Doolin/Cliffs of Moher/Aran Islands

This weekend was a very busy one. I felt like I didn't stop moving.  Friday night my friends and I decided to go out to the stables for the international stop light party.  You could say we probably had a few to many drinks.  We went to bed way to late and had to wake up for an 8 am bus ride.  It was not an easy ride.  Needless to say we made it and got to Doolin where our hostel was.

Our Hostel! 

The hike up hill begins

Once stepping off the bus checking in and locking our bags up we off for our hike.  We hiked from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher.  Up hill it was an 8 mile hike... my calves were burning.  As soon as we got to the cliffs and saw the view it was totally worth it.  We walked almost the entire edge of the cliffs. It was just astonishing how high up you are and they are so beautiful.  At one point we reached the gate that says Danger Keep Out!  Well signs don't really mean what they say because, us and about 100 other people climbed over it to walk the rest of the cliffs.  After we finished up there is was another long hike back, but we somehow made it.

Later that night the girls and I went out to eat at a local pub.  Now, Doolin is a very small town and when 8 girls walked into this little old pub you can believe we got some stares.  We ordered our food which was delicious and the bartender was curious about our stay there so we answered his questions or as they say (queries).  We decided to make it an early night with no drinks since the next morning we had a big boat ride ahead of us.  The funny part about our hostel was that we split up into two rooms so we would all fit.  5 of the girls stayed in a 5 bed room private and Moira and I stayed in the 2 bed room private.  The difference between the other girls room and ours was that their room actually had 5 beds while ours had 1 double bed.  That's not what we pictured when we booked it.  I'm sure the hostel owner probably thought we were dating when he gave us a weird look, but oh well. You win some and lose some.

The Happy Hooker

The next morning we made our way to the pier which was only a 2 mile walk.  Not a big deal after yesterdays adventure.  Our boat was called the "Happy Hooker" a real charmer if you ask me.  We toured the coast and stopped at the smallest of the islands.  It was so gorgeous the water was crystal clear blue and the town so quaint.  We spent two hours there just relaxing and enjoying the scenery.  Next, we got on another boat that headed to see the Cliffs of Moher from a different perspective.  We neared the cliffs and I ran to the very front of the boat.  The sight of looking up at the cliffs was breath taking.  The words I am typing and the pictures shown honestly can't describe the feeling of seeing them in real life and that close from the boat.  If anyone is to visit Ireland and see the cliffs I couldn't recommend anything more than to take the boat tour to the cliffs.  The money was totally worth it!

My weekend was so nice and relaxing minus my hike, but then again I hiked the coast of Ireland.  Not many people would say they did that touring there.  When we told the hostel owner that we hiked it his response was "you did what!"  He said he hasn't heard of many people doing it but he agreed the views seen along the way must of been worth it.

We got even got closer to the cliffs!

Once I got home I skyped my parents! This seems to be coming a common theme on sunday nights and  I LOVE IT!  It's hard to skype both of them at the same time but when I get to I appreciate it so much!  My mom, sister and Mrs. Spear leave for there trip to Ireland tomorrow.  I can't describe how giddy I am to see them!  I wish them nothing but safe and easy travels.  I can't tell you how many times I have contemplated on taking taxi at 6:30 am to the airport to meet them when their plane arrives.  The taxi is just a little over priced for it =( Anyway, stay tuned for the next big thing.  Sir Arthur's 200th year celebration on Thursday.  Kinda a big deal so stories will be posted!

Love and miss everyone,
Kierstin <3

A Sight to See

So I haven't blogged in awhile therefor, I have a lot to say. Get ready!

Last weeks classes went well.  Super boring lectures and some are harder than others.  I know I'll be able to get through them though.  Understanding my teachers is harder than I thought it would be.  Yes, they speak english, but Irish tend to talk a faster, softer, and use awkward phrasings.  They spell things wrong and it's so irritating lol! For example, in my international management course we talk about globaliZation a lot, but the teacher spells it globalisation.  I guess I'll just have to get used to it.  Don't worry Daddy they are accommodating in some ways. I sit in a left handed desk in my Economics of Natural Resources course.

So style here is obviously a little different.  I knew that coming here, but now seeing it for myself it's odd.  So there are two types of ways guys dress.  One, is that they are business like and wear jeans and a button up or dress pants and a nice shirt.  That is okay and actually good taste!  On the other hand boys here think Hollister is in or its just cheap to buy.  Whatever is true it's awful!! BOYS, we are not in middle school anymore you look foolish! Ok now that is out of my system we can move on to discuss the girls.  So back in the states when I got to class it's yoga pants a hoodie and baseball hat.  Classy but comfortable!  Seriously, school and 8 a.m. classes are not meant to be for fashion.  Well here girls dress up nice 24/7.  It's like they are trying to show us up or something.  Me on the other hand am way to lazy for that everyday.  I need my sweatshirt every once in awhile.  I have to admit they do have really good taste though very high fashion quality most of the time.  You could say I'm maybe a tad bit jealous.

Moira and I have been going to the gym.  Let's just say beer and cider are not very low in calories.  Anyway, I wish we would of started going earlier because duhh little did we know the rugby team lives in there.  When your in the gym it is very obvious to pick out the Irish boys from the American ones.  The Irish boys all wear short shorts!

Anyone coming to stay in Europe I have to advise you at all times the B.O. here is not good!  People shower maybe every three days because they think it's a waste.  Sorry guys I think I'll shower everyday I'm selfish I know.

Walking around campus I should probably just have a sticker stamped on my forehead that says American because, I use my pink north face book bag.  Girls here have cute purses or bags they bring to class.  I'm not cut out for that.

Food! So going out to eat the food is delicious.  Chicken rolls are a really popular option anywhere you go.  The stew and fish n chips are never a disappointment.  Some problems are that....WHAT KIND OF COUNTRY DOESN'T HAVE RANCH!  I cant find it anywhere.  At first everywhere I went the ketchup either tasted like beer or fruit.  I swear!  Finally, I came across the most prize possession a Pittsburghee could find. HEINZ KETCHUP!  Much to my surprise it didn't taste like real heinz ketchup.  Turns out I learned they use more vinegar in there recipe.  Also, I'd like to point out M&M's, Coke and Skittles do not taste the same either.  In Ireland butter is the name of the game.  Butter is used in mass amounts on anything that is edible.  In the states we use mayo typically on our sandwiches.  Here it's of course butter and sadly I have started to conform to this and have been putting it on my turkey and cheese sandwiches.  Don't judge!

Ok I know that was a lot dull information but hey you learned something right.  Some of my friends have been teaching me some Gaelic.  So I'll leave you with a little something you'll hear in the streets or pubs.

Póg mo thóin!

Okay I'm off to class and I promise when I get back I'll share my gorgeous weekend in Doolin where I saw the Aran islands and the Cliffs of Moher. 

Galway

Brace yourself when reading this I promise it all turned out perfect.

So, this weekend was our first real trip.  A real learning experience if you ask me. Moira and I bought our tickets online booked the hostile for everybody.  Well, everything was going well until the day we were leaving.  We woke up late of course.  Greg showed up to meet us for the bus but our friends Ryan and Kelly were no where to be found.  Our bus came to take us to the bus station and we didn't know whether to get on it or not.  We decided not to wait for the other two.  They can catch the next one and we will meet up.  Once we got to the bus station well of course my ticket and Moira's ticket was invalid and we needed new ones.  We would have to cancel our other ones to receive our money back.  GREAT!  Turns out the right ones were cheaper anyway.  Now we are just waiting for the refund which they said we would get.  Finally Kelly and Ryan show up two minutes before the non-stop to Galway is about to leave.  We all got on!!  Once we got to Galway we found our hostile and everyone's reservation is there except mine.  Just my luck.  My card they tried online was declined.  DECLINED! What no I just used it yesterday there is money on it. Tons of money! So thank god my mother is witty and sent me with another credit card.  That one worked and we were all set to go explore Galway.


Galway pretty much puts Limerick to shame.  Anything from the town to the river walk to the beach just GORGEOUS!  We decided to grab lunch and I got my first Irish fish n chips.  I chose Hake as my fish.  I have never heard of it but why not try something new.  It was really good I'd recommend it.  After lunch we just decided to do a self walking tour of the city.

We were all a little chilly and tired of walking so we decided to go to a cafe and grab some coffee.  The cafe was so cute and they sold so many types of drinks. There was strawberry hot chocolate that had my name on it.  Anything they made was like coffee art.  My drink had floral whipped cream topping with strawberries and a chocolate glaze.  

After our drinks we wondered around town and came across gates being put up for some kind of race.  We found out it was the Ireland Cannonball.  Basically,  a bunch of rich people showing off their cars and drag racing through the streets.  We waited and waited for this thing to start.  Finally, we heard a bunch of cheering and thought oh this must be it!

NOPE! Just your everyday man dressed as a woman running through the streets.

But eventually the cars did come.

NIGHT LIFE! 

We went back to our hostile cleaned up a little and grabbed some dinner.  Then it was time to hit the pubs.  Galway is known for it's night life so we were excited to experience it.  We went to three pubs but by far my favorite was Kings Head Pub.  There was a live band and I think they liked Moira, Kelly and I.  The lead singer let us sing some parts on the microphone and the Guitarist gave us his hat.  All through the pub there were stag parties (bachelor party) and hen parties (bachelorette party).  I think one guy was slightly interested in me.  After five minutes of talking there was a proposal. 

We broke up sadly after he bought me a drink and we all decided to head back to down to the band.  All in all the my trip was a success and If I had the opportunity to go back to Galway and do it again I would!!!

We ended the night with a photo of some Irish boys because we can't not document that! =)

Finishing out my week

So to finish out my week classes were pretty dull. Having no class on Friday is pretty clutch though.  The foam party on Wednesday night was fun but after awhile it was absolutely freezing.  When the Irish put on a party they don't joke around the entire courtyard was filled with students.  There were 5 foam cannons placed around, a fire breather act, and a stage with a DJ.  We have been really lucky with weather here!  Warm days and little rain.  Our Irish roommates are super crazy but nice!  Every weekend they will usually go home. The boys claim they don't know how to wash their clothes or cook.  So they pack up their clothes to get washed and mom sends them back to school with meals and clean clothes.  It's pretty sad.  I made Kean do dishes today I think he was gonna cry but the girls found it amusing.

I'm starting to get used to passing anything from cows to horses on my walk to class.  It is so cool just  to walk along a path where animals graze.

Well anyway this weekend a bunch of us planned a trip to Galway! We are leaving Saturday morning so I will be sure to come back with lots of pictures and stories =). 

First Day of School!

Had my first class yesterday!  Super scary.  The way classes work here is that you take a 2 hour lecture once a week with oh about 400+ students.  Then once a week you meet in a tutorial for a smaller class and basically have a group discussion.  The first two weeks are just lectures therefor, they are pretty easy.  I had my finance lecture and I think I will have no problem attending it because my professor is GORGEOUS!  I think I stared at his left hand for a good 10 minutes to see if he had a ring.  Stalker status but oh well.  

FRESHERS WEEK!

Okay I know what your thinking I'm supposed to be here for school and I'm at a paint party.  Well, they have what they call freshers week and each night is a different themed party.  Moira and I agreed you only live once so why not buy tickets to the whole week.  Yes, it was a bit costy but we had to do it.  Anyway, before we left our Irish roommates had a bunch of lads over.  They were all so nice and we really got along with them.  They played their Irish music for us and sang along in unison.  It was actually quite funny/amazing.  So I'm assuming you have all seen the movie "P.S. I Love You" Right?  Well in the movie when Holly is visiting Ireland she goes to the pub where Gerry is playing.  He sings a song called "A Galway Girl."  All the boys were singing it last night in the kitchen and I can't even tell you how much I loved it.  I even knew some of the words.  I guess that means I may have watched that movie one to many times. Oops! So here's a clip if you don't know what I'm talking about.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUcT__6WlIU

   

After math of the paint party! I sent my sister some videos hopefully she got them and will maybe show you.

Today, I had another lecture and it went well.  The class is Irish Literature so it might be kind of interesting.  Not looking forward to buying all the books I have to read though. 

One of the great things about living with Irish Students is that they are really teaching us a lot.  But then again we are teaching them just as much.  Today, I'm casually making a PB&J and my roommates Keiran, Conner, and Kean asked what it was.   I did not know they had never heard of PB&J's before.  I made them try them and this was the result!

                                                            

The girls and I went into town today for a trip to King John's Castle.  Walking around city centre was a trip itself.  All the houses and buildings are so adorable.  Once we got in town we just ventured around till we found the entrance to the castle.

That apparently was not it lol.  

Anyway, we took our tour and learned the history of it which was amazing.  Then of course we did what all american students do...Frolic through the castle

Ok. Ok. all jokes aside it was beautiful and below the castle were actual ruins of house that were sunken below. All in all i'm so excited to see the rest of Ireland.  Walking around the town today I think it actually hit me that. Yes! I am living here for 3 1/2 months.  We went to lunch at a local pub that was awesome.  We are making plans to go back and have a pint one night.

Ahh yesterday was finally a somewhat of a relaxing day.  We slept in and got a normal 8 hours of sleep. FINALLY!!  Nicole, Moira, and I made breakfast and did as kids in the States do and watched the movie "Princess and the Frog".  After that, we went on to campus to the library to work out our class schedules and school stuff.  I have never been in a library where there is monitor security who walk around.  They take their silence super seriously.  I got to skype my Dad and Grandma which was precious because, I haven't had anytime to talk to him.  It was sooooo good to see his face. Love you Daddy!  After dinner we went to our friends village Kilmurry across the way. And when I mean across the way I mean a 15-20 minute walk!  Anyway, it was our friend Tim's birthday.  He was turning 21, crazy exciting if your in the States.  Right!  Well, turns out he is from Amsterdam and not really a big deal.  Still we made sure he had candles to blow out and champagne to pop.  Our friend Patrick from Ireland was there and taught lots of things.  He told me many times he was "taking the piss" and my response was good for you???  Turns out it just means that someone is just "joking or messing with you."
Well today we are taking our first trip!  Just a small one on the other side of town to King John's Castle.  We heard it's beautiful so i'll be back with pictures for you all.

Love and miss you all,
Kierstin <3

First Days!

Hi all!!!

So my friends got me on the idea to start a blog.  This is mostly for my friends and family but also for myself.  Something I can have to look back on more than pictures and you all to read the stories behind the pictures.  So far, everything has been super crazy busy! and the time difference is really cutting into my sleep time with talking to people back home therefor I'm exhausted.  Nevertheless I am having the time of my life learning so much.

The first day I got here I stepped right into the Irish Culture!  From the airport we took a taxi provided by the school.  Our taxi driver was quite the charmer for an old guy.  He was born and raised in Limerick and told us a lot of good tips about the city.  He showed us pictures of his family and made sure to tell us his sons were eligible ;) The drive there was gorgeous.  We passed a few smaller castles and went straight through town and over the Shannon River.  Here is a picture I took of the city.

Once arriving to my village lugging 3 suitcases to my house was quite the challenge. Eventually I got settled in and met my roommates.  I live with 5 girls and 3 boys...yes boys!  Courtney is from Wisconsin, Katie from ohio, Lindsey from Illinois, and Moira from Minnesota.  Oh did I forget to mention the boys are all from Ireland lol.  I have yet to meet them because they move in Sunday.

So right away the craziness began.  I came back to my house after a trip in town and met Nicole in my kitchen who lived across the street.  She is from Wisconsin and knew Courtney from school.  Over about a period of 20 minutes Moira, Nicole, and I became a trio of friends.  We had the whole package a blonde (me), red head (nicole), and brunette (Moira).  We all decided to check out the campus and found ourselves at the campus pub called The Stables.  The place is nuts and naturally I have to get a Guinness.  I loved it! The night was filled with meeting so many other people from the US and Europe and of course dancing you can't forget the dancing.  I would like to remind everyone I was going on being awake for 40 hours and still wearing the same clothes I traveled in as the day before.

ORIENTATION:
Thursday, the long process of orientation began.  Lecture after speech after presentation of information I could barely retain.  It was so interesting to hear all the Irish speak and use words I have never heard of which I can tell you  I'll be explaining throughout the blog.  Our group became friends and there is a statue on campus that is called "Brown Thomas" by all the Irish students.  Well us being immature Americans we renamed it for our stay.  His new name was "Steve".  Quite original I know.  Anyway we decided Steve was going to have different characters everyday and we would take pictures with him.  So throughout the semester you'll see on facebook a brown statue with dumb americans posing around it. After touring the campus we ate a traditional Irish meal and headed back the village to try and rest up.  That lasted for about 30 minutes when a knock on our door tells us to go out to the stables again.


Friday we went grocery shopping at ALDI's which is awesome. My friend Moira had a bank crisis.  She couldn't get her card to work at the ATM or in the bank.  Therefor leaving her with no money!  Eventually, she got in contact with her parents and it all got sorted out. Thank Heavens!  Moira, Nicole and I decided to venture around the campus to see the Plassey house and the living bridge at night which is gorgeous.  

Later that night is was International night and we went to meet and greet yet again at the stables.  I of course had on my cowgirl boots, jeans, tank top, and my gold hoops that I wear every other day at home. Well little did I know... two irish boys had informed me that irish travelers or gypsies wear gold hoops... I freaked took them out and they had a good laugh saying to keep them in I don't look like a traveler at all.  Still I don't think i'll be wearing those earring again while in Ireland.

So I think your all caught up on most of it as my adventure is beginning.  Hope you stay tuned and hope I keep up with this.

Love and Miss you all
Kierstin <3