Saying Goodbye

I can remember about one year ago this past April deciding that I would love to be given the opportunity to study abroad. Knowing very little about the process I filled out the application and submitted. Upon receiving the news that I had indeed been accepted into the Mercyhurst University in Dungarvan Ireland program I was very quickly overcome with joy. Little did I know on that April afternoon that my life would forever change. 

Upon arriving in Ireland I can remember stepping off the plane and saying out loud “my first breaths of Irish air.” With all 46 pounds of my luggage in hand we received our first of many Irish welcomes. After making it to the bus and staring at cars driving on the opposite side of the road, and fighting through a few yawns I remember wanting to look around at everything for fear of missing anything. When finally arriving in Dungarvan I remember seeing the “Welcome to Dungarvan Twin City of Erie Pennsylvania” sign and feeling just a bit more at ease. That sign has come to hold significant importance in my life as it incorporates both of my homes. 

Becoming adjusted to life in Ireland has been perhaps one of the most pleasant experiences in my twenty-one young years of life. The hospitality of all those we encounter has been unbelievable. One cannot simply not help but feel so welcome in Dungarvan. The phrase “you are very welcome here” has never before been so applicable. 

In the 71 days since leaving The United States of America I have had the opportunity to make some of the most incredible memories that I will forever cherish. One particular memory is the opportunity that I had to go horseback riding for the first time through the Irish countryside. Another memory that I will forever cherish was the experience of going deep below the earth into Mitchelstown Cave while in Ireland. Sunday mornings spent at St. Mary’s Church were most pleasant as it was a gentle reminder of all in the world that I have to be thankful for. Furthermore, it has been so enjoyable to everyday wake up to the beautiful sights of nature. Perhaps my favorite part of Dungarvan has been the short trips to the beach when one can take time to truly appreciate how beautiful this little town by the water sincerely is. 

Other memories that have made my time studying abroad most enjoyable have been our day trips around Ireland such as going to tour The Waterford Crystal Factory where I was in awe about the production of some of the most beautiful crystal in the world. St. Declan’s Holy Well and the Melleray Grotto were equally as breath taking as I felt both the natural beauty of the Irish landscape and the powerful grace of God. The Butler Castle was also a very interesting perspective on Irish history.  

I would be remised without thanking all of those who made this study abroad trip such an enriching experience. First, to the people who call Dungarvan home, thank you for your incredible hospitality day in and day out. You all made everything from buying medicine at the pharmacy to ordering a pint of Bulmers such a wonderful experience. To my classmates who turned into my friends, and then my family thank you for embarking on this journey together. I believe we have left our handprint on Dungarvan’s heart! Finally, thank you to my friends and family at home that have encouraged me to make the very most of the opportunity I was given. “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand!” 

Amsterdam Part Two

The trip to Amsterdam was all that I thought it would be and so much more! We spent the trip relaxing and taking in the beautiful sights that Holland has to offer. It was very neat to tackle the city and then to explore the other cities near Amsterdam also. One of the coolest cities that we went to was Harlem. Harlem is known to be the hub for college students and young professionals as it is more affordable than living right in the city. We stumbled on a great little Italian place for supper and the food was so fresh!

Our last day in Amsterdam lead us to the Anne Frank House. The house is located in the West Market near a very beautiful church. It is said that when Frank and her family went into hiding they knew where they were based upon the distinct sound of the bells in the tower. When we arrived at the Anne Frank House later in the evening it was still packed! After about an hour wait in the warm sun :) we were finally inside. 

I was pleasantly surprised touring the house at how much of the house was able to be viewed by the public. While in the house there were several quotes on the wall which were both simple and elegant. These quotes were those words from Anne's diary. It was impossible not to notice just how little was in the house. Yet, I appreciated it so much as it made the artifacts in the house that much more meaningful. Since her father was still living at the time the exhibit was opened he designed the museum to what he felt was best which I found to be very moving.

In the museum they played videos of those who knew Anne. One video was of her first boyfriend, others of friends. Perhaps the one that was most meaningful was the one of her father. Her father said that Anne entrusted him with her diary and said never to read it which he vowed that he would not and did not. Furthermore, he was amazed at just how intuitive her thoughts in the diary were when he finally read it. The diary is the main focal point of the museum. 

I was so glad to get a chance to see the house as I have grown up with a particular interest in the life of Anne Frank. What she did was so heroic. It was very interesting to see and hear the parts that others played in helping Anne and her family. While being in the museum it put so much into perspective for me. It made me realize just how precious life is, and how lucky I am to have had such an opportunity to call Europe home for three months! It was the trip of a lifetime :) 

The Netherlands

After another stressed filled week full of a paper and two exams the term was officially over. It was hard to believe that this term in Ireland was therefore coming to an end. At this stage it was bitter sweet as I knew my time abroad was coming to an end yet was very excited to both go on my trip and then eventually come home. With the term ending also brought to a close junior year meaning I am now a senior in college, how fast time flies!

For the last week before returning to the states Megan, Sarah, and I decided to go to Amsterdam. Before our 6 AM flight out of Cork on Thursday morning we decided to stay with a friend in Cork that night. It was very exciting to see yet another city in Ireland. I found Cork to be great craic! The city reminded me a lot of a smaller Dublin. After a night full of laughs it was then time to wake at about 4 AM run for a taxi (literally) and then catch a short flight to Amsterdam.

Since Amsterdam is in central Europe they were an hour ahead of Ireland meaning that we lost yet another hour in our travels :( by this point we wanted every hour we could possibly savor. The moment we got to the city we were greeted by a mammoth IAMSTERDAM sign that reminded us we were in fact in the right place. After a short airport shuttle we arrived at our hotel. Yes, we were staying at a Ramada Inn Hotel right outside of Rembrandt Park. The hotel was brand new and beautiful! After quite the long nap we finally got out and adventured around Amsterdam.

The first thing that we noticed was how easy the public transportation in the city was! We then could not help but notice how beautiful the city was as there were canals everywhere! Moreover, there were more people on bicycles than I have ever seen before! Part of our exploration took us to our first of many markets. This outdoor market was the hub of tulips!

After a long, yet nice walk back to the hotel we were greeted by Sarah's friend who joined us for our trip from Norway. It was great to meet her because not only was she a great girl but she also was able to read and understand Dutch. However, I was pleasantly surprised that everyone in the city spoke English!!

The next day we awoke and tackled the city. By tackling the city I mean that we went to the beach for several hours! It was so warm and relaxing. I felt as if I was on some island rather than in Holland! That evening we decided to have a very relaxing picnic in the park. For as quickly as the day came, it came to an end. Until tomorrow Amsterdam!

Aran Islands

Greetings blog!
Today's travels through the beautiful country of Ireland landed me on the Aran Islands. These islands presented sights straight out of a movie. The day began in Galway where our bus then took us to a harbor. At that harbor we waited a short time where we then boarded a massive ferry to the islands. The ferry was about a one hour destination to make the seven mile trek from the mainland to the islands. The ferry then would return to the mainland at five pm. If one missed the ferry they were simply stuck on the island until the morning when the next ferry would run.

Once we got to the island we went to the wool factory in search of some warm weather gear as although the day was sunny it was still extremely cold. After finding what we needed at the wool mills we ate a delicious meal at a local eatery. After our tummy's were satisfied we then decided to take a bus tour of the island. Our guide's name was Patrick Oliver and the quite character he was. He lead us on a fascinating tour that gave us insights into the island like that there is only one grocery store on the entire island. Also, since there is such a minimal amount of crime that occurs there is only one active police officer who lives on the island.

 After criss-crossing the small island by car it was finally time to get out for a hike up to the main attraction. That being the cliffs. To go to the island and not see this brilliant spot would be a shame. After a short, yet steep trek we had finally scaled to the top. I do not think that I have ever seen such a magnificent sight. One could get even closer to the edge of the cliff's than at the Cliff's of Moher. Even an adventurous person like myself was a bit queasy looking down below! However, when one looked out on the beautiful horizon they could see what appeared to be water forever. To the left and right were other peaks in the cliffs which added to the beautiful landscape. It was a sight that one could come and truly get lost within themselves and the view. No picture could even remotely do justice to what we saw high above the cliffs. It was a sight that I continue to replay in mind due to how peaceful and soothing it truly was. It was the perfect end to a perfect experience in Ireland!

 

Galway Girls

After a great weekend in London it was then time to travel to another spectacular spot in Ireland: Galway! Before getting to the city of Galway we went to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs were even more beautiful than the pictures or the scenes that are in movies like "Harry Potter" and "Princess Bride." The Cliffs were one breathtaking sight after another. I found it interesting and extremely sad that this sight is the place of many deaths as people use the cliffs as a means to take their own lives. It was truly so sad considering how beautiful the sight is. I also found it interesting that I was surrounded by so many American accents while at the Cliffs! I had not heard so many accents similar to mine in so long!

The second part of the day lead us to a farm where we got a sheep dog demonstration. It was both funny and remarkable that one dog can understand the commends of a whistle to lead sheep all over. We learned that the sheep are afraid of the dog and simply want to always get away from him or her. I also found that sheep are really as soft as they appear from afar! Also at the farm were cows which also could be lead by a dog that was far smaller than they are. What a fun experience!

When we finally arrived in the city of Galway we had a delicious meal made by Carmel Keith and her daughters at our hostel. It was again Irish hospitality at its finest. I began to realize that this was my last weekend in Ireland and that I must make the most of this great weekend!

Backpacking London

After a goodnights rest it was time to take on London with a pack in hand. The day began with an incredible walking tour of London. The tour began in Green Park. An interesting fact about Green Park is that there are no flowers in the park that were actually planted there as all the flowers were at one point ripped out as an act of revenge. On the other side of Green Park is the magnificent Buckingham Palace. I have never seen so many people crowded around one place in my life! As we were walking by it appeared that the changing of the guard was occurring. Another interesting fact about Buckingham Palace is that depending on what flag is flying indicates if the Royal Family is present in the palace or not.

As the tour progressed the guide told us a story about how the strip of road leading to the palace is red to mimic a red carpet, and also the queen's private plane is able to land and take off on this road if need be! The walk then took us to a sight where we were able to take a picture with armed guards. The only rule was that we were not able to do anything to make them laugh.

After getting our photograph taken we were then to Trafalgar Square. Not only was it a beautiful day but because the London Marathon was the next day the Square was buzzing with people. The tour guide told us an interesting story about how the smallest police station in London was located in Trafalgar Square. In fact, it was in a light post. While in Trafalgar Square we caught a glimpse of Big Ben. We learned that Big Ben is actually only named for the bell. 

The next and final stop on the tour was Westminster. The Duke of Westminster fell in love with Coco Chanel and had her symbol put on each of the lamp posts to try and win her over. This attempt however was a failure. We also learned that the only people allowed on the lawn of Westminster are the young boys who attend the school. 

Upon completing the walking tour we decided to then splurge and go on the London Eye. The views from the London Eye were incredible!! Even looking down from the very top did not seem all that scary. The 20 pound cost to ride the 30 minute ferris wheel seemed very well worth it. I can totally understand why the London Eye has become a haven for tourists! After a quick trip to the London Bridge to make sure that it had still not fallen down :) it was time to leave London with the hopes of one day returning! 

Lindsey and Sarah Take on London

Shortly after being accepted into the study abroad program in Ireland I knew that I wanted to go to London, England. London is one of those tourist destinations that is on most people's bucket lists and for good reason. My friend Sarah and I decided to go to London about three weeks prior to the date we left. We quickly went onto the RyanAir website and found roundtrip tickets for a very affordable price. In fact, I do not think that I will ever be able to say I went to London for that cheap again. We left for the Dublin airport on a Thursday morning and arrived in London that evening. The Gatwick Airport is quite a bit outside of the city so we boarded a train and headed in. Our first stop in London was the famous King's Cross where we then took the Underground to Holborn. After a bit of wondering around Holborn looking for our hostel we finally found it next to the British Museum! 

The hostel was very cool, and not nearly as scary as I thought it may be. We were in a room with six other people that we did not know. This was the first time that I stayed in a hostel on my own. All of the individuals were very friendly. We got to meet people from all over the world! All in all, I am very glad to have said that I got the opportunity to do so. After a short time of visiting we headed for bed as we had London to tackle in the morning!

Our first stop bright and early in London was Abbey Road. Yes, the Abbey Road! I did not know that not only is the road fully functioning but quite busy! It was a challenge to get a good picture of us posing across the road and not holding up traffic. Not to mention, there were a plethora of other tourists with the same idea. After some time and a lot of patience we finally got some great pictures! Also while on Abbey Road we had the chance to see the recording studio along with the graffiti wall outside of the studio. This sight could turn anyone into a real Beatles fan!

After exploring Abbey Road we then took the Underground one stop where we got off on Baker Lane to see where Sherlock Holmes was filmed! This is a picture from inside of the underground station where the film was shot: 

Then we went to what was perhaps my favorite part of London and that was Notting Hill Gate. Notting Hill Gate is the sight of my favorite film Notting Hill! I was very excited to see not only the sights from the movie like the bookshop and tattoo parlor but that much like in the movie there is a market on the streets. This market is home to endless vendors selling very unique things. I had a great time walking up and down Portobello Lane!!