Building Bridges

This year, one of our assignments for our class was to be involved within the community of Spiddal in order to build bridges and truly make connections with the community. At times, this was difficult because our cottages were located 2.2 km from Spiddal and it is a very small town with an approximate population of 1,445 people so there is not a lot of activity going on particularly in the months that we stayed there. Even so, we tried everything that we could to put ourselves out there.

Michael and I talked to the Community Development Leader, Aiden, located in Spiddal by Tigh Giblin's three different times looking for opportunities to be involved in the community. At first he thought he might be able to arrange something for us to help out with a country-wide competition amongst towns in Ireland called Tidy Towns. This competition is to see which towns are the cleanest, and most well-maintained, so projects for this could include painting, lawn-care, planting flowers, and otherwise picking up trash and "tidying the town." Unfortunately, projects for Tidy Towns did not really start until after we completed the program, and Aiden was also concerned about our safety and their liability even if we could do anything to help, so we were unable to participate.

We discussed other possibilities such as volunteering with the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) at matches since there is a field located between Park Lodge and Spiddal. Again, we were there too early to be able to help with very many matches. Aiden told us that he spoke with people involved in the GAA concerning volunteer projects, but they did not have any work or suggestions. He also explained to us that there were extensive background checks that would take upwards of eight weeks to complete in order to work with kids in any way in Ireland.

Although we were unable to find a service project that would qualify for assignment, we talked to quite a few different people, and we talked to Aiden several times. Through our conversations, Aiden learned quite a bit about us and the Study Abroad program that we were on. I believe that we also laid groundwork for future trips, since we made Aiden aware of our program and the service assignment, and were able to build a bridge from our program to the community of Spiddal in that way. Although we did not successfully complete a project, Michael and I were successful in "building bridges" between us and the community of Spiddal, which ultimately was what the project was about.

Dingle Field Trip

This last weekend, my classmates and I all went on our final field trip to the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland, which just happens to be the westernmost part of Europe. Knowing it was our last field trip we were a little sad, but still excited to make the most of it.

Hannah and Michael on a stone bench in front of an awesome tree

Our first stop was to (William Butler) Yeats' Tower and Coole Park where we met our Irish Literature professor for a class. He was able to show us around and explain the site as well as read us Yeats' poetry. The tower was where Yeats had lived at one point and Coole Park was where Lady Gregory (a good friend of Yeats) lived and had many friends who were important in the world of Literature.

Dr. O'Brian reading Poetry at Coole Park

The next place we went to was the Cliffs of Moher. This was one of my favorite places that we have visited. The weather was great and the views were absolutely stunning. Also, for the Harry Potter fans out there, a scene from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was filmed there.

You can see the little specks that are people on these massive cliffs

We spent a couple of days in Dingle and were able to tour the coast. The weather was really nice for a change, which we appreciated since we were outdoors a lot. Before we went back to the cottages, we stopped at Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle was absolutely amazing. The castle itself was pretty cool, but nothing too different from the many other castles we have visited on this trip, but the grounds and gardens around the castle were stunning. We had 2 1/2 hours there and I still was not able to see everything. First Michael and I walked through a magical little forest trail, which was gorgeous and so forested it was like we were somewhere else, and not on the grounds of the castle with a bunch of tourists. Here we were greeted with forestry native to Ireland, and some that was transplanted there. We also saw a pretty little waterfall. It was very peaceful and serene and I definitely could have spent more time there.

We did make it up to the castle, and kissed the Blarney stone, which is said to gift whoever kisses it with the skill of eloquence. To kiss this stone, you have to hold onto metal bars while laying on your back, and someone working there holds onto you.

Me kissing the Blarney Stone

We were also able to see the Poison Garden, which is an interesting collection of plants that are poisonous. Some of the plants are said to be so dangerous that they are forced to be put behind a cages. There were many other gardens that we really did not have time for, but if anyone reading this blog decides to go to Ireland, I would definitely recommend Blarney Castle because it is so beautiful.

Climbing Croagh Patrick and Westport

Last weekend we had a field trip to a beautiful small town about an hour and a half north west from where we are staying; Westport. When I looked up Westport and things to do, it was obvious that it was an outdoorsy, adventurous place to go. For example, the main attractions are climbing Croagh Patrick (a mountain), biking or walking the Greenway, or doing various other walking/hiking trails. So as long as the weather was nice (fingers crossed) I knew it was going to be a good time...and even if it did rain (it always does) I figured it would still be fun.

On our journey to Westport we stopped at a few different scenic locations for pictures and a break from the bus. One such place was Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick is a famous mountain in Ireland, because it is named after the Patron Saint, St. Patrick, who is said to have fasted on this mountain for 40 days, and is now a huge pilgrimage for people in Ireland. About half of our group (9 of us) made it all the way up to the top, and although I was the last one of us 9, I still made it. Luckily the weather was pretty good, and we were only hit with a few spots of rain. Although my legs were sore for quite a few days afterward, I was proud of myself for making it.

See that mountain? Climbed it. 

Michael and I looking pretty worn out at the top of Croagh Patrick.

After climbing Croagh Patrick, we went to our hostel and then found food to eat (we were all starving after climbing a mountain!) and enjoyed some of the nightlife in Westport. The next day, a group of us decided to walk the scenic route of the Greenway on our way to the Westport House (as much as I wanted to bike that day, my legs were not having it). It was a beautiful, scenic route and I could definitely see why the Greenway was such a popular attraction. The grounds on the Westport House were gorgeous, and I was definitely grateful for the journey. Although my legs were super sore, they felt better after walking. After this journey, we were planning on visiting some of the cute little shops in Westport (and buying the "I climbed Croagh Patrick" t-shirt we saw in the window of one) but because it was Sunday, everything was closed. Despite that disappointment, I thought Westport was a beautiful town (it has won awards for being so clean) and I am happy I can now say that I have climbed a mountain.

Just throwin' up our Lopes on the beautiful grounds of the Westport House.

Oh look! Michael found Humpty Dumpty at the Westport House.

Culture Comparisons

Bus rides provide the perfect
opportunity to catch up on some
much needed sleep...

...especially for Michael

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Ireland was that they drive their cars on the wrong--I mean the left side of the road. As disconcerting as this was at first, I have grown used to it and considering that I have not driven at all since arriving in Ireland, it is not that big of a deal. On that same note, public transportation is a much bigger thing than in the states, especially in the state where I am from, Nebraska. Their vehicles also seem to be smaller and less "gas-guzzling" than what we are used to as well. We can literally hop on a bus in Galway and go almost anywhere in Ireland. This is even more helpful for those without driver's licenses or without cars, which seems to happen much more frequently here than in the states. I have walked more since being in Ireland the last two months than I probably have in the last year...

Michael and I on our way home from one of our many walks to Spiddal

Another distinction I notice between Ireland and the U.S. is how intertwined their national religion--Catholicism--is with their government and politics. Coming from the U.S., we do not even have a "national" religion, and we are careful to keep the separation between "church and state" as our Constitution instructs. Ireland, on the other hand, has many laws, holidays, and other traditions that are directly related to Catholicism. Even our first day of class, February 1st was St. Brigid's day. I also noticed that many of the Irish I have encountered--especially in pubs--want to talk about American politics. I find this interesting, because coming to Ireland I knew very little about the Irish government and their politics, while many Irish (and other Europeans as well) pay very close attention to what is happening in American politics because of how much of what we do impacts the rest of the world.

One final note I'll make about comparing culture in Ireland to the U.S. is how big folklore and myths are here. In Galway City there is a church--St. Nicholas's Church--and it is said that Christopher Columbus stopped there on his was to the "New World." They also have other myths about mermaids and even particular towns and how they supposedly got their names. Another good one, is the myth that St. Patrick (the Saint credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland--and yes he is the St. Patrick in St. Patrick's Day) expelled all of the snakes from Ireland, which is why there are no snakes in Ireland today. While we do have our own legends in the states, they do not seem as popular as they are here.

An image portraying St. Patrick vanishing snakes retrieved from:
http://www.metalinjection.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/st-patrick.png

Me celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a little bit of face paint

And oh yes, I must not forget living by the ocean. Most Irish that we've met find it amazing how far Nebraska is from an ocean, considering even the most in-land Irish are probably only an hours or two from the seaside. The beauty of the ocean never gets old. 

Daily Life in Ireland

Since being in Ireland, I have established a kind of routine, although it still varies from day to day. For the next 10 days, my classmates and I are scattered throughout Europe enjoying our Spring Break, so my typical "daily life" won't apply for now.

Normally we have class from 10AM-2PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Monday we study Irish culture and language, Tuesdays we study Irish Literature, and Wednesdays we study Irish History. Normally we meet again Wednesday evening for our Special Topics or our "Blogging" class. So normally Monday through Wednesday, I wake up anywhere from 7:00AM -9:30AM, depending on how much reading I need to do before class and whether or not I care how I look that day. I then usually bring a small breakfast to class, where I spend the next four hours with periodic breaks. Afterward, depending on the weather, I will often go to Spiddal, and if it is really nice, my classmates and I will even play outside or go hang out by the ocean. Being in Ireland has definitely taught me to appreciate sunny days.

Enjoying the ocean on a beautiful day

In the evenings we typically cook dinner as a cabin (although we don't every night, depending on everyone's schedules) and working on school work. Although, to be honest, I often find myself playing cards or a game of pool with Michael, or bonding with my classmates, or even Netflixing to procrastinate doing homework. I guess even in Ireland, some things don't change. 

Boys cuddling on the couch to watch Netflix

Thursday-Sunday we usually have off to travel and explore Ireland and the rest of Europe on our own, although once we get back from Spring Break, that will change as the rest of our weekends are booked with class field trips around Ireland. For one of our weekend trips, a group of us visited Rome, as seen in the pictures below.

Sometimes things such as visiting a secondary school and talking to transitionary-year (sophomore level) students, or having a class debate in the Ruby Room of the King's Head Pub in Galway will give us a nice break from our typical routines, but still allow us to learn and appreciate our time here. Going back the the States will probably not be an easy transition, after enjoying my semester and the daily life here in Ireland. 

Language Issues

Coming to Ireland, I did not really expect to have language issues. I knew that "Irish as a foreign language" was one of our classes, but I did not really know how commonly it is used, and assumed everyone spoke English. Although Gaelic, or Irish, used to be the main language spoken by the Irish, that is no longer the case. Despite this fact, it is the Irish National Language, and is the first official language of Ireland before English, and there has recently been a push to revive the Irish Language especially in the primary schools. We learned in our class that students will actually get in trouble if they speak English in class instead of Gaelic. Despite Ireland's efforts to revive the language, English is still predominately spoken across Ireland.

The language itself is incredibly difficult. Unlike Spanish (the only other foreign language I have ever taken a class on) sounding out the words will get you nowhere. For example, "Dia dhuit" is definitely not pronounced however you just read it in your head. The pronunciation is actually "gia hwich." So when I make my notes in our Gaelic Language class, I write down the word how it is spelled, and then I write down how I would pronounce it so when I look at it later, I am not completely confused.

Although the language is complicated, almost everyone I have ran into speaks English, so I have not really run into problems communicating with people. Some accents are really thick and can be harder to understand, but I am getting more used to it after awhile. The only real difficulty I have faced with language issues in Ireland is that their signs are always written in Gaelic, and only sometimes include the English translation as well. For the most part, I don't have too many troubles with the language and I have a new found respect for anyone who can speak Gaelic.

A sign for a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Spiddal

Social Life in Ireland

We went zip-lining in Dublin. Photo cred. Hannah Grote :)

Surprisingly enough, our trip here in Ireland is not all work and no play. In fact, we do have quite a bit of time to socialize and have fun. Even though we go to class for fours a day, three days a week, because I am in Ireland, I do not have a job, and I have not had so much free time since my freshman year of college. Now that I have been here for over a month, I have made a bunch of new friends.

We often walk to Spiddal after class with friends as there is not too much to do here at the Park Lodge. We go to Spiddal to grab a bite to eat, or to enjoy a pint or two. Sometimes a group of us will go together right after class to enjoy the walk, the ocean, and some good food.

Me following Michael and Shane to Spiddal

Besides Spiddal, we have enjoyed the social life elsewhere as well, such as in Galway. Galway is a college town and has a lot of similarities to Kearney. Galway is a great place to go to go shopping, find a greater variety of food than the cafes in Spiddal, and of course, enjoy the night-life. We also had a really good time in the pubs in Dublin as well. The hostel we were staying at was actually apart of a "Pub Crawl" which allowed us to go as a group to certain pubs, get discounted drinks, and meet other people from all around the world who were also visiting Dublin.

More than just the social life out in the pubs, we all enjoy each others' company here in the cottages. We hang out with people in other cabins and play card games or watch movies. Just last weekend we threw a surprise birthday party for one of the girls in our group, who has also become a really good friend of mine, Regan Karn.

Regan's surprise birthday party! Photo cred. Regan Karn :)

 Coming to Ireland is one of the best decisions of my life, and it is definitely in part because of the amazing people I have taken this journey with.