Cork and Kinsale

This past weekend my roommates and I planned a girls weekend to Cork in celebration of H's birthday! Girls only, so we left the boys at home. Now I know I am bisas about Limerick because it's my home, it's where I will be living for a year but Cork--wasn't anything to write home about. In fact, I felt less safe in Cork than I do in Limerick, who used to be known as "knife" city.

 So Cork, is the second largest city in Ireland, next to Dublin being the largest. 119,230 reside in the large city build on a hill. Build on the river Lee the city is divided upon this river. The entire city center is enclosed by the river making it an island. As you cross the Lee on Patrick street you see the large city center shown in the picture to the left. The streets were lined with people, shops and entertainment. Those guys who stand like statues, yep they were there too, making a statement like always and scaring little children if they get too close.

 Now we Limerick is only a little smaller than Cork and yet, I felt crowded and a little overwhelmed, Limerick is such a nice and small street that do not have as many pedestrian streets. However, Cork has an amazing McDonald, I thought I was at Red Robin.

By far one of the coolest parts of Cork was the English Market, which everyone told me to check out because it is a sight too see. It was. Much like Powells book store this farmers market took but almost an entire city block, it is carved out of a large building, with sloping walls, and there are tunnels made by stands piled high with food, fish, chocolate anything you can find.
This was a really cool place, deep within the market where second hand stores with one three story little store with everything you could think of from the 60's. I fell in love with this place, scarves, dresses, gody necklaces, hats and homey decor. This was by far a highlight of the day

So to end our first day in Cork we stopped at St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, which was beautiful. We couldn't go in because they were closing but just by looking at the outside you can see just how grand it really is. It was located right behind Elizabeth Fort which is a huge Gadia station now, it overlooks the city with stone walls and port holes for cannons. The fort was a safe heaven for Elizabeth, the English Queen, if there was a threat to her life she would flee here to be protected by the Irish.

That night we did what we came to Cork to do in the first place. Drink. We found a little pub just down the street from our Hostel and sat back for some old traditional music. Note (The video is a little weird because I was trying not to be a typical American who has to videotape everything) :D

The music was great "craic" (fun) my roommates and I shared pints and watched as some of the locals danced, sung and clapped as the musicians played their tunes. After our night of music and drinking we walked home to the Hostel set on the hill overlooking Cork City Center.

Now, this was my first experience in a Hostel and let's just say it was strange. For some reason I didn't think about the possibility of having male roommates within our room, I just thought the manager wouldn't put three girls in a situation to be alone with three different guys. But, low and behold at 3am three french gents crept quietly into the room, dressed for sleep and went to bed. This meant I didn't get much sleep, I was on guard which is ridiculous because they couldn't even speak English very well. Thank god I had my two french roommates because they could talked to them while I stood and smiled in the background.

The next morning we rose early, dressed and hit the town seeing as many Cathedral's as we could but as we walked around in the rain we realized it was Sunday, which meant all the Cathedral's were full of those seeking prayer from the Catholic church. So while taking pictures of the outsides we fled back to our car so not to disturbed the entire mass. At a loss of what to do now, because of the rain, one of my roommates said "Lets go to the beach."
Being, go with the flow kind of girls, we said "alright!" And so began the best part of the trip. Getting lost on a beautiful peninsula at the very edge of Ireland. With cliffs as magnificent as the Cliffs of Moher but what made them better was that they were all ours. We climbed over a fence into a pasture with cows and climbed down the cliffs to see the other side which was breath taking.

As the Atlantic Ocean splashed against the sharp rocks of the cliffs we stood in utter awe of what we saw and what many people might never see.
The Peninsula was called The Old Head of Kinsale. Kinsale is a tiny little town just outside of Cork, it has a large bay where all the ships stay and habor. Then downt he little 1 car lane road we found this.

 As we turned away from the cliffs we saw a rock structure standing above the grass and fences. It was a little watch tower, set high on the hill with a view of the ocean and then the city below. We hopped another fence and made our way to the tower to take some goofy pictures.

To finish off our trip we drove the coastal road leading all the way back to Cork. Be we couldn't stop without walking on the beach for a sort while. Ireland does not have many beaches most of the Isle is cliff faces and sheer drop-offs. So finding this beach was a treat.

The water was freezing and unlike Oregon beaches barely anyone was out because of the storm that was raging in the north. We didn't stay too long but did enough walking in the sand and collecting a little bit of Irish beach on our shoes.

 To end our little adventure, I did something that was very contorversal topic while I was home. To kiss or not to kiss the Blarney Stone, said to give you the Gift of the Gab. (Or speak like the Irish)
Well I am proud to say that after 67 steps, crawling through tunnels and doing the most uncomforable position of leanign back over a gapping hole in the floor, I kissed the Balreny Stone.

 Haha, it was grand! Not too bad at all, though I refused to look down because we were really really high! But the keep or castle was really beautiful, once at the top it over looked the entire Blarney estate.

Over all this trip was AMAZING! I had a great time with my roommates, they are teaching me bits of French while we traveled and it was great to be one our own discovering beautiful parts of Ireland that aren't the usual tourist attractions. For a total of 40 euros, I had an amazing weekend with the girls, one that will be remember for a long time.

The Rain

It is raining here, it rains here a lot actually which I was warned about but what I wasn't told is how beautiful it is. You see, in Oregon, my home, when it rains things seem to (die) plants sink to one side, animals hide in corners and unseen crevices. But here, I've been looking out my window all afternoon, the rain almost seems to cause beauty among the trees and grass. It almost brings out the green. Even the clouds are different, not just grew but the shades change through out and complement the lush emerald that cost the entire landscape.

Many of you don't know this but I am a writer. As a creative writing major you'd think I write a lot right? Everyday? Ideas just popping out of my head every second. Ok that last one is true but the rest, writers block is a curse and no matter what people say, everyone gets it. I've been cursed for the past couple of months, my novel has been on hold, and my short stories just don't have the spark I want them to have.
Four hours ago I looked outside and saw this? And I haven't been able to stop writing. Save the reflection of my smiley face tshirt this picture seems flawless right? Ireland at it's most beautiful right here and something snapped, as if this painting of utter beauty tore down the writers block in a Arnold Schwarzenegger kind of way.
As many of you can tell I am doing much better than a few posts ago where I talked about Homesickness. The normality of Ireland is starting to sink in and I can't believe I've been here for nearly four weeks. Soon, it will be time to board a plane and fly back for Christmas only to do it all over again in the Spring. My life kinda rules right now.

Ok, update.

I joined the Archery team (club) this semester and lets just say I've shot before but I didn't know that the form of Archery ran in my blood. there is something almost memorizing when you string the arrow, lock it in place and draw back the string. Power. Sheer and utter power, the strength in your arm quivers as you aim along the slick arrow and fire with all you have. Being one of very few barebows (which are archers who aim along the arrow instead of using the trigger aim) I was also voted in as the First Year Rep. My duties include talking and making friends and reporting back any issues with members.

I also joined the Fencing club and that is me to the left. (just kidding) I wish it was. But I look more floundering and less flawless than they do at the moment. My stance is not as epic as theirs. I also haven't touched a sword yet because of "safety issues" please like a group of young and wild college students would be irresponsible with sharp pointed objects, come on people. But this "marshal art" is truly amazing to do, it is all about honor and stance and being "scarier" that your opponent. I am truly honored to take part in this art form that has been around for hundreds of years.

I also joined the History Society where we will study all the major and historical pubs in Limerick, Galway, Dublin, Cork, Kerry and many other places. Lots of pubs...not enough time. But to be fair we are also going to take part in a reenactment at Bunratty Castle where we will have an traditional feast, with entertainment, wine and costumes!


So life here in Ireland is moving slowly, like the ripples in the Shannon river or like the swans that reside there. Classes are in full motion, travel plans have been arranged and there are many more adventures to be had.

Mightly Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the largest attractions in Ireland, people travel hundreds of miles just to feast their eyes on the jagged rocky cliffs that make up the western seaboard of County Clare.
Standing 214 high with a magnificent view over the roaring Atlantic Ocean. 

This Saturday, my friends and I piled into a small tour bus and traveled from the City of Limerick to the rushing waves of Galway Bay.

Our trip took us along twisting roads, through fields of green packed with sheep and grazing cattle. Our first stop was to Poulnavrone Dolmen. Known in Gaelic as "the hole of sorrows" The stonework almost looks like a creation similar to Stonehenge in Great Britain. Thought he stones represent a tome, where below hundreds of Irish men were buried. It's a constant reminder of how the Irish lived and died.

After 20 minuets of climbing over stone work dated back to 3000BC we boarded our bus and were off again. After winding through the countryside, past fences called "dry cement" because the fences are made of stones with nothing holding them together the rocks are just piled on top of one another. Soon we reached The Burren which is jagged cliffs made of limestone and fossil Lunar rock formations. After jumping the 200 food drop you climb onto a ledge like the picture shows at the left and look out over the ocean, seeing the white waves beat against rock and stone. The rocks and strange landscape of this place is so unreal that Cromwell said "Not enough wood to hang a man, water to drown him or soil to bury him"

We stopped at a small fishing village named Doolin, famously known for the beer their brew. Here we stopped for lunch and light shopping at the Shaggy Sheep. I wanted ice cream and this is the only one i could fine so I thought what the hey?

Once we reached the Cliffs of Moher, I have to say my heart skipped a beat. They just come out of no where, I mean you know they are there because your guide tells you that they are just over the hill, just out of sight but when you come over the crest of the hill and look out over the impressive view.
To one side the cliffs span out into the ocean sitting high above the crashing waves and to the other side sits a tower. One with an amazing view of the cliffs themselves.

Then to the other side you will see the cliffs reach out over the water touching the sky and clouds. By far one of the most beautiful places i have seen and worth the 20 euros I spend on the day tour. :)

 As for me you might ask. The homesickness has gone down for what reason is still unclear. Maybe it's because I am finally started to settle in, my room feels like home and my though everything is still so new I feel as if I do belong here instead of feeling like an outsider. This isn't to say that the homesickness won't come back in waves but for now I am going to enjoy my time here and not think about the future. Weather I decide to stay a year or a semester I will not regret traveling and studying abroad.

Homesickness

According to a online dictionary homesick is defined as "depressed or melancholy at being away from home and family."

Well we can all relate to this can't we? Weather you were at summer camp or off to your first year at college there is always a sinking pain in your stomach longing for home and family. You miss your friends, your classmates and even your significant other, if you have one.However, I think homesickness is far more than just "melancholy at being away from home."

It is day 8 here, 4:00pm on a beautiful sunny day in Limerick Ireland and the homesickness creature has been digging it's claws into me all week. Though, I miss my family and (let's call him J) there is something else I miss, that sinking feeling in my chest isn't longing for my mom or my cat (Tommy) it is longing for familiarity.

What everyone doesn't tell you about Ireland is the harsh effects culture shocks can be to a Type A, full blooded A/B student attending a private university back in the states. Sure I like the laid back classes, sure I enjoy the peaceful walks back and forth in pouring rain, sure I relish in miscommunication...scratch that...no I really don't. I feel like I'm being pulled in to many directions, that facts are not the same throughout the system, and even that poeple are giving me the wrong information.

Yesterday was a perfect example. I traveled into the city of Limerick by bus because we needed to go to the Garda (Police station) to get VISA cards so we may remain in Ireland for the semester and in my case, a whole year. Now the directions we recived brought us to the Garda station but not after almost missing our stop, requesting directions from a native who spoke very little english and only to end up in the wrong place. After some walking and searching we reached our destination.

I feel as if America babies students too much, you know what I mean, shuttling them everywhere not letting them do things until their "of age" but Ireland just kind of tossing you into the city street and yells "don't get hit!" I miss home, but I really really miss the way of life over there. Things made since! And if you had a question it was answered, not pushed off to another person...then another...and then another.

And just another point I want to add to this rant is allergies. I am suffering from a huge allergy attack at the moment the whole nine yards. Stuffy nose, sore throat, lots and lots of sleep...it's horrible. And the medication is different! Which is fine, but no one seems to know what can help me? I say "I have allergies, do you have anything for sore throats or stuffy noses?" And they look at me like I'm from a different planet with cats falling out of my ears. DON'T YOU PEOPLE GET ALLERGIES!

So there you have it...not enough communication...no allergy medication and I want to go home...

The City of Limerick

One thing people don't tell you about going abroad is how important the little things are. Like shampoo. Yes, you think oh just run to walmart, or winco and grab a cheap bottle, or for those who liek to spend lots of money on really expencive stuff you go to a brand man store. But what do you do in a different country? Where the locals raise their eyebrows at the name "walmart."
I ran out of shampoo, yes so thank god we went to Limerick that day. First we piled onto a large travel bus and drove into the city and was dropped off right in the city center.

(Heading down the street to the Milk Market)

Limerick is not like Portland, or Vancouver, there are no tall buildings overlooking the people, or men walking in suits. The buildings show their character in each crease and slanted brink that was placed with a caring hand instead of a building crew. Tiny cars line the streets and people usually walk everywhere since all you need is in close walking distance. 

OUr first stop was Penny's, yes it's close to what you image, JC Penny's, though it has amazing prices! We as study abroad students have to provide sheets and pillow cases while here so nearly 900 students filled the stacks picking out their favorite color sheets and pillow cases, of course, I got mix matching ones. :P

 After our Penny's adventure we made our way to the milk market, much like the local farmers market, only more amazing! It's held in a huge tent near the Shannon River and you will find hand made bread, freshly picked apples and fish heads the size of your torso!

While walking back from the milk market, I saw a stand with a bunch of apples and asked the guy how much they were. He turned to me with a chuckle and says "for you, five for 2 euros" I pause for a moment, mmm freshly picked apples, for 2 euros, not bad. :) My roommate, lets call him H for conventional reasons turns to him and asks  how much for the bananas? "seven for 2 euros." What! Why did I have to pay more? So I turn on my charming smile and say, "Not fair H, you get more than me, even though I'm prettier." The apple banana man begins to roar with laughter and H is laughing as well. "For that comment little lady you get free bananas!" People, it pays to laugh at yourself!  Especially if you and they get a kick out of it.

To end the night we had a dance party, held in one of the many pubs on campus called the Stables. We learned irish dancing, well we tried to learn it. It's a lot harder than it looks, you have to stand on your toes a lot and lets say the next morning my ankles were killing me!! :)

Here what we all thought we looked like! haha Not ready, once the students were done teaching us we sat back and enjoyed their end of the evening performance. Though, everyone's bellies were full of ale but that time so there is a lot of giggling.

Living with Roommates

Day 4 at the University of Limerick and things are kicking off.
Yesterday was new student orientation and let me just say there was a lot of info and very little questioned answered. Funny how that works. We were given a tour of campus and shown where the main offices are located, though the classroom numbering system is terribly confusing. One of my classes Intro to Lit. Theory is in room CSG01...yeah...so if I understand correctly CS is the Computer Science building, G is ground floor and 01 is the room number. :) Not too hard...until you get to the main building where there are A,B,C,D,E block all connected with long hallways and there is the G (ground) floor an O floor and an M floor, then comes 1,2 and 3. haha I know right! Still confusing.

So after orientation we gathered together and was introduced to some traditional Irish music and dance which really got my into the spirit. I have decided to take Intro to traditional Irish music and dance class which will teach me how to play the penny whistle and another Irish flutes. :)

(My roommates and I on the living bridge)

Not all of my roommates have arrived though, now there are four of us which is really nice. The flat is at least not so empty anymore. I am happy to report that two Irish lads will be filling up the rest of the space this weekend. I am very excited to be the only American in my flat, mainly because I can really emurse myself into the three different cultures that make up my flat. And it is really fun to be the only one representing my country, the last couple of nights we've all be trying to learn about each other. My two french roommates don't speak very good English so its all about acting out what we are trying to say. :)

Ireland at Last

Greetings from the Emerald Isle! It is 11:30am, sunny skies and a high of freezing! I have to say, like Oregon, the sun might be out but the wind is a blowing and it's cold. But that is ok! Ireland is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, I was trying to describe Oregon to one of my roommates and I told him that Ireland is about 10 shades greener than Oregon.

(View outside my dorm room)

We arrived at 7am yesterday, unloaded the plane, went through customs and piled on a bus full of fellow UL (University of Limerick) students and began out 30 min drive from Shannon to Limerick.
once we arrived the driving dropped off each student at their village (apartment) and yes I was last. My village Cappavilla, is on the far side of campus with an amazing view into the green country side.

The irish are very kind and funny. I have to say I haven't meant a group of people more willing to laugh at themselves. They don't care what they look like, or if they are making fools of themselves, they just have fun. There is no pressure here, just laid back and fun tales to hear.

(Court Yard in the middle of the main building)

The campus is large, I might invest in a bike of some kind, for those rainy days when I don't have to get drenched. I am very glad that it wasn't raining when we arrive and that for the past two days I've been enjoying the sunshine.

So far two of my roommates have arrived, one is from New Zealand and the other is from France. Not only are they polite and eager to learn more about America, they are excited to share about their home as well. I've learned a lot about both countries. I cooked dinner last night, pasta noodles and sauce, nothing special since we are limited on what we can cook because we don't have much food to begin with. But I was glad to have dinner and a gathering to meet everyone that I will be living with.

Today marks day two, and I am very excited, I hope to travel into the town of Limerick today, or just stay home and catch up on sleep, the time change is a little bit of a challenge. But the wait was well worth it! Ireland is beautiful!

Sleep well America! Let another day begin!