All in Good Craic

Please forgive me!

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:23:56 -0400

So I know that I said I would be posting stuff at least once a week, and I did…for about a week! So I apologize to those who actually read my blog who have been waiting to hear what adventures I have been on all semester. Initially when I got here I had more free time than I knew what to do with, so it was easy to just sit and write about everything that was going on. But, at some point I must have figured it out because I rarely find myself just sitting at my computer looking for something to do. Since my last update (seems like centuries ago) we have been all around Ireland exploring this beautiful country! Let me give you a breakdown of what I have failed to update you on.

1) Following our weekend in Dublin we went away to the Ring of Kerry on a heritage trip put together by UCC. Although the weather was not the greatest we still managed to have a wonderful time. Our first night we represented Theta by wearing our matching letters to show support of Spring recruitment! Recruitment was all we could think about the entire weekend! While wearing letters we were taught about 5 traditional Irish dances and danced the night away with good craic and meeting lots of new people! The rest of the weekend we toured the Ring and the Skelling Island. Although it was quite foggy, we were still able to appreciate how beautiful the surrounding areas were. We thought the weather was clearing up so during a few hours of free time in the afternoon we decided to go hiking with a few new friends. What were we thinking!? We hiked higher and higher into wind, rain, freezing cold, and misery! Although it made for a good laugh as we walked back to the hotel soaked from head to toe! We continued our weekend sightseeing and headed on home on Sunday, but not without sightseeing for the entire day of course!

2) The following weekend we then traveled with a large Quinnipiac group all the way to Belfast. Belfast, along with the rest of northern Ireland, is a part of the United Kingdom. As we arrived there we had to take out pounds as currency for the weekend because they, like the rest of the UK, do not use euros. Friday was a full day of traveling since Cork is all the way south and Belfast is all the way North! We were given time at the end of the day to walk around the city for a few hours. After we went to a local restuauant to try a boxty, a traditional northern Irish dish. Saturday was spent making our way to the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, the Giant’s Causeway and the town of Derry. What a sight to be seen! It was absolutely beautiful! Sunday we took a black taxi tour and learned all about the troubles in Belfast. It was a very eye opening experience. As we headed home we stopped in Dublin for a few hours. Since we had already been there we knew exactly where to go and visit! We arrived home that night exhausted and ready for bed!

3) We took two weekends off of traveling as people’s parents came and we needed some time to stay in Cork. But at the beginning of March we decided to make our first big trip, all the way to ITALY! I think I have found my one true love! I am so lucky to have been able to travel back to Italy for a second time!! We were in Venice for Carnivael and than spent a few days in Roma! I cannot even put into words how much of an amazing time we had! The Thursday we left was a travel day and we arrived in Venice at about 6. We checked into our Hotel where we had to sneak 6 people into a 4 person room. Maybe I shouldn’t be admitting this on the internet, but oh well! This part was very nerve wrecking because the last thing we needed was to be caught and deported out of Europe! But everything worked out okay. We enjoyed some AMAZING pizza for dinner at a local restaurant and hit the hay early for an early morning. The next day we walked all over Venice searching for the perfect masks to wear around for the day! After finding some we headed in and out of all the stores and went to San Marco square where we awed in amazement at the extraordinary costumes that everyone was wearing! Did I mention the perfect weather we had, oh and that we had that weather every day of our trip! We were so lucky! The next day we still continued to explore and decided to take a rest on the Rialto bridge and soak in some sun! It was so much fun people watching and gazing at the boats float by on the canal. We were in for a treat as a bunch of drunken fools sat next to us and one jumped into the canal! The rest of the day was spend out and about, and of course enjoying some yummy gelato! We were than off to Rome where we spent 3 days of sightseeing, taking pictures, and of course eating some more gelato! The weather was still beautiful and we found it hard to part this beautiful city!

3) The best part came over last week where my best friends from school all came to visit! It was unsanitary conditions for a week in appt 78 room 4, but it was all worth it and I wouldn’t change it for anything. While they, along with other girls, were here we ventured off to FOTA wildlife park, Blarney, Dublin, celebrated St. Patty’s day, Kinsale, and walked around Cork! We attemped the Jameson distillery but we ran into bus troubles (what else is new) and were unable to make it to the last tour being that our bus was practically on fire!! We still managed to make the best of it!

4) My family comes to visit on Thursday and next Sunday I start my 40 day EUROTRIP! I am beyond excited for this trip! We will be traveling to Paris, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Athens, Santorini, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Barcelona, and Ibiza! I am the luckiest girl in the world to be able to do all of this! All I can hope for is beautiful weather and safe travelling!

That’s all that I have been up to the past 3 months in Ireland! I will not be able to post while we are on Eurotrip, but I will be sure to mobile upload and change some facebook statuses to let you know where I am or where I will be headed next!

Love and miss everyone,

Danielle =)

Weekend in Dublin

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:01:56 -0500

Dublin is Ireland’s capital and its biggest city. Dublin is also the place we learned that there really aren’t enough hours in one day. Before we started our weekend long adventure to this fine city the girls and I sat down and planned what we might want to do and how much everything was. We were so excited that we had so much planned to do, but to our dismay when we got there 48 hours just didn’t cut it. However, we made the best of it and had the most wonderful trip!

This trip, like most of our trips got off to a rocky start. Thinking we could walk to the bus station in 30 minutes with our entire luggage was our first mistake. Forgetting the bus ticket was our second! But we gracefully recovered and headed on our merry way into town. About half way there and only 15 minutes until our bus was scheduled to depart we decided there was no way our two feet could get us there quick enough. So we hopped in a cab crossing our fingers that we would make it to the station in time. Did I mention how two of the other girls had fallen behind and didn’t get into a cab until 5 minutes after we did? Well it happened and not only were we worried about getting ourselves there but also getting them there as well! We finally arrived to the station at 11:56 for our 12:00 bus. But where were the other girls? Just as we were boarding the bus and ready to accept their defeat I heard my name screamed from across the room and watched them sprint toward us catching the bus in the nick of time. Pfew! (if you have been reading my other posts you would know that us and the bus system do not mesh well together) So we traveled on our merry way, on the bus, for four and a half hours. Good times.

We finally arrived in Dublin a little before the sun started to set. We had just heard from the other two girls who took a separate bus after us because they had class. They had missed their bus. Apparently a sprint across the city just doesn’t cut it! Remind us not to travel on buses if other options are available. While laughing at their tragic bus story we somehow managed to pass the location of our hostel and not even ten minutes into being there we were lost. Figures. With some redirection from locals we were able to backtrack and find our hostel. It was literally a 45 second walk from the bus.

Now since Dublin was our first overnight trip anywhere this also meant that we would be staying in a hostel for the first time. We eagerly checked in and swiped into our room. As we peered through the door thinking we were going to run into some of our fellow bunk mates the images I had of summer camp came rushing back. It was one great big giant sleepover with your best friends in bunks in less than perfect conditions. You with 6 sets of bunk beds stationed around the room and one sink, mirror, shower, and stall for 12 people. Oh and not to mention that it was also a coed room.(this part was not like summer camp) Although we were set back by the place initially the hostel turned out to be really nice and we left the hostel each morning with a belly full of a hot Irish breakfast!

Our day of arrival just consisted of a self guided tour of the city. We walked through the temple bar district, passed the historic bank, walked down Grafton street, saw the entrance to St. Steven’s green, and grabbed a bite to eat at a small restaurant back in the temple bar area. The weather was freezing the entire weekend. After dinner we sat and listened to some live music. Danielle and I snuck away to go check out some of the others pubs. They were of course packed, but a lot different from the pubs in Cork. Dublin tended to have more of a mixed age range for people that we saw in the bars. Dinner was served in all the places until about 10. (In Cork we find it hard to find pubs to eat at past 3-5 p.m and the crowd tends to me mostly younger but on weekend old because the students go home) But in staying true to tradition all of the women still wore the shortest dresses, highest heels, and all of their make-up to the pubs/clubs. The nice treat was that in checking out a lot of the pubs we got to see some with a lot of character. They all had their own history to them, some even dating back to 300 years! It was a cool experience to just walk and view how the people acted and interacted with one another even though we didn’t stay in any to have a drink. We had to call an early night so we could meet the other girls and hit the hay early for our early start the next day.

Our first full day in Dublin started bright and early with a hot Irish breakfast provided free from the hostel. We set out to the Guinness Factory early so we could get there at opening and maximize our hours in the day. (we were rudely mistaken) After wandering the streets and getting a little lost, although in every detour we discovered something new and interesting, we finally made it to the factory. We walked through the 7 floors of the museum at a casual pace just enjoying being there. I found it to be quite interesting. We opted to pour the perfect pint as our free pint that came with our admission ticket. (we did make sure to go to the gravity bar at the top to check out the view first) We each took our turn learning how to pour Guinness the proper way and at just about 12 noon we sat down for a drink? It’s 5 o’clock somewhere right? After realizing how much time we wound up spending in the factory we needed to get a move on things! Since the Kilmainham Jail was located on the same side of the city we decided to do that next. The jail was interesting and absolutely freezing! Here we learned that they actually would send kids to prison for stealing bread or potatoes! The day ended with us walking back down Grafton street doing a little shopping and grabbing a bite to eat at O’Neill’s pub. We each got a traditional Irish dish and made sure to try a little bite from each other! We had a lot of fun just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company in the warmth. The difference between restaurants in Ireland is that they are in no rush to kick you out. You are more than welcome to stay for as long as your heart desires! This was followed by some gelato and hanging out at a pub to listen to live music!

Our last day started early again as we traveled to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to attend a service in the chapel there. This was followed by wandering the city a bit more. We passed through St. Steven’s green, visited Trinity College, saw the Dublin Castle, and once again saw Grafton street (during the day this time) along with quaint other side roads. Being that it was Sunday a lot of places just weren’t open or opened later in the day. By this point we had basically walked and covered every square meter of the map! So we had to move on, to the other side of the river that is! We covered more land by walking and went to see the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). This is the big stadium in Dublin that hosts all of the Gaelic games like hurling and handball. After given a tour of the stadium and getting to see it at every angle (on the side of the field, VIP, box seats, and nose bleeds) we gained access to the museum that they had there as well. With this they also had an interactive section where we could test our different skills like reaction time, jumping, and throwing and kicking the balls. Here we all learned the real reason why we don’t play any of these sports! After this we grabbed a quick lunch and caught the bus (with time to spare) for a relaxing ride home. (excluding the French people who seemed to have shouted in French to each other the entire ride home!!!) To our surprise it was an express bus and we were able to make it back to the city in just under 3 hours.

Although we did not get to do everything we set out to do, there is nothing that I would have changed about our weekend away! We definitely left enough to do to go back and visit and maybe even watch a sporting game or two! Anytime away with my girls is always a pleasure!

Slante! Love and miss everyone!

Danielle =)

Cliffs of Moher

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:50:20 -0500

Cliffs of Moher

Traditional Irish music session

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:49:38 -0500

Traditional Irish music session

Better late than never

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:48:00 -0500

I have been in Ireland for just overthree weeks and I have already fallen in love with this beautiful country. Last weekend is what really set my feelings over the edge. Despite the entire day of rain that we received on Saturday, Ireland surely made up for it though the absolutely gorgeous weather that we received on Sunday. Who said there are no blue skies in Ireland? This beautiful weather was quite convenient because a small group of us had booked a tour through a company called ‘The Paddywagon.’ We woke up bright and early Sunday morning to walk into town to meet for the tour. Of course with our luck we heard the wrong time and got there an hour before we were actually supposed to! Not that I needed that extra hour of sleep or anything! Finally the first bus arrived and we thought that our group was going to be split up amongst two buses, but the women on the other bus kindly switched so that all of us could be together. Since I was the last to get on the bus (I seem to be the last at everything so I wasn’t surprised) I was voted the person to sit in the front seat with the tour guide the entire trip! Initially I was skeptical because I hardly knew the guy, but I ended up having the best seat in the house (or mini bus). The entire ride I sat glued to the window staring out at the countryside and was even given the honor of taking attendance. Good thing (for the rest of the bus at least) the microphone did not reach to my side of the van because I would have commentated the entire trip. I was practically driving the bus, NBD!

Our first stop was in Limerick where we saw the river, a fort, and Munster Stadium (hopefully we will be up again to watch a rugby game there!) After another short drive we stopped at the beach so we could see the ocean. The beach was unlike any beach I have ever seen! The waves were huge! We had walked down to take a couple of pictures by the water, naturally with mine and Danielle’s luck the waves almost got both of us. Danielle was able to escape a wave but slipped in the process and a big lob of foam landed right on her boots! I on the other hand was luckier. While posing for a picture I heard my name being called in slow motion and somehow without hesitation knew I needed to run for my life! The wave literally just missed me by a hair! While recuperating from this experience and thanking God for making it alive and dry we were finally driven to the Cliffs of Moher. The view was something that I could never describe in words. I liked how Maddie put it a lot better. She described it as being more of an experience than something that you can describe. You need to go and be there to fully understand it. The surrounding area just captivated me. I was able to see the ocean, the countryside, the sun, the moon, the cliffs, mountains, and blue skies all at the same time! Where else are you able to see all of this in one single moment? All I can say is you have to see it for yourself to believe it.

After the cliffs we were driven through an area known as the Burrens, or ‘rocky place.’ This is an area entirely of limestone but in the summer months is known to have some of the most beautiful flowers and specialists from all over come to the Burrens to study and take pictures of them. Initially I didn’t think I was going to like it because who wants to look at rocks for miles on end. But, to my misjudgment they were beautiful! It overlooked the ocean and the waves were so big that they came up over the cliffs and could get you wet. Since I learned my lesson the first time around I decided not to go close to the edge and risk getting wet. Don’t worry I took a nice rock of limestone as a souvenir! (not that it looks any different than any other rock you’ve ever seen!) We proceeded to get back in the paddywagon, I hopped back in the front with my new buddy ‘Big Mike’ and we continued on our merry way around the barrens some more. For a bunch of limestone it was quite the sight! The day just kept getting better!

Since we were in no rush and neither was Big Mike, we took our time coming around the mountain and looking at all the animals and abandoned settlements from as far back as the potato famine. We stopped at the leprechaun’s well and all made a wish over our shoulders! Although it wasn’t much we all enjoyed the stop! We continued on our drive watching the sunset. The nice thing about being in the mountains in Ireland is that there aren’t many trees throughout the landscape so you always have a beautiful view! Our next stop was to an old megalithic tomb called Poulnabrone, which we actually learned about a few days later in archaeology! We stopped for a few pictures but it was starting to get cold so we headed back in for our last stop. We stopped at a castle but it was too late so it wasn’t open but it was nice to look at. The best thing about the castle was that located right next to one of the most famous pubs in Ireland called ‘Dirty Nelly’s.’ We all stopped inside to get a drink. The place was a cute little pub with badges of fire departments, rescue squads, and police departments throughout all of the United States hanging from every open inch of the ceiling and wall. Apparently when people come they actually bring a patch just so it can be hung up! There were plenty from New Jersey =) I sat with the group and enjoyed a nice Irish Coffee. There’s a first time for everything!

We finally started heading home and I was able to fall asleep for a little. That was until we decided to do karaoke in the bus and sang to every song that came on! Our driver was nice enough to drop us off right back where we are living at Victoria lodge. Although it was an exhausting day, a bunch of us still managed to go to a local pub to watch the football game. To our surprise this pub has traditional Irish music sessions every Sunday so we were able to dance along with the songs they were playing. One of the older men even came over to me and handed me the badhran (pronounced like moron but with a b), or the irish drum, and I was able to play it for a little bit! I wasn’t half bad but it hurt my hand so I gave it back and decided I was better at listening than playing! We had so much fun clapping along! It was the perfect way to end such a perfect day. For the first time in a long time I did not have a worry in the world for the entire day, and it was wonderful!

“Tokyo” - Gemma Hayes

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:27:54 -0500

“Tokyo” - Gemma Hayes

Dance to the Music

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 09:42:28 -0500

Before I came to Ireland people constantly told me how the three best things here are the people, pubs, and music. Before yesterday I had only been able to experience two of the three (obviously the people and the pubs). But, we have been constantly trying to find different places and opportunities to see some live music (both traditional and modern). Both Thursday and Friday we finally got our opportunity. Last Thursday night my roommates had a few guys who are in a band and they had invited us to see their band perform the following Thursday night. So when Thursday night came around we were able to make it to the venue and heard them play a couple songs. They were actually pretty good! We were also able to stay and another band play a few of their songs too. On Friday we got a second opportunity to see another performance (for free) at UCC’s Glucksman Gallery by Gemma Hayes. Our modern music teacher had told us about it and we also found out that there are shows almost every Friday put on at the gallery (all for free!) Gemma Hayes has had several of her songs featured in Grey’s Anatomy and in a few shows on HBO. When we got to the venue it said it was full but we still walked in anyway. Danielle and I were able to sit on the floor right in the front. When she started singing I was completely captivated. She has such a wonderful voice, but I will let you be the judge of that. Check out the video of one of her songs! She has two CD’s out in stores.

Life is wonderful =)

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:34:26 -0500

I first want to apologize to all 3 people who avidly stalk my blog (if there even are that many!) for I have not posted in what, 2 days? My life still continues to be my life. Today at the gym I forgot to bring my UCC I.D. because, well I would. So I had to kindly ask the people to look up my name and somehow prove that I am actually Danielle Giordanella (I also didn’t know my student ID number either) after some convincing they let me in. Two friends and I decided to share a locker together and put our stuff in it. After working out together for a little bit we separated and they wound up leaving before me. While we were separated I was trying to find Michelle so we could go to a class together, in a failed attempt to find her for a good 15 minutes I managed to pace the hallways looking for the room that I thought I was going to meet her in. People watching must have thought I was crazy, although that idea isn’t too far off! After finally meeting her we went to work out in the women’s gym (soo nice and soo much cooler and less smelly) and than left to go to the locker rooms to get our stuff. Well just my luck, the locker that my jacket was in that was supposed to be open so I could have it was not open. I proceeded to check all the open lockers to find it. No luck. Finally after 20 minutes of trying to find my jacket we were able to get the locker open where it was locked in all along! Sound like something that would happen to me? Well it did. Maybe I’m being dramatic but I think that I am the only person capable of locking their jacket in a locker and being unable to get it out. Maybe I am not cut out to go to the gym.

Aside from this wonderful experience, life is wonderful. I have been able to skype with so many people who I love and miss so much! (still more people I have to skype with though, so get on it!!) I have a wonderful family! My friends are awesome! And to top it off I have the most amazing sisters in the world. And did I mention I am living for Ireland for 5 months, oh yeah that too. =)

So for when my life gets interesting again and I actually have stuff to talk about, that’s all for tonight. Short and sweet, well kind of. I just want to let everyone at home and abroad elsewhere that I am thinking of and missing everyone! I am so blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life <3

So there is a life outside of anatomy?

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:16:46 -0500

Today I went to my second class of the semester and only class of the day. Hard life, right? This class today was an Archeology class, which after the first and only 50 mins of this class that I have taken I am going to love! We will be taking two field trips through this class which should be extraordinary! Our professor showed us pictures of the places where we will be going and they looked absolutely stunning! Oh and did I mention that tomorrow, although I will have 3 classes, I will be taking Irish Folklore, archeology (again), and introduction to modern Irish music? May I also add that I will be taking an introductory course to learn to speak Irish? The cherry on top is that Physiology (that’s what they call it here) doesn’t start for another month! So wait, there are other classes that exist out there that are not science classes or anatomy? Who would have thought! Not only is studying abroad giving me the ability to live in another country and interact with their culture but I am also able to take courses that also allow me to learn about its history and understand their culture! Everything just pieces together so nicely! It’s quite wonderful actually.

After my long day of class Danielle, Jill, and I stopped to grab a cup of delicious chai lattes! So good =) This was than followed by a casual lunch in the room and wait for it…more shopping! Such a bad habit that must be broken. And a habit that is not allowed to persist at the rate that Danielle M and I develop and extreme case of A.D.D. while we are in the stores! I have been saying since I got here that I needed to get another coat because I only had my heavy duty winter jacket. But, because it is hard to go into a pub barely fitting through doorways because I am so puffed out I thought I was in need of another one. This was a success, I found a cheap jacket (or two) and a few other items thrown in there to spice it up a bit! My day wasn’t all that exciting, but it was nice to experience a less hectic day and start to take in the beauty that Cork has to offer.

There is some good news about today though (other than the good find on the jackets). I was finally able to enjoy a nice hot shower! Hot water has never felt so good! On that note I leave you this, never take a hot shower for granted because without it you would develop hypothermia and not have clean hair.

Loving and missing everyone,

Danielle =)

Currently my desktop background

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 11:15:38 -0500

Currently my desktop background

Now this is what I came to Ireland for!

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:13:46 -0500

So I know this is soon and I literally just walked in the door from such a busy day, but I figured that I would do this while sitting on my computer before I forget to do it later. Today we went on a trip to Youghal and Ardmore through a trip sponsored by Iona for only 5 euro! It was so amazing! We first got a tour of the small town of Youghal and a little bit of its history and than we drove another 20 minutes to Ardmore where we stopped to do a cliff walk and than looked at a historic church and the area surrounding it. Let me tell you, this cliff walk has to have been one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life! We were out in the more rural areas of Ireland right by the water. So completely breath taking! And to make my afternoon even better I spend the day with friends and my 5 other lovely theta sisters <3 On our walk back to the bus (oh and we all were the ones holding up the group back tailing in the back) we saw horses! They were running in the field and came up to us by a gate and we were all able to feed it grass and of course take pictures with it! I don’t have many more words to describe the day other than that it was just simply perfect!

Loving and missing everyone,

Danielle =)

p.s.- I promise I will be posting pictures up soon!! And my ankle held up through the trip and is feeling a lot better!

Talk about a home cooked meal!

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:00:54 -0500

Talk about a home cooked meal!

A home cooked meal cures all rainy days

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:59:25 -0500

We have been extremely lucky here because it has not rained the entire time that we have been here…that is except for today. From the moment we woke up until early evening it rained the entire day. But, I would never let rain stop my plans to shop in the city! Danielle and I spent the day in city center shopping in cute little boutiques and in some of their more popular department stores. Although we did get a little side tracked from what we had gone into the city for we managed to get back on track. I bought a dress and a top that I felt were necessary purchase because they were on sale and were definitely things that I could only get here! After our clothing shopping we stopped into the English Market. This place was heaven! It was so cute but also had so many great deals and extremely fresh food! I was excited to pick up items so that I could cook for my roommates and myself for dinner tonight! We definitely needed a home cooked meal. But before I could make it back to this soon to be prepared dinner, we met up with some other Thetas to take the bus back to Victoria Cross together. Well let me tell you, it was a good thing we met up because we would have all been lost on different buses at the same time! When we first got here one of the most important things that Mark stressed was that the #8 bus is all we needed to know. Well one minor detail he failed to mention was the fact that we also had to pay attention to whether it was going north or south. Naturally we chose the bus going in the wrong direction! After riding around on the bus for a longer time than we thought fit, some of the girls decided to ask a women if we were on the right bus. After basically laughing in our faces she told us that we were in fact on the longer bus that would take about an hour to get where we needed to. After the initial shock set in we were okay with the additional time because it was more time we had to spend together. That was until the driver turned to tell us that this was his last loop and he was parking at the station (in city center right where we started, oh and that the other buses were not on time or frequent because it was a Friday night) Great. But, being the nice people that the Irish are he wrote us a note that explained what we had done to give to the CORRECT bus driver so we would not have to purchase another bus ticket! (definitely would never have happened in Manhattan that’s for sure!) After waiting in the FREEZING cold, and for most SOAKING WET for the next bus for 20 mins and having it not come we walked closer to the city center in hopes we would have more luck there. Good thing we did! As soon as we approached the corner a #8 bus drive right past us, off sprinted Chelsea (naturally) and the other girls with Maddie and I limping behind! We made it on the bus okay, but boy what an adventure! Seeing as how my luck has been so far on this trip I was not at all surprised that this happened to us. But I could not have asked to go through that with any other people =)

The good news is that when I got back to the apartment I was able to fix my internet and now have accessibility in my own bedroom!!! YAAYY!! And to top it off we all hung out and cooked the stir fry (which my roommates must have known that I was planning on making through some psychic powers seeing as how they bought rice and sweet and sour sauce!) The meal was delicious!! Mom and Dad would be proud yet again! Despite what happened today it was nice to sit and have a good meal with good company and great company in my travels to and from the city today!

Loving and missing everyone,

Danielle =)

Pubbing right!

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:36:50 -0500

What an eventful night we had last night! Before we went out me and a few girls decided to go to Irish cultural night put on by Iona. It was different, to say the least, however we still had a lot of fun and met several new people who we will be going on our trip with tomorrow. After that, last night had to have been the most fun that I have had in a while. And when I mean a while I mean since I have left Quinnipiac. We decided to try a new pub last night and went to a place called ‘An Brog.’ Talk about good life decisions! Me, my roommates, and a few friends came to our room to hang out beforehand. We figured we would take the bus into the city because by the time we were ready to leave it was getting late. Once we arrived in city center we were full of life. We must have approached and talked to every person that passed by, but every time they were always so please to talk with us! Once we entered the pub I felt like I stepped into a picture. This place was exactly how I imagined pubs in Ireland to be (except tonight they were not playing live music =( however we learned of a few good places) Although I won’t go into too much details I feel that it was necessary to comment on how great of a night it was with good friends and good drinks!

just throwing this out there

Ain't got nothing on Boole baby!

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:16:39 -0500

Now that I am currently up to date with my travels thus far, it is safe to say that the following passages will be far more enjoyable and entertaining than the last. I finally attended my first class today (which I actually found without getting lost). To my surprise, but not really, I entered the lecture hall and was greeted by more than half of the Quinnipiac population that is studying here. Am I in Ireland or about to go hike the sleeping giant? For this class, History of Irish folklore, we have an older Irish woman who was the cutest thing ever! I think I am going to really enjoy taking this class. Unlike Quinnipiac classes where even when they have nothing to teach and still find something to lecture you on anyways, we were let out of class after about 20 minutes so she could start lecture officially next Tuesday.

Since we got out of class early Danielle M and I headed on over to the student center to have our sandwiches that I premade for us and ordered some potato wedges as a side (we were unsure how to order them because apparently everything we have a name for they have a different name for here). Since I was unable to find jelly, it was peanut butter and jam sandwiches for lunch! We took our time because we didn’t know what to do with all the time being that we do not have class again until Monday! Our next venture was to find the Starbucks that they supposedly had here. Although we thought we were going to get lost in trying to find it in the most massive building on campus, we found it right away! Two caramel macchiatos coming right up! Yum! We decided to sit in a little lounge area at the entrance of the building and people watched for a bit. Oh and did I mention causing a scene by taking pictures in everyone’s way (they don’t seem to have cameras at their side to capture every waking moment possible like we do)? That was when we realized how big this school really is because we sat there for 2 hours and only knew 2 people of the 304982930840923 people that passed us!

Now it is time for my favorite part so far, the tour of the library! I know sounds dorky but we all know how much I frequent Arnold at home, except I don’t plan on spending too much time in The Boole Library. We were greeted by a woman waiting to give us a tour and a small group, which was nice considering the massive group of 70 that we have been typically touring in. The library is huge!! Sorry Arnold but you have nothing on Boole! There were soo man work spaces and so many group rooms and books (but who really reads those anyways?). We made friends with a girl from Germany who was excited to meet some girls after coming with a few guys from her home to study here. We had a very pleasant conversation and swapped numbers and names (I feel bad that I cannot really pronounce her name) and will hopefully be meeting up with her and her friends either tonight or another night!

And now here I sit in “The Common Room,” (located downstairs and outside) the only room which I get internet in still. There is still a long night ahead of us! Third night in Cork can only be better than the first two! Oh and did I also mention the huge male population here! Quinnipiac that’s another loss on your end, sorry!

Loving and missing everyone,

Danielle =)

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Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:03:48 -0500

First whirlwind days in a nutshell

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:33:24 -0500

I apologize for the length of this post. I have not had internet at all since I have been here and it has been making my blogging pursuits quite difficult! Here is the first few days in Ireland in a nutshell! They are pretty vague and a lot less humorous, but tying long details and pages is not my thing. I promise the rest will be updated quicker and better!!

Day 1

Where to even begin! We arrive here nice and early in the morning on January 2^nd. I would say bright and early but the sun doesn’t rise until about 8:40 in the morning! I slept on the bus ride to Cork because I could not keep my eyes open for one second! We finally arrived in Cork and got all of our housing straightened out. I am living with 2 other students from QU who I absolutely adore, however due to the craziness of the first few days I have not seen too much of my fourth roommate. We didn’t have too much time to spend in our rooms because we had an entire days worth of activities planned! All 70 QU students paraded through the city to go look at the campus and walk into city center. While in city center we were sent on a scavenger hunt to try and find various places and take pictures in front of them. Somehow I ended up with the map and led my group through the city. Typically I would say that was a bad idea considering my horrible sense of direction, but we did not get lost once! After the hunt was over we walked the 30 min walk back to our rooms. We had a little bit of free time before our next activity. A little before dinner time we met up and were than led in the opposite direction of the city centre to where we would be able to buy our food and other items. Our food store here is called ‘Tesco,’ our phone service that we use is ‘meteor,’ and the place we bought some bedding and other items is called ‘Penny’s.’ We got what we needed for the next few days and almost got lost on the walk back home! We were finally able to settle in for dinner and a toast to our first night here in Cork! I retired to be early because I was exhausted! Two days with no sleep and tons and tons of walking is not fun! Although, it was!

Day 2

We were able to sleep in a little this day and had to meet outside our building for a tour of the school and city at 12 noon. Of course another long day of walking! Walking is a continuous theme and will continue to be throughout my entire time here. Oh but what’s the fun in walking if I didn’t hurt my ankle the first day! Yep, so I have been walking, or should I say limping, around the city and will be until my foot feels better. Oh and did I mention the absolute absence of technology that I have? My phone was supposed to work when I got here and for some reason didn’t so I had to figure out how to use the pay phone and call the states (it’s a lot harder than you think!) and then we than later found out that we would not have internet access until about the end of the week. I know I sound attached to technology but when you’re in a foreign country and want some peace in knowing that you can reach home if you needed to but can’t, it becomes a little frustrating! Anyways, we walked to campus where Mark (the international person who works for QU and is studying here with us) pointed out buildings that we needed to know. That was followed by another walk into the city to point out the police station (for the sole purpose of getting our immigration cards, not to spend the night) the bust station, the train station, and other points of interest. He then left us to have free time until we would meet for dinner later in the night.

I used my free time to stay with my roommates and another friend. We figured since we were in the city me might as well have stayed and grab some lunch. We looked to find a local café but didn’t want to spend too much money so we figured we’d go to Tesco. Good idea! We got a sandwich, drink, and bag of fruit for only 2.50 euro! That’s a bargain, and you know me and my bargains! After this we still had time before dinner and did not want to walk back to our rooms so we found a cute little coffee shop to go into. We each ordered and sat down and as we were sitting a nice Irish man who was sitting next to us started making conversation. He told us to expect random people to just talk to us, and so I have conversed with a lot of random people! We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant and toasted to our first dinner all together with my sisters and friends! After we went out to our first pub and hung out and met a few Irish fellows! Apparently here it is good to be American! Haha But we enjoyed our night despite the lack of busyness at the pub.

Day 3

This morning we had to sit through some lecture but it was unimportant and not a highlight of my trip, so moving on! After the lecture we went and ate at a cute little local eatery. I felt so out of place because we didn’t know how to order and proceeded to cause a scene with the huge group of us that were there! Lunch was good and we than departed off to the health services building. Typical me, never broken, sprained, or torn anything in my life and I come to Ireland and sprain my ankle in the place where I have never done more walking in my life!! The nurse was super nice and we met some more Irish girls while waiting in line who were very friendly also! The nurse who saw me told me to ice it, so we stopped at the Tesco express to pick up a bag of frozen carrots, I figured it could at least serve me two purposes, and it did! That night we cooked dinner in my room with my roommates and hung out before we headed on over to Danielle M’s room to hang out before the pubs. The pub was a blast and like all Qu students do wherever we go we caused a scene, but in a good way. I think. Apparently they don’t seem to take many pictures here when they go out so we also managed to stand out by the insane about of flashes going off from all of our cameras, but they never hesitate to jump in a picture reguardless if you know them or not!

day 4

Today we met with the person to figure out classes. Their way of picking classes is so different than the way we do it back home. They are so much more laid back about it which was nice so we didn’t really have a reason to stress too much over this confusing process. After the meeting Danielle and I headed up to the Chaplaincy to sign up for a day trip this Saturday. While we were there we wound up staying for much longer than expected! The people in there were so nice and would not let us go without serving us a cup of tea. I think we stayed and talked with the people there for about two and a half hours! Although, we could have probably talked with them all night if given the chance! They had so many fun stories and made us really excited for the next few months ahead of us! That is defiantly a place that we will visit often between classes! After we managed to finally say goodbye to the people in the Chaplaincy (they also call it Iona) we walked back and head back to our separate rooms. I cooked dinner with my roommates and had a very well balanced meal, mommy would be proud! We just stayed in and hung out for the night getting everything together and talking. So far everything has been great but extremely overwhelming!

Ringing in the New Year right

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:37:47 -0500

Have you ever heard the saying that the way that you start your New Year determines how your year will be? Well if that’s the case than bring on the New Year! What better way to start the new year than on an airplane heading to Ireland for 5 months!?

So before I head off and start my new adventure, I thought it would be helpful for me to explain the purpose of this blog and what to expect. As you can all see I have titled the blog “All in good craic.” (pronounced crack) Nooo they do not mean something in a sidewalk or a type of drug, this is the Irish word for “fun.” I felt that this saying (translated to “All in good fun”) was appropriate. Yes I am supposed to be there for school and to get a good education blah blah blah, but while I am there I hope to experience a lot more. This is my last semester before my major really starts (bring it on 20 credits!) and I have time to just play around, and take some fun courses with a lighter workload. I want to try and stop taking everything so seriously and learn to have some truly “good craic”

I have every intention of living my time up while there. I mean when will I be back living in another country for 5 months on someone else’s expense? (thanks mom and dad!) Expect to see updates (as much as my attention span allows) of what it’s like to live in such a green country! I will tell all about my travels throughout Ireland and Europe, some lessons that I have learned about their culture, fun sayings, pictures, videos, and most importantly all about the people!

Before I leave I want to wish you all some “good craic” this New Year and time to come! We all need some more good fun in our lives and this is my way of sharing mine with everyone at home! So as part of my New Year’s Resolution #1- Make time for people who really matter in my life, and make sure they know that they are appreciated. I want to thank you to all of my family, friends, roommates, and sisters who have been so supportive of everything I am setting out to do! You have made me feel so loved in my preparation for this trip and I want you all to know that while I am away you will be truly missed. You are such an important part of my life and I am extremely grateful for each and everyone of you! So thank you <3

Have a Happy New Year! Enjoy! (While I on the other hand try to finish packing my life in 3 bags)

TLAM,

Danielle =)

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Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:48:53 -0500