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“But I wonder where were you when I was on my knees?”
Slán go foill, a hÉirinn
The title of this post means, "Goodbye for now, Ireland". And it is goodbye FOR NOW, not for good. I will be back, that is for certain. And I will visit with my family one day (Mom and Dad...). I've been keeping an eye out for some Groupons...
So I have been home from Ireland just about three weeks now, and I have had time to reflect on my experience, the people I met, and everything I learned. Looking at where I was the first day I arrived in Ireland, to where I am now, I am extremely proud of myself. I learned more Gaeilge than I thought was possible and would love to learn more in the future. I met some absolutely amazing people, including my housemates, my favorite Canadians, all of Beth's housemates, my beginner classmates, my bean an tí and her amazing family, etc. I also got to explore an absolutely beautiful country with one of my best friends - Boo! (just kidding Beth). It honestly feels like a dream because it was that amazing and went by in such a flash. I feel so blessed to have had the summer I did. To be able to be a part of the WMU Orientation Program for my third year in a row and then go to Ireland for a month - I mean jeez, talk about the summer of a lifetime.
I meant to keep a journal while in Ireland, and I did the first day. But then I got caught up in all the fun and adventures and so this blog will serve as my journal in the future. A couple memories that I forgot to mention in my past blog posts that I do not want to forget...
when I broke the bus seat on the way to Galway and was extremely embarrassed
when my first instinct was to do ice breakers with everyone when I first got there (I think I may like Student Affairs)
hearing Aki's phone go off when he took a picture of someone in class
knowing what seat not to sit in during dinner because the sun would blind you
Matt knowing I wanted a cup of tea without even asking, and me knowing to pass him the milk/sugar at breakfast without him asking
Walk & talk with Brian
Down with that sort of thing
The struggle to figure out how to flush any toilet
The bathrooms in Ireland in general - having to pull a cord to turn the shower on before starting your shower, having no plugs in the bathroom (it's illegal to), etc.
And I'm sure there are more... I also couldn't be more grateful for the teacher I had during this program, Maedhbh. She made learning the Irish language so fun and interesting. She was so supportive, intriguing, and honest. I always looked forward to going to class and learning from her. Her passion was evident and carried over in her teaching.
I didn't think I was going to grow as close to anyone in the program as I did. Saying goodbye was very hard, but I would love to stay in contact with everyone I met. I'm going to be honest, I've already started brainstorming and planning on when I can go back to Ireland and when I can see the many friends I met. Here are some pictures of housemates (family pictures) and the Canadians with Beth & myself from the final night. I am so grateful Beth & I were able to work out a plan to stay the last night. I don't know what I would have done without those last few hours.
Beth & I actually had the opportunity to hangout with our favorite Canadians this past weekend in Lexington, MI at the Thumbfest. It was so much fun to see them again and I can't wait for our trip up to Canada in December!
I know I was apprehensive at the beginning of this trip, but I knew that I was there for a reason. Looking back, I could not be more grateful and blessed for the experience. It's hard to accept that it is over, but I am so grateful for the time I had and the memories that were made. As I am sitting here eating my last crunchie (WHY DIDN'T I BUY LIKE 20 MORE?!)(Thank you Nicole for bringing me some from Canada!!), it's really hitting me that I am no longer in Ireland. Even though I still get confused which side of the road I should be driving, why there are no more tea breaks, and why the chocolate here isn't as good. BUT I can now watch One Tree Hill on Netflix. I am doing my best to slowly adjust back to life in the states, but I will be bringing some Ireland into my life. I do have to say the hardest thing to adjust back to is the heat. I miss wearing jeans and a cardigan everyday and running at whatever time of the day I felt like. I definitely forgot what 90 degrees felt like...A couple weeks ago, Beth & I purchased some tea pots, and I am SO ready to order some Cupán Tae when I run out of what I brought home. I plan to make a scrapbook of some sorts of my time in Ireland, so that I can have it to treasure and share my experience with others.
Although there were a few health scares coming back from Ireland, it all turned out okay and everything is slowly getting back to normal. I did walk away with a Vitamin D deficiency, though. I guess I didn't see enough sun in Ireland...I am all moved in to my house in Kalamazoo ready to start my senior year. I can't wait to see what this next adventure has in store for me.
Thanks to everyone who followed my blog. I hope I was able to keep you entertained and well informed on my whereabouts and adventures. I know I scared you with some videos, Dad, but I was careful and I made it out alive!
Slán!
An Cheathrú Rua sunset
Beth & Shannon signing during the tea break
Beth playing at a session at Tigh Kitt in a pub in Ireland
Beth playing the harp at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
Cliffs at the Aran Islands
A musician playing the harp at the Cliffs of Moher.
Cows in Ireland.
Another street performer in Galway.
Some street performers in Galway!
Craic
While in Ireland, I picked up a few popular phrases used over there. I have listed them below...
Great craic = great fun
That's class = that's is great/awesome/cool
Grand = similar to class
Your woman/man = a way to refer to a man or woman. It in no way means that they are someone specifics man or woman
Lads = boys, but also used to refer to any group of people really
Feck = you should know this one
Giving someone the shift/shifting = making out
Mum = Mom
Em = instead of Um
Peace sign = apparently peace signs are bad, when palm is facing in
Take away = carryout
Mo Chairde
The title of my blog means "my friends". I am so happy and blessed to have met the people I have met while here in Ireland.
Holy wow. I am going to outline what I did this past week and a half for you all. But I'm also sitting in the airport in Shannon about to board my flight. And that breaks my heart. These past 4 weeks have been amazing and I cannot wait to travel in Ireland again. But I'll save these sad words for my next post. This one will just be an update!
Aran Islands
On Wednesday of last week, we went to the Aran Islands with our program. We had the opportunity to bike around the island and explore - which was grand, until it started to POUR RAIN. Beth and I made up a song while being here. It goes along to the tune of "It's Raining Men". Here are the lyrics...
It's raining in Ireland, Per usual it's raining in Ireland.
Despite the rain, we still had a blast. It was super cool to see the Dún Aengus fort and cliffs, the beaches, some seals, giant scary jellyfish and more. We even finished early and stopped in a pub for dessert. I had brown bread ice cream with butterscotch sauce. It sounds like it would be weird - but it wasn't. It was delish. Here are some pictures from our trip.
Dublin
This past weekend, Beth, Kim (one of our classmates) and myself spent Saturday & Sunday in Dublin. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to go and see the capital city of Ireland. On Saturday we went to the Guinness Storehouse and got to see everything that goes into creating such a wonderful beer. The best part was that I dressed up as a Guinness unintentionally. I wore a sweater that was black and had a cream colored stripe at the top. We also did some shopping around the town. I was so excited to go inside the 5 story Urban Outfitters there because I love Ireland and I love Urban Outfitters. Put them both together and I am one happy gal. Saturday night we went to Temple Bar (because you have to if you're in Dublin), but it was a bit rowdy. So after a pint, we headed to the Old Storehouse to listen to some chill live music and relax. I forgot to mention it was raining the entire day on Saturday, but that did not dampen our moods (but it definitely did dampen our clothes - mostly Beth & Kim though because I brought an umbrella). On Sunday we went to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room - which were both very cool. Overall a very fun weekend. Here are some pictures!
Trá Oíche
It was one of my housemates birthday this past Monday, so we spent the night at the beach with some wine. It was a grand 'ol time. The best part was that there was a beautiful rainbow directly across from us. The beach we went to was Barr an Doire. At that beach there is ruins of a 15th century church as well as a cemetery (hence the name of the beach).
I also tried to make it out to see the sunset as much as possible the last few days. Here are some pics from various sunsets as well as hanging out with my favorite Canadians!
An Firéad agus An Bhanríon
On Wednesday afternoon, our beginner class put on a play for the rest of the program. We wanted to showcase everything we had learned throughout the last 4 weeks. It was such great craic preparing for it with everyone. The plot was absolutely ridiculous, but so "us". Our class was just awesome. We had such a great dynamic as a group and also had an amazing teacher, Maedhbh. It was such a joy getting to know everyone the past 4 weeks and this play was a fantastic way to end our time together. I am so proud of how far we have all come.
Scrúdú
On Thursday was our third and final exam for the program. What we had to do was talk about ourselves, explain what we did the previous day, and talk about our favorite pasttimes - all in Gaeilge. I was really nervous going into it, but am happy to say I went through everything very smoothly. That itself says a lot about how much we've learned in just 4 weeks. As nervous as I was at the beginning of this program, I am so blessed and happy I had the opportunity to partake in it.
The Final Night
Last night was our last night in Carraroe. There was a big party with food, music, and dancing. People performed various pieces to showcase their talents. Beth and Shannon (another one of our classmates) performed a song and it was class. We all ended the night at the pub until closing. Mind you this was the only night I was at the pub until closing AND I had to be up at 5am for a cab to the airport. Let's just say I love the friends I met here a lot, and was not ready to leave them.
I haven't had the chance to upload pictures the last few days, so look out for those on Facebook. Also look out for a few more blog posts to sum up my trip.
Slán!
P.S. - Beth is a little shett.
Here is a video of a few of my housemates during our music session the other night.
álainn - beautiful
Bear with my. This is a long one...
Gosh, this trip is FLYING BY. For a while my mindset was, "I've only been here for so many days/weeks". Now my mindset is "I only have so many days left". Today we are at 10 days. I will be leaving Ireland in 10 days. Ireland has stolen my heart and I will be extremely sad to leave. But I will certainly be living it up my last days here. This past week was a very busy one. I was sick for a few days, but I am finally getting over my cold! Woohoo. Below are the major things I have done this past week...
Kylemore Abbey & Letterfrack
On Wednesday, our program took us on a tour of Kylemore Abbey. The drive alone was just breathtaking. The landscape and scenery was utterly amazing. I was snapping picture after picture from the bus, and jumped at any opportunity to get out and take pictures. Once we got to Kylmore Abbey, I stayed just as awestruck. As the bus pulled around the bend, and we all saw Kylemore Abbey across the lake, the entire bus went "Ohhhhh ahhhhhhh". And this below would be why.
We also had the opportunity to see Gothic Church and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Below are a few pictures.
Session at the House
On Wednesday night, we had a little session at our house filled with music, singing, and dancing. It was very cool to see the various talents of my housemates and to be there in that moment.
Exam
We had our first oral exam on Thursday. And we SURVIVED! I'm so proud of my beginner class. We have all come so far from that first day. It's crazy how much we have learned in just two weeks. Today we started reading our third children's book. We are currently in the process of planning a play to perform for everyone in the program next week to showcase everything we have learned. It's going to be totes hilar.
Sean-Nós Dancing/Music at An Cistin
On Thursday night, my housemates and I went to learn some Sean-Nós dancing and then hit up the pub afterwards to hear some live music. A man and his son were there performing, and it was just grand to watch.
Oíche Mhór Cheoil (Big Night of Music)
On Friday, we went to the school to watch some locals as well as students of the program perform different pieces. It was very cool to watch everyone showcasing various Irish pieces, as well as pieces from other cultures.
Trá Lá
Oh my gosh. Trá Lá was the BEST DAY EVER. 'Trá' stands for 'Beach' and 'Lá' is 'Day' in Irish - therefore 'Beach Day'. It is not the correct translation from English to Irish, but it has character, so we kept it. On Saturday, my housemates and I planned to go to the beach straight from class. And it was such a perfect day for it - it couldn't have worked out any better. I was just in awe at the beauty of everything around me. Standing on the beach, it was clear enough to see the Cliffs of Moher across the ocean as well as the Aran Islands. And the water is SO CLEAR. I could have stayed there forever (given the weather stayed the same). It was so fun to relax and spend time with my housemates. It was also great swimming in the Atlantic...until I got chased out by a jellyfish. Trá Lá has definitely been a highlight of this trip.
Here we are - angsting at the beach.
Look closely, for those are the Cliffs of Moher. Seen from the beach.
And here is the view of the Aran Islands from the beach.
Trá Lå! We even got the fada!
Cliffs of Moher
Also one of my favorite days so far being here. Beth & I (mostly Beth) organized the event with a small group in our program, so that we were able to take a Galway Tour of the Cliffs of Moher. The tour was informational and entertaining. Along with going to the cliffs, the tour stopped at the Burren, Corcomroe Abbey, Doolin, and many more interesting spots. We also learned about fairy forts, leprechauns and any other cool stories the driver felt like sharing along the way. The Cliffs of Moher were stunningly beautiful and absolutely terrifying. We ventured around to see the different sights offered. I learned that I am not afraid of heights, but I am afraid of falling. I loved the view and I loved taking fun pictures, but I was skeptical to go too far near any edge. I am also so geeked that we got to see the cave used in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. To top the trip off, on the way home we got to see a dancing dog and dolphins jumping along the coast. I could not have asked for a better weekend.
Below is a fairy fort!
No worries, I pulled myself up with all of my upper body strength.
I also had the opportunity to see some family in Galway before we headed back to Carraroe for the night. I met up with my Aunt Kay, Uncle Pete & cousins Meagan & Kathleen for dinner (IN IRELAND). Our trips happened to overlap, and we had beed trying to work something out for a while. I am so glad we were able to finally meet up and catch up before the headed out.
Let's go to the beach-each
Yesterday, I went on a run and ran to Trá an Doilín, which is the Coral Beach. It is named that because the entire beach is made out of coral and is a blue flag beach! The picture that is on my main blog page to the left is actually one of the Coral Beach.
Today I went on a beach run...meaning I ran to all three beaches & back home. Totaling to 14 miles. Woof, right? Well I still am training for the marathon for some crazy reason. But training in Ireland - I'd take that any day. On my run I decided to take selfies at each of the beaches. Check 'em out!
MILE 2.25 - Bharr an Doire
MILE 6.25 - Middle Beach
MILE 10 - Trá an Doilín
New Friends
I have met some pretty incredible people while being here on my program. My housemates are so awesome. I've really enjoyed getting to know them. We are all so diverse and have become one big family. I have also enjoyed getting to know people outside of my house. Beth's housemates are also the bomb.com. They've even gone as far as call me an honory member of their house. Beth & I have created a blog with Nicole & Julia (two of her housemates). Here is a link to that...http://angsting-around-ireland.tumblr.com/ . Enjoy! I have also loved bonding with my fellow classmates. We have had some pretty great memories in that class. Below are some pictures of my housemates & other frands.
I guess Beth is my friend, too...
Aran Islands & Dublin
Upcoming adventures...Tomorrow I will be heading to the Aran Islands and this weekend to Dublin. I also plan to go on some walks around Carraoe, head back to the beaches, hit up the bpubs a few more times, and make it to a few more sessions. I really just plan to make the most of these last 10 days.
Other random things going on with me in Ireland...My housemates & I hit up the "night club" T-Josie's this weekend. Let's just say it's a hotel common area turned into a night club in the evening (with a disco ball) #awk. My love for tea has grown exponentially since being here. I don't know whether I will come back having gained or lost weight. The home-cooked meals are literally to die for. And there is dessert after dinner every night. BUT we walk almost everywhere, and I run lots. So it's a toss up, we'll see. With that being said, I've really been craving Buffalo Wild Wings and Portillo's - so I'll be hitting those up right when I get back to the states.
The other day I was just walking around and all I wanted to do was just stand there and take everything in. I can take a million pictures (and trust me I have), but not one could capture the pure beauty of this country. I try to embed everything I see into my mind. I am so happy to be here and to have this experience, but I miss Ireland already, and I'm not even gone. I KNOW I will be back again. As always, check my Facebook for a million more pictures - you won't be sorry. Be on the lookout for another blog this week with some videos I've taken this trip.
Slán go foill. Goodbye for now!
Court Court
Tá mé sásta.
"Tá mé sásta" means "I am happy". And I am. So far this experience has been very busy, challenging, and an absolute blast. From class 9:30 - 4:00pm each day, to various guest speakers, cultural events, and traveling - I'd say our schedule has been stocked full. But I'm loving every second of it.
This last week has consisted of the all of the above, along with visiting a beautiful beach, fun at the pubs, and spending another weekend in Galway. A few comments about the above activities....
I was very grumpy at Beth on the way to the beach because we had been walking aimlessly for a very long time & I was "tuirseach traochta", which means "very tired" in Irish. (I'm sure Beth will have fun re-wording that sentence to third person in her very similar blog - Courtney Goes to Ireland: A Different Perspective".) After asking a nice old man for directions and one wrong turn into a sketchy driveway, we finally made it. And boy was it worth it. Even after getting chased by a crab in the water. I've posted a picture of the beach below.
We also had lots of fun at the pubs this week. One night we attended a traditional Irish session, where musicians all came together to play music. It was a very cool thing to watch (picture below). We created a bit of our own music at the other pub a different night, when the table next to us starting singing and asked our whole table to join in. Never thought I'd be singing "Let it Go" at a pub in Ireland.
And our weekend in Galway...I freaking love Galway. I am so happy we had the opportunity to go back. In my previous post I mentioned we were going to be headed to the Aran Islands this weekend. Due to weather, they swapped the trips, and we went to Galway instead this weekend. In Galway, Beth and I did some shopping, went to Cupán Tae again (couldn't resist), and then spent the night with one of my housemates & his friends. I hope I have enough room in my suitcase after all the shopping this weekend. If you're ever in Ireland, you need to find a Penny's & go shopping ASAP. I was told it was a mix of H&M and Forever 21, but it was better! I lost my sweater while shopping, though #tears. But after praying to St. Anthony & God, it somehow showed up at the store the next day. I almost cried. I also did a lot of souvenir shopping #touristprobs. After shopping, Beth & I then began to prepare ourselves for a "real night out in Galway" with some locals (my housemate & his friends). Let's just say it was great craic - "great fun". AND I got to hear Grimes at the pub as well as take some pics in a photo booth with Beth. There's a story behind that one. Galway, you have yet to disappoint.
I'm getting excited for the next few weekends. Next weekend, we are planning to go to the Cliffs of Moher & the following weekend to Dublin. I also may be meeting up with some family in Galway this week! Some other trips I have to look forward to are Kylemore Abbey, the Aran Islands, etc. I'm trying to soak everything in, because it is already flying by.
As far as my Irish Language course, I feel like I have come so far in just a week and a half. I can already comprehend so much more and can have basic conversations with others. My strategy for learning right now is sitting back and listening to others and absorbing what they are saying. That has been a different approach for me, but a great skill to have. I'm looking forward to seeing how much I learn the next three weeks!
As always, check out my Facebook for more pictures. And just in case you were worried, I figured out a way to watch One Tree Hill #praise.
Slán! Barróga agus póga xoxo.
P.S. See who can figure this Irish phrase out...