Dublin for the Day

Yesterday a bunch of us went to Dublin for the day. It’s only a 3 hour bus ride one way from Galway so it’s a quick trip. We spent the day wandering the streets stumbling upon various places. We were the ultimate tourists with a map out couple of blocks. And it was the most clear, bright day since I’ve been in Ireland. The day included walking along the quays, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guinness Brewery tour.

I love Dublin but I’m glad to be in Galway because it’s a more authentic small town feel and lower cost of living. I walk down the street in Galway and usually see someone I know where is a big city I wouldn’t experience that on a daily basis. Although a city girl at heart I’m enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this Irish town.

London

This past weekend I visited my friend from high school, Killian, in the most diverse city in the world. I absolutely love London. The diversity, beautiful architecture, amazing transit system, and never ending history makes for a magnificent city! We packed a lot in to two days. I only have photos of day 1 because I failed to bring my camera charger – good job Nora.

Killian lives in Regents Park which is a swanky affluent neighborhood. She lives in international student housing. The location was ideal for getting around the city. We ate delicious English classics on Marylebone Avenue a street lined with restaurants and boutiques adjacent to Killian's house. A massive English breakfast with ham, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, and toast. And for dinner fish and chips. So good.

On Friday we went to Parliament and visited Westminster Abbey. I took a couple of illegal photos from the Abbey. Enjoy. Then we walked along the South Bank to the Tate Modern museum. Went across the Millennium Bridge towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. Met my Irish cousin Sean at a pub in Vauxhall. He now lives in London and I hadn’t seen him since I was 7 years old. Then we headed to Trafalgar Square to meet some of Killian’s friends for dinner.

On Saturday we went to Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace. Then we headed to the Notting Hill neighborhood where every Saturday there is a market on Portobello Road. It stretched for 2 miles filled with food, antiques, knick knacks, art, jewelry, and so much more!

It was an incredible two days. I will be back again no doubt about it. Cheerio for now.

Cobeen Comes to Galway

Cobeen Hall is the all women's freshman dorm where I work as a Resident Assistant. One of my residents from last year is a sophomore now studying abroad in Dublin. She came to Galway for the weekend with her program. We met up at The Quays, pronounced “keys,” which is one of my favorite pubs because there is live music every night.

It was memorable time. Just last year I was "in charge" of making sure she was doing ok in her freshman year transition. In addition, enforcing the drinking rules of the dorms. And here we were having a pint and a chat. It's just one of many it's a small world interactions I'll be having on this trip and I love it!

A photo of us at the Quays. Cheers.

Academia

Well I figured some may be interested in knowing how I spend my school days. I have class Monday through Thursday. Only twice a week do I have early morning classes. I am taking 5 classes.

Psychology, Society, and Human Values – basically an ethics course tied to psychology

Clinical, Forensic, and Abnormal Psychology – how to treat patients, the legal process surrounding cases that have people with disabilities, and explanation of disorders

Contemporary Literature – reading books that have been banned. This is probably my favorite course because all the novels have been great so far. A Clockwork Orange, Third Policeman, Lady Chatterlys Lover, Lolita

Two Ireland in the 20th Century – history of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and how they came to be separated

Approaches to Women’s History – women’s role in Europe in the eighteenth century, it is a seminar course so there are only 12 people in the class so there is good discussion. I have to give a presentation and debate someone on the issue of whether or not educational reforms of the nineteenth century benefited only girls from middle and upper class backgrounds

I'm really enjoying all of them. The workload is definetly less than at MU which is great.

Here is a photo of me being a tourist in Galway at the Spanish Arch.