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.