An Irish Weekend

This past weekend three of us went to Ireland.  We didn't think that going was going to be a possibility when the volcano in Iceland erupted, leaving many people stranded in airports.  However, the airways opened back up and we had no problems going (had you told me a volcano would interrupt plans, I would've laughed four weeks ago).  There were a few people, not going with us, who already canceled their flights so we were the only three students who traveled.
                                                                  Elizabeth's cup with our
                                                                  long lost love: ICE!

One of the first most exciting things about Ireland (other than all of the English in the air!) was the ICE in Elizabeth's water!  I totally forgot about the existence of ice before I saw her glass... that's how obsolete it is here.  It also was refreshing to hear English, especially in a cool accent! 

Our first day was spent in Dublin which is more touristy than the other places, but is still very laid back.  It's definitely not like Paris where I always felt like it was go. go. go.  Dublin was a very refreshing place to be as far as capitals are concerned.  There are tons of places to see like Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Dublin Castle.  I definitely going to Ireland when the flowers start to bloom because the parks are beautiful.  We spent about an hour sitting in the grass of St Stephen's Green talking, people watching, and enjoying the scenery. 

The next day we went to Limerick and Shannon.  We didn't spend a lot of time in Shannon, but walked around in the rain in Limerick. Limerick was beautiful, even with the rain.  We walked around the town and 

through a park there.  This picture is from Limerick.

When we got to Shannon around 4 we stayed in our hotel.  We were so exhausted from traveling all day.  We watched The Best music video channel ever and had fun anticipating what random song would come on next.  The next morning we left the Shannon Airport at 6:40 and got back into Paris around 12 ( flight + time change + bus ride from Beauvais airport to Paris).  We had a picnic lunch in the park by the Eiffel Tower and then caught the train home.

This is what a typical weekend is like when travelling... lots of new things, lots of sites to see, lots of travelling, and not enough sleep!  The longest we slept was 6 hours, but that doesn't ever matter.  We always catch up on planes and trains!

DISCLAIMER:  If you ever go to Ireland take your rain gear because Ireland is known for its rain.  Luckily for us though, the sun was out while we were site seeing in Dublin. 
The people in Ireland are very nice and helpful.  I recommend going to everyone. 

St. Patrick's Cathedral

www.stpatrickscathedral.ie

The Last Five Weeks in a Nutshell

So much has happened since my last post.  That is part of the reason I haven't posted anything in a while.  I have dreaded writing about everything that happened.  Right now, I'm going to give you a run down of the last few weeks and then later (hopefully) I will write more about what we did.

Our last week of class before Paris week went by very slowly.  We all were in such anticipation for our week in Paris that studying for our finals was almost obsolete.  Friday night was insane because we had to pack up our rooms at the Abbey for the three weeks we'd be away. 

On Saturday morning we all went to Paris.  Saturday was a day to get acquainted with the city.  On Sunday we were split into two groups.  One group went to Versailles; the other went to the Louvre.  I went to the Louvre this day and loved it.  It is extremely overwhelming, but was so cool.  I quickly discovered a love for sculptures when I realized that the Venus di Milo was my favorite piece of art that I saw.  I saw the Mona Lisa which was cool, but mainly because it's the Mona Lisa.  It's not a very impressive piece of art compared to da Vinci's other works. 

On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday we went on ParisWALKS.  ParisWALKS were our way of learning the ins and outs of Paris that tourists don't learn.  Our professors lead groups of seven students to different sites and areas of Paris to talk about anything from Impressionist art, the economic situation in Paris, and how shopping has shaped the city. 

Wednesday was a free day.  On this day, Annah, Elizabeth, and I went shopping, to the old Opera House, the Champs Elysees and to L'Arc de Triumph. 

On Friday the groups for Versailles and the Louvre switched.  I went to Versailles.  The palace was beautiful.  It's not very well organized though.  The parts that are open to the public are not clearly marked so we don't think we saw all of it.  The grounds were pretty too.  The weather was still cold and not many flowers had bloomed yet, so the scenery was a little bare, but we still enjoyed it.  We saw Marie Antoinette's house as well. 

On Saturday we went to Bayeux which is in Normandy.  We saw the Bayeux tapestry which was pretty interesting.  To find out what this is visit this link: http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/

Sunday  was a very emotional day.  We visited the Normandy D-day beaches and the American Cemetery.  To see the place where so many men MY AGE fought for Europe and their own lives was crazy.  Dr.  Mackaman, the Abbey Program director, is a history professor so he  served as our guide. 

The American Cemetery was very special.  For one, the cemetery is legally US land, so we were technically home... kind of.  The names and crosses blur together a bit, but knowing that I am the age that many of those men were is very difficult to comprehend.  I even saw a woman's name right before I left.  She worked for the American Red Cross.  Her name was Elizabeth.  Seeing a woman's name was unexpected. 

Monday started our two week spring break to where ever our heart's desire. Elizabeth and I went with three others to Athens and Poros Island, Greece.  We left the others in Rome and met up with Jordan and Annah.  We spent Easter weekend in Rome.  FYI, Rome + Easter = insanity. No, we didn't go to the Easter mass with the Pope.  We may should have, but it was rainy and cold, and Jordan was the only Catholic so the other three of us wouldn't have understood anything. We went to an American mass instead. 


After Rome we went to Florence (beautiful), Vicenza (more beautiful) , Venice (very pretty), and Verona (possibly the most beautiful).  Italy was amazing!  Gelato is a BIG weakness for any tourist.  I had it at least twenty times in eight days.  There will be more about Greece and Italy later.  I also just spent the past three days in Ireland so I will write about that sometime soon too! 

We only have two weeks left which is bittersweet!  I have made a new family and have memories with them that no one else can understand.  Leaving will be very hard, but getting home to meet my nephew will be WELL WORTH the 9 hour plane ride!

A tout a l'heure!

Home is Where the Heart is

Paris week was the most difficult part of the trip so far.  Everyone is homesick and tired of being around the same 50 people for 6 weeks straight.  We all still love Europe and are very excited about Spring Break which has been amazing so far, but have needed this break for a couple of weeks now. 

I told Annah last night that we got much more than we bargained for when we signed up for the Abbey.  This experience isn't just school in a different country.  It has tested my faith, patience, ideas, and emotions.  I have done more in every aspect of my life than I knew possible.  At times things can seem terrible, but after those things are over, I appreciate them because I can see how much I have learned. 

There have been tears many times, but more laughs than anything.  Seeing the world has helped me appreciate things I have at home like peanut butter, my church, my sorority, my friends, my family, and my home. 

The next blog won't be so serious!  Pictures will come as well!  It will be about spring break which is AMAZING!  I already know that I will go back to the Greek Islands one day. It's also one place that everyone should see!  Keep praying for my Abbey family and me while we continue to travel.  I have seen God take care of us while we have been here and that is very encouraging!  We will get back to the Abbey April 11th and will be home May 10th.