Land of the Leprechauns: Ireland!

Ireland!
This past weekend I went with seven other people to Dublin, Ireland. We flew out early Friday morning and hit the ground running right when we landed. After the bus stop taking my 20 euros and dealing with that fiasco, we headed straight into Dublin.
We ate quick lunch at a local pub, then headed out into the city. Hannah and I went to the Guiness Brewery first. It was really interesting learning how beer is made and the history behind the famous brand. We got a free beer at the end of our tour and I could not bear to take more than a few sips. It was SO strong-as dark as coke. So I got my picture and left.
Then, we went and walked around to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Dublin Castle. Ireland is beautiful. The atmosphere is very chill and has this big/little city feel. It’s quite charming. Also, I really like the people because they were very friendly. They were always eager to answer questions and help you with anything you may need.
That night, we met up with Becca and her friend who was studying abroad in Dublin for stir fry in her apartment. What a blast!! We got to talk with local Irish students.

Hostel experience:
I have discovered I am not so much a hostel person. It’s not the glamour aspect, but merely the “I don’t feel comfortable sharing a room with you, 28 year old man who lives here…” Don’t get me wrong, the guys were friendly, but after realizing they were high and way to old to even be there- it was just weird. It’s also hard to get ready when there are guys. An all girl hostel would be best.
I survived my four hour sleep and we all raced to our pick-up point for the day tour across Ireland to the Cliffs of Moher. Wow. This place is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Pictures do it no justice. It was majestic and made me feel so small. There were multiple stops along the way including a local pub in Doolin, an old cathedral from the 1600’s, St. John’s castle, and a limestone field. We viewed countryside and small towns.
On our trip, we met two Austrian girls. We got along great and ended up visiting 3 pubs that night. TradFest is going on (a music festival) so all the pubs in Temple Bar had live music. We had such a good time dancing talking. A few of us are going to try and visit them and stay in their flat in April.
All in all, it was a great trip. Ireland surpassed my expectations and is a must see for everyone.

London Calling!

Jan 7 2010
Today we had a bunch of meetings. So after the meetings we went and got our very own cell phones and took a tour of our little area in London. My cell phone only cost 2 cents. I know… crazy!
That night we all went out. We walked around forever until finally ending up in a place called The Comedy Pub. It was really laid back. Jessie, Janie, Connor, and Tom were with me. After we left, Janie and I wanted to head back. We got lost, so we asked some guys on the corner how to get back. They were hilarious. Clearly intoxicated, they joked and were loud, but very friendly and helpful. Then, wet met a musician named Stevie (he thought we were Sweedish!) ☺ . We talked to him and asked about some good clubs. Then we got some coffee and headed back. Later, we hung out in Emily’s room and then headed for bed around 2.
Jan 8
Today was fun! We sat around until 2:30, but used that time to schedule some trips. Bought my ticket to Dublin! Going Jan 28. SO EXCITED. Then, we went on a scavenger hunt all over London. Jessie and I got separated from our group so we wandered around. Ended up in Covent Piazza and got some of Ben’s Cookie. Fabulous! Superb! Best cookie I have ever eaten.
Proof:


After the scavenger hunt, Hannah and I took a trip to the grocery store. It was about a 15 minute walk, but I so enjoyed it. We got back around 7:45, ate dinner, then got ready to go the club Tiger Tiger. This place was legit. We had to make reservations and stand in line. There were three floors I think. All of GLS eventually ended up on the Disco Dance floor (which lit up) and danced the night away! We came home around 12 then headed to bed.
Jan 9
Today we went on a coach bus tour! I had such a good time. We got to see:
The London Tower….
Westminister Abby: This is where Charlie and Kate will be married in April.
Big Ben! It’s not the clock that’s famous… it’s the huge bell inside!

St. Paul’s Cathedral. Fact: this is where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married. It burnt down and was rebuilt in the 1800’s.
Hyde Park, high end shopping on Oxford Street,
The London Eye.
And much much more!
Later that day, my friend Jessie and I went shopping down in Convent Square Gardens. It was so much fun to look around and enjoy ourselves. Taking in the sights and learning our way around London. What better way to spend our night?! Also, I joined the YMCA. It is a 1 minute walk from my flat and happens to be the FIRST YMCA ever in the entire world!! How cool is that?! Then that night Becca, Janie, and I all went to Hillsong Church London. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I had fun. It was alive and people were excited to be their worshiping our God. After, we went to the pub to meet some locals. Can’t wait to go back next week.

Jan 10.
School has begun. Back to reality. I began my stats class today. I can’t lie, I felt completely lost and feel like I don’t know what we were supposed to learn. Hopefully things will get better. That night, we went to see Billy Elliot. I did not really enjoy it at all. It was too goofy for me. It did inspire me to see a ballet which I plan to do in the near future.
Jan 11 & 12.
School…again. Boring. Not much to report. Living the normal London life.
Jan 13
It’s the WEEKEND! After taking my first stats exam (wasn’t too bad) I went to workout and then headed to The Court (a cheap pub) with friends. We were merry.