Sláinte (slawn-cha) - Social Life

While not only studying here in Ireland I also have a busier social life. Whether I am in Spiddal or Galway visiting with locals or at Park Lodge hanging out with my classmates, I find myself to be quite the social butterfly. Nights out in Spiddal and Galway give us the opportunity to meet and visit with the locals. Several times in Spiddal we run into the same locals and pick up a conversation right away. Socializing is great because they give you insight and information about local events or places to see.

Something I really enjoy about going out here in Ireland is the live music. You don't just find live music in the pubs, they are also in restaurants. So if you don't want to drink you can go out and and enjoy the atmosphere along with everyone else. While visiting Cork we found a large two story pub/restaurant that had a band downstairs and another upstairs. I went upstairs and enjoyed some local musicians playing traditional music.

I am not only socializing with locals but the large group of us studying here together hang out on a daily basis. We recently even threw a birthday party for one of the girls. It was a lot of fun. In a very short amount of time we have all gotten to know a lot about each other. Many of us have connected on personal levels and are creating new lasting friendships. I am truly blessed to be on this amazing journey with such great people.

I feel like socializing while studying abroad is very important. Even if you are shy this is a great way to get out of your shell and get to know people you might have never known.  Go out for a bite to eat or a coupe drinks, you'll create memories and have stories to tell for years. I have been blessed to have friends come into my life all by putting myself out there and just staring a conversation. 

Studying in Ireland

While I am studying in Ireland I am not actually attending classes at a university. The way the program is set up is the professors come to us at Park Lodge where we are living. Each week on different days we have class for a solid four hours. This is something I am not used to. Back in the states my longest class is two hours long. Luckily we get a a break half way to grab a quick lunch and to break up the four hours. Although the four hours does seem to fly by most days. Irish culture, history, and language is quite interesting. 

Earlier this week we had a special guest come in for Irish culture and teach us how to play the Irish Penny whistle. It reminded me of playing the recorder when I was in fifth grade. We started out with with playing some basic tunes such as Mary had a little lamb and twinkle twinkle little star. After we mastered these(fairly quickly) we moved on the learning some Irish polkas. Since polkas are more complex and played at a more rapid pace we didn't master these right away. After some practice this week though I think next class we will be able to play two polkas. This class was by far one of my funnest and memorable classes. It's nice to actually participate in the Irish culture instead of just being informed about it. Next week we also get to learn an Irish dance and I can't wait! 

Each of the professors keep all the classes interesting in their own way. For example for history class last week we actually met in a pub, but not just any pub. We met at the historical Kings Head in Galway. It was a great chance to get out of the classroom. Also being in and seeing what you're learning about enhances the learning experience. 

I know it doesn't always seem like I'm going to school while I'm here. I swear it's not a three month vacation. By the end of the program I won't be fluent in Irish but I will know how to say  basic phrases and talk about myself, I will have knowledge about Irish history, know how to play the penny whistle, know an Irish dance or two, and I will not only have read books and poems by Irish authors but I will also know about the authors themselves. This truly is a great learning experience and by far one of the best ways to learn. 

It's Not Everyday

I've previously mentioned that coming from a place that is land locked, I could get used to living next to the water. It's not everyday that I can walk five minutes and put my feet right in the ocean. It's not everyday that I wake up and can smell the ocean air. It's not everyday that I enjoy one of the most scenic views as I walk to town. Ireland is certainly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and I couldn't be happier to be living here for three months.

 

What I get to wake up to everyday!

I do want to point out that daily life is certainly different here in Ireland than back at home. First of all it takes getting used to not driving everywhere. I am so accustomed to getting in my car and driving myself where ever I want or need to go. Here we use busses, taxis, trains, and our good ol' two feet to get us where we are going. It's pretty common for me to walk at least 4 miles a day; sometimes more and sometimes less.

Another difference particularly for me is living with multiple people. Back in Kearney I just have one roommate. With out busy schedules we would rarely even see each other. That's not the case here. Out of my four other roommates there is typically at least one or two of them here all the time. I guess I'm just not that used to constantly being around people. Thankfully they don't drive me too crazy! :p I really do enjoy their company though and cooking for them. Its nice to sit down as a little cottage family and enjoy a home cooked meal, something many college students don't do often. Here's a couple of them I've prepared, try not to get too hungry.

Pork chop and potato casserole.

Chicken and veggie stir fry and peach cobbler.

I feel like all of here are becoming like one giant family. This helps me not to miss mine back home too much. We all support each other here and help each other out when we need it. Each and everyone of them make daily life here even more enjoyable.