Thursday, February 25, 2016

Northern Ireland

It is crazy how time is flying by!

Last weekend I went to Belfast with a large group from Arcadia University. We took a bus up on Friday and went to the Titanic Museum.  It was very interesting learning the history of it and ship building process that took place in Belfast.

On Saturday we headed to Giant's Causeway. This was my favorite part of the trip, although it was rainy and cold I had a great time climbing around the rocks and enjoying the coast of Northern Ireland. Later in the day we wondered around city center and checked out some of the major historical buildings such as the city hall building.

Sunday we had a lecture on the troubles and war history of northern Ireland followed by a bus tour. On the bus tour one the most interesting things was the peace walls. Separating the Catholic neighborhoods from the Protestant walls, these massive structures stretch all along the suburbs of Belfast and are incredible to see.

Academically Midterms are coming up and I have many papers to write. So far school has not been too bad but now it's really starting to kick in.  With soccer multiple times a week and six classes I have a lot going on!

I head to Berlin, Germany tomorrow to see the Berlin wall and Sachsenhausen, a concentration camp right outside of Berlin and more. Can't wait for more adventures.

~


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

February

Things have been crazy here in Dublin!

Last weekend I did a homestay weekend in Gorey, Ireland. I spent the weekend with a family of four in a small town outside of Dublin. It was fantastic to see how an Irish family lives and spend time with them. There was two little boys in the family, ages two and four. The family was so kind and took me all over town and fed me for every meal. I realized that weekend family life here in Ireland is similar to families in America. We ate a full Irish breakfast, watched cartoons with the kids, and went to the beach on Saturday. On Sunday we went to Mass and did a little shopping and then I headed back to Dublin!

After another week of classes and soccer practice I stayed in Dublin for the weekend. I spent my time visiting the Dublin Castle, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Christ's Church and a small farmer's market over the past weekend. All of the buildings and sights were absolutely stunning. I love going into the city and exploring Dublin. There is always something to do.

Upcoming trips include a weekend in Belfast, Northern Ireland, followed by a long weekend in Berlin, Germany.


Everything is grand!