It's hard to believe that even after three months of living here, there is so much of Cork left to uncover and an ordinary afternoon can turn into quite the adventure.
About a month ago, I decided to bite the bullet and get a library card. At the rate I've been reading books here, my funds are not sufficient enough to cover a new book purchase each time I need a good read. At the time, I had been reading a few of my roommate's books, so there was no need to actually check out a book. I chatted with a few of the Bennies about some good books to read, so when the time came for a new book, I would know which one to check out. Blue Earth, being the small town that it is has only one library. Cork has five. The closest one is only a ten minute jaunt away. However, when I looked for the book that was recommended to me by a friend, I discovered that it was not available in that closest library. Rather than ask the library closest to me if they could have it brought there (like inter-library loaning), I decided to go right to the source.
Since the Tory Top Library is on the south side of the river (or the more "posh" side, according to my Irish professor), I thought it would be an okay adventure to take on by myself one of these afternoons that I have less going on. So yesterday after class, I headed in the general direction that I thought it was. Being brilliant, I had only a vague notion of the general direction I needed to walk in, and only the street name that the library was on (i.e., none of the other street names). About 20 minutes later, I was sufficiently lost. I had turned instead of gone straight. Luckily I had called my friend Emily who got me straightened out and headed in the right direction. After walking approximately another 20 minutes down the correct road, I thought for sure I had made another mistake and missed it. Feeling a little disappointed, I turned around and trudged back to the apartment (which then took a total of about 40 minutes to get back).
I do not give up that easily, however. Even with blisters, I got back to the apartment and looked at a Cork City street map. Turns out I had been only about three blocks away from the library when I turned around! So today, I again set out for the adventure and found the library this time! It only took about a half an hour to reach it this time by foot. I really enjoyed getting lost in Cork. The weather has been beautiful here, and it was nice to see a little bit more of Cork suburbia while getting in a little exercise and fresh air. It's an experience I hope to repeat in the near future! Not to mention, I found out where the lake was, a few pubs that our group has been wanting to go to, and a few new parks.
Speaking of which, I have a feeling there will be more of these experiences since I am officially done with classes! I can hardly believe how fast the time flew by. This also means that this will be my last post before I leave for Barcelona and Paris next Tuesday. I hope things continue to go well wherever ye all may be.
Slan.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Land of the Little Green Men--Aliens, Perhaps?
That's right folks. Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. What an experience! As St. Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Ireland, we were excused from class for the day.
We Bennies and Johnnies started the day early (and by early I mean at 10:30) with a brunch for the whole gang. Matt made eggs with peppers, onions and bacon, and our apartment brought fresh fruit. After the lot was fed and sustained for the day, we headed over to Grand Parade, the main street through Cork's city centre and got a spot to watch the spread. We got there a bit late to get in the front, but we managed a fairly good spot anyway. There were so many people! Nearly every block had a stand selling Irish souveneirs--everything from orange and green sparkley cowboy hats and Irish flags to Ireland hats and noisemakers.
The theme of this year's parade was the Year of Astronomy. There were the usual bands and police officers, but a few surprise twists. One of the first people to walk through was a NASA astronaut! There was also a huge float that looked like the Loch Ness monster. It was definitely the biggest float of the parade. Other highlights from the parade included a guy that cracked a whip, some aliens on stilts, a UFO and a huge robot. Most of the other walkers were children from local clubs, or international societies, such as the Polish Association in Ireland, etc. Part of me wished that there was more Irish culture in the parade, but there were plenty of authentically Irish people around me.
After the parade, we went out for one of the Bennie's birthdays. We just so happened to go to a Chinese restaurant. That's right, another conundrum--Chinese food on St. Patrick's day in Ireland. Unusual, yes, but good? Absolutely. It's definitely a place I'll go back to again. Unfortunately I called it quits after that, in order to study for an exam I had today.
I hope you all were paid a visit by the little green men, too.
We Bennies and Johnnies started the day early (and by early I mean at 10:30) with a brunch for the whole gang. Matt made eggs with peppers, onions and bacon, and our apartment brought fresh fruit. After the lot was fed and sustained for the day, we headed over to Grand Parade, the main street through Cork's city centre and got a spot to watch the spread. We got there a bit late to get in the front, but we managed a fairly good spot anyway. There were so many people! Nearly every block had a stand selling Irish souveneirs--everything from orange and green sparkley cowboy hats and Irish flags to Ireland hats and noisemakers.
The theme of this year's parade was the Year of Astronomy. There were the usual bands and police officers, but a few surprise twists. One of the first people to walk through was a NASA astronaut! There was also a huge float that looked like the Loch Ness monster. It was definitely the biggest float of the parade. Other highlights from the parade included a guy that cracked a whip, some aliens on stilts, a UFO and a huge robot. Most of the other walkers were children from local clubs, or international societies, such as the Polish Association in Ireland, etc. Part of me wished that there was more Irish culture in the parade, but there were plenty of authentically Irish people around me.
After the parade, we went out for one of the Bennie's birthdays. We just so happened to go to a Chinese restaurant. That's right, another conundrum--Chinese food on St. Patrick's day in Ireland. Unusual, yes, but good? Absolutely. It's definitely a place I'll go back to again. Unfortunately I called it quits after that, in order to study for an exam I had today.
I hope you all were paid a visit by the little green men, too.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Oh How I Love To Sing
Not only just the familiar choir warm-up, but the actual truth! That's right--I finally got to put my weeks of rehearsing to the test in my choir concert last night.
The choir had been having several extra rehearsals lately to prepare ourselves for the upcoming concert. Needless to say Friday was not spared. So I made plans to meet up with a German friend outside of city hall and we headed to rehearsal in Millenium Hall at approximately 4:00 pm. We got lost trying to find Millenium Hall--we actually found it right away, but a man there told us it was somewhere else. After a short conversation with the receptionists in City Hall, we discovered our error and had a security guard escort us to Millenium Hall. After about an hour and a half of rehearsal, we had time to go eat dinner and have a little break before the concert. Most of us American students stayed together, although my German friend and an Irish girl I've gotten to know pretty well came with us. In addition, I finally discovered that a girl I met in choir goes to Gustavus! She prefaced where she went to school with "a small liberal arts school in Minnesota" which I thought was hilarious, because that's exactly what I do! When we returned to the Hall, we were told where we could put our stuff. Surprisingly, I discovered that we weren't actually having our concert in Millenium Hall; we were more in the reception area of the performing space. Millenium Hall was absolutely beautiful! That's where the choir kept our stuff. It had a huge stage, chandeliers, a balcony and mirrors everywhere to reflect how rich and elegant everything was. The reception area that we sang in, on the other hand, very much reflected a modern styling. The acoustics were pretty interesting, too. A few of my roommates showed up for the show, along with a friend from my art class. We sang 10 songs throughout the evening, interspersed with a solo flutist, an acapella group, our choir director's piano stylings, and a string quartet. Everything was really fantastic to listen to, but my favorite parts of the evening were the acapella group (especially their rendition of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley) and the song Gnossiennes No. 1 played by our choir director. That song is in the movie "The Painted Veil" which is one of my favorites (thank you Alyssa!). We had to stand through the entire concert though, and my legs started to go numb during the second half, so by the end of the concert all I wanted to do was put my feet up.
This week was one for the arts, I guess you could say, as another Bennie was involved in the Second Year play. The whole lot of us went to support her in that on Wednesday night. The play was "The Good Person of Szechwan." The Bennie that we knew was playing the lead. She was so fantastic! I really liked the play as a whole. It was a little on the crazy side, but I think it had a thought-provoking message.
The lot of us are getting ready for the big St. Patrick's day celebrations this Tuesday. Apparently they start the festival early here, with music and dancing this weekend. Luckily, St. Patrick's Day is a public holiday here, which means no classes for me! It'll be interesting to see how the Irish celebrate...
The choir had been having several extra rehearsals lately to prepare ourselves for the upcoming concert. Needless to say Friday was not spared. So I made plans to meet up with a German friend outside of city hall and we headed to rehearsal in Millenium Hall at approximately 4:00 pm. We got lost trying to find Millenium Hall--we actually found it right away, but a man there told us it was somewhere else. After a short conversation with the receptionists in City Hall, we discovered our error and had a security guard escort us to Millenium Hall. After about an hour and a half of rehearsal, we had time to go eat dinner and have a little break before the concert. Most of us American students stayed together, although my German friend and an Irish girl I've gotten to know pretty well came with us. In addition, I finally discovered that a girl I met in choir goes to Gustavus! She prefaced where she went to school with "a small liberal arts school in Minnesota" which I thought was hilarious, because that's exactly what I do! When we returned to the Hall, we were told where we could put our stuff. Surprisingly, I discovered that we weren't actually having our concert in Millenium Hall; we were more in the reception area of the performing space. Millenium Hall was absolutely beautiful! That's where the choir kept our stuff. It had a huge stage, chandeliers, a balcony and mirrors everywhere to reflect how rich and elegant everything was. The reception area that we sang in, on the other hand, very much reflected a modern styling. The acoustics were pretty interesting, too. A few of my roommates showed up for the show, along with a friend from my art class. We sang 10 songs throughout the evening, interspersed with a solo flutist, an acapella group, our choir director's piano stylings, and a string quartet. Everything was really fantastic to listen to, but my favorite parts of the evening were the acapella group (especially their rendition of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley) and the song Gnossiennes No. 1 played by our choir director. That song is in the movie "The Painted Veil" which is one of my favorites (thank you Alyssa!). We had to stand through the entire concert though, and my legs started to go numb during the second half, so by the end of the concert all I wanted to do was put my feet up.
This week was one for the arts, I guess you could say, as another Bennie was involved in the Second Year play. The whole lot of us went to support her in that on Wednesday night. The play was "The Good Person of Szechwan." The Bennie that we knew was playing the lead. She was so fantastic! I really liked the play as a whole. It was a little on the crazy side, but I think it had a thought-provoking message.
The lot of us are getting ready for the big St. Patrick's day celebrations this Tuesday. Apparently they start the festival early here, with music and dancing this weekend. Luckily, St. Patrick's Day is a public holiday here, which means no classes for me! It'll be interesting to see how the Irish celebrate...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Private Tutoring Session
I just have to share this story because I thought it was quite interesting. In fact, my Monday was very interesting...
1. I have Aspects of Irish Folklore on Monday afternoons at 2:00. The first day of tutorial, only eight people showed up, out of about 24. The following week, there were four people. Needless to say, the weeks have gone by and the number has slowly dwindled to, well...me. That's right. I was the only one who showed up to my tutorial on Monday. Granted, it's a time for us to ask questions, so we don't really need to go unless we have questions, but I like to go just to have the material we are learning in class reinforced. Luckily, I already had a back-up plan in case no one else showed up, so I asked her a question and she lectured the entire hour! It was actually kind of nice. I'm curious to know what the next class thought when only one person walked out of the room...
2. Funny story #2. After the tutorial debacle, I went to the library to polish up an art history essay. As I'm standing in line of the open reserve in order to check out a book, the girl in front of me is clearly having trouble checking out her book. After about four tries, she turns to me and asks if I know how to check out a book. Best part about it: she's Irish! It's quite hilarious that having only been here two and a half months, I know more about the library than most of the Irish do. That could be saying something about me, as well...
Turning in my art history essay today was definitely a weight off my shoulders, but I have three tests, an oral exam, and another paper to look forward to before my classes end. It should be a pretty busy next couple of weeks where academics are concerned.
1. I have Aspects of Irish Folklore on Monday afternoons at 2:00. The first day of tutorial, only eight people showed up, out of about 24. The following week, there were four people. Needless to say, the weeks have gone by and the number has slowly dwindled to, well...me. That's right. I was the only one who showed up to my tutorial on Monday. Granted, it's a time for us to ask questions, so we don't really need to go unless we have questions, but I like to go just to have the material we are learning in class reinforced. Luckily, I already had a back-up plan in case no one else showed up, so I asked her a question and she lectured the entire hour! It was actually kind of nice. I'm curious to know what the next class thought when only one person walked out of the room...
2. Funny story #2. After the tutorial debacle, I went to the library to polish up an art history essay. As I'm standing in line of the open reserve in order to check out a book, the girl in front of me is clearly having trouble checking out her book. After about four tries, she turns to me and asks if I know how to check out a book. Best part about it: she's Irish! It's quite hilarious that having only been here two and a half months, I know more about the library than most of the Irish do. That could be saying something about me, as well...
Turning in my art history essay today was definitely a weight off my shoulders, but I have three tests, an oral exam, and another paper to look forward to before my classes end. It should be a pretty busy next couple of weeks where academics are concerned.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Spring Break
I realized I haven't posted anything in a few days, but life here has settled nicely into a routine. I haven't been on any excursions lately, discovered any unique aspects of Cork or done something crazy. Mainly, I've been working on homework and preparing myself for the onslaught that will be spring break and finals. There might be a little procrastination going on, as well.
Megan and I sat down to plan out our spring break yesterday. We are thinking of starting off in Spain, heading through France and then returning to Cork for Easter weekend. After that we'll hit the road again, this time to Switzerland and Italy. I think the only one of those countries that is a little unexpected is Switzerland. We were planning on going to Greece from Italy, but realized that it would take us a very long time to get there and we couldn't find any good flights. I'm a little sad that we won't make it, but I'm really excited to go to Switzerland! We're going to stay a few days in Interlaken and hopefully do some pretty adventurous stuff. It seems like a good outdoorsy place to go, which suits Megan and I nicely. Megan and I would always appreciate tips from any of you experienced travellers out there!
In other news, I have my choir concert on Friday night! I can't believe it's so close, and I'm a little bit disappointed because I've had a cold for a week now, and I'm not sure I'll be better before the concert. I've really enjoyed being part of a society on campus. One of the other Bennies is in a play this coming week, as well, so the whole gang is planning on going to support her in that.
That's it for me. I hope things are well where you are.
Slan.
Megan and I sat down to plan out our spring break yesterday. We are thinking of starting off in Spain, heading through France and then returning to Cork for Easter weekend. After that we'll hit the road again, this time to Switzerland and Italy. I think the only one of those countries that is a little unexpected is Switzerland. We were planning on going to Greece from Italy, but realized that it would take us a very long time to get there and we couldn't find any good flights. I'm a little sad that we won't make it, but I'm really excited to go to Switzerland! We're going to stay a few days in Interlaken and hopefully do some pretty adventurous stuff. It seems like a good outdoorsy place to go, which suits Megan and I nicely. Megan and I would always appreciate tips from any of you experienced travellers out there!
In other news, I have my choir concert on Friday night! I can't believe it's so close, and I'm a little bit disappointed because I've had a cold for a week now, and I'm not sure I'll be better before the concert. I've really enjoyed being part of a society on campus. One of the other Bennies is in a play this coming week, as well, so the whole gang is planning on going to support her in that.
That's it for me. I hope things are well where you are.
Slan.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Koranda Cookies Still Taste Good in Ireland
It's true--I'm making a batch right now. This is the second time I've made them since I've been here, which is way more often then I would make them at St. Ben's. I think it serves a dual purpose of satisfying my sweet tooth while simultaneously reminding me of home.
It sounds like the weather has been really awful in Minnesota. I think that's my cue to rub in how wonderful the weather has been here in Ireland. Literally fifty degrees and sunny every single day. I can't remember the last time we had a good solid rain.
I've really enjoyed getting back into the swing of things back in Cork. You can start to feel the urgency around campus as people realize they have papers and finals to start working on. Nor am I immune, since I have two papers due fairly shortly. It's exciting, though, because with only four weeks left in the semester, we can start looking forward to our month-long spring break! I never thought it would come, and now it's only a month away! Before I can think about that, though, I need to stay in Cork and be productive!
On Fat Tuesday here in Ireland, it's more like Pancake Tuesday. I wasn't sure exactly why, so I did what I normally do--Googled it. Apparently, the Irish eat pancakes because it was a way for them to get rid of their rich foods, like milk, eggs, and sugar, which they were supposed to refrain from eating during the season of Lent. I was not deprived of this either! We got to have pancakes during choir rehearsal with my favorite topping--Nutella! (No, I haven't gotten over the phase yet...)
Unfortunately, my immune system has finally decided to alert me of the change of living (and pace of life, I would imagine) in Ireland. Megan has been sick for the past few days and between yesterday and today, I'm pretty sure I have something similar. Luckily she has stocked up on enough cold medicine to share.
Irish Lesson for today: Counting in Irish
A haon, a do, a tri, a ceathair, a cuig, a se, a seacht, a hocht, a naoi, a deich! Now you can impress all the people you know!
It sounds like the weather has been really awful in Minnesota. I think that's my cue to rub in how wonderful the weather has been here in Ireland. Literally fifty degrees and sunny every single day. I can't remember the last time we had a good solid rain.
I've really enjoyed getting back into the swing of things back in Cork. You can start to feel the urgency around campus as people realize they have papers and finals to start working on. Nor am I immune, since I have two papers due fairly shortly. It's exciting, though, because with only four weeks left in the semester, we can start looking forward to our month-long spring break! I never thought it would come, and now it's only a month away! Before I can think about that, though, I need to stay in Cork and be productive!
On Fat Tuesday here in Ireland, it's more like Pancake Tuesday. I wasn't sure exactly why, so I did what I normally do--Googled it. Apparently, the Irish eat pancakes because it was a way for them to get rid of their rich foods, like milk, eggs, and sugar, which they were supposed to refrain from eating during the season of Lent. I was not deprived of this either! We got to have pancakes during choir rehearsal with my favorite topping--Nutella! (No, I haven't gotten over the phase yet...)
Unfortunately, my immune system has finally decided to alert me of the change of living (and pace of life, I would imagine) in Ireland. Megan has been sick for the past few days and between yesterday and today, I'm pretty sure I have something similar. Luckily she has stocked up on enough cold medicine to share.
Irish Lesson for today: Counting in Irish
A haon, a do, a tri, a ceathair, a cuig, a se, a seacht, a hocht, a naoi, a deich! Now you can impress all the people you know!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Compendium of Sorts
Things Minnesotans are better at (a.k.a. the things I miss):
1. Handling the cold weather. Let's face it--double paned windows, hot showers. We're just more prepared for it. Rightly so, I think, since we have far colder weather. Unfortunately, the cold weather has returned to Ireland, and believe it or not, it's snowing here as well. I think I was the only person in choir yesterday who groaned when they heard it was snowing. It's such a rarity here that the Irish absolutely love when it snows!
2. Going to class. I kept hearing everyone say that no one goes to class on RAG Week. I shouldn't say that they aren't as good as Minnesotans are at going to class, they just are more willing to take a class off. In Minnesota you literally have to be on your deathbed to skip a class, but here the slightest cough will do. Perhaps it's the lecture style, or perhaps its just my inability to skip class and Minnesotans are just as bad.
3. Coffee. I still miss my drip coffee.
4. Peanut butter. I don't think the peanut butter here is that bad, but apparently I'm vastly mistaken according to my roommates. This makes sense, however, as no one here really likes peanut butter.
5. Driving. Everyone I knew before this trip that had never gotten carsick has now experienced it. Those windy, curvy, one-lane countryside roads are enough to make anyone sick. Not to mention the numerous roundabouts which cause a slamming of ones brakes.
6. Being on time. My choir rehearsals are supposed to start at 7, and usually don't get going until 7:15. In addition, I rarely have a class that starts earlier than 5 minutes late.
Now for the other side. Things that the Irish are better at:
1. Going green. Exhibit A: You have to pay for grocery bags here. I realize in the U.S. some states have also adopted this tactic, but it's quite obvious here that everyone brings their own eco-friendly grocery bags. Exhibit B (the more literal interpretation): Mowing lawns in February. How sweet is that?!
2. Distinguishing accents. I'm completely horrible at this, although I've gotten better since I went to London. I just found out a few weeks ago that my art history professor, who I've had all semester, is Scottish. Not to mention that most of my professors are British. But an Irish student can tell which part of Ireland your from, not to mention if you're not Irish.
3. Sleeping in. I once overheard somebody say "Good Morning" at 3:00 in the afternoon. What a wonderful thing.
4. Procrastinating. No further explanation required.
5. Coffee. I realize this is on both lists, but the good thing about Ireland coffee is that it's nice and strong--just how I like it. ;)
6. Fashion. All the guys wear a scarf and peacoat here. You can tell who's American because they wear sweats and invariably have a Northface jacket on.
7. Salt and vinegar. Between chips (fries) or crisps (chips), I can't get enough of the stuff!
1. Handling the cold weather. Let's face it--double paned windows, hot showers. We're just more prepared for it. Rightly so, I think, since we have far colder weather. Unfortunately, the cold weather has returned to Ireland, and believe it or not, it's snowing here as well. I think I was the only person in choir yesterday who groaned when they heard it was snowing. It's such a rarity here that the Irish absolutely love when it snows!
2. Going to class. I kept hearing everyone say that no one goes to class on RAG Week. I shouldn't say that they aren't as good as Minnesotans are at going to class, they just are more willing to take a class off. In Minnesota you literally have to be on your deathbed to skip a class, but here the slightest cough will do. Perhaps it's the lecture style, or perhaps its just my inability to skip class and Minnesotans are just as bad.
3. Coffee. I still miss my drip coffee.
4. Peanut butter. I don't think the peanut butter here is that bad, but apparently I'm vastly mistaken according to my roommates. This makes sense, however, as no one here really likes peanut butter.
5. Driving. Everyone I knew before this trip that had never gotten carsick has now experienced it. Those windy, curvy, one-lane countryside roads are enough to make anyone sick. Not to mention the numerous roundabouts which cause a slamming of ones brakes.
6. Being on time. My choir rehearsals are supposed to start at 7, and usually don't get going until 7:15. In addition, I rarely have a class that starts earlier than 5 minutes late.
Now for the other side. Things that the Irish are better at:
1. Going green. Exhibit A: You have to pay for grocery bags here. I realize in the U.S. some states have also adopted this tactic, but it's quite obvious here that everyone brings their own eco-friendly grocery bags. Exhibit B (the more literal interpretation): Mowing lawns in February. How sweet is that?!
2. Distinguishing accents. I'm completely horrible at this, although I've gotten better since I went to London. I just found out a few weeks ago that my art history professor, who I've had all semester, is Scottish. Not to mention that most of my professors are British. But an Irish student can tell which part of Ireland your from, not to mention if you're not Irish.
3. Sleeping in. I once overheard somebody say "Good Morning" at 3:00 in the afternoon. What a wonderful thing.
4. Procrastinating. No further explanation required.
5. Coffee. I realize this is on both lists, but the good thing about Ireland coffee is that it's nice and strong--just how I like it. ;)
6. Fashion. All the guys wear a scarf and peacoat here. You can tell who's American because they wear sweats and invariably have a Northface jacket on.
7. Salt and vinegar. Between chips (fries) or crisps (chips), I can't get enough of the stuff!
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