtRzHHbMogcFTHnM6qaXjsi1Urt-H5Pwn2P9QQPKFIyCsw2WGFOXQfzr1uKaoUi0APYjogOSzi/s1600/DSCN0073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqlbno9A_T0Zo-1Bw6KnO6M8OFu_QAM2xKQWKcQB94VE0f42yKO0HqkHwFXRQSgZFuhKuaDM5fu-RJQEAQLrOxchkN5HhBwjNrgW0ACS4RJw-120Fs1AhVkOrQjCh7c8R43N-85tEGoQ-/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqlbno9A_T0Zo-1Bw6KnO6M8OFu_QAM2xKQWKcQB94VE0f42yKO0HqkHwFXRQSgZFuhKuaDM5fu-RJQEAQLrOxchkN5HhBwjNrgW0ACS4RJw-120Fs1AhVkOrQjCh7c8R43N-85tEGoQ-/s1600/DSCN0059.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me again. I swear I'm not vain though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOyv6KKIsCtxVicHlTZHPFVN31iokk5maGebCkCn9g4jOMenbuuKHVRiA5Av2BKbbrHiXjtYFVUBOOmKmKq3hQ-2a-9jbeXzLuDmgEmiLWyVbRsQYWKVVUtchr0P7ZiQ6GWIwBMJTtZP/s1600/DSCN0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOyv6KKIsCtxVicHlTZHPFVN31iokk5maGebCkCn9g4jOMenbuuKHVRiA5Av2BKbbrHiXjtYFVUBOOmKmKq3hQ-2a-9jbeXzLuDmgEmiLWyVbRsQYWKVVUtchr0P7ZiQ6GWIwBMJTtZP/s1600/DSCN0082.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">All the girls! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-75520193619975222652015-01-19T01:52:00.001-08:002015-01-19T07:47:18.929-08:00Parties & KilkennyOkay, fine, I actually mean party, singular - I haven't progressed to the Irish standard of going out every night yet.....<br />
<br />
Julie's (one last time - she's my Canadian roommate!) birthday was last Thursday, and so I threw her a surprise party! We've become quite good friends with a fair number of other international students, and so I talked to them a couple days earlier in the week to hear their thoughts and possibly enlist their help. Fortunately, they were all stoked, and so from there, we embarked upon our secret mission.<br />
I created a secret Facebook group with them all, spent way too much time on my phone messaging everyone (which I was worried she would find weird, because I'm not typically attached to my phone), and told her I was going running when I actually went shopping for cake & stuff. It was devious, it was awesome, and it worked.<br />
<br />
The day of the party, I had school until 5:15, at which I then made plans with Julie to meet right after at Supervalu so we could go grocery shopping. Meanwhile, everyone else was at our apartment, setting up! I was super nervous, not wanting us to finish grocery shopping too early and not leave them enough time to get the apartment ready, but not wanting to be super late either, and have everyone bored waiting for us to arrive. Through the gift of text messaging however, I was able to keep in touch with people at our apartment, and we ended up timing it quite nicely. The only hitch (which wasn't really a hitch, since Julie didn't notice, but I had a minor panic attack) was that you could hear everyone talking in our apartment while we were outside opening the door! Ah well, she figured it out pretty soon anyways after we got inside, since all the lights were off, there were about a million people in our kitchen, and there was a table full of candles lit. She was so surprised!I think she had a really good time, and I'm so stoked that it all worked out so wonderfully! The group of friends we've made here has been amazing, for sure.<br />
<br />
Friday, on the other hand, was pretty relaxed - though we did have two minor crises: Julie's adapter exploded, and I burnt my hand.<br />
I maybe somewhat exaggerating Julie's misfortune, but at the same time, not really. She's been using this adapter/converter for the last two weeks with no problems, but then on Friday night, after five minutes of plugging it in, it started smoking and sparking. She pulled it out right away, and of course, we both proceeded to freak out. We called one of our guy friends to come look at it, and then two more guys showed up as well - for all the testosterone that was circulating in our apartment, they had no idea what to do about the adapter other then the sound advice of not to use it hahaha. I ended up lending Julie my adapter, and on Sunday we found a place that sells simple cheap ones, so ta da! One crisis solved.<br />
Also on Friday night (I blame this on the fact that it was 1am), I placed my entire hand on the stove element, which I obviously didn't realize had just been used. Please, nobody freak out, I'm fine. The funny part though, is that we googled home remedies for burns, and came up with milk or cold tea bags, and I didn't really want to soak my hand in milk, so I put two cold tea bags on my hand for the next half hour. I'm not sure if it helped, but when I woke up the next morning, I definitely had a story to tell with my hand not only being red, but having a strong yellow tinge and smelling slightly like tea.......!<br />
(In all seriousness, it's totally fine. I only ended up actually burning a small section of the bottom of my hand. It's already a running joke now, unfortunately.)<br />
<br />
On Saturday, WE WENT TO KILKENNY - and it was awesome. It was originally something that just me & Julie had planned, cause we thought it was outrageous that we'd been in Ireland for almost two weeks and hadn't seen a castle yet. We did invite a couple of friends, but I guess Kilkenny is a popular attraction, because there ended up being 21 of us traipsing down to the bus stop, where we consequently took up over half the bus. I would personally like to attribute the growth in numbers though, to mine & Julie's outstanding personalities - I mean, who wouldn't want to spend an entire day with us? But it also might be because everyone loves Canadians - I mean, we're just so modest......<br />
<br />
The first thing we did in Kilkenny was obviously go and see Kilkenny Castle - and it definitely lived up to my expectations. We got a guided tour where we learnt a whole bunch of history, of which I can tell you none of, but I can say the whole place was gorgeous, both inside and out. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking on what the place was like. Goodness knows, we all took enough pictures. I did find myself stopping a couple times during the day, just to look around and take it in though. I find myself needing to do that a lot, because even surrounded by obvious facts that make my life so different from back home - such as talking to people with accents, the everlasting cold, and specifically here, looking up at this giant castle - I still have to just breathe and remind myself that <i>I'm in Ireland</i>. I'm beginning to understand that just because you travel to a different place, doesn't mean you have to feel different - if you wanted, you could walk right through everything and not be changed at all. For me, that's quite a scary prospect - I came here to experience different things and to let myself be bewildered and amazed at what I do have the chance to experience. I do not want to live through the lens of a camera and only see through the thin paper of maps.<br />
<br />
Anyway, to wrap up Kilkenny, the other stand outs were a cathedral we went and saw (I'm amazed at its immenseness), and the lunch place we went to (exceptionally quaint, historic, delicious, and delightfully Irish!).<br />
<br />
The only noteworthy thing from Sunday was that I finally went for a run - and I didn't even get lost ;)<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-55361975648654537122015-01-16T12:57:00.000-08:002015-01-16T18:01:37.049-08:00The Waterford Institute of Technology (aka WIT)So the first week of classes is over, and it's been interesting to say the least. Classes here are very different then UFV, especially the first class of each course. At UFV, if you don't show up to that first class, then you don't get in. At WIT, my first class was me in a completely empty room..... I finally found the room after running around on campus for about an hour, because none of the teachers or important looking people behind desks (the people that you think would know where everything is) knew where anything was. If you know me even a little bit, you know I have no directional sense - so couple that with being in a brand new place, and being told to go in a million different directions, and I was absolutely completely lost. I almost cried tears of joy when I found that first class..... just to go in, and then second guess whether I had written the right class number down because no one else showed up! Long story short, the class had been cancelled, which I hadn't been informed of because I'm not registered in any classes yet.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I've decided I'm going to do an exercise medicine class, which is all about athletic injuries and complications due to sport - which I'm super excited for actually, though it'll be a lot of work. My second class will be nutrition, where in our lab class, we'll be analyzing our own diet, which will be cool as well. I think this semester I might end up being somewhat nutrient deficient though ;) My third class is social & health psychology, which I don't know too much about, only because the prof didn't even show up yesterday. Things here are very relaxed, sometimes disturbingly so...! The fourth class is mental health & wellness, which is taught by the same teacher as the psychology class, which isn't really a good thing. She's super sweet, but she's nervous all of the time, and I don't feel challenged intellectually at all, in either of the classes so far. You'd think that'd be a good thing, seeing as I don't want to be crazy bombarded with school here, but it's also really boring. I think I'm going to drop that class, seeing as it is so monotonous, as well as I also don't think it'll transfer over as a course at UFV. <br />
<br />
It'll be weird only doing three classes though, and I'm struggling with the idea of it. It's already quite strange being in school and not having it completely occupy my brain - it doesn't seem quite right. I keep trying to remind myself that I'm not here just to study, but I also feel like a bit of a slacker, only doing three classes.<br />
<br />
You know what else is weird about school in Ireland? The final exams are worth the ENTIRE MARK. Or at least most of it. Exercise medicine - the final is worth 70%. Nutrition - 70%. Social and health psychology - 100%.<br />
<br />
100%!!!!!<br />
<br />
Enough about school, I have a funny story for you:<br />
(I think it's funny at least, but don't feel obligated to laugh ;))<br />
<br />
I was sitting next to three Irish guys in class, and overheard them talking about asking some girl whether or not she was Spanish. There was a Brazilian girl sitting in the row in front of us, so I thought they were talking about her. There was eventually a break in their conversation, so I pulled myself together and introduced myself. We talked for a few minutes, and then they asked IF I WAS SPANISH. Whaaaat?!?! I've gotten American quite a few times since I've been here, but who knew I looked Spanish too?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've probably missed about a million details, but there you go.<br />
<br />
I've decided I like putting pictures in too, so here are four more:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfxUay9ay2CEgVRJK-4dvFnNkKRqenrK-R48RpvhgSJnwjIFTYAu3TDR3osJYy_Vjb8uiHaKNgUv27Cj804NgNh738A4lOq-_oMrMwS41fqT-ZoSuSJzJnw_KCgBwAjaPiVG-Un26iZqN/s1600/IMG_20150114_114355569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfxUay9ay2CEgVRJK-4dvFnNkKRqenrK-R48RpvhgSJnwjIFTYAu3TDR3osJYy_Vjb8uiHaKNgUv27Cj804NgNh738A4lOq-_oMrMwS41fqT-ZoSuSJzJnw_KCgBwAjaPiVG-Un26iZqN/s1600/IMG_20150114_114355569.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A store in the city centre. The USA is an ever present force I guess, no matter where you go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk41pMpiQmqf3H-nOlrfpia_THukHpSNblaoi6gFo6PQLm9OgH-nx_rnlKusj5PUUcR8HclaYb9XI1qU3LnAhF-n3I5ES_AiC-IYSbxYwpVc0-0axBuD47igZvVx4pzBjGrrk_bvb1KpLA/s1600/IMG_20150114_122523024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk41pMpiQmqf3H-nOlrfpia_THukHpSNblaoi6gFo6PQLm9OgH-nx_rnlKusj5PUUcR8HclaYb9XI1qU3LnAhF-n3I5ES_AiC-IYSbxYwpVc0-0axBuD47igZvVx4pzBjGrrk_bvb1KpLA/s1600/IMG_20150114_122523024.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The bookstore! It's cocooned between a whole bunch of other stores, so it doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's three stories inside and it's beautiful. Me & Julie, whose idea of fun is also hanging out in a bookstore (yay!) thought it was awesome. Many of you will probably have seen this picture on Facebook already, but I thought I'd post it again for those of you that haven't (Dad).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyAyjw9sWapfSiw6N9_oVfrTEhMihU_X-6G7_NKVTkivstzvUdZaD_aLcdX2JFdieE3DGkDigvHcGWJxD7npr6hPduggumqL3WgThNMFZbZrLX3bDpSSF_qOSL2k69yqjKBxMvuObI7F3/s1600/IMG_20150114_112217488_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyAyjw9sWapfSiw6N9_oVfrTEhMihU_X-6G7_NKVTkivstzvUdZaD_aLcdX2JFdieE3DGkDigvHcGWJxD7npr6hPduggumqL3WgThNMFZbZrLX3bDpSSF_qOSL2k69yqjKBxMvuObI7F3/s1600/IMG_20150114_112217488_HDR.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
WIT has a main campus, which looks like a regular university, and is where most of the classes are held. There is a second campus however, that looks like A CASTLE. Neither Julie or I have classes there, but we went and explored, and it was so so cool! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb0wtk-kaO1dERQ0NJMG8PDm0FT0HlZ6CwF8pjChImjV_rHE7_hrnotnENno22gCTLmddqxaDBkINj2mmNmKwTDselXuSDBD12aqk08shhsT4PPibOFP0UDc4LkZP-KKhFgX41zy9kmI2/s1600/IMG_20150115_092930067_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb0wtk-kaO1dERQ0NJMG8PDm0FT0HlZ6CwF8pjChImjV_rHE7_hrnotnENno22gCTLmddqxaDBkINj2mmNmKwTDselXuSDBD12aqk08shhsT4PPibOFP0UDc4LkZP-KKhFgX41zy9kmI2/s1600/IMG_20150115_092930067_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julie & I also went for a walk the other morning up to this clearing, which is pretty close to where we live. It was extremely cold haha, but look at it! Such a nice morning and the grass is so green - twas lovely. Also, doesn't Kilbarry just sound so Irish? (:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S - I wrote this Thursday morning, but am only posting it now, so I'm a bit behind & have done some other cool things since then. Basically, be ready for some more pictures and a long post probably on Sunday night (my time) ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-40876534972810971062015-01-11T15:53:00.001-08:002015-01-11T15:55:17.482-08:00Things I've Noticed Thus Far....So, instead of detailing another day's itinerary, I've decided to make a list of things I've noticed or been made aware of within the first couple days here in Ireland! Then there's some pictures at the end. First, the list:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- I should've brought more scarves & sweaters. It's literally always cold here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The weather is just as if not more unpredictable then the lower mainland.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Twist ties and pot rims do not mix, as even my ninja skills can not unlodge the twist tie stuck in the rim of one of our stovetop pots. Yes, it was also my fault in first place :/</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- They sell peanut butter here! Not a lot though, and half the jars have written on them: "Peanut butter- the American Way."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The Irish are very laid back. I'm not adjusted to it yet, and it's occasionally frustrating, especially as I'm currently still trying to figure out my timetable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- I can already feel my English rapidly degrading from listening to more broken english then I normally would.... it's like if they don't have to use full sentences, neither do I! Even though I know that is completely unreasonable and doesn't make sense at all. I think it's just a Brittany thing ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Roundabouts here are the scariest things ever - I keep forgetting to look the opposite way, since driving is on the other side of the road. I'm pretty sure I've almost died a couple times already.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Ireland is just all around expensive - I think we're quite lucky as Canadians, though we don't realize it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- If the Irish accent is strong, and they talk really fast, I actually will not understand at all what they are saying.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The ring tone (I mean the sound you hear when you dial another phone and are waiting for them to pick up) is different then in Canada. It sounds angry, and I don't like it. I literally shudder every time I call someone.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- When 15 international students go out to a bar, you realize that in a lot of places there won't be a random table big enough for 15 people, and you also get a lot of looks going back and forth looking for this said table.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- It's a sad thing when a Canadian doesn't bring any toques with them, and then has to go out and buy one. Yes, I'm talking about me :(</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, I'm going to try add some pictures... not sure how this is going to turn out haha. It might be a mess... bare with me!</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBUuuBQc3ANNu7E40wj34JrHUP-lVoYxyy1nYYiiB_l84qX8Ovdg6Hz3KIGu1y00RwOSYCfx-0jliyVAbJVbwaigvUec8DMYDCuYXTW_CopeAJuxPc8-MHjJaVfKeA_1ExToc2QZx-2AL/s1600/IMG_20150108_141735342_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBUuuBQc3ANNu7E40wj34JrHUP-lVoYxyy1nYYiiB_l84qX8Ovdg6Hz3KIGu1y00RwOSYCfx-0jliyVAbJVbwaigvUec8DMYDCuYXTW_CopeAJuxPc8-MHjJaVfKeA_1ExToc2QZx-2AL/s1600/IMG_20150108_141735342_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
So this picture to the right (I hope it ends up on the right) is one of the city centre. It wasn't the nicest day outside, but it also wasn't raining, so all in all, it's a good day haha. Though it's not the greatest picture. I'll get a better one for you guys later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2oENzMCxrAjw2HT_yrPMguY0gEviWAM54UdQA9L1SMUNk4iBnDRT8gfvThyphenhyphenJZK-uoEp_D3IyGqjDYn5duTUBYQIPFi15D9CRQ0_VI3En-pxP96eNvQbwRywpwXm_2mxfurxQXG_IF4PO/s1600/IMG_20150109_171705574_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2oENzMCxrAjw2HT_yrPMguY0gEviWAM54UdQA9L1SMUNk4iBnDRT8gfvThyphenhyphenJZK-uoEp_D3IyGqjDYn5duTUBYQIPFi15D9CRQ0_VI3En-pxP96eNvQbwRywpwXm_2mxfurxQXG_IF4PO/s1600/IMG_20150109_171705574_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know, I know, it's incredibly strange posting a picture of peanut butter. All of you people out there who have an inkling of my craziness however, will probably laugh at this. Julie (my Canadian roommate) was with me and while I tried to explain why I was taking pictures of peanut butter, I'm pretty sure she just chalked it up as another reason to question my sanity. The point of it was because I thought it was hilarious that it says "american style" on it. Anyways.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH-P7p7EE_rHgK-B7O0KqrWfxW9YPgdzuo857XX5ICydcq4dodJCgNvrsuTMb5xFvPmueD1wYoxinPXxIWFDCOYtvksHVuapH5kSXMWihLcCsuAgp79SEqSUzEnbhBBhH-VD8MBX49qdz/s1600/IMG_20150110_134556504_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimH-P7p7EE_rHgK-B7O0KqrWfxW9YPgdzuo857XX5ICydcq4dodJCgNvrsuTMb5xFvPmueD1wYoxinPXxIWFDCOYtvksHVuapH5kSXMWihLcCsuAgp79SEqSUzEnbhBBhH-VD8MBX49qdz/s1600/IMG_20150110_134556504_HDR.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a picture of me in one of the rooms of the Bishop's Museum!<br />
We went here on Saturday, and while I'm not the biggest fan of history related things, it was still pretty cool. I thought this mirror in particular would go very nice in my room ;) Ignore my expression here though, I'm not to sure what I'm doing with my facial features.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yNzTJxD3qaE2ktyLUjvtJb7avhxgN3czpGqhyx1Y8wdS0Ltiv8GqMFweNQKsgoCJXSgy821WH_6YYKdPAYJIYHFUDKwafumCfMmJMaqk2d_DysULyt6b_OQHi5XwvA1mMZY-IgBqkhCJ/s1600/IMG_20150110_220830827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yNzTJxD3qaE2ktyLUjvtJb7avhxgN3czpGqhyx1Y8wdS0Ltiv8GqMFweNQKsgoCJXSgy821WH_6YYKdPAYJIYHFUDKwafumCfMmJMaqk2d_DysULyt6b_OQHi5XwvA1mMZY-IgBqkhCJ/s1600/IMG_20150110_220830827.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My first beer here! I have no idea about anything related to beer, so I literally just said, "I'll take the one with the red top," and I got this one. It is strawberry flavoured however, which was worrisome, because fruit beer? I don't know, but that sounds pretty gross. However, I was pleasantly surprised, cause I actually quite liked it! Ireland is already changing me hehe</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
So, that is it, that is all! Tomorrow I start the epic adventure that will be school, and I'm trying not to be anxious about the fact that I really still have no idea what I'm doing. I'll cross my fingers and just go with it, because hey, am I really here for school anyway? ;)</div>
<div>
(YES, I know I am. Shush.) </div>
<div>
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend everyone (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-14152629940341625842015-01-08T17:26:00.002-08:002015-01-08T17:26:10.003-08:00OrientationSo it's past 1am here, and I'm kind of tired.<br />
Today was wonderful though, so I'll tell you about it really quick.<br />
<br />
So in our flat, there's myself, my other Canadian friend, and a guy from France. He was here for a semester last year, so he kind of knows the way around Waterford, and was therefore the leader when we went to find the university. Basically, we ended up meeting a whole bunch of really nice other international students on the way, as they had no idea where they were going either. Briefly, those we met were from Spain, Poland, Germany, Hungary, France, the States, Brazil, and the Netherlands. I may be forgetting a country.... anyways, they're all really cool, and we went out to lunch after, and then walked into the city centre, which was amazing as well. Lots of buildings close together and streets that are only for people walking, and it's very colourful. About seven of us all needed new sim cards and a new plan, so we shopped around at a couple places, and all ended up getting the same one, because none of us really knew what we were doing, so we all just did it together. Yay for simply hoping for the best!<br />
<br />
I will say it's incredibly interesting getting to learn about different cultures and meeting different people. I love it. Many of them were apologizing for their lack of English, but in my opinion, they're so brave coming to this place and just immersing themselves in a foreign language. I don't know if any of them believed me when I tried to tell them that though haha.<br />
<br />
Anyways, that's the bare bones of it, so thanks for scraping through to the end. Or as I've already heard multiple times here,<br />
"Thanks a million!" (you have to say that with an Irish accent though, or it's pointless ;))Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-14784498675668652972015-01-07T15:03:00.001-08:002015-01-07T15:03:16.167-08:00And We ArrivedWell, here I am in Ireland. I'm sitting at our kitchen table, with three sweaters on, a thick scarf, my fuzzy socks, and I'm still frozen.... haha. But I'll start from the beginning.<br />
<br />
The flight to Seattle was on a propeller plane, which was kind of scary. For someone who doesn't enjoy flying in the first place, the thought of a propeller plane is not super exciting. But it turned out pretty uneventful, and we made it to Seattle just in time for a three hour layover ;) Fast forward through that, and we're on the nine and a half hour flight to London. The night consisted of watching The Book of Life, a lot of episodes of the Big Bang Theory, and many unsuccessful attempts to fall asleep. We landed in London on time, and then went through customs and security again, and made it to our gate with only 10 minutes to spare!<br />
The last flight was again, uneventful, and so finally we landed in Dublin, finishing the 16 and a half hours of traveling. Except - not really, because then we jumped on a bus for another 3 and a half hours, where my friend Julie said she saw some really cool sights between Dublin and Waterford, but this is the point where I finally fell asleep (of course) so I saw nothing except the inside of my eyelids. From there, we found a cab, and finally made it to Riverwalk (the apartments) at 8pm (Irish time). We got our keys, felt very isolated without internet and consequently quite sad, and pretty much crashed.<br />
<br />
Today has been better. We haven't done a whole lot, but at least we were in one place! I felt like we officially entered the world of adulthood (or at least part of it), when we went grocery shopping and had to buy things like dish soap and toilet paper, and try think of things for dinner hahaha. Other then that though, all we've done is unpack and try and get enlightened about heating and water here. The water is heated overnight, and we have that supply during the following day. We haven't had a chance to test that yet though, so it's only been cold water so far. Ireland has just this month also tacked on a 10 euro water charge per month. Not for hot water, just running water. Awesome, eh? The heating is also really expensive here, so we're not heating the place a whole ton, just during the night for a couple hours. I guess we'll figure out more as the time comes, one way or another. I hope so ;)<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is orientation, when I'll see the university and can hopefully figure out my classes. I'm crossing my fingers it all goes well.<br />
<br />
Until then, it's now 11 pm here, so I'm going to read for a bit (on the kobo, which I'm actually loving, thanks Mom!) and go to sleep, so goodnight :)<br />
<br />
P.S - For Dad: one of the movies on the plane to London was This is Where I Leave You .... haha I didn't watch it cause I didn't wanta cry :PBrit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7791626554266217857.post-3515800840887555222015-01-04T20:01:00.000-08:002015-01-04T20:01:22.041-08:00Hello ThereHi friends, (as I assume I will probably know most of you who read this), welcome to my blog! I won't be posting here all the time, but hopefully enough that you can all stay updated and know that I'm still alive.<br />
<br />
Just in case you've stumbled upon this page randomly - hello to you too. My name is Brittany, and I'll be going to Waterford, Ireland, for five months as a student studying abroad. Kind of a little bit crazy, no?<br />
<br />
I was talking to some friends from high school the other day, and we thought it was kind of ironic that out of all of us, I was the one doing this - and by doing this, I mean going to live somewhere else for almost half a year. I think to some degree, all of us have a sense of wanderlust - perhaps it's like a scale and we all land somewhere between being a complete homebody at one end and having an unquenchable restless nature at the other. I haven't traveled enough to really know where I fall on that scale, but obviously I have enough of a desire to see the world that I willingly am changing my life for the next five months. It definitely scares me, but weirdly enough, I'm also glad that it does. Change is uncomfortable, but I know that great things can also come out of it.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I'm all packed (finally!), though I'm slightly worried about weight limits haha. I already took some stuff out, but I think I might take out some more, just to be safe! Other then that, my last night is going to be pretty chill. Though I probably won't be able to get much sleep....<br />
<br />
<br />Brit Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261842346778117867noreply@blogger.com2