Last glimpses of Ireland 

Until next time!

Midnight Reflections

Ireland has come and gone, my feet are solidly back on US soil. As I reflect on my time overseas I am initially hit by a deep wave of depression, I miss it oh so much. As that inevitable longing passes, however, I am left with a deep feeling of  gratitude. Gratitude towards the people of Dungarvan, Tom Keith, Seamus (for putting up with all of us), my housemates, my Irish friends, and so on. I was blessed with the experience of a lifetime, and even more blessed to have met so many amazing people throughout this journey. I truly can call Dungarvan my home: I laughed, cried, celebrated, fought, ran, studied, and lived a life there. As I pickup my life here in the states, I vow to keep the balance and peace I found in Ireland. I promise to keep the "Irish" joy I found overseas, and spread it. This trip was full of personal growth: it has helped me evolve so much as a young person, taught me to believe in myself, and also love myself. Only good came out of this trip, and I cannot wait for the day I return "home" to Dungarvan once again.



Before we left, all of our friends and the town council put on a party for us...it was the perfect end to a perfect trip: not a goodbye, but a "see you later" <3

 My Irish Family

 Best Buds

Lifelong Friends 

Italia in a Nutshell

A week in Italy: one cannot dream of a more perfect start to summer vacation! I'm in love with Ireland, however, a trip to the warm beaches of Sicily and history of Rome was a welcomed vacation. My two friends and I jetted of to the unknown destination of Palermo, Italy. This ended up being an utter blessing: Palermo is heaven on earth. You can't get much more authentic than Sicily! No one spoke English, the food was to die for, the beaches were white sand and blue water, the open air markets were beautiful, and it was ours to explore. Though there was a language barrier, the people were eager to communicate and help us explore their beloved slice of paradise. The hospitality of the locals felt much like Ireland. We made amazing friends simply in the two days we were there! 
Palermo gave way to Rome. Rome was a different kind of beauty and adventure, one found in history and amid crowds of tourists. It was not our beloved Palermo, but we enjoyed Rome to the fullest! The Colloseum, Vatican, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain: we did it all. The Vatican was my favorite part of Rome. It was simply breathtaking inside and out. The tour of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museum was eye-opening and surreal. Inside the Basilica was another experience in itself. We also climbed to the very top, and experienced an utter high on life moment as we looked out over the entire Vatican City. Communion and mass were just the icing on the cake.
Alas, Italy had to end. Rome was good, Palermo was great. I will forever cherish the adventures and memories made in Italia. I will be back. 

Practically Pro

With a sliotar and hurley in hand, just call us amateur hurlers! We finally got our "taster" session of hurling with the Waterford team coach and it was phenomenal: we are all addicted. Suited with a wooden hurley and tight helmet, eight American girls set out to learn the ropes of this brutal game. Turns out, we are "naturals". Through a series of hand skills and feet positions, we learned the basic motions needed to succeed. A combination of hockey and baseball, we had to adjust to our hands being opposite how we would hold a stick or bat in the US.  We also had to gain awareness of the "flicking" motion needed in our wrists! Unlike baseball, it is more of a wrist action to hit the sliotar.  We were given the basics: get the sliotar between the goalposts (one point) or under the crossbar into the net (three points), catch the sliotar with hand, only four steps without handling, only hand passes allowed(no throwing), and be aware. After various drills and practicing, we had our own mini game and vowed to continue this tradition of Hurling back at Mercyhurst.

An Irish Birthday

Thanks to great friends, we were granted an invite to an Irish 21st Birthday party! The experience was grand. An Irish family is something very special, and we got to observe this first hand. The members from all over Ireland, and even some from England, all came together to celebrate.  Food, family, drink, and friends: a true celebration of life! All were dancing, singing, and catching up. The joy could be felt in everyone, and you could tell they all enjoyed just being with each other.  We also got introduced to some birthday traditions, including the 21 kisses for 21 years. This tradition entailed the birthday boy sitting on a stool and getting 21 kisses, the last being his girlfriend!  Throughout my time in Ireland, I have come to greatly appreciate family and time spent with them.

Go Jump Off a Cliff

You know the saying "ohhh go jump off a cliff"? Well, we took the literal interpretation and did just that...or almost that. The opportunity to jump into the Celtic Sea presented itself, and we grabbed it.  Beginning on the cliffs of Goat Island, we strapped on the wet suits and prepared for the ice cold adrenaline rush.  Our fearless leader, and swim professional, Dave jumped in first: sadly deeming the water too rough.  We moved on, however, to the Ardmour Bay and took the plunge into the Celtic off of a pier. The water was freezing, but the rush was unlike anything else: it was addictive.

Explore

Go down an unknown road, why not? Follow a stray sheep, why not? Climb a waterfall, why not? On this day we were feeling exceptionally adventurous and decided to take on the local falls. The drive to the falls was breathtaking and complete with cows in the road and a lone sheep that would not move out of the way- pure Ireland. Not deterred by the mountain rescue crew cleaning up after a rescue  we took on the challenge.  From afar, the falls looked like were frozen or still! Up close, however, their beauty was unreal. Step by step, we made our way as high as we could: higher than the mountain sheep! From atop this waterfall, we could see for miles. Ireland never fails to take my breath away. Words cannot describe the beauty that our spur-or-the-moment exploration unveiled, so I will leave you with the pictures.

The Official "Unofficial" Sport

Hurling: it is the sport of ancient Gaelic origin, played for over 3000 years! Today in Ireland there is still no professional league, so players are unpaid "amateurs".  This does not deter many, however, and the game remains a fixture of life.  We were very lucky to experience a match of the fastest field game around at the local Waterford stadium. As a first time spectator, I hadn't a clue what the rules were or what was going on. So I made my own observations and will compare them to when I learn Hurling in the weeks to come. Stay tuned to new coming posts to see what I learn about Hurling, and if my initial observations were true!

• brutal
• no pads
• fast fast FAST
• hit the ball in the "field goal" or soccer goal
• why two categories on scoreboard?
• can't hold ball in hand
• can hit ball with stick, like baseball
• no names on jerseys 
• can balance ball on Hurley
• WE WON! 

TK adventures: Waterford Style

Waterford County holds so much within it! We toured the local school, Waterford Crystal, a Famine Ship, Soors College, and the JFK memorial all before nightfall: Tom Keith does not stop. Coffee and Scones at the local Friary school began our day: so so delicious, as only the Irish do. It was amazing to see the pride the teachers and students take in their school. Waterford Crystal was our next stop. The tour was mind-blowing! All the master cutters, who apprentice for 10 years, worked from memory! We got to see the entire process that goes into creating the crystal clamored for around the world. The beauty in each piece was unreal. After this tour, we proceeded onto a tour of a Famine Ship. This ship was used to transport people to a "new world" and "fresh start" during the famines in Ireland. Packed to the brim, the ship was vial with disease and hunger: I couldn't imagine a month long journey on it. Soors College followed, and we enjoyed a delicious traditional meal. Again, we were struck by the Irish hospitality and how welcoming everyone was! The food did not disappoint, and we practically rolled out of there and on to the JFK memorial.  It was quite interesting to see how revered this American president is in the Irish culture. TK was so excited, he even took a little fall in his excitement to get just the right picture! Waterford, via the TK experience, was one to remember.

Rugby: My Style

Mud, screams, laughs, tackles: Mercyhurst girls took on rugby this evening!  18 girls who have never played rugby before are now obsessed with the game. We had an amazing time learning the ins and outs of this national sport. Throwing the ball backwards, the proper way to tackle, rules, and scoring: we learned it all! The two difficulties we had were throwing backwards and the idea that a tackle does NOT stop the play or cause a change possession. I have gained a new respect for the rough-and-tumble players of rugby and admire the strength and strategy it takes to play. Below I will list what rules I picked-up from our trainer session.

Rugby "Sara Style"
1. You MUST throw the ball backwards (to a person behind you)
2. Tackling does not stop the play
3. You can run as far as you can with the ball
4. Communication is key with teammates
5. You must move together
6. The more mud the better

Berlin

New language, new culture, new city: Hello Berlin! We just got home from our "spring break" in Germany!  The experience was surreal. We toured the sites, experienced the culture, and just soaked up as much as we could in the short amount of time we were there. Walking where Hitler did, seeing the SS Headquarters, and even a concentration camp: I was blown away by the history and past of the city. Arriving in Germany, the first shock came in the language barrier. Living in Ireland, I never realized how fortunate I was to be studying in a country that speaks English (be it their own version, but English at least). I must admit, I found the German language quite ugly. I felt like they were screaming or angry at me! The stunningly beautiful looks of the German people and the city of Berlin, however, made up for the ugly abrasive language. Everywhere I looked I found myself gawking at something (or someone) beautiful! As a fashion major, I also found myself drooling over the European style and snapping mental pictures of outfits and silhouettes I want to recreate back home. In between exploring the streets and trying our hand at the train system, we went on a historical "journey" that took us from the Berlin wall and SS buildings to the Teirgarten statues and Berlin Dom. Everywhere seemed to be dripping with history and almost raw with the not-so-distant occurrences of the past that took place within the borders. The Berlin Wall made a huge impact on me: the sheer desperation to breach it and gain a better life in West Germany could be felt just by looking at it. Touring the Checkpoint Charlie museum also opened my eyes to this desperation and events that occurred here. The East Side Gallery was also an amazing experience. It is the longest stretch of wall still standing, and it is pure artwork. The graffiti and paintings represent the past, present, and hope for the future: breathtakingly beautiful, it depicts the raw emotions of the German people. The East side gallery took us to a new and trendy part of Berlin: Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Here we explored till we couldn't walk anymore: ducking into cafes and boutiques, it was a wonderfully "posh" place and a place of pure happiness for me. Again, just watching the people and experiencing the real culture...I will never forget it. Overall, the entire experience was unforgettable and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to explore the history of such a prominent country and walk the streets of such a hip culture. 

East Side Gallery

Berlin Dom

Easter in Ireland

No baskets, no colored eggs, no girls dolled-up in dresses and hats: Easter in Ireland is quite different from the one back home. Common ground is found, however, in the chocolate eggs and sweets. Cadbury is everywhere here, so I am in heaven. The Irish do not do the "American Tradition" of creating and hiding baskets, nor do they color eggs- when we asked some locals if they did these things, they looked at us like we were crazy! Asking us what we did with the eggs once colored, and how it worked exactly...they said the closest thing they do is hiding a few eggs around the house for a "hunt": another commonality, children DO participate in Easter egg hunts! On Easter day, we had to refrain ourselves from jumping in the children's hunt because we so missed the festivities going on at home! Easter here in Ireland though provided us a chance to create new tradition and experience something new, and that we did.  After attending mass, complete with a beautiful choir and flowers, we headed out for a hike. Our lovely "Easter Hike" took us to the top of Collagan Woods, overlooking all of Waterford county...it was beautiful. The rain didn't bother us a bit, it was actually quite lovely.We then explored the river and tromped around till we found a tree worthy of our initials. Here, we carved our names into the wood: now we will forever be in Ireland. Our hike ended at the ocean, windy and pouring rain...but still breathtaking! Back home, we gathered our resources and created an Easter dinner for our entire townhouse "family"- it was perfect. We may not have been home for the holiday, and everyone was missing there families, but we made the best of it and got to create our own special "Irish Easter". I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.

our initials

Little Things

I'm not one for guided tours. I've never been one to jump on the tour bus or follow a guide around with pamphlets and headsets on (sorry if that is your cup of tea- to each his own!).  I'm all about jumping into the culture, exploring on foot, and seeing where it all takes you. We ventured to Lismore with the wonderful Tom Keith a few weeks ago.  TK is the greatest, however, I find my mind wondering as he imparts his historical knowledge upon us. Lismore was amazing: castles and churches, all beautiful! My favorite part, however, came as we were exploring a church. TK was going on about the history and all,  when a traditional band started playing in the corner. Rehearsing for something, they sounded amazing.  Guitar, drum, and pipe: this is the traditional Irish music I swoon over. I found myself drawn away from the group, and just sitting there entransed. I can't remember the name of the church, the history behind it or within it, but I will forever remember the sound of the band and the pure joy I found in it.  These tiny moments, all the little things of this nature, are what make this Irish experience my own and one I will never forget.

Poetry and a Fire

Wool socks, tea, blanket, and a fire: this is how I will be spending the rest of my day. It is FREEZING outside. Wind, rain, and hail complete the package of a not-so-delightful day.  Regretfully, I have "turned to the books" and began some much needed class readings.  As much as I hate to admit it, however, I'm actually enjoying this "me-time" and the required poems of Seamus Heaney!  Heaney is a welcome change to Yeats, in my opinion.  Yeats tended to paint a stark and negative picture of Ireland, especially in Dubliners.  Heaney, on the other hand, celebrates Irish land and tradition in a way I can truly follow and appreciate.  Blackberry Picking and Digging express the Irish past and present in a beautiful way.  Curled up by the fire, I'm loving Heaney...be proud Dr. Reed!

Saint Patrick's Day Celebration

Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland: doesn't get much better than that!  The entire experience was surreal,  full of life and energy.  Fireworks, Irish mass, parades, and pubs: we made the most of the weekend.  Much like the 4th of July in America, St. Patty's Day is a day (well weekend for many) of great national pride and celebration. The Mercyhurst group was center-stage in the annual parade and I was amazed by the amount of people who lined the streets! Young and old, it felt like everyone in town was out to see the show. Mass (before the parade) was also packed, and almost completely spoken in Irish! I loved experiencing the rich heritage and seeing everyone decked out: a true testiment to the Irish pride we read about in class! The fireworks over the water in the key were beautiful, and did not disappoint. You could tell what a special event it all was, and the genuine love/care that went into planning all the day's festivities. The kids and the elderly, along with the drunken youth, all embodied Saint Patrick's Day and showed us a grand time.

Parade Time!

Mercyhurst University Represent 

Craic: a good drug

Irish Craic: it isn't a drug, it isn't illegal, BUT it is addictive. What is it then?...Irish craic is a good time, entertainment, fun, amusing.  Irish craic is "the good stuff".  Good food, music, dancing, chatting, singing, a few beers, and joy: this is the drug or "craic" the Irish live on.  We have been fortunate to experience this "craic" and look forward to finding it over and over again...we have become true addicts!

Here is a taste:

Ambassador Status

Mercyhurst University's roots are in Ireland, stemming from the Sister's of Mercy.  On Sunday, we were very blessed to get an inside look of the House on Baggot Street and see where it all began.  I will claim some Ambassador-nerd status here, but the experience was one I will never forget! We were given an unofficial tour of the very halls and steps Sister Catherine McAuley walked (she founded the sisters).  To see her teacup and the room where she laid was a very cool experience and put the information we as ambassadors must learn into reality.  We were even given access to Catherine McAuley's grave. An odd, but wonderful, experience for sure!  The hospitality the sisters are known for was evident in our impromptu tour and overall feeling of the house.  We finished with a peek inside the chapel, and ending up chatting with the old Irish people there for traditional Irish mass! Overall, it was a unique and special experience for everyone...even though we complained and moaned the entire walk there, we all agree it was well worth it.

Dublin

The group destination of the weekend was Dublin!  It was a whirlwind of beauty, activity, tourist, locals, music, rugby, and rain: I loved every moment of it!  The mix of history and modern life in this city captivated me.  The tours and informational stops were great, I enjoyed seeing the Leinster House and other historical sites. I must admit, however, that my favorite time was the time spent simply walking the streets and watching the happenings around me: The people and culture fasinated me! Flower stands and pastry shops to designer stores and spar markets...there was everything! I met people from France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark!  It was all so new and exciting that I don't think I slept, I just wanted to keep going.  The hussle and bussle of the city streets were addictive and electrifying and, as a fashion major, full of style inspiration. I did drag myself off the streets and out of the beautiful shops to view the William B. Yeats display, which was very interesting. It was great to view some of this author's belongings and just get a sense of the man we have been reading all about and disecting his poetry.  Overall, the Dublin experience is one I will never forget...and I hope to return too! The city is wonderful, but we all came to appreciate "our little village": sleep deprived and starved, we couldn't wait for Dungarvan and its coziness.  On to the next adventure!

Say What?

"Tree Terty": we have been saying this over and over again, but it never loses its charm.  For some reason, it tickles "us Americans" to death when an Irish lad (or las) says this phrase.  Or any other "th" word for that matter.  Only being in Dungarvan, Ireland a few days, we have already picked up some of the lingo. Listed below are some "say what?" moments I have had in the past few days in my new home.

"Half-past nine" = 9:30
"Bob" = Bucks
"Orange Juice with Bits" = OJ with Pulp
"Chips" = French Fries
"Are you ok?" = What do you want to drink?
"Bonnet" = hood of car

More to come!
 

Mercyhurst Gang

The Mercyhurst Gang

Looking pretty good after an 8hr flight and 6hr time difference! Jet Lag can't slow us down!