Sorry it's been a while and this will not even be a proper blog. I have two exams this week, so it might be Wednesday until I get to blog about my weekend. However, it was the best weekend in Ireland so far!
We went to Kerry with one of our classmates.
I did take some pictures on my ipod and I will have a camera today!!
More to come
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
A Great Weekend with a Bad Ending
So I guess I'll do the bad news first and get it over with. There are no pictures to be uploaded (you'll have to go to Facebook and see what pictures were taken by others) My camera: jacked. gone. lost. vanished. never-to-be-seen-again. :( It is very upsetting. I still kind of want to get sick thinking about it, so we're going to move on...
Our trip this week was to Galway, which is on the west side of Ireland. Adam, Colton, and Hannah (my three housemates), Arghanoon (a Swedish girl in our major), Blair, Ben (the other two American guys), and Jordie (an international student from Spain. He'll be at Purdue next year for the last part of his program) all went. All of us except Ben and Jordie stayed with one of Hannah's friends, Bekah. She goes to University of Indianapolis and is currently studying in Galway. She made us dinner the first night = fantastic, and then we went out to a few pubs.
Saturday we were picked up by a complimentary shuttle to the bus station. We were going on a tour of the Cliffs of Moher. To back track a little: on the bus ride to Galway, we met these three Italian girls. One of them was crushing on Ben the whole way there. Anyway, small world, the shuttle also picked up the Italian girls. Also, Bekah worked at a camp with Amanda Verkamp, my sister-in-law's sister. Crazy!!
Back to the Cliffs of Moher, our bus driver was not nearly as crazy as the one we had on the way to the Mystery Tour, but he was an interesting fellow. At one point he pulled the bus over to tell people they needed to stop talking while he was talking. It took us about an hour to get to up to a cave that we took a tour through. It had some waterfalls and whatnot.
After that stop we continued on to the Cliffs of Moher. We had to go up Corkscrew Hill, and were warned if anyone was feeling nauseous, to let him know. One person at least got sick on the way there; however, I am unsure if there was alcohol involved in that scenario. I hope not though because walking around the Cliffs of Moher in 50mph winds with >700 feet drops intoxicated would not have been a good move. The wind was so strong I was literally running and not going anywhere. It was quite fun. I wish I had the pictures to show how awesome this place was, but I'll tag myself in other people's great photos.
Tonight (Monday) we are having pre-drinks at our house and then going to Copper's, one of the clubs that the girls go to a lot.
Friday we are going to Dingle with Ellie, a girl in our class. I am unsure when I will get a camera, so I don't know about pictures for next weekend either. :-/
Hope all is well in the States
Our trip this week was to Galway, which is on the west side of Ireland. Adam, Colton, and Hannah (my three housemates), Arghanoon (a Swedish girl in our major), Blair, Ben (the other two American guys), and Jordie (an international student from Spain. He'll be at Purdue next year for the last part of his program) all went. All of us except Ben and Jordie stayed with one of Hannah's friends, Bekah. She goes to University of Indianapolis and is currently studying in Galway. She made us dinner the first night = fantastic, and then we went out to a few pubs.
Saturday we were picked up by a complimentary shuttle to the bus station. We were going on a tour of the Cliffs of Moher. To back track a little: on the bus ride to Galway, we met these three Italian girls. One of them was crushing on Ben the whole way there. Anyway, small world, the shuttle also picked up the Italian girls. Also, Bekah worked at a camp with Amanda Verkamp, my sister-in-law's sister. Crazy!!
Back to the Cliffs of Moher, our bus driver was not nearly as crazy as the one we had on the way to the Mystery Tour, but he was an interesting fellow. At one point he pulled the bus over to tell people they needed to stop talking while he was talking. It took us about an hour to get to up to a cave that we took a tour through. It had some waterfalls and whatnot.
After that stop we continued on to the Cliffs of Moher. We had to go up Corkscrew Hill, and were warned if anyone was feeling nauseous, to let him know. One person at least got sick on the way there; however, I am unsure if there was alcohol involved in that scenario. I hope not though because walking around the Cliffs of Moher in 50mph winds with >700 feet drops intoxicated would not have been a good move. The wind was so strong I was literally running and not going anywhere. It was quite fun. I wish I had the pictures to show how awesome this place was, but I'll tag myself in other people's great photos.
Tonight (Monday) we are having pre-drinks at our house and then going to Copper's, one of the clubs that the girls go to a lot.
Friday we are going to Dingle with Ellie, a girl in our class. I am unsure when I will get a camera, so I don't know about pictures for next weekend either. :-/
Hope all is well in the States
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
So Much Room for Activities!!
So I was told I need to jazz up my blogs and add a lot more details. Luckily, I have had an activity-filled week so far (and it's only Wednesday). Since you asked for more detail, we'll start with Monday.
I woke up and had breakfast that was toast with peanut butter and a banana with water. I believe we were out of milk at that point....okay kidding I won't be that boring.
Monday was an exciting day. We had class in the morning, like usual. Hannah received her bank cards, so we could finally get gym memberships. Let me tell you, getting an Irish bank account here is a pain, which makes getting things that are needed with an Irish bank account a real pain in the ass. I offered to pay for all my months of gym membership in cash and upfront. Some things here are just a little backwards.
I also went to the physiotherapist to check my knee out. He determined that I bruised my knee bone (I think actually my patella and my tibia), so that is much better than a torn ligament! He told me that I should try a short run at the beginning of next week and then again at the end and see if there is any improvement. I can't jump for a little while, so that means no Turbo Kick, unfortunately. I would say that I should be able to fairly soon though! Anyways, after our last class I went and worked out for a bit; the release of endorphins was much needed. The gym membership was a great investment. I just got it Monday afternoon and I've already been to the gym five times. It feels great!
After the workout it was time to get ready for speed dating at The Solas Bar. This was a bit interesting, and really when I say that, it's an understatement. The Nutrition & Dietetics Society, Computer Science Society, and Physics Society put together a speed dating event for anyone from DIT to come to. Since both my brothers are computer science geeks I knew it was going to be a treat (just kidding ;) love you Alan and Steve) At first the ladies were way out-numbered by the lads, but it evened up a little bit as the night went on. The first part of the event was just speed dating, we had three minutes with our 'date' and then it was on with the next. They had amusing questions during each round that we were supposed to ask. Then the second part of the evening was a game. Everyone paired up and was tied together at the wrist. There were a series of tasks to complete, but if you failed to complete it, you were out. It was 12A rated (or PG-13 in the States), so I am not going to go into detail on here. Needless to say I put myself out in the first round. So I guess if you're family you'd say what a great kid or if you're a friend/acquaintance/random reader you might think I am lame, but I think the best entertainment was watching everyone else act like fools. I do have some pictures, but I'm not going to post them.
Tuesday/Valentine's day (yesterday) I received a great package from my parents! (By the way one thing that they do not have here and I really miss is Triscuits! but now I have them since my parents sent them! woot!) The boys we hang out with got Hannah and I some tulips (both our favorite). I also received an anonymous Valentine card, so that was fun. Last but most certainly not least, Hannah and I went on a date. Our plan was to eat, shop, and then go to see The Vow. Technically we did do all those tasks, but we did not do a whole lot of shopping. I was not really in the shopping mood. (which if you don't know me, that's pretty normal. Shopping a lot, or sometimes at all, is too much for me.) The movie was so good! I cried.
Today, hmm, not quite as eventful. I had two labs today. I would have had another lecture, but it was cancelled, so that was fantastic. :) Hannah and I went boxing at our gym. I got my sweat on. The instructor came up to me and was like have you done this before? I replied yes, and she was like of course you have. She even gave Hannah different mitts for when we were doing hook punches because 'I have strong punches.' So that made me feel good. (Don't mess with me. I may not be able to carry pepper spray on me here, but I pack a mean punch!)
After boxing we were going to go to a girl in our major, Ciara's, house to watch Operation Transformation for our Communication class. As part of the class we have to watch this show (like the Irish version of The Biggest Loser) and we discuss it, among other things. However, we did not go because our class is cancelled tomorrow! What a fantastic academic week. Monday I missed a class because I went to the Physio, and today and tomorrow we have a class cancelled. It would be even better if Nutrition Science was cancelled. That's our most boring class!
Anyway that has been my life, in a pretty good amount of detail, for the past three days.
I am going to Galway this weekend, so I will take a lot of pictures and try to upload them in a timely manner.
Hope you enjoyed
I woke up and had breakfast that was toast with peanut butter and a banana with water. I believe we were out of milk at that point....okay kidding I won't be that boring.
Monday was an exciting day. We had class in the morning, like usual. Hannah received her bank cards, so we could finally get gym memberships. Let me tell you, getting an Irish bank account here is a pain, which makes getting things that are needed with an Irish bank account a real pain in the ass. I offered to pay for all my months of gym membership in cash and upfront. Some things here are just a little backwards.
I also went to the physiotherapist to check my knee out. He determined that I bruised my knee bone (I think actually my patella and my tibia), so that is much better than a torn ligament! He told me that I should try a short run at the beginning of next week and then again at the end and see if there is any improvement. I can't jump for a little while, so that means no Turbo Kick, unfortunately. I would say that I should be able to fairly soon though! Anyways, after our last class I went and worked out for a bit; the release of endorphins was much needed. The gym membership was a great investment. I just got it Monday afternoon and I've already been to the gym five times. It feels great!
After the workout it was time to get ready for speed dating at The Solas Bar. This was a bit interesting, and really when I say that, it's an understatement. The Nutrition & Dietetics Society, Computer Science Society, and Physics Society put together a speed dating event for anyone from DIT to come to. Since both my brothers are computer science geeks I knew it was going to be a treat (just kidding ;) love you Alan and Steve) At first the ladies were way out-numbered by the lads, but it evened up a little bit as the night went on. The first part of the event was just speed dating, we had three minutes with our 'date' and then it was on with the next. They had amusing questions during each round that we were supposed to ask. Then the second part of the evening was a game. Everyone paired up and was tied together at the wrist. There were a series of tasks to complete, but if you failed to complete it, you were out. It was 12A rated (or PG-13 in the States), so I am not going to go into detail on here. Needless to say I put myself out in the first round. So I guess if you're family you'd say what a great kid or if you're a friend/acquaintance/random reader you might think I am lame, but I think the best entertainment was watching everyone else act like fools. I do have some pictures, but I'm not going to post them.
Tuesday/Valentine's day (yesterday) I received a great package from my parents! (By the way one thing that they do not have here and I really miss is Triscuits! but now I have them since my parents sent them! woot!) The boys we hang out with got Hannah and I some tulips (both our favorite). I also received an anonymous Valentine card, so that was fun. Last but most certainly not least, Hannah and I went on a date. Our plan was to eat, shop, and then go to see The Vow. Technically we did do all those tasks, but we did not do a whole lot of shopping. I was not really in the shopping mood. (which if you don't know me, that's pretty normal. Shopping a lot, or sometimes at all, is too much for me.) The movie was so good! I cried.
Today, hmm, not quite as eventful. I had two labs today. I would have had another lecture, but it was cancelled, so that was fantastic. :) Hannah and I went boxing at our gym. I got my sweat on. The instructor came up to me and was like have you done this before? I replied yes, and she was like of course you have. She even gave Hannah different mitts for when we were doing hook punches because 'I have strong punches.' So that made me feel good. (Don't mess with me. I may not be able to carry pepper spray on me here, but I pack a mean punch!)
After boxing we were going to go to a girl in our major, Ciara's, house to watch Operation Transformation for our Communication class. As part of the class we have to watch this show (like the Irish version of The Biggest Loser) and we discuss it, among other things. However, we did not go because our class is cancelled tomorrow! What a fantastic academic week. Monday I missed a class because I went to the Physio, and today and tomorrow we have a class cancelled. It would be even better if Nutrition Science was cancelled. That's our most boring class!
Anyway that has been my life, in a pretty good amount of detail, for the past three days.
I am going to Galway this weekend, so I will take a lot of pictures and try to upload them in a timely manner.
Hope you enjoyed
Sunday, February 12, 2012
There's a 80% Chance it's Already Raining
So the past week, not too many exciting things have been going on, hints the no blogging action.
During the week we did not do too much. The girls from our class took us out at on Wednesday, so that was fun.
Friday, I got my GNIB card (like my green card, I suppose) Thankfully that was taken care of, so they can't kick me out of the country! Friday night I went to Whelan's pub, the pub that P.S. I Love You was filmed in.
Saturday, my roommates and a few other international students went to Howth. We warmed ourselves up with an Irish coffee and walked around the piers. It was a dreary and very windy day, but no worries We then got some grub at The Bloody Stream, where I was going to be adventuresome and try some fresh seafood, but nothing looked even close to being appealing.r Instead I got some mushroom soup and chips(french fries). After our big meal we walked around the cliffs to walk it off. The scenery was beautiful and so peaceful!! We adventured off some of the paths to get some pictures.
During the week we did not do too much. The girls from our class took us out at on Wednesday, so that was fun.
Friday, I got my GNIB card (like my green card, I suppose) Thankfully that was taken care of, so they can't kick me out of the country! Friday night I went to Whelan's pub, the pub that P.S. I Love You was filmed in.
Saturday, my roommates and a few other international students went to Howth. We warmed ourselves up with an Irish coffee and walked around the piers. It was a dreary and very windy day, but no worries We then got some grub at The Bloody Stream, where I was going to be adventuresome and try some fresh seafood, but nothing looked even close to being appealing.r Instead I got some mushroom soup and chips(french fries). After our big meal we walked around the cliffs to walk it off. The scenery was beautiful and so peaceful!! We adventured off some of the paths to get some pictures.
Of course after we worked our lunch off, we had to get some great ice cream before we headed home.
Overall, a great trip. I'm excited for the trip to Galway next week. We have a free place to stay (one of Hannah's friends from back home is studying there), so that is a plus.
So in Ireland their weather forecast is: Look at the mountains. If you can see the sheep and the farmers it's going to rain. If you can't see them, it's already raining. It has rained a majority of the time we've been here, but warmer than Indiana would be at this time.
Skype is now easier to use because we have wifi at my house. If you want to skype sometime let me know!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Mystery Tour was Loads of Craic
This weekend was loads of craic (that means fun; I was able to learn some of the Irish slang). So on the mystery tour we ended up
going to Kilkenny and Carlow. Our bus
driver was a bit crazy, but made it more interesting and fun. He tried to make it just as much a mystery as
the people in charge. He would go around
the round-a-bouts a few times just to mess with us. When we got to Kilkenny (where our hostel was) we had a five hours
or so to walk around, get food, and drink if we wished to do so, then it was
back on the bus.
I thought I would take a nice picture in front of the Kilkenny Castle
More importantly, I had my first hot whiskey, my first Irish coffee (not pictured), and my first baby Guinness shots (Mom, those weren't my three shots. I was taking them with the two in the below picture).
The bus took us to Carlow and went to The Foundry, supposedly one of the biggest
night clubs in Ireland. We were given a
list of things to complete for a scavenger hunt, such as getting a picture in the
driver’s seat of a taxi, getting five beer mats, 3 business cards, kissing the
barman, getting the shift, getting 3 strangers to do the Macarena etc., Our group of four completed them all, and
needless to say we won. I don't have any of those pictures, but they might end up showing up later.
We found a beautiful Catholic church to go to on Sunday. It was actually even shorter than Father Effie's masses, if you can believe it (less than 45 minutes). It is a short walk from our house, so I would say that might become our usual.
We are planning a day trip to Howth, Ireland (just a bit north of Dublin) for this coming Saturday. I'll try to take many more pictures that I have been.
P.S. I have added a few pictures to a couple of my previous pots & feel free to comment on my blog!!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Back to the Books
So I have survived three days of classes so far. A lot of their classes do not start on time, and things are pretty laid back. In our first class, our professor asked us if we had exams and if we got a break during the two hours of class. Also, one of the classes was supposed to be three hours and the professor stopped after two. The girls told her that on our timetable it said 10-1, and she just replied, "Well we'll just continue with stopping at noon and see how it goes. If we need to add in the hour later on, we can" I thought these episodes were quite comical.
*Edit* Hannah and myself for our first-day-of-school picture
I have already skipped a class, but that was because I could not find the classroom. However, I did ask a couple people, and they could not help me, so it's not like I didn't try. Turns out the classroom had been moved, so I was not even looking for the right class room. The professor insisted, it'll be grand, so no worries!!
This week we have had a lot of extra time. We haven't been able to join a gym yet because you have to have an Ireland bank account. I need to change this no working out thing ASAP. However, it is giving my knee a chance to heal a bit (whatever I did to it?)
We are also going to get into some activities with the Nutrition Society, like making food for the homeless.
There was also a pub crawl put on for the international students last night. We obviously did not have anything to do, so we went to that for a bit.
As for this weekend, I am going on a mystery tour with the Nutrition Society. We don't know where we are going (except the people the planned it), but we are taking a bus, going somewhere for the night, having an activity the next day, and then coming back to Dublin. It should be fun, and I am looking forward to it.
I've taken some pictures; I will get them up soon, hopefully.
*Edit* Hannah and myself for our first-day-of-school picture
I have already skipped a class, but that was because I could not find the classroom. However, I did ask a couple people, and they could not help me, so it's not like I didn't try. Turns out the classroom had been moved, so I was not even looking for the right class room. The professor insisted, it'll be grand, so no worries!!
This week we have had a lot of extra time. We haven't been able to join a gym yet because you have to have an Ireland bank account. I need to change this no working out thing ASAP. However, it is giving my knee a chance to heal a bit (whatever I did to it?)
We are also going to get into some activities with the Nutrition Society, like making food for the homeless.
There was also a pub crawl put on for the international students last night. We obviously did not have anything to do, so we went to that for a bit.
As for this weekend, I am going on a mystery tour with the Nutrition Society. We don't know where we are going (except the people the planned it), but we are taking a bus, going somewhere for the night, having an activity the next day, and then coming back to Dublin. It should be fun, and I am looking forward to it.
I've taken some pictures; I will get them up soon, hopefully.
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