Hello friends and family!
Well, I have officially moved into my dorm room at Trinity College and am no longer living out of my suitcases (for those of you lucky - or unlucky - enough to see my crazy suitcases, you'll understand my enjoyment for ditching them!). However, in my shopping extravaganza to obtain the necessary items for living (i.e. bedding, toiletries, cooking utensils, etc), I seem to have a problem locating clothes hangers of all things. Sooo, while I thankfully have drawers under my bed for most articles of clothing, all my jackets and other attire needing to be hung up are still currently slung over my chair or stacked in a pile on the floor (hence the reason you will not see pictures of my room up here yet...but I do promise they will come soon). The good part about living in the middle of a city: you get exercise walking everywhere. The bad part: you walk everywhere. I did give in at one point during my shopping trip and grabbed a taxi back to my dorm since carrying pillows, a quilt, sheets, and towels got heavy after 2 blocks. Don't worry, it's the only time I've given in to the taxi route so far.
Ok, so the good part about the dorm: location, location, location. It takes me no more than 5 minutes to walk to class every morning. The school gym is across the street (on my way to class). There's a small grocery store half a block away (literally). In between the grocery store and my building is a fantastic Catholic Church. Sooooo, you will not hear me complaining about the living situation really. Oh, and did I mention that my dorm room has a double bed?? I think I am getting spoiled for dorm life.
While classes do not start until next Monday (6th of October), orientation started yesterday for the MBA program. Thanks to the good ol' Irish and their sense of time and providing information, I had no idea until I showed up yesterday at 9am what orientation would entail. I figured it would be a little bit of the ol' "getting to know you" deal with the class and the department folks, with a little team building thrown in for good measure (there are only 30 students in the class). Reality: I was in a classroom until half six (that's Irish lingo for 6:30...PM). AND, we were assigned two case studies to read overnight, in preparation for Tuesday's class on "how to use case studies." It was the first day of orientation, and I stayed up until 12:15am reading the darn articles. And I need to clarify for those who are aware of my procrastination skills: I wasn't procrastinating. The best part of the case study reading: the part that took 90% of the time to read wasn't even discussed. We watched a video put together regarding the study that was used to tell us how to analyze case studies. Grrrrrr.
Ok, now that I'm done venting, here's a bit about my class:
*A little over half are from Ireland (all but about 2 are from the Dublin area)
*5 Americans (one guy from San Fran, and the other girls are from Michigan, NY, and Boston).
*1 Nigerian
*1 South African
*2 Japanese
*1 Chinese
*1 Spaniard
ummm, I think I caught all the nationalities there, but if I forget one now, I'll make up for it later. All in all, 30 students.
I believe that this stage I am the youngest person, but there are one or two people very close to my age. Overall, the average age is probably right around 28-30, so it is still fairly young. Having some folks knowledgeable about Dublin is great, as we get to go to different places around campus for lunch that I probably would never figure out otherwise.
Roommates: only one other girl has moved in at this time, her name is Kate and she is from the East Coast, so a fellow American. She is getting her PhD here, and also got her Masters from Trinity a couple years ago, so it is excellent to have another American who is used to navigating Dublin!
Well, that is the update for now, but I promise to get some more pictures up soon of my room and perhaps more of the school where I will be spending plenty of time....
Turns out that I will be able to come home to CA for Christmas though, so I am excited about that!! Woooot!
Take care everyone, and until later-
Liz
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Back in Dublin, More Pictures
Thursday (Sept. 25) finds me back in Dublin. I left the McGraths in the morning after a lovely week of visiting (Mom, Dad, note my use of the word "lovely"--I'm slowly adjusting). My past few days have been spent reading books for pleasure and visiting with relatives. A total of 3 pints of beer (on separate nights) were consumed, as well as a few glasses of wine. All in all though, a much needed restful break before the craziness of school starts.
Below, as promised last time, are more photos from my adventures. Enjoy!
First 2 photos: from the City of Cork on my bus trip around the city.
Other places around Skeheenarinky:
Left: driveway to the McGraths
Below: Sights around Skeheenarinky
Left: the view from my bedroom window at the McGraths's
Below: Mores shots from around Dublin
Below, as promised last time, are more photos from my adventures. Enjoy!
First 2 photos: from the City of Cork on my bus trip around the city.
Other places around Skeheenarinky:
Left: driveway to the McGraths
Below: Sights around Skeheenarinky
Left: the view from my bedroom window at the McGraths's
Below: Mores shots from around Dublin
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Gaelic Football, My New Favorite Sport
So here I am, down in Skeheenaranky (don't worry, every time I try to pronounce it I mess it up too) visiting with the McGrath family. Life is wonderfully relaxing here, and I have no feeling of needing to rush off and go sightseeing.
I arrived down here on Thursday evening, in enough time to visit over a cup of coffee and then try to politely excuse myself and go pass out for the night. Wednesday night I barely slept at all, a combination of remaining jetlag, the nap I took earlier in the day, and my bedroom at the guesthouse being situated right next to a fairly busy street in Dublin. Oh well.
Friday:
Friday morning I found myself in Cork for the day, having rode in with Kitty since she works in the Library there. While Kitty was at work, I got the pleasure of spending the day around Cork, the 3rd largest city in Ireland. In search of a coffeeshop, I wandered down the street and found myself in an indoor market specializing in mostly meat cuts and pastries. There was a great cafe upstairs, overlooking the market, and I decided this would be the perfect start to my morning. I ordered scrambled eggs with bacon and tomato, and I must say it was the best breakfast yet in Ireland. Perfectly cooked eggs! The coffee was good too, and the first place where the staff actually walked around to top up coffee mugs. For those who know me well enough, you will realize what kind of heaven I was in =). I decided to continue reading my John Grisham novel, and spent a good hour over breakfast, eating and reading.
Next on my agenda was walking the streets of Cork, just trying to soak it all in. The main street in the city center is St. Patrick's street, and it is lined with plenty of shopping and restaurants (including such notable places as Burger King and McDonalds for all the tourists). I found myself in a bookstore and decided to purchase some more books as I was almost done with John Grisham. I remember now why I don't go into bookstores very often - I find it hard to walk out empty handed =) My purchases included a new John Grisham (Playing for Pizza - a complete departure from his normal lawyer/crime plots, and reads much like an inspiring sports flick where the struggling player/team is fighting the odds to win...), as well as some classics - Jane Austin. I never got the chance to read the book you let me borrow Alison (which I gave to my brother to return to you before it would get lost somewhere - so bug him for it if he has yet to return it to you). So now I am well equipped with reading material (of course, ask me at the end of my year how much of it I have read, as I am sure it will hit the backburner during school).
After some window shopping and book purchasing, I found a great coffee shop on St. Patrick's street that Maria had recommended, although I ditched the coffee for tea this time (any more coffee and I would have been shaking the rest of the day) and enjoyed some splendid time finishing my older John Grisham novel and writing in my postcards. From there, it was off to view the Crawford Art Gallery and walk past the Opera House. Finally, I figured it would be great to take another bus tour in order to see parts of the city beyond easy walking distance. It was another of those hop-on hop-off buses, and although I did not get off during the route (time was somewhat of an issue), I now know of a few places I would return to given the opportunity. Interesting tidbit - did you know Cork could theoretically be another Venice? The city used to be made up of numerous islands, but people built over the waterways to make it easier for traveling, so now a good chunk of the streets are built over water. For anyone contemplating going to Cork, a couple things worth checking out: St. Patrick's street obviously, the market I stumbled upon (entrances on both St. Patrick's - through an alley - and on Grand Parade - perpendicular to St. Patrick's), Crawford Art Gallery (it's free and easily doable in an hour), the Shandon area (on a hill, overlooking the city center - reachable by bus or walking), and the old women's jail (a stop on the bus tour). I did not go in the jail, but the bus tour people said it was their recommended stop.
Saturday:
Saturday was a day of rest (ok, I know that is supposed to be Sunday, but at least it’s close!), complemented by simply GORGEOUS weather (by Ireland standards). Everyone here said it hasn’t been this sunny in months. I would like to think I brought it with me from California, but somehow I don’t think I have that much pull with God and his weather plans…
The eventful part of the day was going into town (Mitchelstown, population approx. 8,000) with Katie and her friend Claire. Claire lives and works in Dublin now, but returns home to her family a couple weekends every month. So now I not only have a contact in Dublin, but also a potential ride down here to visit with cousins if I get the chance. We ran a few errands before heading back, and as it was such a nice day, Katie and I took her dog Kiara for a walk in the woods close by – a fantastic park in the forest with plenty of trails and gorgeous scenery. We enjoyed the outdoors until it was time to return for dinner. Dinner was of course meet (chicken) and potatoes, with cooked carrots. Dessert was coffee or tea with tea biscutts (essentially cookies). I think I could get used to this system! The rest of the day I spent relaxing and reading my new John Grisham book.
Ok, so by now you are probably wondering why I titled my blog "Gaelic Football - my new favorite sport!" without yet mentioning anything related. So here you go.
Sunday:
Maria and her friend were off to a “match” on Sunday, and I was offered the chance to go. The “match” was a hurling game, the final between the south counties for under 18 boys. Kitty was driving them, so I spent the match watching with Kitty. Hurling turns out to be a pretty entertaining sport. You get a stick to whack and carry a baseball-like ball, with the goal being to score points, either by whacking it into the goal (essentially a soccer goal) for 3 points, or by whacking it over the goal through the uprights for one point (picture a soccer goal with football uprights above). Plenty of rough hitting and LOTS of running. The ball is often whacked across field and then returned, and I can only imagine the shape people must be in to play this sport. Thankfully, the Skeheenaranky team won handily, and all was well.
Upon returning to the McGrath’s house, it was time for dinner (same line of meal – only this time beef with a gravy-like sauce to go with the potatoes and carrots. Oh and I though of you Kevin, as the gravy contained very delicious onions and mushrooms…yummmmm). Following dinner though, was the all-Ireland Gaelic football championship, pitting a team from Northern Ireland against the team from Kerry. Apparently Kerry was the 2-time champions, going for a third title in a row. To best explain Gaelic football, it’s virtually like Hurling, although there are no sticks. Instead of a baseball-size ball, it’s more of a soccer-size ball. Teams spread the field and move like soccer, but the ball is carried and bounced and sometimes kicked. Another fast-paced, high scoring game. Points are scored just like in Hurling above, 3 for a goal in the net, and 1 for a “field goal.” I saw this is my new favorite sport, because it’s a sports-lovers dream. Fast paced, you get to use both hands and feet, the scores are high (so far a mix between football and soccer), and a little hockey action gets thrown in with the several “disagreements” that tend to break out between players. Talk about entertaining! Of course, people down here were disappointed, as Kerry gave up a few crucial points in the last few minutes, giving Northern Ireland the win. At least I will have discussion points with people I meet since I saw the match (don’t worry, I will try to sympathize and go on about how the ref cheated Kerry out of well-deserved penalties…).
Wow, I have now officially rambled on for 1500 words (why were papers for college never this easy?) and should give you all a rest from reading this jumbo (assuming of course, that anyone is actually reading…lol). I hope you are all well, and best wishes to my sister today as she moves into her dorm for college! Just remember to study a bit Em…hahaha.
Til next time!
Liz
P.S. I have several pictures to add, but the internet here is slow, so I will upload them later this week when I return to Dublin!
I arrived down here on Thursday evening, in enough time to visit over a cup of coffee and then try to politely excuse myself and go pass out for the night. Wednesday night I barely slept at all, a combination of remaining jetlag, the nap I took earlier in the day, and my bedroom at the guesthouse being situated right next to a fairly busy street in Dublin. Oh well.
Friday:
Friday morning I found myself in Cork for the day, having rode in with Kitty since she works in the Library there. While Kitty was at work, I got the pleasure of spending the day around Cork, the 3rd largest city in Ireland. In search of a coffeeshop, I wandered down the street and found myself in an indoor market specializing in mostly meat cuts and pastries. There was a great cafe upstairs, overlooking the market, and I decided this would be the perfect start to my morning. I ordered scrambled eggs with bacon and tomato, and I must say it was the best breakfast yet in Ireland. Perfectly cooked eggs! The coffee was good too, and the first place where the staff actually walked around to top up coffee mugs. For those who know me well enough, you will realize what kind of heaven I was in =). I decided to continue reading my John Grisham novel, and spent a good hour over breakfast, eating and reading.
Next on my agenda was walking the streets of Cork, just trying to soak it all in. The main street in the city center is St. Patrick's street, and it is lined with plenty of shopping and restaurants (including such notable places as Burger King and McDonalds for all the tourists). I found myself in a bookstore and decided to purchase some more books as I was almost done with John Grisham. I remember now why I don't go into bookstores very often - I find it hard to walk out empty handed =) My purchases included a new John Grisham (Playing for Pizza - a complete departure from his normal lawyer/crime plots, and reads much like an inspiring sports flick where the struggling player/team is fighting the odds to win...), as well as some classics - Jane Austin. I never got the chance to read the book you let me borrow Alison (which I gave to my brother to return to you before it would get lost somewhere - so bug him for it if he has yet to return it to you). So now I am well equipped with reading material (of course, ask me at the end of my year how much of it I have read, as I am sure it will hit the backburner during school).
After some window shopping and book purchasing, I found a great coffee shop on St. Patrick's street that Maria had recommended, although I ditched the coffee for tea this time (any more coffee and I would have been shaking the rest of the day) and enjoyed some splendid time finishing my older John Grisham novel and writing in my postcards. From there, it was off to view the Crawford Art Gallery and walk past the Opera House. Finally, I figured it would be great to take another bus tour in order to see parts of the city beyond easy walking distance. It was another of those hop-on hop-off buses, and although I did not get off during the route (time was somewhat of an issue), I now know of a few places I would return to given the opportunity. Interesting tidbit - did you know Cork could theoretically be another Venice? The city used to be made up of numerous islands, but people built over the waterways to make it easier for traveling, so now a good chunk of the streets are built over water. For anyone contemplating going to Cork, a couple things worth checking out: St. Patrick's street obviously, the market I stumbled upon (entrances on both St. Patrick's - through an alley - and on Grand Parade - perpendicular to St. Patrick's), Crawford Art Gallery (it's free and easily doable in an hour), the Shandon area (on a hill, overlooking the city center - reachable by bus or walking), and the old women's jail (a stop on the bus tour). I did not go in the jail, but the bus tour people said it was their recommended stop.
Saturday:
Saturday was a day of rest (ok, I know that is supposed to be Sunday, but at least it’s close!), complemented by simply GORGEOUS weather (by Ireland standards). Everyone here said it hasn’t been this sunny in months. I would like to think I brought it with me from California, but somehow I don’t think I have that much pull with God and his weather plans…
The eventful part of the day was going into town (Mitchelstown, population approx. 8,000) with Katie and her friend Claire. Claire lives and works in Dublin now, but returns home to her family a couple weekends every month. So now I not only have a contact in Dublin, but also a potential ride down here to visit with cousins if I get the chance. We ran a few errands before heading back, and as it was such a nice day, Katie and I took her dog Kiara for a walk in the woods close by – a fantastic park in the forest with plenty of trails and gorgeous scenery. We enjoyed the outdoors until it was time to return for dinner. Dinner was of course meet (chicken) and potatoes, with cooked carrots. Dessert was coffee or tea with tea biscutts (essentially cookies). I think I could get used to this system! The rest of the day I spent relaxing and reading my new John Grisham book.
Ok, so by now you are probably wondering why I titled my blog "Gaelic Football - my new favorite sport!" without yet mentioning anything related. So here you go.
Sunday:
Maria and her friend were off to a “match” on Sunday, and I was offered the chance to go. The “match” was a hurling game, the final between the south counties for under 18 boys. Kitty was driving them, so I spent the match watching with Kitty. Hurling turns out to be a pretty entertaining sport. You get a stick to whack and carry a baseball-like ball, with the goal being to score points, either by whacking it into the goal (essentially a soccer goal) for 3 points, or by whacking it over the goal through the uprights for one point (picture a soccer goal with football uprights above). Plenty of rough hitting and LOTS of running. The ball is often whacked across field and then returned, and I can only imagine the shape people must be in to play this sport. Thankfully, the Skeheenaranky team won handily, and all was well.
Upon returning to the McGrath’s house, it was time for dinner (same line of meal – only this time beef with a gravy-like sauce to go with the potatoes and carrots. Oh and I though of you Kevin, as the gravy contained very delicious onions and mushrooms…yummmmm). Following dinner though, was the all-Ireland Gaelic football championship, pitting a team from Northern Ireland against the team from Kerry. Apparently Kerry was the 2-time champions, going for a third title in a row. To best explain Gaelic football, it’s virtually like Hurling, although there are no sticks. Instead of a baseball-size ball, it’s more of a soccer-size ball. Teams spread the field and move like soccer, but the ball is carried and bounced and sometimes kicked. Another fast-paced, high scoring game. Points are scored just like in Hurling above, 3 for a goal in the net, and 1 for a “field goal.” I saw this is my new favorite sport, because it’s a sports-lovers dream. Fast paced, you get to use both hands and feet, the scores are high (so far a mix between football and soccer), and a little hockey action gets thrown in with the several “disagreements” that tend to break out between players. Talk about entertaining! Of course, people down here were disappointed, as Kerry gave up a few crucial points in the last few minutes, giving Northern Ireland the win. At least I will have discussion points with people I meet since I saw the match (don’t worry, I will try to sympathize and go on about how the ref cheated Kerry out of well-deserved penalties…).
Wow, I have now officially rambled on for 1500 words (why were papers for college never this easy?) and should give you all a rest from reading this jumbo (assuming of course, that anyone is actually reading…lol). I hope you are all well, and best wishes to my sister today as she moves into her dorm for college! Just remember to study a bit Em…hahaha.
Til next time!
Liz
P.S. I have several pictures to add, but the internet here is slow, so I will upload them later this week when I return to Dublin!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Leaving Dublin for a few days
So after a few days, I am done playing the Dublin tourist for a bit and am heading south to visit relatives near Mitchelstown. The weather is actually pretty nice today, with glimpses of actual sun and blue sky! (Glimpses mind you, but better than nothing.)
Since yesterday was a good tourist day, I will share with you a bit of the sightseeing I did. And since I am fairly lazy at times (including now), I will edit part of an email I sent Kevin earlier describing the adventure. Below is the edited text:
"Joke time first. What is the difference between inlaws and outlaws?
.................
...............
........wait for it...........
...........................
......................
The answer: outlaws are wanted.
Ok, so it's a bad joke, but it's one of the several bad ones I heard while taking a bus tour of Dublin today, and it is begging to be shared. My tourist day started with breakfast down the street from the townhouse at which I am staying, at a restaurant/bar combo. Who knew that ordering scrambled eggs and toast would reveal a GIGANTIC plate of food? I tried hard to finish it, but it got the best of me. I didn't get out for breakfast until 9am, so it resulted in me being the only person at the restaurant for breakfast. Thankfully, I brought a book with me anticipating to be eating alone at places throughout the day.
Afterwards, I went on to a Starbucks near Trinity College and enjoyed a cup of coffee while truly kicking back to read my book. I bought another John Grisham (The Broker) at the airport in New York, so that has been my companion. The cool thing about Starbucks here is that if you are going to stay there to drink, they give you your coffee in an actual mug. While in line to order, there was a girl around my age in front of me, with a suitcase tagged by one of the Chicago airports. She seemed pretty excited when I ordered after her and she recognized my American accent and realized she wasn't the only American wandering around. We chatted for a few minutes, and it turned out she was visiting friends down near Cork after finishing grad school in CA and before starting work. It was nice to chat with someone for a bit though.
After my nice reading break at Starbucks, it was time to tour the city via the bus. It was one of those hop-on hop-off buses (left over free pass I received when visiting in January that was still good), and I sat on the top since it was open aired and I could get a better view. The better view was the good part. The bad part: freeeeeezing cold. I had a jacket, but I was wishing I had a scarf the whole time. I also realized what I already had somewhat knowledge of: Dublin is small. Things that on the map looked to be a bit away really aren't that far at all. On the bus we passed by the Guinness Storehouse which is apparently one of the largest breweries in the world (and according to the commentary by the bus driver, the largest one is in Nigeria - also a Guinness plant). And check this out, when Arthur Guinness (founder) signed a lease for the place in Dublin, he signed a 9,000 year lease. The lease is supposedly on display inside, but I didn't go in this time to take the tour (I gotta save some fun things for later). Let's see...we also passed an old jail I toured with my family 5 years ago that housed some of the famous "rebels" (according to the British) of the Easter Rising (when the Irish were fighting for independence). A few famous folk from that day were later executed at the jail. Other stops included Phoenix Park - one of the largest public parks in Europe (and twice the size of New York's Central Park), Old Jameson Distillery, some really old churches and mansions, the Dublin Castle (which I also toured 5 years ago), and some various other stops. I got out on the north side of the city near O'Connell street which is the other big shopping area besides Grafton Street. I walked that street back over the river towards Trinity College and found a Quiznos where I grabbed a sandwich for lunch (can you believe it - all that stuff and it was only lunch time??).
After lunch I walked around a bit more and realized I was exhausted, so I headed back for the guesthouse where I am staying and crashed - for almost 3 hours. I kept telling myself I needed to wake up, but then I would just doze off again. Apparently I am not completely over jet lag...hahaha. I did finally get up though and went out for dinner before returning to the guesthouse for the night. It will be nice to go visit with family I have decided. Simply to spend time with people I know will be a nice change! Plus, by the time I get back to Dublin, there will be plenty to do with school registration and such, which will be a nice change from playing tourist by myself."
I am not sure when I will next update this, as I am not sure of my internet connect abilities while visiting with family. However, I promise to share all good stories as soon as possible! Take care until then-
Liz
Since yesterday was a good tourist day, I will share with you a bit of the sightseeing I did. And since I am fairly lazy at times (including now), I will edit part of an email I sent Kevin earlier describing the adventure. Below is the edited text:
"Joke time first. What is the difference between inlaws and outlaws?
.................
...............
........wait for it...........
...........................
......................
The answer: outlaws are wanted.
Ok, so it's a bad joke, but it's one of the several bad ones I heard while taking a bus tour of Dublin today, and it is begging to be shared. My tourist day started with breakfast down the street from the townhouse at which I am staying, at a restaurant/bar combo. Who knew that ordering scrambled eggs and toast would reveal a GIGANTIC plate of food? I tried hard to finish it, but it got the best of me. I didn't get out for breakfast until 9am, so it resulted in me being the only person at the restaurant for breakfast. Thankfully, I brought a book with me anticipating to be eating alone at places throughout the day.
Afterwards, I went on to a Starbucks near Trinity College and enjoyed a cup of coffee while truly kicking back to read my book. I bought another John Grisham (The Broker) at the airport in New York, so that has been my companion. The cool thing about Starbucks here is that if you are going to stay there to drink, they give you your coffee in an actual mug. While in line to order, there was a girl around my age in front of me, with a suitcase tagged by one of the Chicago airports. She seemed pretty excited when I ordered after her and she recognized my American accent and realized she wasn't the only American wandering around. We chatted for a few minutes, and it turned out she was visiting friends down near Cork after finishing grad school in CA and before starting work. It was nice to chat with someone for a bit though.
After my nice reading break at Starbucks, it was time to tour the city via the bus. It was one of those hop-on hop-off buses (left over free pass I received when visiting in January that was still good), and I sat on the top since it was open aired and I could get a better view. The better view was the good part. The bad part: freeeeeezing cold. I had a jacket, but I was wishing I had a scarf the whole time. I also realized what I already had somewhat knowledge of: Dublin is small. Things that on the map looked to be a bit away really aren't that far at all. On the bus we passed by the Guinness Storehouse which is apparently one of the largest breweries in the world (and according to the commentary by the bus driver, the largest one is in Nigeria - also a Guinness plant). And check this out, when Arthur Guinness (founder) signed a lease for the place in Dublin, he signed a 9,000 year lease. The lease is supposedly on display inside, but I didn't go in this time to take the tour (I gotta save some fun things for later). Let's see...we also passed an old jail I toured with my family 5 years ago that housed some of the famous "rebels" (according to the British) of the Easter Rising (when the Irish were fighting for independence). A few famous folk from that day were later executed at the jail. Other stops included Phoenix Park - one of the largest public parks in Europe (and twice the size of New York's Central Park), Old Jameson Distillery, some really old churches and mansions, the Dublin Castle (which I also toured 5 years ago), and some various other stops. I got out on the north side of the city near O'Connell street which is the other big shopping area besides Grafton Street. I walked that street back over the river towards Trinity College and found a Quiznos where I grabbed a sandwich for lunch (can you believe it - all that stuff and it was only lunch time??).
After lunch I walked around a bit more and realized I was exhausted, so I headed back for the guesthouse where I am staying and crashed - for almost 3 hours. I kept telling myself I needed to wake up, but then I would just doze off again. Apparently I am not completely over jet lag...hahaha. I did finally get up though and went out for dinner before returning to the guesthouse for the night. It will be nice to go visit with family I have decided. Simply to spend time with people I know will be a nice change! Plus, by the time I get back to Dublin, there will be plenty to do with school registration and such, which will be a nice change from playing tourist by myself."
I am not sure when I will next update this, as I am not sure of my internet connect abilities while visiting with family. However, I promise to share all good stories as soon as possible! Take care until then-
Liz
Monday, September 15, 2008
First Day Wanderings
Here are some pictures from my first day adventuring around Dublin:
Above
Top: My room at Fitzwilliam Townhouse
Bottom: Grafton Street (shopping street)
Below: Shots around Trinity College
Left:
The building straight ahead (where the glass door/windows are) is the Business School where I will be spending MANY hours over the next year....
Below: St. Stephen's Green (park in the city center)
Above
Top: My room at Fitzwilliam Townhouse
Bottom: Grafton Street (shopping street)
Below: Shots around Trinity College
Left:
The building straight ahead (where the glass door/windows are) is the Business School where I will be spending MANY hours over the next year....
Below: St. Stephen's Green (park in the city center)
Arrival in Dublin
Well, after two flights and a few days of visiting Kristen, I have finally arrived in Dublin safely. My flight to Dublin of course got delayed a bit, but I am now relaxing at the Fitzwilliam Townhouse near the city center of Dublin, and definitely enjoying the ability to spread my stuff out a bit.
Agenda for now: get my student loan money (gosh darn Lehman Brothers failing the weekend before I get my student loan check - let's just hope the exchange rate hasn't been butchered overnight), open a bank account, get a mobile phone. Oh, and probably find some food, as I haven't eaten since dinner at Kristen's place. Details.
Attached are a few photos from NYC, but plenty more from Dublin are coming! I hope everyone is well and I promise there will be more exciting things to blog about later.
Concert and events in Union Square
Kristen shows off a mural she helped paint as a fundraiser for CFC
Agenda for now: get my student loan money (gosh darn Lehman Brothers failing the weekend before I get my student loan check - let's just hope the exchange rate hasn't been butchered overnight), open a bank account, get a mobile phone. Oh, and probably find some food, as I haven't eaten since dinner at Kristen's place. Details.
Attached are a few photos from NYC, but plenty more from Dublin are coming! I hope everyone is well and I promise there will be more exciting things to blog about later.
Concert and events in Union Square
Kristen shows off a mural she helped paint as a fundraiser for CFC
The official picture of me and Kristen out and about in NYC (Grand Central in this case)
Kristen and Alec at Kristen's apartment in Brooklyn.
Friday, September 12, 2008
In NYC!
Hey everyone! I made it half of the way to Dublin, and am currently enjoying Brooklyn and NYC with Kristen =) I am getting well-prepared for Dublin weather, as it rained all day today. However, Kristen and I took it on and conquered that darn rain. I am getting closer to adjusting to the time difference. I mean, I should have it down by the time I leave on Sunday....
I realized yesterday on the plane that I am definitely beyond college days and have embraced the financial world - it hit me as I was glued to msnbc tv on jetblue, listening to the day on wall street and the latest happenings with Lehman Brothers. And then I looked up a row to my right where three college-aged guys were talking about drinking beer and watching reality shows on their tvs. Wow. What happened to me???
At any rate, on my first full day in New York: I have officially decided that traveling and exploring cities outside of home (in my case, NYC currently) is WAY more fun when you are spending time with someone who lives there. You get a completely different perspective on the place. I love it! We went to the salon today, and I helped Kristen go apartment shopping. The best part of the apartment shopping was the overly eager guy from the realty place who kept reiterating that the next place he was taking us to was the best place on the market for its price. He did this time and again....in the rain....over several blocks....hahaha. Gotta love it.
Ok, enough for now. I hope everyone is well in California! I miss you guys already but am also looking forward to all that is ahead of me.
I realized yesterday on the plane that I am definitely beyond college days and have embraced the financial world - it hit me as I was glued to msnbc tv on jetblue, listening to the day on wall street and the latest happenings with Lehman Brothers. And then I looked up a row to my right where three college-aged guys were talking about drinking beer and watching reality shows on their tvs. Wow. What happened to me???
At any rate, on my first full day in New York: I have officially decided that traveling and exploring cities outside of home (in my case, NYC currently) is WAY more fun when you are spending time with someone who lives there. You get a completely different perspective on the place. I love it! We went to the salon today, and I helped Kristen go apartment shopping. The best part of the apartment shopping was the overly eager guy from the realty place who kept reiterating that the next place he was taking us to was the best place on the market for its price. He did this time and again....in the rain....over several blocks....hahaha. Gotta love it.
Ok, enough for now. I hope everyone is well in California! I miss you guys already but am also looking forward to all that is ahead of me.
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