Hola Espana!

After only two full days back on campus, we were on to our next adventure, Barcelona, Spain! Christina and I took the 8 am bus to Dublin and arrived in Barcelona Thursday (March 24th) evening.  On this Trip, we went with a tour group, 'Weekend Student Adventures', that has just been started by Andy Steves, the famous Rick Steves son.  Andy Steves and his sister, have been all over the world with their father, on various trips since they were young.  After Andy studied abroad in Rome, he decided that he want to start a business that allowed students abroad the chance to travel to exicting places, at a reasonable cost.  He does trips almost every weekend to: London, Paris, Switzerland, Barcelona, Dublin, Rome and Prague.  And because he has traveled so much, he has made great connections with different people all over Europe, allowing him a variety of great actitivies to provide for each tour. This trip was absolutely amazing! Since we were with this group, we met kids studying abroad from all over Europe. On our first night of arrival, we went to this cute topas restaurant and tried so many different kinds, and had the most delcisiou glass of wine I have ever had.  Afterwards,  we walked down by the beach and had a few drinks a bar where Andy knew the managaer. The weekend was filled with wondering the streets of Barcelona, learning about the culture and the history behind this city.  The unique, beautiful churches were absolutely breathtaking and incredible. The architecture was nothing I had ever seen before and it truly brought life to the city and the Spanish culture. Walking down La Ramblas street, filled with people, entertainmen, food and shopping was quite an experience.  The giant Market in the middle of the street was the biggest market I have ever seen.  Food of all kinds from all over.  On Saturday, we walked the beach and people watched for hours, it was quite entertaining.  That night, we went out for a delicious topas dinner and then to a flamenco dance show, which was amazing! The Spanish culture is a fun and exciting one and I am so glad I was able to to put the little Spanish I know to use.  It was an incredible weekend that I shared with amazing people. 

Irish Story :)

So our program Arcadia, has this contest where people can submit stories, poems ect for their newsletter and the winner gets 50 euros to Dunnes (it is this GREAT! store, kinda like target but much better haha) and well I WON .  I wrote this story completely from my heart, describing just how amazing Ireland is and how it is impacted my life in so many ways.  I wanted to share this with all of you and I hope you enjoy it!

-Love, Ginger

‘The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes’

-Marcel Proust

Before I came to Ireland, I knew very little about this marvelous country.  I knew that many of my past relatives came from Ireland, most likely during the famine when many people fled to the states.  I was aware that St. Patrick was their patron saint and that the story of the leprechaun was associated with Ireland’s history.  As I anticipated my exciting journey, I wasn’t too sure what to expect, how to feel, what I would see and if these things would, in fact, have a significant impact on my life.  However, after only a month in Ireland, I have already learned so much about this country and also about myself. 

Ireland is a small country, size similar to that of Maine in the United States; a country that is known for its rolling green hills, rainy days, and multiple sheep roaming the fields.  However, Ireland has so much more to offer than those few things that come to mind.  Ireland is a place of warmth, kindness, generosity and acceptance.  When I was lost in Dublin, holding my map in front of me, pointing and looking like a complete tourist, a woman suddenly stopped what she was doing to help me.  For someone to do such a simple, considerate action, made me realize that I wasn't in America anymore.  Now, in Minnesota- where I am from- something like this would happen, the Midwest is full of friendly people.  But being a 'foreigner' in this new country, people knowing right away that we are American and 'do not belong here', does not change their morals, their kind personality, and their generosity in helping others when they need help.  The people here in Ireland are all truly one of a kind.  I have never felt so comfortable or so accepted by everyone that I meet.  This trait that the Irish people have is truly incredible and it continues to unite them as a country and builds that pride and unity that they have been striving for since the 1800's, when they rebelled against the British and fought for 'Home Rule'.  Ireland has proven itself to be a strong, unique, kind country, and many places cannot express all of these wonderful traits. 

While I am studying here at the University of Limerick, I enrolled myself in many different courses to help me become truly understanding of Ireland and of the Irish people.  In my history course, we have been learning about Ireland’s fight for independence from Britain’s Control.  The Irish people wanted to preserve their culture as being their own, to establish their own identity and continue to live as their own separate country, with morals, beliefs and pride. However, they felt that Britain’s powerful intervention was ‘stripping’ them of their identity.  In response to this, the Gaelic League was created to revive the Irish language in the 20th century and it was through traditional Irish song that they began to spread the language.  In our Traditional Irish Music class, there was a relationship between the Irish Language and folk-song; ‘Gottfried Von Herder’s theory of language and thought explained that each culture was unique and that the only way to understand a given culture was through its language as a form of cultural identity’.  Irish music is a significant expression of their identity as a way to relay their traditions and beliefs.   The Irish people fought to not only defend their small country, but to defend their dignity as a nation of hope. 

As I continue to live here in this new country, I have realized that my worldly perspectives are changing every day, allowing me to grow more and more.  I am learning the importance of having an open mind and seeing beyond what is right in front of me. From walking through campus on a daily basis to traveling to various places throughout Ireland, I have come to learn that this country is united in a common way.  They strived to defend their identity and continue to today.  Unlike in the United States, they are not held back by time or schedules or even routine. They approach each day as a new beginning that will lead to new happiness, new discoveries and new experiences; they live open and free.  Since living here, I have come to appreciate so much more in my life, attempting to live each day free of regret and doubt, instead, full of hope and desire.  Living in Ireland continues to inspire me to be a better person, being more accepting and opening my eyes to new perspectives.

I am so grateful that this is where I chose to spend four months of my life, growing as an individual and as an Irish descendant.  Being here makes me feel prideful to have Irish running through my veins and being able to call this place home. Even though this isn’t my true home, I still feel as if this is exactly where I am supposed to be.  

Chocolate, Cheese, and WINE! Hello Switzerland :)

In February, some of my family members moved to Switzerland.  My cousin Todd, his wife Christine and their three childern, Anna, Henry, and Isaac.  During Christmas, we talked about me visiting them while I was in Ireland, but I wasn't sure how and if I could make it possible.  However, as soon as I arrived in Ireland I knew that seeing the Smalley family was an absolute must! I mean, how could I miss out on this amazing once in a lifetime opportunitiy :). So my friend Victoria and I started out on our journey Thursday March 17th at 4 am.  We took the bus to Dublin, Yes, on St Paddy's Day, and got to the city around 8.  We then went to my friend Ellie's apartment in Dublin.  After we got into the city to 'watch' the parade, we realized that Dublin, on St. Paddy's day is ABSOLUTELY insane! People everywhere and unless you were 2 feet tall and squeezed your way to the front of the crowd and right on the cirb, there was no way you would be able to even make out what was going on in the parade.  If you planned on eating lunch, out of the question, unless you wanted to eat a slice of pizza in a small smelly alley while locals came up to you, completely wasted, asking you random questions and having the Gaurds come, telling them to leave. So, that is exactly what we did.. it's an adventure right ;). After our delicious alley pizza, we attempted to walk to the airport, silly silly idea, since it was about a 25 min bus ride.  After 15 mins, we finally found the airport shuttle and finally started our long journey to Switzerland.  Our first flight arrived in Liverpool London around 7 that night.  As soon as walked off the plane and about to board the bus to our hostel, we told the man working were we needed to go and the first thing he says is "Oh no, you're staying there? Just be VERY careful".  Hello Liverpool! haha.  Our hostel had a 'groovey' feel; peace and free lovin'.  It was a new experience :).  We went to bed right away and woke up at 4 for a taxi to the airport.  We flew out of Liverpool and into Geneva Switzerland at 9:50.  We then took a 45 min train ride to Morges, where my family was living at the time (they are now moved into their new GORGEOUS home in Vevey, where the kids go to school).  Christine and Isaac met us at the Train station and for the rest of the weekend, we felt so happy and blessed to be in a home, with a family again.  Christine made us a delicious lunch before all of us went to pick up Anna and Henry from school.  Anna was returning from a skiing field trip (such a lucky girl!).   The kids' school was right on Lake Geneva, surrounded by breath taking, beautiful alps, that were poking out from behind the clouds, their white, snowy tops barely visible.  It was absolutely incredible.  After walking around the city of Vevey and having a delicious Chocolate croissant, Victoria and I met the family back at home and had yet another incredible dinner with the family.  Sharing a glass of wine and family stories with Todd and Chrisitne was amazing, It made me appreciate my time abroad, away from my real life so much more.  On Saturday, it was a rainy day so we drove to their new home and then walked about the city of Launsanne.  Saturday night, we played banana grams for hours haha.  On Sunday, we went to the village and castle of Gruyeres, which sat  inbetween the green fileds and the beautfiul alps.  For lunch, we had amazing cheese fondue and ice cream for dessert, of course.  That evening, we celebrated Anna's tenth birthday, I am so glad I was able to share that with her.  Monday morning, Victoria wondered around Morges, had a cup of coffee and roamed the chocolate and pastry shops (it is IMPOSSIBLE to walk past them).  Afterwards, we went to the chocolate isle in the grocery store spent probably 15 mins trying to decide what to buy.  Yes, the chocolate in Switzerland is the best chocolate I have ever had. Then it was time to head back to 'reality'.  We took the train back to the airport, flight to liverpool, 5 hour layover, half hour flight to Dublin, then two hours waiting for the bus.  We finally made it back to campus at 4 am (I don't think I have ever been awake so many times in one week before the sun, it was quite an accomplishment).  Then, three days later we were on our way to Barcelona Spain!  

Visiting my family in Switzerland was absolutely incredible and truly made my experienc abroad even more life-changing.  Having this opportunity to travel AND being able to spend qualtiy one-on-one time with the people I love, made me realize how inspiring studying abroad is. I am so glad that we decided to visit them because the adventure they are all just beginning is such an incredible experience as a family where they will learn so much about themselves and grow closer as a family.  This opportunity will be life-changing and allow them to appreciate so much more about life and themselves.  I am so excited for them and so happy that they are embracing this amazing opportunity to grow and learn. I cannot wait to plan my next visit to see them :)

<3

I beat teen Pregnancy :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! WOW, I cannot believe my birthday was already three weeks ago!  I was a little nervous about how I would feel with having my 20th birthday not at home.  I wasn't sure who I would hang out with or who would be there to wish a happy birthday.  I should have known that I would have nothing to worry about with the amazing new friends that I have met here.  On Wednesday night, my two friends, Katie and Brittany, made me a delcisious pasta dinner and surprised me with a lovely icecream cake (the ONLY cake they could find in Ireland ha) and a wonderful bottle of wine.  They made me truly feel loved and cared for :).  On Thursday night, my lovely roommate Deirde made my her mom's famous pasta and Shannon helped me bake a homemade cake with homemade frosting.  Honor, and the two Emma'a helped with dinner and for the first time this semester, the 6 of us all ate dinner together.  Later that night, Victoria was an incredible friend and took me out on the town, paying for everything and truly watching out for me ( I am so grateful to have her as my friend).  Now on friday, my actual birthday, I had a Marketing Midterm at 11 am, not fun at all.  However, that night, Sarah and Christina took me out to dinner and Cobblestone Joes, a local pub.  We had an amazing time laughing and sharing stories from home for hours, it was the best way I could spend my birthday in Ireland.  The friends I have made here are absolutely incredible.  Even though I am so far from home and I have only known them for two months, these women have truly impacted my life and will continue to make me feel accepted and loved.  I know that sharing this experience with these amazing women will be something that will connect us for the rest of our lives.


<3

Belfast!

Ahh! Sorry it has taken me so long to blog, these last three weeks have been crazy busy! The last weekend in February, Arcadia, our study abroad program, took us to Belfast (which is in Northern Ireland).  Northern Ireland is very different than the rest of Ireland, since they are technically a part of the UK and disafilliate themselves with the Republic of Ireland.  Being there truly gave all of us a new perspective on a different way of living.  The city itself was similar to a regular city we had seen in Ireland, however, the people weren't like regular Irish people we had met.  Going out to a pub, "Flithy McNasty's",  we knew we weren't in 'Ireland' anymore.  We were not greeted with an Irish welcome and we did not feel as comfortable here.  We had no idea that by going only 6 hours north, that so much would be so different in a single country of only 6 million people. On Saturday, our group was taken to Giant's Causeway, which was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen.  Causeway was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was incredible! Not a cloud in the sky.  The story behind Giant's Causeway started a long long time ago.  It is said that a Giant lived in Scotland and found out that there was another 'bigger' Giant in Ireland.  To find out for himself how strong this other Giant was, he built a causeway all the way to Ireland.  Well, the Ireland Giant and his wife knew that he was coming to test his strength, so to fool him, the wife made baby clothes and the Giant built a crib.  When the Scotland Giant made his way to Ireland, he saw how big the 'baby' Giant was and ran back to Scotland, destroying his path as he went.  It is a very interesting story to explain how this amazing place came to be.  Northern Ireland was a great experience and it allowed me to understand the struggles that Southern and Northern Ireland have gone through over a period of so many years that has drastically changed the lives of many Irish people. 


-Cheers!