Study Abroad: The Final Day and Reflections

Today started off with me thinking about my husband Brian, puppy dog Scooter, my family and my friends.

I wondered if they would think I was any different after this trip.  I concluded that while I felt different about things, the core root of who I am will probably always stay the same.  A part of trying new things is to acknowledge and accept that your views may change, or you may learn new nuggets of information to place in your arsenal of experiences.   I know out of everything, that I have found a new found appreciation for my life and the wonderful people within it.

So, on to the final day.

I got ready early and Whitney and I went down for breakfast and to reflect on our trip.  After a short bus ride, we arrived at the airport and checked in. Well, with a minor snafu with my ticket not wanting to scan correctly, I was able to go ahead and take a seat and wait.

For three hours.

It really didn’t seem that long, though.  I worked on some things, read, and just observed people.  The first flight with Aer Lingus was a bit rough, especially with the landing and the man with the super long legs ramming them into the back of my chair.  Haha, everybody has experienced this though, and I just tried to look forward to getting back home.

My flight on Virgin Atlantic went very smoothly, and the lady I sat next to was so kind.  In addition, I watched the movie in flight called, “The Vow.”  I previously said the lady next to me was kind because I boo-hooed during the entire movie. 

My goodness, I was a blubbering mess.

Once I arrived to JFK, I hurried to get my bags and then recheck them in with JetBlue.  I made it up the first set of escalators just fine.  On my second set of escalators…well….

Let’s just say I was over-eager.

My 45 pound bag was half on the same step as me, and I lost my balance.  I thought I was going to be ok, but no such luck.  I fell backwards over the top of my luggage (two steps), and then down another four steps.  Thank goodness for the airport security man at the bottom of the escalator which pressed the stop button and came to my rescue.  I was unfortunately so shocked and out of it that I don’t remember exactly what had happened, but I know that the security guard wanted me to get checked out.  Me and my stubborn self convinced the guard to let me go so I didn’t “miss my flight.”  Looking back now, I think I was so adamant because I was trying to convince myself that I was ok—even amidst the tears swelling in my eyes.

I have a second knee now from my fall.  Hee-hee.

I made it home, and Brian—plus the Scootman—were waiting outside of the airport for me.  Brian took care of me and made sure to dote on me that night, which is exactly what I needed. 

I am so thankful!

He even surprised me with earrings he bought for me from Ireland before he left! 

They even have little shamrocks on them!

Now, I will rest, relax and recover and complete some final projects for our class which enabled me to study abroad.  Overall, I take with me so much from this trip—gaining new friends, experiencing a completely different culture, learning about the pros and cons of the health system in Ireland, viewing such beautiful castles, attractions, and landscapes, and noshing on such healthy food!

So, one last Irish saying:

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.

Study Abroad: Day Nine and Day Ten

Study Abroad:  Day Nine

Today I woke up feeling so refreshed and looking forward to some relaxing activities we already planned for the day.

After biting a quick bite of breakfast down in one of the hotel’s restaurants, we decided to try our hand at some horse back riding.

Now, let me just tell you, the last time I went horseback riding was like, 5 years old.  So I knew this was going to be quite the adventure for me.  We arrived at the stables, and watched the horses for a little while before our guide came and got us and had us put on riding hats. 

I felt like a goober.

Horses- "Bobby" and his girlfriend, "Sally."

Getting ready to go horseback riding!

In my spa robe and spa shoes heading to the pool!

Nonetheless, the saddles were English saddles, so actually getting up on the horse took some maneuvering.  After two gals helped me on, we all instantly giggled.  This is because my little horsey named “Mindy” passed gas.

Loudly.  Several times.

Come to find out, she was in heat and not in a good mood.  I petted her and said, “I feel ya sister.”  So we started along, with my cranky horse wanting to bite the other girl horse.  We weaved through this nature trail, and I felt like I was just bobbling along.  Good times!  “Bobby,” the male horse behind the two girl horses had to take several pit stops to eat.  He would eat and walk and walk and eat, paying no attention to anything else.

And my horse kept going along, passing gas here and there.  It was hilarious.

After riding, we headed back to the pool for some relaxation and it was just amazing.  One of the Jacuzzi’s was outside and it provided such a revitalizing feeling as we looked across the lake and mountains. Later, went to the salt water Jacuzzi and the steam room as well to detoxify and breathe in aromatherapy oils.

Lap pool--just amazing!

The therma-spa, with the salt water jacuzzi.

We really just took it easy tonight and had a good dinner with nice discussions.  Afterwards, Whitney and I headed back to our room and watched “Bridesmaids” as we drifted off in a peaceful sleep.

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Study Abroad: Day Ten

Today started off with me thinking, “Holy moly! This is our last day before heading home!”

After grabbing breakfast, we all loaded on the bus for our ride to the Cliffs of Moher.  It was raining and cold today while we were there, but it certainly did not spoil the awe of the views that the cliffs provide.   Looking out across the ocean at the cliffs really made me appreciate the experiences I have had the past few weeks, and thankful that I have had the opportunity to witness such amazing and inspiring locations outside of the United States. 

Cliffs of Moher part I!

Cliffs of Moher part II!

I warmed up with a hot chocolate and coconut chocolate macaroon (gluten-free) before boarding the bus again to head to our new and last hotel.  The Bunratty Castle Hotel is located—you guessed it—right near the Bunratty Castle (from the 15^th century) and Bunratty Folk Park.  The folk park is a recreation of 19^th century life, including a living village containing an old school, doctor’s office, post office, and little pub.

Me at an old classroom at Bunratty Folk Park.

  Outside the doctor's office at the Folk Park.  Loved the roses!

Durty Nelly's-the oldest bar in Ireland!

Grad students!  CSUN + ECU

I started getting a little tired and needed to head back to the hotel to rest and pack up before tomorrow, but we made sure to stop by the oldest bar in Ireland, called Durty Nelly’s.  Brian told me of its charm (since he went there his last night here in Ireland), and I wanted to make sure to take a look around.  After enjoying a coffee with Bailey’s, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the night’s festivities at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet.      

It was such a great time at the banquet with great food and entertainment!   A fellow classmate was even chosen to be sent to the castle's "dungeon" and had to sing to all of us to be released! The entertainment included harp and violin, singing, acting, as well as a four-course meal! The meal was set medieval style, meaning we ate soup straight from bowls and ate with little to no utensils.  We drank honey mead, along with red and white wines. 

It was delightful!

Tomorrow I head home, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that Ireland and the study abroad opportunity will have a lasting impression on me forevermore.

Study Abroad: Day Eight

Today started out with me hearing the beautiful sounds of nature outside our hotel, and loving every minute of it!


I slept in and stayed around the hotel today to get some work done for our business (yep, I still have to work even while in another country) and take it a bit easy during the morning hours since my tummy gave me some problems last night and this morning.

Good to go now though!

After getting some work done, I decided to take on the role of the adventurous and independent tourist and took a taxi to travel to Killarney town.  It was a bustling little area, filled with many shops, pubs, and even motorcyclists.

True Irish spirit you all!

Nonetheless, the town was filled with families out for a Sunday shopping stroll and ice cream treats.  I headed toward this shop Brian and I originally found in Dublin called Pennys (much different than the JC Penny we know in America), which sales really cute clothes and accessories for amazing prices.  The clothing is made pretty good too!  I bought a new bathing suit, some sun glasses, a t-shirt and earrings.  All less than 30 U.S. dollars!  

Dachshund shirt up in Penny's.  For realsies. Scootman, I know you are jealous!

I then headed to an ice cream shop for a “caffe mocha” since the place touted their milk being really pure and coming from a nearby area called Dingle.  It was one of the best coffees I have had, with shaved chocolate on top.  YUM!  I found out this evening that only a few days before, Brian went into this same little store, out of all the shops in Killarney town, and had ice cream! 

Brian and I always think alike!  I can’t wait to see him when I get home.

I didn’t have a way to call the taxi company back with the lack of good Internet access where I was at, so I walked around a little more, listening to people play music on the street , and then decided I needed to be resourceful.  I walked to the tourist office, and had them call the taxi back for me.

Arriving back to our hotel, I watched the sheep and deer grazing on the grounds before being let off.  All I could think was, “amazing.” I decided to check out the swimming pool and had such a wonderful time!  The lap pool is heated, and the Jacuzzi is indoor/outdoor, which allows you to go outside and view the lake and the mountains while relaxing.  There was also a thermal suite that contained a sauna, steam room, sitting area, and a salt water Jacuzzi.  

I have never been so relaxed in my life.

View from our hotel balcony.

Video of the mountains and lake.

Dinner was nice again tonight, and we held a “Fireside Chat” for just the graduate students.  This chat involved us sitting in the “library” area of our hotel, and the seven graduate students from California State University and two graduate students from East Carolina University (including myself) discussing with the graduate professor—Dr. Sloane Burke—different topics on public health issues found in Ireland versus the United States.  We discussed topics ranging from culture differences in food and drink and its affects on obesity and cancer, to smoking in Ireland, lack of general practitioners, maternity benefits, and upcoming changes to Ireland’s health policies.

Tomorrow we might try our hand at some horseback riding and/or canoeing.  Should be a blast!

This is where I am probably at when you begin reading this post.  This was after hotel staff provided us "turndown" service, along with a piece of chocolate. 

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An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

Study Abroad: Day Seven

Today started out with a lot of excitement, as we knew we were going to do some adventurous activities! 

Starting off, we proceeded to the Jameson Distillery Experience tour in Cork.  This tour was truly realistic as our tour guide took us through the grounds of the Jameson Factory, showing us how the whiskey is created through a very specific process.  I learned what “triple distillation” meant, and how it makes it smoother than American and Scotch whiskeys. The distillation process from Jameson also allows it to be gluten-free, which I thought was quite interesting.  At the end of the tour, some of our classmates were able to taste test the difference, and we all were able to have a drink with Jameson and a mixer, like ginger ale. 

In front of Jameson Distillery before our tour!

Jameson Bottle Chandelier.

Barrels of Jameson ranging from in age such as 3 years up to 18 years.  The darker the whiskey, the more aged.

Whitney and I.

We hopped back on the bus and headed for Blarney Castle to “kiss the rock.”  Even though it was raining and a little cool, we had a blast!  I think it was one of my favorite tours since it was self-guided.  Whitney, me, and a couple other classmates were not sure where to head into the castle first, so we started in the dungeon.  I was at the front trying to navigate the way.

Whoops.

As we headed along the dungeon, the cave kept getting narrower and narrower until we were literally having to duck and squat and hold on to the wall to keep from slipping or falling.  Well, we got to the end.

A dead end.

Haha! But it really was fun!  We then figured out the way to go up into the castle and kiss the stone.  It is said that by kissing the stone, you will receive the “gift of eloquence,” otherwise known as the “gift to gab.” 

I kissed the stone twice!

Blarney Castle!

This is me crouched down in the "dungeon."

Kissing the Blarney Stone!

We ate lunch at a mill near the castle, did some shopping at this large market, and then we headed back on the bus to ride to our hotel.  Let me say you all, I don't believe I have ever stayed in a 5-star hotel, so I was like a child in a candy store when we arrived.  It is so gorgeous, and boasts such elegant accommodations (like a towel rack to warm your towels, and a beautiful balcony that enables you to see the lake and mountains)!  It also has a spa, indoor pool and Jacuzzi, sauna/steam room, and a salt-water pool!  Dinner was also amazing here at the hotel, and I was able to go do some reading for class near a fire, call mom and dad, and sip on wine and a hot coffee.

At the Spa at our hotel.

The panoramic view of the lake and mountains during dinner.

At dinner.

Dessert at dinner!

Study Abroad: Day Five and Six

Study Abroad Day Five

Today started out with me sleeping in way too late!  This meant wet hair and glasses, but that’s ok—as the Irish say, “I’m on holiday!”

We traveled to the Dublin Castle today, which was incredibly elegant and beautiful.  I learned that the terms “saving face” came from women who would put “makeup” on their face and would stand near fireplaces.  While they stood near the fireplace, their “makeup” would melt and sometimes (as our guide stated) the makeup would melt down into their cleavages.  After that, for lunch, I took a 30-min trek to a Starbucks to call Brian and make sure he was ok, and walk briskly back to the group to view St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Dublin Castle I

Dublin Castle II

Dublin Castle III

St. Patrick's Cathedral I

St. Patrick's Cathedral II

St. Patrick's Cathedral III

Guinness Storehouse

Abbey Tavern in Howth with Irish Coffee and Baby Guinness.

Whitney and I!

We then went to Guinness Storehouse (yes, I have been able to go twice now), and enjoyed a pint and hung out for about two hours.  I highly recommend anyone who travels to Dublin to come to this tourist spot.  After Guinness, Whitney and I took a nap (had to you all) and then we headed to Howth to the Abbey Tavern for an Irish dinner, music, and dance. 

Some of the dancing at the Abbey Tavern.  Reminded me of River Dance.

The scenic ride back was GORGEOUS, as you could see Dublin off in the distance.  Granted, it was like, 10pm-ish and the sun was not completely down. 

I have a theory right now that the Irish get so much more physical activity in during the summer months because the sun comes up at 4am, goes down at 10pm and they walk everywhere.

We came back to the hotel and packed up to get ready for Cork County tomorrow.  Sorry I can’t type more you all!  I am super tired.

Cheers!

Kara

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Study Abroad Day Six

Today started out with me super excited about traveling to a new area since I have been in Dublin for almost 10 days.  After changing my outfit for the day twice, I packed up, and left my bag outside for our kind bus driver “Nigel” to pick up and put in the bus.  Whitney and I snoozed on the way to the Rock of Cashel (a two and a half hour bus ride), and I slept sitting straight up with my mouth wide open.

Classy Kara.

The Rock of Cashel was so pretty!  Here are some pictures below:

We then took another hour bus ride to Cork, a beautiful, clean, and pretty modern area.  They have an “English Market” (kind of like the “Farmer’s Market” in Raleigh) which contains all fresh foods, like organic vegetables and fruits, raw meat, nuts, homemade sauces, delectable sweets, cheeses of all sorts (like the vegetarian, unpasteurized gouda that kept my mouth watering), and fresh baked breads.

Chocolates!

Cheeses!

Olives, Chilies, Pepperoncinis, Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil!  Made me think about my sister and how much she would love this.

After doing some shopping,  and sightseeing, we came across this mural/artwork being completed in rememberance of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic.  The Titanic actually had its last port of call in the town of Cobh, near Cork Harbor in Ireland.

Whitney and I came back and prepared for dinner at the hotel, which was probably the best so far.  I had a vegetable soup (Ireland purees the crap out of their soups), and fresh salad.  Here is a picture of the dessert they provided below.

We head for the Blarney Castle tomorrow and then to the Jameson Distillery.  All of us are super excited for Killarney tomorrow and what we hear is a very nice hotel!

Cheers!

Kara

Shamrockin’ Fact:  A referendum was passed here in Ireland today (by around 60%) and is pretty big news over here.  I will not bore you to death with all the details I have learned about it in the past 10 days, but I will say that most other countries in the EU did not approve this referendum (governments usually voted), but Ireland was a little different.  They let the population vote on it.  The signs around Ireland usually say the following, “Vote Yes for Investment, Stability, Recovery,” and “Vote No for Bank Bailout.”  Here is a link to more information if interested: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/01/uk-ireland-referendum-idUKBRE84U0C520120601