Your usual field trip to DUBLIN

After having just left Dublin, I headed straight back.

My Irish Art class was taking a field trip to see the Book of Kells, The National Historic museum, and the National Art museum on Saturday. Bright and early we met over at the Quad on campus and began the 2.5 hour journey to Dublin. I slept the entire way there. Didn't even know we stopped really! 

Hoped into the Q ((that's a line of people)) for the Book of Kells. Shortly after we got inside and headed to the informational walkway.

You're unable to take pictures of the Book of Kells but we went upstairs to the "long room" and it was a brilliant looking library full of so much history and neat looking books.

For those who don't know ....

The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure. 

Example of a tomb entrance. Notice the motifs on the
rock! They were pretty "doodle" like.

 DEAD BODIES. These are preserved bodies that were found in a bog... they were pretty gross. But at the same time SUPER awesome.








A little French woman was walking alongside Sarah and I - she was hilarious. At one point she reached forward and went "tickle - tickle - tickle" to one of their feet! Maybe it was a "you had to be there thing" but nonetheless priceless.

 

Tara Brooch 

The Tara Brooch is a Celtic brooch of about 700 AD generally considered to be the most impressive of over 50 elaborate Irish brooches to have been discovered. It was found in 1850 and rapidly recognised as one of the most important works of early Christian Irish Insular Art! We're learning about it's history and relevance to the present art we see now but what's incredible is that I GOT TO SEE THE ACTUAL ONE! 

The Ardagh Chalice consists of the chalice, a much plainer stemmed cup in copper-alloy, and four brooches, three elaborate pseudo-penannular ones, and one a true pennanular brooch of the thistle type. What's neat is the bottom is really elaborate because that's what would be seen by the public. Little fun fact. 

Ardagh Chalice

We're all one in the same - kinda

Gibberish. At first I heard gibberish.

Their accents were super thick, the slang was an adjustment, and I constantly felt rude for saying "What?" so many times during one conversation. Now I'm even thinking with an Irish accent!! (That might be a little stretch.)

What's the craic? How's the craic? = What's happening? How is it going?
You are an eejit. = You're an idiot.
Come off it! = Drop it, stop talking about it.
Unreal, Savage, Class = Awesome
Culchie = Someone from the country, not city life
Mineral = Soda
Chip = French fries
Taytos & Hunky Dorys = American chips
Mot (mutt) = Girlfriend
What's that yoke? = What's that thing? - unidentified object
Jaysus = Wow! Holy smokes!
I'm grand. = I'm fine, lovely.
Are you plenty? = Are you happy? pleased?
Git = Annoying person, rude
Fag = cigarette
Fair play! = Well done! Congratulations!

That's about all I can think of that I've heard more than once. A big adjustment that is still going to take a little work is the roads thing. They're on the opposite side of the road and I just about can't seem to remember that. You walk everywhere, literally everywhere — which means you almost get run over by 2-3 cars per outing. It seems dangerous but tonight I felt pretty confident with my walking and lived to tell the tale.

Housing -- oyy with the housing! Living is SO different in the smallest of ways. The bathroom is where all the knick knacks and changes are most found.

Toilets don't have but a couple ounces of water in the bottom, in order to save water. Then you flush between two buttons (( you're smart, you can figure that out )) or flush with the handle. Mine is a handle flush and it doesn't really add any water to the bowl. It's odd.

Showers are made to preserve the hot water and save on heating and be efficient. Cold showers do occur. Every apartment has a water heater that is on a setting called "timed." This means that the water will heat up during the middle of the night and allow for hot water the next day. FALSE. It allows for a certain amount of hot water for the lucky ones. You snooze, you lose. Hot water. Literally.

Outlets. Well yes I knew that I would need a converter, I didn't realize I would need an extension cord as well. The locations of the outlets are odd. They are not any in the bathroom and the ones in the bedroom are all above the desk. In order to do you hair you need to open the closet with a mirror on it or my favorite - using photo booth. GUILTY! :))

Outside of the house is crazy how much they take care of their environment. Which makes sense, it's your place of living and you SHOULD take care of it.
1. There are 5 different garbage cans. Liquid waste, food waste, paper, recyclable cans, and general waste.
2. People will pick up trash that they just find - ALL the time.
3. Store do not give you bags, you use reusable ones that you buy for a Euro at Dunnes stores.
4. If you require plastic bags you will be charged 1 Euro for every 4 bags.
5. Pop is served in cans not plastic or throw away glasses - ever. Recycle bins nicely located everywhere.
6. Outlets must be individually turned on and off. There is a small "on-off" switch next to each one.
7. They ask repeatedly that if not being used a light is off.
and my favorite ...
8. Water dispensing machines. Filtered water machines are found throughout campus to promote not having throw away water bottles and refilling instead. PS: It's free. So why pay?

It's crazy how much they take care of the environment in the simplest of ways, but truly do make an impact! The U.S. should really think about the difference we could make with adopting some of these small techniques.

Boys.

The Irish boy/man is brilliant. He nods and says "Hello my lady." Nothing derogatory or sarcastic, just a sincere greeting. They hold every door open for you and all your friends. After conversing it's not unlikely they'll shake your hand and give it a kiss. They dress like Abercrombie models with a twist of Calvin Klein and so much David Beckham swag. They're a work of art, some of them! Always an oddball.

The women are fascinating. They wear such comfortable outfits but look so good! Dresses with tights and boots and overside sweaters are a hit thing during the day. Decorative, thick tights under shorts with boots are totally in. The green army jackets are a must around here! Jean material is worn as oversized shirts with a scarf, cardigan, leggings, and cute flat shoes. The leather jacket. You wear it to class, you wear it to the store, you wear it over everything and anything. Scarves look great with it, necklaces fit nicely, it's genius. Night life strikes and the women are showing up in some serious style. There are all lengths of dresses out and all sorts of heights of heels. With business jackets or THE leather jacket over top. Curled hair, straight hair, no matter it's probably out of their face and up.

If you know my style at all - I LOVE THIS.

Final adjustment that is old, real fast — COBLESTONE.

My dogs are constantly barking from walking on that. My heels are torn up from my shoes and the bottoms are so incredibly sore. How women wear heels across it, people ride bikes so smoothly, and not ruin a good amount of shoes every year is astounding. But well played Galway, well played.

Surely I will notice more and more as the trip continues but this is a little for you to ponder as I continue living my Irish dream!!

Meeting Edmond!

first day of school at NUI Galway :)

           

Two views of probably one of my favorite spots! Down below is the Angler club! Similar to a Gentlemen's club, country club, or private golf course this is for members only. But we worked our way into getting an inside peek. 

        

EDMOND, NED, PROFESSIONAL ANGLER

These are the views of the where the anglers normally are. It's incredible that these men are out there early in the morning, during the day, all evening, and right back at it the next morning! Edmond is already my favorite. He stands right at the top because as we were informed, he is too old to get in the water so he fishes from above. Edmond taught us a little Old Irish, history of angling, and to enjoy our trip! :) He handed me this little "business" card looking paper out of his wallet and explained to me that I should keep track of it and email him when I'm back in the states and tell him of my trip. Everyday we take this path over to Shoppe Street we peek over to see if we can catch a glimpse of Edmond. Surely we will stop by and say hello before leaving again.

-- just to reassure my mom that I am
feeding myself. I'm new to the grocery
shopping! :)

All my classes are rather enjoyable! Irish Art while at first seemed to be a dull class, the teacher is pretty engaging and the artifacts are fascinating. What really makes the class awesome is that on Saturday we're going to Dublin and seeing the artifacts for ourself! That's what I find so awesome about taking these classes - the history is all around us!! And they take us to experience it.

My archaeological class is not QUITE what I thought it would be - it's much better. For example, we learn about portal tombs and the art/rituals that were found there. Then, our field trips are to prehistoric hills and dig sites of tombs! Plus, the teacher is really cool.

Then I decided to attend the language classes that is twice a week for no credits. It falls between other classes I'm enrolled in and require zero outside work. All we do is learn to speak Old Irish. It sounds sort of like Hebrew/German/French all mixed together. It's really sweet though to be able to say "hello," "thank you," and "goodbye" in their native language.

Kate, Sarah, Courtney, and Rachel by the Angler's Club!
"People come into your life for a reason."

I just walked 500 miles.

Sometimes I don't look forward to walking across campus to the student center - now I walk across the city to get to campus! You have to leave 30 minutes before class in order to get there just on time... and to get downtown you need to allow yourself about 20+ minutes. But the walk is beautiful and I'm in Ireland and there is nothing to truly complain about!

NUIG was founded in 1845 as Queen’s College, Galway. In 1908 the Irish Universities Act made the college a constituent college of the new National University of Ireland, and under a new charter the name of the college was changed to the University College, Galway. Since a third times a charm, in 1997 the college changed its name what now is currently known as the National University of Ireland, Galway. NUIG is one of Ireland’s most popular and prestigious centers for higher education. NUIG is located about five minutes from city center and stretches along the River Corrib.

A little back way from school to downtown takes me right past this church! It's a beautiful sight and directly across from the river!

This is one of the many pictures of Shoppe Street! It's where it's at, let me tell you. On this street is ALL the good stores, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and street performers! Every time you walk down the street there is constantly crazy performances and people just enjoying life. I envy those who are just walking around chatting on a Tuesday afternoon. One thing I've learned that the warmest time of the day (if it's not raining) is 3-5pm! 

It's strange honestly. You're told it rains constantly here. Allow me to clarify! Yes, it does rain everyday. But only for 10 minutes and it's a spitting mist rather than solid rain drops. We've become such locals that it doesn't even phase us anymore. [Maybe a little.] I've stopped wearing my yellow rain coat as much and you learn to do your hair accordingly. 

The King's Head is a local pub that is well known amoung all in Ireland! What cracks me up about this photo is the waitress who made an appearance on the right. Gotta love 'dem locals!

This is my group of fellow ISA travelers. Dermott and Mark (our ISA leaders) took us on a walking tour of Galway, little did I know that we would walk the perimeter of the town. Here we posed under the Spanish Archway by the Galway Bay. The Spanish Arch is originally an extension of the city wall from Martin's Tower to the bank of the Corrib, as a measure to protect the city's quays, which were located in the area once known as the Fish Market (now Spanish Parade). It is a beautiful sight!

This is the Galway Bay! The tide is extremely low
 right now, but it is still beautiful.

Speechless. Just breath taking.

Another view of the bay. Plus, the recognizable
colorful buildings in the back!

After the tour of the campus and of the city the crew posed for one final picture before classes begin!!

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to be sharing in on this experience. We were talking yesterday and today about how crazy it is that we've only each other for a couple days but we're best friends. All of us share in on classes and notes - we go out to dinner with everyone - we tell each other everything. This is a pretty special thing and I'm just SO glad that it is these kiddos I get to share every silly, crazy, adventurous moment with!

"You're sitting next to your best friend, that you just haven't met yet." -Dermott Henry, Galway ISA leader

home sweet home

After much confusion — finally settled into my room!

Kate Turner
Gort na Coiribe, Apt 73
Headford Rd
Galway, Ireland

That's my address! I live in Ireland. When I'm done for the day I go home - to an apartment - with 4 strangers - in Ireland. THIS IS THE LIFE! We're all pretty different people, but my actual roommate is awesome. We've got similar music taste, people creeping skills, and are stoked about being in Ireland.

Here are a couple shots of what our housing looks like! It's 3 floors, I live on the second with Kelli in a two-man room! Then there are three singles - one on second and two on third! There is a bathroom on all three floors. The main floor is the kitchen/living room. It's a pretty sweet crib.

I'm not the cleanest roommate.              But I'm trying!

We began by grocery shopping. Picture the Mall of America overwhelming, plus a language barrier kind of struggle. I had my basket and a jar of Nutella. That's all I could handle on my own! Eventually a couple of the girls and I worked together. I now have luncheon meat, good cheese, bread, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, pasta, pasta sauce, and Diet Coke. All for under 20E. Boom Dunnes Store!

Later that evening we went to grab dinner and ended up getting a frozen pizza for all of us to share! We put it in the oven double checked we were working in *C ... we were golden. That's the color of the pizza we wanted until for some reason it turn black. Just the top! But due to the fact we're poor college kids in a foreign country, we ate it. 

First meal in Galway that we made ourselves!!

One last trip to Dunnes Store for the day and Rachel decides to run into the side door. Too bad it was the Emergency exit in Irish! Alarms went off throughout the store and the Americans were left to blame. 

I'm beyond loving every second of it. Rachel, Sarah, and Courtney are great girls and I'm glad that I have these Ya-hoos to take some crazy adventures with! We're going to go to Cork sometime soon and kiss the blarney stone and we're working on the Bruce Springsteen concert in Limerick. 

Tommorrow is my first day on campus and my grand tour of Galway! 

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

TAXI DRIVERS. SCARED.

Let me talk about taxi drivers for just a moment....

In Ireland — THEY ARE ANIMALS!

They drive around like it's a maze and they need to win and it's a lot of stop - go - stop - go - stop - go. But my first driver was a woman. Which is rare in the US! She was blonde had a pretty thick accent but was super nice and pointed out a couple cool things on our way.

What really cracked me up is Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors" came on the radio and she turned it and started singing along! Apparently JT is coming to Dublin while I'm in the country! #possibilities

Next driver. Eek.

We climb in. The boys fill up the back. Couple girls in the middle. Two in the front with the driver.

(They are set up a little different.)

All of the sudden it's like Irish Cash Cab! There is "Sexy and I Know It" blaring, he rolls down the windows, and karaoke screens appear on the backs of the seat heads! We are stunned but then soon enough join in with him. 

After several classics and a little Titanium STROBE XMAS LIGHTS. They lined the ceiling and floor of the cab. We were already getting looks for being American, but now it was becoming uncomfortable.

Overall, the cab rides were fabulous and they were all true sweethearts! 

FUN FACT: You do NOT tip in Ireland. On food, drinks, taxis. Nothing. It's their job and they like doing it, no need to pay extra. 

Woop, Dublin Style

The whole group by the Trinity College quad archway!

"These are your best friends, you just haven't met yet!"

This is so true! Dermott knows what he is talking about.

Well officially loving every single minute of this trip. The people I've met in my group are incredible and the locals I've met are truly savage. (Which I learned means, cool.)

As we broke off into groups after a small walking tour myself and several others decided to walk to the Medieval Catholic Church down the Liffey River. As we had our maps out a man named, Dr. John from Tanzania, decided to help us. Apparently we looked helpless. 

It ended up to be a good laugh a great way to get to know the city from a local's perspective. Plus, it goes to show you that anyone who lives in Ireland is a total sweet heart!

Dublin is a beautiful city with so much life and vigor inside all of the locals! I just can't believe it! 

This is me on a designated pedestrian street which is SO common

that I sometimes forget people drive. Until you're almost run over

again and again. They drive bloody mad here!

Guinness storehouse. 

Yeah, this really happened. Yes, I did drink some Guinness. No I did not like it. Sorry Ireland!

Kaylene, Grace, Elissa, Sarah, Michelle, Erin, Me, and Rachel grabbin' a brew at a local pub in Dublin on a Sunday evening. It's crazy because here in Ireland it is not looked at as drinking - it's a social gathering with refreshments! They literally take the glasses into the streets and around and drop it back off. 

One of my many field trips with the University is back to Dublin for a day! Actually, it's next Saturday! We are going to see The Book of Kells, National Art Museum, and other goodies. 

So long DUBLIN! A beautiful view from the top of the Guinness pint shaped museum! 

Overall, I loved Dublin the sounds, smells, friendliness, and just overall incredible views. 

OFF TO GALWAY!!

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” 

Goodbye 'Merica

After an emotional goodbye from my mother and a sturdy, "Be safe" from my father. I'm here. 

I'm finally at gate A7 in the Omaha airport with 20 minutes until I board. Normally at this time on a Saturday morning I would be just waking up. Instead I woke up before my alarm and have tried to stay calm but it's impossible!! I'm too FREAKIN' EXCITED! 

I guess you could say that this is the true beginning of my adventures in Ireland, this chapter is the whole "I have to get there first" part. 

Thank you again for all the support you've given me thus far! Keep me in your thoughts for the next 15 hours until I get there. 

TIME TO BOARD!

"May the good Saints protect you and bless you today, and may troubles ignore you each step of the way."

Final countdown:

While the bags are still slightly unpacked, I think I'm finally ready to go! All that is left is some bathroom necessities and chargers. My cousin previously has studied abroad and she let me borrow her track phone. You should see this thing!! It's approximately the size of my index fingers and the width of about two fingers.

After a slight panic this morning of whether or not I needed my own linens was solved it's just a waiting game now. To be honest — I keep reading the packets over and over again. I want to make sure I'm fully prepared for what is about to come. Never having travelled alone the only part making me even slightly nervous is going through customs alone and making sure I am where I need to be.

For now I'm anxiously awaiting the flight and my lovely, little layover in Chicago. Tonight my family decided to go out to dinner and come home and have ice cream and watch a movie. My mother really wanted me to watch Taken or Taken 2 but I shot both suggestions down after some debate. My mom said yesterday, "I keep packing my kids up to go places but I will stay home. At least some of my clothes are getting to go abroad." Which is true, I did borrow a couple shirts to take with me.

I can't keep thinking about how truly blessed I am and how this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

"Blessed are we who believe in the greater adventures yet to be dreamt."

7 days and counting:

These are the side trips I'll be participating in...

Two night trip to Dingle, Co Kerry:
Once cited as 'the most beautiful place on earth' by the National Geographic; was voted among the top 100 destinations in the world by Trip Advisor, this trip is sure to give students a true insight into the best Ireland has to offer. The town of Dingle is located on The Dingle Peninsula or Corca Dhuibhne (in Irish), which stretches 30 miles (48 kilometres) into the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland's south-west coast. The peninsula is dominated by the range of mountains that form its spine, running from the Slieve Mish range to Mount Brandon, Ireland's second highest peak. On route to Dingle, students will visit the picturesque village of Adare in Co Limerick which is famous for its thatched cottages, as well as visiting Bunratty Folk Park. Bunratty Folk Park is a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago. Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time. Students will also get to see traditional farm yard animals that would have been common to most homes at that time also.

Day trip to Burren/ Cliffs of Moher:
Taking students along Galway Bay, your first stop is at the fishing village of Kinvara to see Dunguaire Castle & into The Burren- home to 75% of Ireland's native flora & location of numerous ancient monuments which include the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort- home of little men with green hats and orange beards! We make our way to the coastal village of Doolin before visiting the 200-metre high, 8kms long Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take your time to soak up the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren is a place full of wonder and beauty.

Day trip to the Aran Islands:
The three Aran Islands, Inis Mór Island (Big Island), Inis Meáin Island (Middle island) and Inis Oírr Island (East island) are situated in a north westerly, south easterly direction at the mouth of Galway Bay, Ireland (you can see them from Salthill on a clear day!). We will be visiting the biggest of these Islands (Inis Mór). They are famous for their geological formation, historical monuments and their linguistic and cultural heritage. The Irish(Gaelic) language is still spoken here and in the twenty first century all native born islanders are bilingual in both Irish and English. Inis Mor is the largest of the three Aran Islands (7,635 acres) and includes several ancient stone forts and churches among its antiquities. Most impressive of the stone forts is Dun Aengus. It is semicircular, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 metres out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 metres across surrounded by a wall six metres high and five metres thick at the base. Outside is a rampart, a defence formed by sharp-pointed stones set closely together. Dun Aengus superb position and it's structural perfection, have prompted many experts to pronounce it one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. There are about 1100 inhabitants on Inis Mor making it by far the most populated of the islands.

Connemara Trip:
To see the hidden Ireland off the main tourist track this trip is a must. The trip will involve a stop at The Ross Errilly Friary. It is a medieval Franciscan friary located about a mile to the northwest of Headford, County Galway, Ireland. It is a National Monument of Ireland and among the best-preserved medieval monastic sites in the country. Though usually referred to by locals as "Ross Abbey," Students will also get to see the beautiful small town of Cong, in Co Mayo, famous for being the location for the 1950s classic movie, 'The Quiet Man' (which stared John Wayne). It is located on the edge of Lough Corrib- the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. The trip then continues to Kylemore Abbey and gardens, Located in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway, set in the most idyllic location, Kylemore Abbey is one of the top places to visit in Ireland. Students can visit the Abbey, Gothic church, 6 acres of Victorian Walled Garden. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden offers visitors scenic photographic opportunities as well as woodland walks, garden tours, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, ample shopping in the craft shop and tempting homemade delights in the restaurant and tea rooms. We will also break for lunch here. From here we will make our way back to Galway city taking students through the heart of the main Irish speaking region of the Ireland, the Gaeltacht.

Needless to say, I'm so beyond stoked!

"Life is either a great 

adventure or nothing."