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A few pictures I took this afternoon (I'm getting close to starting my blog-I think I'm quickly adjusting to the attitude of "it'll be done eventually" that I've discovered.

This is the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland (386 km 0r 240 m), from the Living Bridge, which is a pedestrian footbridge that connects the two halves of the UL campus.  Limerick city sits at an estuary point where the river meets with sea water.

I was there as the sun was going down, and it was beautiful.  The sound of the water flowing was so calming.  I normally walk VERY quickly, but I was taking much slower steps without even thinking about it!  The Congaree River runs right through Columbia, but you can never hear the water for all the traffic!

(http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5449/img4979.jpg) (http://img137.imageshack.us/i/img4979.jpg/)

(http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1950/img4977n.jpg) (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/img4977n.jpg/)

Pretty location as Ireland has a lot of it. I walk quickly too and have to slow down and enjoy and the history and so much there :)

I look forward to reading this thread and thought it needed it's own thread. Thanks for the beautiful pictures. :) :)

You will be there as Spring unfolds.....the leaves, the blossoms, the wild flowers.
When you get the chance, follow the Shannon North.......there are some beautiful stretches...(especially when it reaches Tipperary)....
and lovely peaceful little harbours like Garrykennedy, or any of these on this page:
http://derg.iwai.ie/harbours.htm#garry
If you go to Garrykennedy, be sure to visit Larkin's Pub......you can have a cup of tea or a soda.
If you possibly can, go to Ballyferriter on the Dingle Peninsula February 17 through 21 for this traditional festival,
it will be part of your education!
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/calendar.html
Here's the brochure to download:
http://www.scoilcheoil.com/pdf2010.pdf

I hope you make friends from Tipperary.....if you do, let me know.....there is somewhere I want them to take you.

Larkins Pub, Garrykennedy....traditional session every Wednesday night:
(http://house4saleincastlelough.com/Local%20Area/larkin.jpg)
(http://rdgreen.net/ireland/images/film803314photo20.jpg)

Coincidence, Maggie: one of my house,ates, Aoife, is from Tipperary!

Great! You're in good company! :D
Ask her where in Tipp she is from.

Oh man, I'm really looking forward to this thread, however it makes it so hard to wait to find out what the end result of my own plans is going to be, but that's all I can do right now, wait. *sigh*  ::)  Before I start more research, I need to find something out about the scholarship I've applied for and that's what I'm waiting for.

Beautiful pictures C&G!!

It can all seem very hectic and overwhelming at times, but the stress of waiting and getting everything done will eventually done and hopefully well rewarded!

I'm making small adjustments into living here.  Today I remembered to look right before crossing the street!

Glad you didn't get hit... today at least! (5 months later and I still look the wrong way at times  ;D)

i look forward to hearing/ seeing more about how you are doing (adjusting) and about where you are :) makes me wonder about doing  study abroad hummmm? Please send picture when ever you get the time since you are (there for studies  ;) wink, wink, wink.
hope you have a blast.
best wishes
YR

We now have two members of the Forum who are studying in Ireland, so it is possible.

However, it takes more than just the desire to study and spend some time in Ireland.

You can make it if you have:
A working brain to get through the studies.
It won't be easy, but it will be interesting. It will also look good on your resumé.

Lots of determination and strength of character.
You will be a foreigner in a strange land, and you will get homesick.

Money.
You have to be able to support yourself in an expensive country, where 1 US Dollar will cost you 1.40 Euro at today's rate.

Maybe a third if everything comes together for me.   :)

Hi, C&G,

I know you're probably asleep, but (O/T) our Gamecocks just beat #1 Kentucky, 68-62.  Go 'Cocks!!!!

Hope you're having fun.

Jack

^^My roommate sent me video that she had taken as well as some official footage.  I teared up...not kidding.

And, as promised, my blog is up!

http://gamecockatul.blogspot.com/

I enjoyed your blogs.

It's very interesting to read what the subjects of your studies will be.
By the way, according to the old saying, it's not "England" upon which the sun never sets, it was the British Empire.
This is because the British colonized Countries to which they sailed, all around the Globe, in every time-zone.
They especially coveted Oriental Countries for their spices, silks and minerals.
The British traded with these Countries from the early 17th Century, and established enterprises such as
the East India Trading Company.
By the time of Queen Victoria, Britain controlled most of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burma.
Also parts of Africa and the Middle East, Australia and the West Indies.
The French, Dutch and Belgians also carved out Colonies for themselves.
The British considered North America part of their Empire of course, until 1776.
The Republic of Ireland did not become fully independent until 1937.
You can only oppress the people of a Nation for so long, before they rise up to take control of their own destiny.
This is what happened to the British Empire, and all other Empires throughout History.

You have no doubt heard the Irish asking the riddle "You know why the sun never set on the British Empire?"

By the way.....did you ask Aoife where she is from in Tipp?

I like reading it too.   But you are there!!! :) :) :)

A Canadian friend who was in training for Heavy Bombers during the battle of Britain heard the answer from a British Pilot.

The answer is. "The Good Lord didn't trust the B......."  ;D

I have, and I have written several essays on the topic!  But there's an answer?  I know it's because the British Empire at one point spanned the entire globe, but I want the riddle answer!

An orange building??  The horror!!  There aren't any paw prints on the walls, are there?  Maybe they will let you hang a small garnet and black amulet of some sort over the door to ward off the evil spirits!  Sorry, C, K----just funnin'.

Seriously, I am enjoying your reports and the blog.  Question:  Are all your courses selective or are there specific requirements set by the program?

I think Jim has the answer to the riddle.   :D

Jack

I love your blog. Makes me ready for an adventure. And anyone who know me.....knows....I love adventures!

Enjoy, learn lots, make great new friends. Remember.....this .....what a priviledge this is. You are very special to be able to study abroad. Embrace it and cherish it!  I am sure you will!


okay....now where is my suitcase. Lets go Maggie!


Start drinking that Irish Tea.....it will warm you up!

The rest of it is:

".....the Brits in the dark."

Hey Sarah, not to make you homesick or anything, but isn't this your section?

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1kl1Sl7zvIM/SrvOnNyTdUI/AAAAAAAAAXk/nb8fvGtnfxM/s640/danhaas091209040.jpg)

Quote from your blog:

"My two Irish studies classes are Traditional Irish Music and Dance and Irish Folklore.
In the music and dance module, we’ll learn about different styles of both music and dance and the evolution of the two.
 For the tutorial, or practice sessions of this module, everyone had to choose song, dance, or an instrument to learn."

As you already have a start in music with the marching band, maybe you could give your talents a boost by contacting
the Shannon Division of Comhaltas, right there at the University:

    *  Majella Bartley
    * Director, Ceoltoiri na Sionainne
    * The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
    * University of Limerick
    * Limerick
    *(086) 8946360
    * Visit Website:    http://www.ceoltoirina.com/
(tell them the website needs updating)

 email:  majella.bartley@ul.ie

Quote from the website, sounds perfect!
"...The group provides an outlet for young musicians involved in Comhaltas to perform and show their talents.
Through interaction with professional musicians and arrangers, everyone involved has the opportunity
to gain a wealth of experience and knowledge invaluable to any musician."

I happen to know a young lady who got her MA in Traditional Irish Music Performance at the U of L.

If you meet any tutors who were there in 2001, they might remember Theresa Bourke.
She now owns and runs this wonderful place:

http://www.fiddlersretreat.com/

Theresa is on the left:
(http://www.fiddlersretreat.com/activities/pic10.jpg)


 

Love your blog, Sarah!  What a great idea to let a lot of folks keep up with your adventures...

I'm packed and ready, Sister Kathleen! :D
D'ya think we can persuade 2 more to go with us? Shall we take our husbands?

Round Trip for 4 people on Aer Lingus is $1,498:

http://www.aerlingus.com/cgi-bin/obel01im1/Services/usa1.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0960032683.1264930776@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccckadejhmffelkcefecfigdffgdfki.0&P_OID=0&Category=3

Sarah - don't forget to contact Majella :

http://comhaltas.ie/locations/detail/ceoltoiri_na_sionainne/

....and you absolutely MUST visit the Harp Centre in Castleconnell
http://comhaltas.ie/locations/detail/cce_craobh_na_cruite/

....where you will meet this lady:
http://www.irishharpcentre.com/

Here she is performing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj28dVynDVk

it's near this traditional Pub I told you about in another post.
So many places to go, and only five months! :D

A little poem:
There's a Pub in Castleconnell, close to Limerick,
where the craic and the music are terrific.
Sing, dance, play, let down your hair,
Maggie has danced a jig or two in there!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3935420410_f600c5dea4.jpg)

Maggie, that is my section.  Try and find me. Here's a hint-I'm wearing a red jacket and a funny hat (we're not wearing our plumes at the game in the picture because last we marched through UGA's campus, a few idiots broke ranks like idiots and the tall feathers are easy targets.)

Anyway, I just got home from Connemara/Galway/Clare/The Burren and I need to unpack and upload pictures.  I'll try to have my blog update ssometimes this week!

By the way, I LOVE the Cliffs of Moher!  I cringe of the thought of what my mother would do if she found out I stood six inches away from a 700-foot drop into the ocean!

Sort-of a double post, but I wanted to give y'all a teaser for my next blog entry on my trip to the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway, and Connemara!

(http://i48.tinypic.com/dr3zps.jpg)

(http://i50.tinypic.com/23wvdeb.jpg)

(http://i47.tinypic.com/7083lu.jpg)

(By the way, I think Mondays are way worse when it is cold!)

thank you for the reality check. I have had the pleasure of going to Paris, France but only for 8 days. However that was an experience i will never forget culturally and scenery.I did get homesick once while we were in Disney Land. Money would be my down fall since i live with a single parent. I will try my hardest to keep saving. Not quite sure about my "determination and strength of character" yet. i am right now in my second semester of freshman year at our local junior college. BIG life change, i guess for the better not a public high school at all!!
wish all we
YR

Thanks C&G for the pics and you will have a lot more to post and take. I am always ready to go back. Oh no money yet >:(

Sarah, I love the photos!
Especially the one of you on the cliffs.....good sky and rocks....you look like a giant....
...or maybe the spirit of Gráinne Ní Mháille, the Pirate Queen!

I like the angle on the Church pic, and the rock.

More, please!  :D

I'm assuming somebody drove you to Galway.
The N67 is the road that goes up the coast of Clare towards Galway.
It's the road you take to the cliffs of Moher. A few miles North of the cliffs is a little place called Doolin.
It is one of the best places to hear traditional music.
Westport in County Mayo is another, due mostly to this famous and fantastic pub, owned by the one and only Matt Molloy:
http://www.mattmolloy.com/pub_about.html

For anyone reading this, here is a map of Galway, you can zoom out and move it to anywhere in Ireland:

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=com.google:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=Map+Galway&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Galway,+Co.+Galway,+Ireland&gl=us&ei=oQ9nS72rCIG0tgf6lt25Bg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAkQ8gEwAA

Since you said please! (BTW, that picture was on the coast at the edge of the Burren.)  The Burren, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is one Ireland's six national parks.  LOTS of limestone!

From a giant to a spec!
(http://i48.tinypic.com/330yayv.jpg)

And Maggie, I LOVE the history of Gráinne !  I've read Anne Chamber's book twice.  Even if every detail in the history wasn't completely true, enough is true to make her a strong and admirable woman not only in Irish history but in the history of the world.  How many other female captains do you know of?!

I also FINALLY had my first pub experience in Galway.  It was crowded and noisy and I LOVED it!  Something very funny happened.  I was sitting around a table with my friends.  The door to the place opens and the Garda walks in and the first thought that runs through my mind is "Four letter word I'm gonna get busted!"   And then I remembered where I was.  I started laughing and my pal Dana asked if I was thinking what she was thinking.  This brought laughs, a few cheers, and a nice sip of Bulmers!

Here is the evidence:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/b96e82.jpg)

Yum...I kinda want one right now, but it is WAY to cold to go outside.  Besides, I'm already in my PJ's.

One more thing-I never realized that there are PALM TREES in Ireland!  I find it very comforting like a little slice of home!

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2uhy73r.jpg)

OK I'll try.....
Are you to the right of centre, with your head turned to your left, in profile?

That pic of the Bulmers cider is a work of art! ;D
What was the Garda after in there - a pint of Guinness?

That's a great photo of you sitting on the edge.
Did you climb over the rope where it says "do not go beyond this point"?  :D

Last time Dave and I were there, there was a piper on the top of O'Brien's Tower.
I think it's been closed for restoration for a while.

O'Brien's Tower, Cliffs of Moher:
(http://www.magico.ie/files/admin/uploads/W127_F_Image_3_28124.JPG)

It wasn't exactly a rope-just a sign...and a wall.  The wall was about two feet high, but the ground on the other side was as high as the wall, so it seemed more like a runoff barrier than a wall to block people from getting over!  It didn't say Danger-just Private Property.  It didn't make sense, because the guide told us "Go to the right for O'Brian Tower.  Go to the left for the taller cliff and the five mile walk-just don't go the whole five miles." ;D

(http://i45.tinypic.com/x5827s.jpg)

Also, yes that is me.  Good eye!

At the pub, someone came by and set a whole pint on of Guinness the table and walked out.  Being American college students, we practiced the "watch your drink safety"  and left it be.  One of the employees came around to pick up glasses and when she picked up the untouched pint she looked at my and said with a laugh-"That right there is disgusting!" Wasting a pint, that is...

The reason it says "Private Property" and not "Danger" is....insurance, and liability issues.
if you trespass on Private Property, it's at your own risk. If you fall down the cliffs and die, it's your own fault.
It would be a waste of time your next-of-kin trying to sue.
If the sign said "Danger" they would be admitting it is dangerous, although it's pretty obvious!
It's the same reason that the owner of Loughmore Castle puts his bulls to graze around it, to dissuade anyone from trespassing and getting gored to death, or tossed into County Limerick.
Trust me on this....Bulls, Ganders and Billy Goats are just about the only creatures in Ireland who do not welcome you.
They will attack if you wander onto their territory.
Likewise if you wander onto fenced or walled farmland while livestock are giving birth or nursing, you might be gently persuaded to leave by the farmer. By the way.....can you tell the difference between a bull and a bullock?  ;)
---------------------------------------------------
Now on to USC Marching Band....
I remembered a photo you once posted of you in your uniform! :D
----------------------------------------------------
Now to the Pint of Guinness....it was probably a "welcome" gift.....from someone who heard your accents.
He probably guessed that you had never tasted the "black stuff" and didn't want you to leave Ireland without that experience. The reason he didn't speak was probably so you would not misunderstand his motive.

And rule #1.......you never leave Guinness in a glass! if you don't want it and it's untouched, give it away.
What that waitress meant was....it really hurts, having to pour Guinness down the drain.

Good tip Maggie on the Guinness

Maggie,
Good explanations especially on the Guiness at the pub.

Also the Burren used to be a forest many centuries ago and since then, are plants and flowers growing there. Also Dolmens(tombs) with human bones and possibly animals too. Archeologist still doing research there...

http://gamecockatul.blogspot.com/

Update!

Also an interesting part of the Burren:  The guide told about tombs like Newgrange, and then took us to one where the earth had worn away and the rock had been stripped away, leaving the table where a person would have been laid to rest.  The back panel on this table had fallen away, leaving a HUGE slab of stone resting on two slats.  The details on years and things are fuzzy right now, but I'll remember!  I was out of it at this point (motion sickness pills!)

(http://i47.tinypic.com/2w71n39.jpg)

Dramamine used to be a traveler with us when I was a kid.

That dolmen tomb is at Poulnabrone.
It is Neolithic, I think it dates from sometime between 4000 BC and 3000 BC.
There are many other tombs on the Burren also.
Not far away are the Ailwee Caves, which were discovered by a local shepherd when he went looking for his dog.
Remains of bears were found there, which have been extinct in Ireland for hundreds of years.

A bit further North in County Mayo, a local man was cutting turf when he discovered the Céide Fields, which revealed remains of stone-age houses and tools, which have enhanced our knowledge of our Stone-age ancestors, how they lived and how they dealt with "climate change". Yes, it was a problem back then too.....before gasoline and automobiles!

My uncles Tom and Tadhg were extremely upset when the Céide fields were discovered,
it was too close to their own farmland.
My mother's ancestors have farmed that rocky landscape for hundreds of years, and it was never easy.
I was there last May......the wild beauty, and the tragic history of that place makes me cry every time.
I was relieved to see their part of Mayo had not changed, although Tom and Tadhg have now exchanged
their little white cottage for an even more Heavenly home.
Near that little cottage, some local men were cutting turf to use as fuel....
...the unmistakeable scent of a turf fire means I'm home.

That's amazing and very cool that you know your family history so well, Maggie.  I know that I have some ancestors from Ireland on both sides of my family, but both sides moved here (and to the South, where traces of early European immigrants seems to have dispersed over time) in the late 1700's/VERY EARLY 1800's.  Several people here have asked me if I have Irish connections.  I say yes, but quickly add that I only know the last name, not where in Ireland they came from.  I've found that people like to know the story of your connections, and I don't know mine.  It's my plan when I'm older and have a few more funds at my disposal to trace my family tree.  I have found that the links between Ireland and the United States is pretty strong and unique.
 
What you said about farming the land not being easy made me remember something the tour guide told us.  As we were driving through all of this land, miles upon miles of scrubby plant life and limestone with walls stretching as far as you could see, the guide started talking about the Famine.  From here, he told us about emigrating to America and the American wake.  The way he told it actually made me eyes prick with tears.

He said that an American wake was treated like a regular wake, at the home of the family who would be leaving/had children (young adults) who were leaving.  Depending on the amount of money/situation, there might be food, dancing, and poteen, and there might not be.  They were usually more somber than merry. A woman would offer a keen (song or lament.)  The guide said to us that it was called a wake because it was almost like a death. Due to a somewhat unreliable post system and whatnot, it was possibly the last time a family would ever hear from each other, the last time friends would be together.  Often, if it was a young couple who left, they knew in their hearts that it was probably the last time they would see their aging parents.

The following morning, the emigrant(s) would take their belongings, what they could carry, and start down the road to catch a boat and start their new life.  While it had to have been heart-wrenching to leave everything you knew behind, the guide said, you can't overlook the thought of the excitement that would have been felt as someone left towards a new life in a new land.  And although many did not find wealth, many Irish men and women did find success in America.

Now, I've seen movies and read books about people emigrating from their home countries to America and being from the US, I don't think I've ever really understood.  But, as I was standing in Ireland on a huge slab of limestone thousands of miles from my home, surrounded by the cold and land that Maggie described as hard to farm, I felt it come together.  I felt like I could imagine growing up in a place, that place turning into somewhere that seemed to have no hope, and the mixed emotions of leaving home to make a new home.  It was  like I finally had collected enough little pieces to put together and saw the big picture.  

When I got back to my dorm the next night I listened to The New Ground/Isle of Hope and again, I feel like I understand it better now.  Also, it made me feel (even more) proud/humbled to be American.  I am always proud of my country, but now I feel that I have been granted a new lens in which to view it, which is something that I might not have been given had I not been given the chance to study abroad.  Although this is a nice "break' from home and a chance to do things differently, I feel that I'm learning as much about my country as I am about Ireland.

Thank you Sarah for sharing. It put me there and touched my heart. I can't imagine how hard that would have been watching a loved leave. Or even turning one last time to say goodbye. Much stronger people than me.

 
It's not so unusual in Ireland, especially with people of my generation.
We learned our family history from older family members, and documents were passed down.
For example, I know where all of my Ryan ancestors lived in Tipperary, only one young man went to America.
My Clarke ancestors always lived in North West Mayo. We know the Churches they attended, where they were baptized, married, and buried. When I am in Ireland, I can go and pray in the Churches where my great-grandparents and their parents worshiped.....and where they prayed for relief from the Famine.
I am putting it all on a CD and DVD for Thomas Patrick. God Willing, I will take him there myself one day.


Your 5 months in Ireland is going to enrich your education and your life.....so much better than learning from books.
You must get the most you possibly can out of it.
Being able to travel and soak up the ancient atmosphere, complemented by your Lectures at College......priceless!
As you said, you can "feel" the history, and it does give you a better perspective on your own Homeland.
A couple of weeks as a tourist just doesn't give you the same opportunity.
Dave said it was not until he lived in other Countries that he saw the big picture, and understood the World view of America.

I am still curious to know where in Tipperary Aoife lives.....you should sample family life while you're there, too.
I have no doubt you will make friends among the Natives! :D

This is all so interesting, and I appreciate reading this history and seeing the photo's - I can see you are having a wonderful time there Curly, thanks for sharing, and Maggie too.

Lol Maggie, I will get one up shortly- Not too much going on but I will post pics from earlier this year as I just learned how to put pics up in my last post!  ;D

Likewise!!! Not much happened this week (which in all honesty was a nice change for once!)  I do have a catch-up bit waiting, but I need to get my personal journal entry done first!

BTW, I totally have an Irish date for Valentine's Day-his name is Butlers ;D  I have another one planned with someone named Bulmers! He's currently chilling in my fridge so he'll be icy cold by tomorrow night!

New post will be up tomorrow.  Why tomorrow and not today? Tomorrow I will have been here for exactly one month!

Yay !!  Wow one month already?   Well I know if it was me I be ooodles of pics.   Especially of the history, building including castles, art and more :)

It's up!

Craig, I would have thought that I would have oodles of pictures by now, too.  I have plenty, trust me, but I've realized something.  As Maggie said, being somewhere for an extended period of time is different than just visiting.  My first two weeks or so, I took my camera EVERYWHERE.  Now, I really only take it if I have something I want a shot of or if I'm going somewhere new.  This is a good thing, however. It means that my mind is set in school/daily life mode and not vacation.  Vacation means being lazy! :D

Well good to know though vacation doesn't mean lazy. Just recharging yourself though when I came back here, I replay what I did and didn't know that helps me sleep. I regret not taking more pics my self for a short visit.

If you get time would go to the museums? 

Yeup! I keep meaning to go to the Hunt Museum downtown, but I simply haven't made it yet.  I walk by it every time I go to the city library, but I want to go when I can take my time.  I'm also planning on going to the Limerick City art gallery-another attraction with free admission.  Unless I want to see a specific piece, I prefer art galleries to art museums.  They tend to have have more local flare as well as continuously changing pieces.

You must visit Limerick City Museum, which is now called The Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum.
(The original name was better....but they renamed it for a politician who no doubt made a large "donation"  ::) )

If I remember correctly it is next to the entrance to King John's Castle, and near the City Library. Admission is free.
It's many years since I was in it, but I was quite impressed.

http://www.limerick.ie/CityMuseum/

Hang in there Sarah! The snowdrops and daffodils will soon be peeping out, followed by the blossoms.
Then the fuchsia will be all over the hedgerows, a glorious sight but you can't see around the next bend.....

What are you planning for Saint Patrick's Day?

Fuchsia - a common sight lining the roads in the West of Ireland:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3805307160_6fcf17c59d.jpg)


 

I'm most likely sticking around here in Limerick for St. Patrick's Day.  Both the International Education Division AND the International Society are offering cheap (under €10) trips to Dublin to celebrate but I decided to stay local. 

Of course we don;t have classes on that day, I I plan on taking it easy.  There is going to be a parade in City Centre which I plan on attending with some of my friends.  There is also an international band festival. Maggie might have mentioned this before-I'm almost sure she has (or mentioned something else similar) so I am definitely planning on sticking around for that!  Basically I am going to enjoy a nice leisurely day in the city and celebrate with a Bulmers or two.  By the way, I have experimented and found my alcohol limit.  If I have two Bulmers (my favorite, can't you tell?) a few hours apart then I am fit as a fiddle, feeling nice and happy.  If I have one and then start on a second, I start to realize that I am on my way to singing in public, so I stop.  Even after a month, I am still in love with the fact that I can go sit in public and enjoy a drink.

Since St. Patrick's Day is not all about parades and pints, I also have a little 'community service" project in the works.  Living in the "information explosion" means that communication is as fast and widespread as ever.  I talk to my parents on average four times a week on my webcam via Skype.  Even though I am thousands of miles away, we can carry out face-to-face conversations. 

This being the case, it opens up opportunities for learning as well.  My cousin teaches first grade back home and I am planning on Skyping with her class sometime around St. Patrick's Day and teaching them a little but about Ireland and the history of St. Patrick's Day.  I am also going this week to speak with some folks at the World Academy of Music and Dance here on campus to see about asking students getting their BA in Irish Music and Dance if they would like to record a little performance ( 5 minutes tops) of a soft shoe dance, hard shoe dance, and VERY briefly explain each dance/the history of dance.    If I can find willing participants (which I'm suer I will) I might just record them before St. Patrick's Day and send the video to be watched after my "lesson." 

I'm very excited about sharing a piece of the world with students who might not have a chance otherwise. 

OH, and Maggie: Aoife is from Moneygall.

Sarah, check this out!! http://www.celticwomanforum.com/index.php?topic=12091.0 (http://www.celticwomanforum.com/index.php?topic=12091.0)

I. Am. Floored.

BEYOND cool!  I called my mom and told her and all she could say was "...wow." 

This will definitely go down as one of the highlights of this experience.  And here I was thinking that this coming weekend was going to be somewhat dull.

Have fun!  I'm sure it will be an amazing experience!

Ha ha, yeah, Orlagh took away any risk of a dull weekend!

I got my ticket for the Tommy Fleming concert this morning! 5th row-I am on cloud 9 right now. 

Great!!  That will be fun  :) :) :)
How was the Immigration process at Shannon Airport when you left USA?
http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0301/shannon.html

^^I actually didn't have to go through the immigration process at the airport.  After I got off the plane and before I got my luggage, I got a stamp on my passport with a date.  So long as I went to immigration before that, I was good.  It was a little different for me and the rest of us students because we will be here for a longer period of time.  I actually just had my appointment at the immigration office last week.

All of our appointments were set up by the International Office.  I had to have several documents, including my passport, a proof letter from UL, an insurance card, a bank statement proving that I will be able to support myself financially, etc.

Since my experience was a little different, I guess I'm not the best person to make a call!

That is why ask cause the process is new and Shannon is the first airport at Ireland and Continental airlines and British Airways to be the first to use it than "normal" process. Where you by pass security though still have passport stamped. Maybe or when I go back Dublin Airport will have it by then.  You have to show bank account info ??? While going to school and staying with other Irish citizens?? Well learn from it and the experience is good.   

I think the bank information and other documents were because I'm here for longer than 30 days.  Basically, I'm living here.  I even got a card certifying my registration.  It was funny-if it wasn't immigration I was dealing with I would have cracked a joke about handing over my blood type, shoe size, and first born son, but I decided that like joking with airport security, it wouldn't be wise.  Thus, I kept my mouth shut.  Besides, I got the vibe that the people working immigration at the Garda station really hate their jobs.  :-\

At the airport, all I had to do was get my passport stamped.

However, now that I think about it, I do remember being given a card that I had to fill out before I landed, which was given to the guy that stamped my passport.  I have some of the night/day logged in my journal, but most it is a blur-I was so tired from being awake the 24 hours before!

These next few days are going to be a blur, too.  I'm moving to a new student village, I have a paper due on Wednesday and a European Society and Governance test on Thursday.  Whew!

We know you living there. I am envy for ya. The Garda people doing their jobs and enforce the rules compared to here. Any how I remember filling out info on the plane in case it went down. Well take more pics and rest.

I can understand why the folks working in immigration were in not-so-good moods.  I would probably be cranky if it was 7:30 PM and I had been dealing with 20 year olds all day! ;D

That is common to all Countries....unless you are a Citizen you have to fill out a card to be handed to Immigration.

You're right Sarah....it is NEVER a good idea to joke with officials at Airports, whether they are TSA, Immigration, or anyone else.
Just one little off-beat remark can delay your flight and land you in jail.
I have 3 Passports....Ireland, UK, USA.  I know the rules and stick to them. I check in online if I can.
 I always read the baggage rules etc before I pack, in case something has changed.
 I just want to get where I'm going.

I didn't hand a card to Immigration that I remember, I gave it back to the lady on the plane.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p4712.m38.l1312&_nkw=irish+pound&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Likewise, and we all know how frustrating it can be even when you follow the rules.  However, it is just people doing what they have to do to make travel safe for us all.  

The flight attendants/flight crew were very helpful and friendly in letting us know what would need to be done once we got off in Shannon, even though there were signs everywhere once we got into the airport.  I was definitely pleased with Aer Lingus.  Service was great, though I slept through dinner, at my request.  I was tired to the bone and didn't want to stay awake to eat, so I took a page out of my notebook and wrote a note that said "No meal for me, thanks!", signed it with my name and seat number, and put it on the tray table beside me (the seat next to me, as well as 3/4 of the plane was empty.) I still got woken up by a guy asking if I wanted chicken or pasta  >:(  I cut him some slack, though-he didn't know the Golden Rule of NEVER wake a sleeping Sarah, and he was just doing his job.  Lord knows, someone out there would probably get mad if they weren't woken up, even if they left a note.  The plane itself was clean, had touch screens with several TV, movie and music choices, including Celtic Woman!  They also had a map you could view that would also show you altitude, speed, and outside temperature!  Can you imagine how giggly and excited I was when I heard the flight attendants' accents?  I would definitely recommend Aer Lingus for anyone heading across the pond.  The cost was lower than several other airlines I looked at and the service was just as nice, if not better.  I did hear that economy class on European airlines tends to be a little nice than that of US airlines.  I might also be biased, though-their planes (Airbus A330's for long-haul) are all GREEN!  Plus, the one I flew on was the St. Maeve.  Does it get much better?

Speaking of speaking  :) I reached a small milestone today.  I was at the store buying a new duvet cover (the student village I'm moving to has double beds instead of twins) and when I went to say thank you to the cashier, I said "Cheers!" without even thinking about saying it.  I hadn't said it or even though about saying it, yet it just came out.  I was like "...cool!"

.......who handed it to Immigration for you.

 :D You'll be speaking like a native at the end of your 5 months.....then the good people in South Carolina will need an interpreter when you get home!  ;D

Glad you like Aer Lingus....I first flew them from England to Ireland when they had noisy DC3s.
I much prefer Shannon Airport to Dublin. I especially like the "Atlantic Coffee Co" tucked away in a corner of the Arrivals concourse......where you can get a snack and coffee.....or a pint of Guinness! :)

(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x177/MaireadRua/Other/Aer_Lingus_DC-3.jpg)

^^Is that the little coffee shop near the exit of the concourse area that's right next to a magazine stand?  If it is, then that is the place where I made my first Irish purchase-a bottle of orange juice!  I have since fallen in love with this particular brand of orange juice.  It's called Fresh by Nature.  No water added, not from concentrate-it is straight juice (and A LOT of pulp) straight from the press.  It can be pricey, but you can get a good deal on it at Dunnes.  I got a pretty large bottle for only €2 the other day.

Maggie, loved the pic of the DC3, ours had door gunners.  ;D

I know we had to fill out cards on the way to Italy and then coming back through Detroit (UGH).

the only caard that stands out for me was the one before we landed at Sea-Tac (Seattle Tacoma) and it was abig yellow card with red lettering.

HEALTH ALERT. tHIS PERSON HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO .........

more things than I knew existed. Made me feel really comfortable. :D

Oh yeah?
Ours had Jameson's!  :D :D :D

Back on topic - Sarah, your special concert on Saturday should get Saint Patrick's celebrations off to a brilliant start!

The Parade in Limerick should be good, on Sunday 14th, as part of the Festival with the 40th International Band Competition.
Check this out:
http://www.limerickcoordination.ie/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/band-parade-rules-2010.pdf

http://www.limerickcoordination.ie/2010/01/19/40th-limerick-international-band-competition

http://www.limerick.ie/Press/2010LimerickStPatricksDayFestival/

It's the second biggest Parade after Dublin....you should see a number of Americans there,
and there is sure to be at least one Band from the USA.

But keep your eyes on the Irish.....there should be all kinds of musical events going on.

Make the most of your 5 months!

Maggie,
Maybe I did have the card? I have to go back in memory part of the brain ::)

I'm really excited-it is going to be such a fun weekend!

Hey Sarah- did you go to Cork over the past weekend? We will def have to find a time to meet up. And I have a very free schedule except for one more trip in april, so you cn pick possible dates.

Are you two driving around, or using bus/train?
If you are driving, there are some fabulous places in Cork.
I know you are both interested in Irish History, so try to visit Cobh which was the last port-of-call of the Titanic,
there is a memorial there and also a statue of Annie Moore and her brothers.
The lovely little town of Kinsale is worth a visit, great pubs and cafes, and a nice harbour.

Here is a useful webpage:
http://iguide.travel/County_Cork

You can not go to Cork without hearing of it's most famous son and hero, General Michael Collins, the "Big Fella".
Clonakilty was his birthplace, and where an English Landlord burned down his childhood home and evicted the family.
BIG MISTAKE! He never forgot that. The house has been rebuilt on the original site.

He was assassinated in Béal na mBlath:
http://www.iol.ie/~obrienc/bnab.htm

There is a memorial service every August, at the spot where Collins fell:
(http://www.baevents.com/mickcollins/BealnaBlath.jpg)

His famous last words to a close comrade who warned him about taking that trip:
"Yerra, they'll never shoot me in my own county".

There is a Tour:
http://www.michaelcollinscentre.com/michael_collins_tour.html

Depending how much time you have in Cork, or if you can go back for another visit, the coast is beautiful.
The Bantry Bay area is lovely, with lots to see. There are boat trips to the islands, I recommend Garinish and Glengarriff.
Skibereen is a neat little town, which suffered greatly during the Famine and has a stunning Exhibition about it.

Explore these sites and use the links:
http://www.westcork.com/bantry-tourism/recreation2.html#ISLANDS
http://www.westcork.com/bantry-tourism/tours.html

Skellig Michael is off the coast of South Kerry.
You really should try to take the little fishing boat...
...climb up the steps to the stone huts where the monks lived, it is the trip you will always remember.
There is nothing like it anywhere else.
You do need decent weather though.....but it is truly stunning.
http://www.skelligislands.com/
http://www.skelligexperience.com/skellig_michael.html

Cahirciveen is the departure point for the islands, there is a campground nearby if you have a tent:
http://www.campinginkerry.com/attractions.php

Wherever you go, have fun!
Your US Dollar should go a little further now, I think the Euro and Pound have dropped in value. :D

Thanks Maggie! I have been to Cobh and kinsale a number of times- beautiful places! I am just back from Scotland as of 3 days ago- went to edinburgh and glasgow :) And I am most definitely not driving in public yet... soon  ;D

I’m enjoying your blog and this thread Sarah. Thanks for keeping both- although I wonder how you squeeze it in with everything else. You are certainly living a grand privilege and a special moment in your life. That you understand and appreciate this makes me smile.

I especially enjoyed when you wrote of how the words of the tour guide, in combination with experiencing the land, informed you.

BTW, I’m using a large, detailed map of Ireland (ironically published in SC) and have found every place you have written of. (For me paper maps still can’t be beat).

Thanks again, hope you can continue to take us along as you go on your way…

Oh yes! Have a fun St. Patricks time in Ireland!!!!

^I'm glad you are enjoying reading my random ramblings, rants, and praises  ;D

Right now I'm still planning Spring Break.  It looks like my friend is Scotland has her break the week after mine.  She has booked a flight (along with two other girls) to come visit me during their week off.  They will be arriving on a Sunday and our plans thus far are to the the "Limerick" things on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and then head over to either Co Wicklow and spend time in Wicklow Mountains National Park ( we want to cycle) or Kildare, or maybe another town/city...it all depends on $$$, honestly.  Then, after two days or so in whatever location, we are going to Dublin.  I haven't been yet, and I am SO excited!  (I'm actually looking at bus fare as I am working on this post, and the bus far from Limerick to Cork, then Cork on to Dublin isn't that bad, and my pals and I could visit Ilnacullin, like Maggie suggested.  It looks VERY intriguing!  Heads up, Megan!  Cork might be in the near future, the week of April 5th!)
 
I know that this means that I will miss a few classes, but (puts on either sweet/innocent or whiney "BUT MOOOOM" voice) I haven't missed a class yet except for a geography lecture when I was feeling pretty bad and just wanted to sleep (which I did.)  See, UL has a system that class attendance doesn't count (it helps you know the material, obviously) but what counts are the tutorial (or practical) sessions and if you miss more than three of those per subject, your grade comes down one letter.  See, I haven't missed any yet, so I'm good. Plus, I am on what is called pass/fail.  This means that so long as I pass my classes here I will get credit for them back home, regardless of the letter grade.  This means that there is no chance of my GPA rising this semester but there is also no chance it will go down (unless I fail, which I'm pretty sure I won't.)

My friend Erin and I seriously believe they have this system in place to encourage us to "seize the day." ;D  If it was not for this, I wouldn't even be considering this little adventure.  I'm only going to be in a situation like this where I can go (pretty much) wherever I want once in my life, and that time is NOW!  So, I am going to be taking a few days off and enjoying myself.  I have worked very hard these past three years to earn the privilege to be here and I want to enjoy it-not sit around and study 24/7.  I could be doing that back home :D

You have to be caeful in Cork with all those Rebels around (Especially some who are related LOL)

You really should come the week of the 5th- my mother is coming for my birthday which is the week prior to the 5 and will be leaving the 6th- I have from march 26- may 7 off for spring break so I will have a wide open schedule  ;D  - minus a trip to glasgow sometime after the 10

like i don't need to tell you ;) ;) but HAVE Fun on St. patrick's day!!! ;D ;D ;D and guess what you are in Ireland!!! :o hehe. have a safe and happy day ;)
YR

Don't want to rush you, Sarah......and Megan.....

...but we would really like to know about your Saint Patrick's week!

OOPS! I missed the bit that says you are in Wicklow.....or Kildare.....

 and Megan is on Spring Break somewhere.....Take your time then!!!  :D

(http://www.clipartguide.com/_thumbs/0511-0703-0714-5952.jpg)

take your time, you have until tomorrow :)

Don't worry, I'm still alive!  I had two papers due this week and last week ended up being not nearly as full of activities as I had originally hoped for-I got swamped with stuff/didn't feel all that great  :-\

But I did find the Friday after St. Patrick's Day nice and relaxing.

So, on St. Patrick's Day I slept in until around 10:00 like I normally do (I don't have classes on Wednesday until 1:00-I shudder to think of the shock I will feel once I return to the real world of classes at 9:00 AM!) Like I said, I wasn't feeling quite as jazzy as normal, so I ended up taking it easy.  I went downtown to city centre after the parade was over (I actually don't really like big crowds all that much anyway, so I wasn't totally upset) and just took my time walking around.  The weather wasn't bad-it was cloudy but the rain managed to hold off all day.  I ended up walking over to the other side of the river into the Medieval Quarter and took the stroll opposite King John's Castle-I don't know WHY I haven't walked over there before-the view was awesome!  I actually HAVE been over there-they took us the first weekend of the program, but that was the day it was so foggy that you couldn't see 20 feet in front of you-remember the story of the US Military jet being rerouted from Shannon to Cork? that weekend!

There was still plenty of buzz of people walking around downtown, lots of children, some in good spirits and some melting down after a long day-it was just a good energy.  I realized something as I passed a group of Americans (obviously tourists, not that that's a bad thing.)  I have come to feel like I'm in this in-between classification; I am not a native or permanent resident, but I don't feel quite as foreign anymore, and I am definitely not a tourist-I feel like I'm on this nice little cushion in between.  

After my walk was over, I headed to Flannery's Pub on Shannon St. and had a bowl of hot vegetable soup, two slices of warm homemade bread with butter, and a pint of Bulmers to wash it down while I chatted with some Limerick locals and watched horse racing. The gentleman beside me asked me if I knew anything about horses and I told him that I used to ride (Western) and that I come from a town where horses are a big deal, so I have some knowledge.   Now here is the problem with Sarah being in a pub in the afternoon-I am a VERY lightweight drinker!  I don't drink back home like my fellow peers-my biggest stretch would be a glass of wine with dinner if my French friend cooked, so my tolerance is very low-I find myself nice and giggly (but still completely cognitive) after just one pint.  Sad, I know, but it's actually getting better.  Anyway, after the warm giggles go away I get very sleepy.  So, after I left the pub and got back to campus, I ended up taking a four hour nap.  Shame, I know.

I wasn't expecting St. Patrick's Day to be MASSIVE like it is in the States because I had been told that it wasn't.  Thus, I wasn't disappointed.  I had a nice leisurely day,, bought myself an Irish flag that will no doubt be hanging on the wall o my dorm next semester, had some nice time to myself and enjoyed some good conversation over a delicious cider.  

All in all, the day (except for that morning) was VERY pleasant and also very fun.


OH, and by the way Maggie , I'm booking a bus tickets today to go to Castleconnell when my friends arrive and we can go to the Kingfisher!

I'm also trying to get us to Tipperary so we can visit the Rock of Cashel and a few other places.  Is there anyone there that you would like me to say say "hi" to for ya?! Kidding!

Yes, actually there is!  :D

A great friend of mine who has a boarding stables and Stud Farm near Cashel. He is a lot of fun.
I visit John and his Mother every time I'm home. He has 6 brothers, some of whom drop in on their Mom sometimes,  
from wherever in the World they happen to be working. John returned home to stay.
Will you have transportation in Cashel? If not he will probably meet you in town.
I think I've told the story of how I was offered a job for the "House of Ireland" without even applying,
when I first came to FL.
The Maher Brothers who owned the Company said "we must introduce you to the Manager of our other Store",
and it turned out to be John - from Tipperary!
We had so many adventures working there......and some hilarious times.
No doubt he will tell you.
I'll send you a pm with his details. I'll also tell him you might be in touch.

Here I am at one of John's horse pastures:
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x177/MaireadRua/Ireland/GoldenTipp.jpg)

I'm glad you had a nice relaxing St Patrick's.
You seem to be enjoying the Pub Scene, chatting to the locals.....and the good food.

You will enjoy the Kingfisher in Castleconnell although it is a long time since I was there.
One of the Musicians at the Séisun was a Professor and Head of Department at U of L.  
Brilliant on the fiddle, too!
In Cashel, Brú Ború Heritage Centre is a must-see, at the foot of the Rock, but I don't think the
concerts and sessions start until June.
http://www.cashel.ie/tourism.php?sect=Bru%20Boru

ENJOY!!!

Sarah you should have been in Cork for St. Patrick's Day! It was a blast!  And I love reading your blogs!

Maggie I will update my blog right now! My spring break has just begun- sort of, no more lectures, but 6000 words left and review lectures- then Exams in May! I did take a trip to Edinburgh so will put some pictures up from that! And I was in Cashel just a bit ago- it is a very cute town!

If he is up for it, that would be wonderful!

Okie dokie...this past week was insane.  My friend Erin came, as well as two people she has met in Scotland.  

I had some really neat things drawn up (Tipperary was one of them) but I ended up spending quite a bit of time (and money) on some of Ireland's biggest tourist traps.  I had fun, no doubt, but I got flustered because I didn't really get to do anything I wanted...I would have been okay not spending €15 getting to and getting in Blarney Castle-biking through Connemara sounded cooler to me. (And the girl who wanted to go to Blarney SOOOO badly didn't even kiss the Stone??)  But yeah-we didn't know that we were going to Cork until we got to the bus station, so I had pretty much no way of giving Megan a shout about being there!

Anyway, when my friend and her friends left this morning (from Dublin-we spent the weekend there) at 6:00, I decided that it was time to have a day out for ME.  I walked to Windmill Lane (the old recording studio-not where the girls record, but still cool anyway.)  It was nice because the sun was up, there was hardly a cloud in the sky, and it was quiet.  Also, I feel like I must have walked halfway across Ireland...not a bad feeling, of course.

Before I had even checked out of our hostel, however, I looked up a few things that helped get where I wanted to go...I hopped on the DART heading towards Bray (which was AWESOME) and within two hours (there was a gap between the next bus) and a walk up a long driveway, I ended up

(http://i41.tinypic.com/qyyblc.jpg)  HERE!!!!!

(http://i42.tinypic.com/sqjmv7.jpg)

Of course my batteries in my camera died before I made through the rest of the gardens, but I'm actually going cancel my trip to the Aran Islands (I've been to the West twice now) and I'm going back to spend more time hiking through Wicklow, because I was only there for about an hour and a half-I had  to be back in Dublin to catch a bus.


Full blog post to come!

P.S.  I though y'all might get a little kick out of this.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/116s32e.jpg)

LOL,Sarah!!

How can you go all the way to Blarney Castle and NOT kiss that danged stone?!! LOL I've done it twice -the last time I went with a friend who didn't want to climb the steps to the top of the castle. I told her "I'll be right behind you" . She made it to the top,kissed the Blarney Stone,and still thanks me today for "persuading" her ! LOL

Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains - now, that's my cup of tea!


Zee

Great photos!  Powerscourt looks gorgeous on a clear day.  Unfortunately, when I had the chance to visit it in early July, it was pouring!!!  (And I love the Dúlaman pic!)

 :D Wonderful update Sarah! Sorry about your camera batteries though.

Good pics Sarah and I always think of visit Powerscourt Estate though was cloudy there when I went yet the leaving and returning to Dublin was sunny ::) Yet I wish I had more pics from visit.

I love the photos, especially the one of you at Powerscourt, in the "Beat Clemson" shirt.

What a pity you didn't get to Tipp! I hope you get there before you leave.

The fact that "Blarney" is a synonym for Nonsense or BS tells you all you need to know.
There is no way anyone is going to get the gift of eloquence from hanging upside down and kissing a rock.
What the tourists demonstrate is gullibility, believing the Blarney of the Tour Guides.
But hey - we don't want to discourage them, Ireland needs the $$$$$$.

I love the Dulaman pic.....very creative! :D

Biking and hiking around Connemara sounds wonderful to me.....

Try to stop into Matt Molloy's Pub (of the Chieftains) for refreshment along the way.....it is just an incredible place!
http://www.mattmolloy.com/

Also stop in Doolin.......this village is to Irish Music what Nashville is to Country Music.
http://www.doolinireland.net/
I can guarantee you - every seriously traditional musician in Ireland has played there.
It's in County Clare, north of the Cliffs of Moher.
http://www.doolinireland.net/

(http://www.doolinireland.net/doolin_images/fisherstreet.jpg)


Local music fans line up:
(http://www.doolinireland.net/doolin_images/cow_boys.jpg)

That shirt is one of my favorites! As a college student, I have a huge (and I mean HUGE) t-shirt collection, mostly in garnet!  I got this particular one when a the soccer team asked if a few of the band members would be willing to play at the USC-Clemson game last year.  It has gotten some serious wear and is starting to look old, but I still wear it all the time. 

Haha Sarah, glad you had a good time and loved the photos! Everytime someone comes to visit me they want to see the Blarney castle- I tell them to go and I will wait- saw it once, i'll see it again... in ten years.

I'm starting to feel a bit (very) stressed out.  I have my last final tomorrow morning and it is the one I am the most concerned about (not that it's hard but I really want to do well), I have to get two very heavy suitcases to the post office to ship them off, get on a bus to Dublin, and OH YEAH, the volcano is erupting again!!! ??? >:( :-\  I'm not sure if I want to chance it and see what happens or cancel my flight to Glasgow and find a ferry to SOMEWHERE on the landmass that is know as Great Britain. 

::head desk::  Update on the blog. 

Anyone have a hammer and a VERY LARGE cork?

Very nice pictures! ireland is beautiful!

^^Thanks!

I'm feeling a little more at ease.  I went ahead and cancelled my flight (it was only €8) and now I'm taking the bus to Dublin tomorrow (my last ride on Bus Eireann  :-[) and I'm staying in a hostel overnight as originally planned, then getting up in the morning and taking the train to Belfast, a ferry to Stranraer, and then another train to Glasgow.  It is costing me a bit more, but I was going to have to check my bag with Ryanair anyway, and now I have peace of mind (and I can take my teddy bear with me now that I'm not under baggage restriction.  I'm more excited about this than I should admit.  Haha.)

I'M NOT READY TO LEAVE YET!!!!!!

ireland must be a great place to be!

I think you did the sensible thing. The ferry crossing on that route only takes 2 hours.
I hope you reserved your seat, I'm guessing the ferries and trains will be busy now that the volcanic ash is back!

I just checked, the train from Stranraer to Glasgow can take from 55 minutes (very fast!) to 2 hours 56 minutes,
depending on your departure time.
It should be a fascinating trip.
I love taking different routes.....you see more every time.
You probably won't have the chance to look around Belfast, which is a shame. That would be interesting.
Wishing you the very best of luck with your finals.
Where do you fly home from?
When you are settled in at home, I would love to read your views looking back on your whole 5 months experience.

I'm praying for your safety and a great time with your friends.

I made it to Scotland in one (very tired) piece!  I left the hostel Tuesday morning at 7:00 and was in Glasgow by 5:00.  It did take longer and cost more $$$ and the ash decided to disperse, but if I hadn't taken the measures I did my flight would have been cancelled and I would have been very unhappy.  

I wish I could have been in Belfast longer than the 45 minutes that I was...it seemed like a very nice city.  The train ride from Dublin to Belfast was great-the North was so beautiful.  The train from Stranraer, Scotland to Ayr was also unbelievably beautiful.  Clear BRIGHT blue skies, more sheep than I saw my entire time in Ireland, and landscape that was similar yet very different to that of Ireland.  I have a few pictures-not many, though.  I was so tired by the time I got on the train that my head was drooping and I was in that numb halfway between sleep and awake phase.  You see, in  he 48 hours prior, I only got about ten hours of sleep combined.  If I would have listened to my mother and not procrastinated on packing and organizing things would have been different-Mama is always right  ;D There was an American couple sitting across the aisle from me on the train who giggled every time I lurched forward.  Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside-haha.

I've spent the last 36ish hours doing what I normally do during the first few days at the end each school semester and that is completely spacing out.  For example, I slept until 11:00 this morning, stayed in my pajamas, and watched The Flinstones while I ate cereal for lunch.  Good day.

I won't lie-I stood outside on the back of the ferry and watched the coast of Ireland disappear onto the horizon and I cried a bit when the last strip of land faded away.  I'll be back, though.  No doubt about that.

I'll be back stateside on June 11th and I will be going to the beach (Isle of Palms, Charleston) on the 15th, where I will do nothing but read books and lay in the sun and get some color back in my skin!

Thanks for the well wishes, Maggie!

well i am glad you had a good time however stessfull twords the end, but you made it! hope at some time after you have recooperated some ;) to hear you stories of your stay in Ireland ,please!!!! :) :D :D
YR