Academic Life

                 











I’m a senior in college—you could say that I’ve been around the block once or twice when it comes to college classes. I’ve had great professors and others that I didn’t particularly like as much as others. When coming to Ireland, I thought that classes would be extremely similar to what I had previously experienced back in Kearney. Man, was I wrong or what? Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday my classmates and I head into the classroom at 10am, usually with coffee or snacks in tow. On Mondays we study Gaelic and Irish culture. Tuesdays are reserved for Irish Literature, and Wednesdays are composed of Irish history lessons from Dr. Marley.  One of the main differences between studying here and studying in Kearney is the fact that the classes are always different. For example, the last two weeks we had a gal come in and teach us how to play the tin whistle. I’m awful at it in case you were wondering. We had another lady come in and teach us about Irish folklore. Another example is that my classmates and I were able to head in Galway and have class in the King’s Head pub for our history class. We learned about the building’s history and had a debate over Oliver Cromwell. There are some similarities too. I still have read quite a bit of material—most of which I have no background to go off of so that makes it a bit harder than the material I learn back home. I still have papers and deadlines that I have to pay attention to as well. I live out of my planner at home, and I live out of my planner here. I love being here and learning about the Irish lifestyle. My favorite thing is being able to learn about such things and experiencing it first hand. There’s quite a bit of American history that I’ve never seen before—a lot that I haven’t experienced back home in relation to our nation’s history. It’s different here. We learned about the Easter Rising and we were able to tour Kilmainham Gaol when we traveled to Dublin. I decided to study abroad to broaden my horizons and I am in all aspects of my life—academically, spiritually, and personally




                             

The Aran Islands and Dublin

To Whomever Wants to Hear About My Ireland Experience:

          I have had a crazy few weeks here in Ireland! Last weekend, I made my way out to the Aran Islands and on Tuesday I was already off to Dublin. The Aran Islands were stunningly beautiful, but the weather was not what I was hoping it would be. In all of my twenty-two years, I do not think I have ever been as thoroughly soaked through like I was after our 10 (ish) mile hike around the Island, and that was even after I bought an extremely stylish and flattering neon yellow poncho. I definitely would love to go back on a nicer day and experience what the islands have to offer even more than I did. The Islands really reminded me of home. It was a very small, tight-knit community. Everyone seemed to know everyone, where they all lived, and everything else about them. For example, our bus driver drove by our tour guide’s house and informed the group that he would be home.

I loved all of the trip, but I did have a favorite part. My favorite part of the Aran Islands was peering down the edge of the cliffs. I watch the waves swell, crash, roar, and repeat into the rocks that I was standing on top of. The ocean was vast and gray tinted with blue. Serene and wild. Beautiful and dangerous. I have never experienced anything like it.

                     

     

    

     
                                  


On Tuesday we left for Dublin, but on the way we stopped at Clonmacnoise. There, we watched a video on the history and a tour guide led us through the grounds. It was eye opening to see how much devastation that can happen, and the people stand back up, rebuild, and continue on. It was a lot to see and I really, really enjoyed stopping there.

While Dublin had a very different feel than the Aran Islands, I loved it just as much. The first day we got there we toured the Kilmainham Gaol. We walked through the different areas and saw first hand how the gaol transformed throughout the years it was used.
The next day, a large portion of our group  travelled a bit out of Dublin and went zip-lining and tree climbing. It was so much fun and a good way to get outside and play. I did get a few bruises that I may or may not still have, but it was worth it.
The day after that, the group was free to do whatever they wanted. Before even coming to Ireland Trinity College was on my list of places to go sometime during my lifespan. And let me tell you it was amazing. Being the nerd girl that I am, I spend 45 minutes in the Long Room, soaking it all in. I can't describe it to you, and the pictures can't do it justice. The smell of the old books hit you like a wall when you walk up the stairs that lead to the library. The shelves are lined with the busts of the elite such as Plato, Newton, and Shakespeare. I could sit in that room and just be for hours. I honestly don't think my heart has ever been as happy in Ireland as it was when I was in that room. How I'm describing it isn't up to par, so I'm going to stop. Just trust me when I say this--you have to go.

       

 

Later on that day, I went to the Irish Whiskey Museum where I learned a lot about some of the lesser known brands of Irish Whiskey. There we went through the history of why and how it was made among other things. It was crazy to realize how much influence the United States had on the success of whiskey throughout history--the Prohibition affected not only us, but a lot of the world. Who knew?

Even later that day (I had a pretty busy day), Sara and I met up with a few other UNK students and checked out the Wax Museum. It was interesting and lighthearted which was a nice change. While being there, Shane, Sara, Marissa and I got to hang out with our childhood friends, a few famous people, and even Dracula.

A Few Differences

Alrighty folks, 

      Since coming to Ireland I have been asked quite a few questions about the cultural differences between Ireland and the good life in Nebraska. I'm not going to lie to you--there are definitely some differences but there are quite a few similarities as well.  One of the huge cultural differences is the difference in language. Where I’m staying, quite a bit of the population can speak Irish fluently, whereas in other areas—not so much. However, ladies, I will say that the Irishmen and their accents are to die for. Especially when they can sing. And that brings in my next point. Music seeps deep into the culture and tradition here. Wherever I go, whether it’s out to a pub or walking around, there is music. It’s one of my favorite parts about Ireland. “Galway Girl” is my jam and I honestly don’t really care who sings it. There is quite a bit more than just traditional Irish music too. I can tell you that the Irish love their Johnny Cash and I found myself singing along to Bon Jovi as well. Where there is music, food is always nearby. As far as having the same food such as candy here as we do at home—it’s a lie. The pop is really quite different as well as the candy. Starburst are strawberry, orange, lemon lime, and black currant. Crazy. The Irish can make a mean tomato soup. I do not say that lightly, either. I would sell my left kidney for the recipe of the soup that I had at a small café while visiting the Aran Islands. One major thing that is similar is how nice the people are. I know I’m biased, but the people here remind me a lot of the folks back home that are always willing to help someone in need without expecting anything in return. If I have a question or concern, everyone I have met has always gone above and beyond to help me. Even with all of the different things I am experiencing here, I feel like it’s home because of the people. I could give you all a hundred reasons why I love it here and I don’t want to leave, but my number one reason will be the people every single time. They’re kind and giving and fun and easy going and willing. I know I didn’t cover all of the bases, and if you have any questions, please feel free to message me on Facebook and I can elaborate a little more for you.

--Lex.

A Little Exploration

Hello all!

            It’s hard to believe that it is already my third week in Ireland. There’s definitely still a part of me that doesn’t believe it myself. I find myself doing something interesting every day, whether it’s at Park Lodge in the cottages or otherwise. This last weekend, my friend group and I decided to spread our wings a little bit and head south to Cork. We left last Thursday, and we came home on Saturday. Thursday morning, we got a taxi and headed to the bus station in Galway. It was all a very new experience for me because I had never been on a public bus before (Yes, I know I live a sheltered life). The bus ride was a little longer than I expected it to be, but I was able to see a lot more of the country in the 3 hours that I was on the bus. Once we got to Cork, we looked for our hostel. Michael, Jessica, Regan, and I originally booked a 14 person mixed dorm because it is so much cheaper than doing it any other way. However, to our surprise when we arrived, the hostel gave us a 4 person private room without the extra cost. That was a nice surprise because we didn’t have to lock our things up. I can’t say that I wasn’t a little disappointed in the night life in Cork. On Thursday night, we met up with the other group of people that travelled to Cork at Bru. This bar had a pretty nice, laid back atmosphere and the beverages were wildly cheaper than any other bar I was at in Cork. However, the group wanted to experience a little bit more than just Bru so we made our way out to Oliver Plunkett Pub. I loved this pub. In the basement, there was rock music, but upstairs they had traditional Irish history and *insert swoon.* However, there was a drawback; the drinks were extremely expensive. I got two drinks and it almost cost me twenty euros. Ouch. Anyway, we tried to go back to Bru, but it closed down at 11:30—and I guess so did every other bar on Thursday night. Reluctantly, Regan, Jess, Michael and I headed back to our hostel grabbing a few pizzas on our back back. Instead of going to bed early to prepare for the adventures for the following day, we decided to stay up. Thursday was definitely a turning point in my relationship with Jess and Michael--we are a wolf pack. The next day we decided we wanted to do a little bit of shopping and do some touristy things. We started walking around and Michael spotted a building that towered over the rest, and we decided we wanted to check it out. We had stumbled upon St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. If any of you get the chance, it’s absolutely stunning. After that, Regan and I headed back to the hostel and Michael and Jessica explored on their own a bit. We ended up back at Bru--the drinks were cheap and the atmosphere was good. I, however, wanted to cut my ears off Friday with the live music that was playing. It was awful. Anyway, we headed home at about 2:00 that night. Originally our bus tickets were for 5 the following day, but we managed to get on an earlier bus and I am so glad that we could. We made it back to Galway and ate there and from there we grabbed another taxi home.