"home" again!

So after settling down in my Dublin hostel, and having a much-needed conversation with my mother, I was feeling relieved to be in a somewhat familiar and safe place. There was loud music playing just outside our window, so a girl and I went to go check it out - it was a small pub just around the corner, with a live band playing right in the middle of the pub. We got a beer, and almost instantly befriended a group of girls from Boston who had just come from North Ireland. They were visiting a friend who lived in a small town with just a store, a gas station, and a pub - they had a lot of great stories to tell about local Irish life! They also had some great pictures as well - I hope that I will be able to do some small town traveling - I see all the unique and tiny shops and houses along on my bus rides, and wish I could stop to explore! Anyways, the pub was great. I even got to try my hand in a little Irish dancing and a lot of Irish folk-song singing (the Boston girls already knew most of them - there are not many to learn I am told!).
The next day I had myself a rather large breakfast, and the walked it off by visiting the James Joyce museum. It was rather small, but I just finished an English course where we read his works, so it was really interesting. His life long love actually came from Galway and in her old house, their love letters are stored and on display - I will have to check that out!
I look an afternoon bus back to Galway, and I actually had a funny experience on the bus. This might sound weird, but at one point in my bus ride, I realized that for the first time since I have left I was not planning and thinking about what was in my future, but I was also not even thinking about past memories and people - I was just completely in the present - and totally comfortable! Right at that moment on the bus I felt that everything was going to be ok! and right when I walked in, the place was packed! There are so many foreigners getting ready for tomorrow's orientation! Right now I am sitting in the main area, and there are like a ton of people all around me with their computers, looking up information for tomorrows day! I have been doing a little research on what I want, but of course my blog takes priority! Maybe I should get back to work! I'll keep you updated on tomorrows events!

xoxoxoxoxo

Sleepless in Hamburg

So I did some S-bahn hopping around Berlin (I need to make a shirt that says I heart S-bahn) before deciding it would be much more economical of me to take the bus to Hamburg. Overall it was a pretty good experience, if you don't mind waiting for 30 minutes for a late bus, and it being full of noisy stubborn old smelly Germans who don't mind putting up a fight with young spanish-speaking girls for a front seat (yes this did happen). However when I got off the bus it began to pour down rain - a little unpleseant reminder of home (and an even more unpleseant reminder that its pretty incredible weather in Seattle right now!). Yet I found my way to my hostel named "Instant Sleep" - I think they named it that because that is the type of substance you need to take when you leave there. I was set up in a 24 mixed dorm room, which basically was a giant room with 24 small beds right next to each other. Turns out my bed mates next to me were a middle aged man who spent like 3 hours in the kitchen, then would start to talk to his food (he put a cherry tomato on his nose when he sat down to eat) and a younger guy who didn't come home until 6am but from that point on snored non stop, along with a couple of foul words ever now and again.
But that was actually my only bad experience of Hamburg. I actually had a really great time there, dispite the weather and sleeping conditions. Hamburg is a very mixed town - full of artists, liberals, students and sailors. It is quite beautiful there - right along the water - with the busiest harbour in Germany, and a Japanese garden - oh yeah and the infamous Reeperbahn where the prostitues hang, and that is closed down at night and only open to men over the ages of 18...However my night there I didn't get much a a chance to see these sights - it was already beginning to get dark and so I just simply decided to find a place to eat. At a local potato bar, I actually met a canadian guy that was staying in my hostel (and he wasn't talking to his potato!) so we walked back together. It was funny because as we walked back, he began to point out all these old buildings that had graffitti artwork, posters and other things on them - he thought they were so cool. I normally would have thought that is was nothing special at all, but when I gave it a second look, I realized it was pretty amazing. Here stood these old buildings that had simply been taken over by the city by its people. On these buildings I got to see a true reflection of Hamburg. I think that is the one thing I have valued most about this trip - I keep meeting so many different people that have challenged my ways of thinking, and opened my mind up to new perspectives!
Still wanted to see some other parts of Hamburg, I woke up early the next morning (which was quite easy thanks to my sleeping neighbor) and checked out. On my way out this guy (I think he was Austrian) looked at me and said "you could work as a waitress anywhere" -??? Yeah I was glad to check out early and move on! So I walked along the infamous Reeperbahn (its open for everyone in the morning - very...interesting place), along the water, then took the S-bahn (YES Hamburg has an S-bahn too!) to the airport.
I walked into the Airport and for some reason I was feeling a bit lazy and just decided to ask the information desk where Ryan Air was. However when I did, the girl gave me a dead stare. Then she asked me how much time I had. Turns out I was in the wrong airport, and the place I needed to be was an hour away! She set me up with a bus that was leaving for that town, but I would still need to get another bus to the airport. When I got on my first bus, there was luckily a man who spoke english who told my story to the bus driver, and he actually ended up calling a cab for me while we rode to the city, so that I was be assured to get to the Airport on time. I was so thankful that they were so willing to help me! I honestly don't know if that would happen with a foreigner in America.
An hour and a half, and about a half a pack of chewing gum later (I need something to nervously knaw on while I rode) I arrived and made it to my flight right on time! And although it was pouring down rain in Germany, I arrived in Dublin on the early afternoon to sunshine and a warm breeze - a good way to end a rather hecktic day. I even found my hostel without a map! This is a good thing, as Ireland is now officially my new home for the next 4 months!

Ready for Berlin? GO!

My next day in Germany was probably the most educational experience of my life. Being the ambitious woman that I am, I thought I would do it all in one day by signing up for an 8 hour walking tour of Berlin. Starting just before 11 o clock, I was actually pleasently surprised to find that our tour guide for the day was the man who started the tour-guide business back in 1992(His name was Terry Brewer from Brewer's Best of Berlin tours). An older man with an obvious huge passion for history (and for walking!), we toured all around the east side of Berlin , while Terry told us everything he knew about Berlins past, present and future. I honestly think we left no street corner unattended to - literally. In fact, one of the coolest things I experienced on the tour was down an old side street. He stopped us in front of an old broken down building and told us a story of how a Jewish Girls School had been raided by the Nazis (one of the first raids) and they were taken away to concentration camps, where the majority of them were killed or sent away to work. Turns out that building we were standing in front of was that very same building - and you could even see traces of bullet holes to prove it. Terry mentioned that people walk by this building every day, yet most don't even know about the massive events that occurred at that very spot in the not-so-distant past. Berlin is a lot like that in general - it is a very modern city with lots of new and extravagant buildings, but then right next to those buildings are ones that are severely damaged - a constant reminder of the past. It makes me think about what went on in other places I have been, and what life must have been like years ago.... So besides just the girls school, we also got to see the great tourist attractions: the Jewish memorial, Brandenburg Gate (entrance to Berlin), Checkpoint Charlie (entrance into the American part of Berlin), Jewish Synagogue (which is where all the prostitutes work - no joke - and they even have a Prostitutes Union), the Berlin Wall, and Hitler's Bunker (well, I stood on top of it!), as well as many museums and embassys. By the end of the tour, it was half past 9 - so my 8 hour tour turned into over a 10 hour tour. I was so tired and I almost instantly fell asleep when I finally arrived back in my hostel! It was proabably a good thing though, as I was going to make my way to Hamburg for just the night to catch my flight back to Dublin - I cannot believe that the trip was already coming to and end - but I'm still just getting started!

xoxoxoxo

1 day, 4 countries

HALLO!

So I am all out of energy - in many many ways. My phone is dead, my ipod quit on me today, and I went through 4 countries in one day - needless to say my body was on low too! I went from Dublin, flew into Bratislava, then on a whim decided to take a quick bus over to Vienna. Vienna was absolutely stunning - I walked out of the bus stop and nearly straight into a giant old cathedral! However, I did not spend much time there, and so I made a promise to go back there another time in my life to explore further!

So once I did my short tour of downtown Vienna, I found my way to the train station and onto Prague. After being able to navigate myself through everything, I felt like the most powerful woman in the world! However, I stepped onto the train to Prague and found myself a little cart, when I was approached by this older and very greasy guy who began to talk to me rather friendly. I could not understand a word he said, but it did not take me long to figure out that this guy was asking me if I wanted to have sex with him! In a panic mode, I slapped his hand away from me and moved carts into one with a big giant smelly german family. I feel like a lot of my trip has been moments of complete glory, followed by times where I feel so vulnerable - its quite an exhausting rollercoaster of emotions.

So in the Austrain spirit - I began to think of my favorite things (sound of music). But instead of raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, I thought a lot of my friends and family and I am now realizing more than ever how much you all mean to me! I also thought a lot of summertimes at the cabin - I made another promise to myself to spend more time there next year!

So I came into Prague late at night and passed out in my hostel rather early, and got up rather late. It felt good to re-energize. I spent nearly the entire day walking around Prague. I crossed the Charles Bridge, walked up to the Prague Castle, down into the Jewish ghetto (and saw an old and untouched jewish cemetary), visitedthe Museum of Decorative Arts (by the way I now think that glass art is the coolest thing ever), and walked right into a dance festival. Oh and of course I did a little shopping! Then I retreated back to the hostel where I simply sat and drank a beer with some french guys, and the hostel owner, who would ask me every minute - want another beer?! and when I said no, he would just simply giggle...dont know!

Then next morning I managed to lock myself in the bathroom and woke up the entire hostel screaming for help. Turns out I just didn't turn the unlock knob far enough. A little embarassed, I left the hostel rather quickly and onto the train station and was just in time for a train to Berlin!

So here I am now, above a Dunkin Doughnuts in an internet cafe, in a place called Potsdam Platz - which is a huge center full of night life and fun. It took me quite sometime to figure out the S-bahn to get here, but I managed somehow and decided to reward myself with some gelato (gelato in berlin - who knew?!) - and ended up having like the best ice cream ever! So yummy! Now it is getting late, and tomorrow I have planned to take a 8 hour walking tour of Berlin! I just might have to come back here though for another scoop of gelato and also maybe catch a german flick at the IMAX theatre they have here!

Everyone let me know how you are doing. I love to hear from you!

until next time!

xoxoxoxoxo

One thing about being in a hostel - you meet people from all over! Austrians, Canadians, French, Australia - I even met a Italian guy who was wearing a french world cup shirt - he said because it was cheaper - HA! Hostel living is quite multicultural.

However with that said, I shipped myself out of Galway and into the city of Dublin, where I checked into a hostel that Tyson Gamblin (a friend from Enumclaw) was coincidentally staying in the same hostel on the same night! It was so crazy! After a long day of walking the streets of Dublin (and getting VERY lost), I sat myself down in the lobby very breifly and who should walk in but Tyson himself! Since he had been there for quite some time, he decided to show me the night life of Temple Bar streets (a cobble-stoned pedestrian streetway lined with funky stores, restaurants and of course, Irish pubs). We simply just sat and had a drink, caught up on each others lives, and of course dished out some Enumclaw memories and gossip! It was really great to be with someone from home who has had the study abroad experience (he had been in london all summer) and it was great to get his perspective and advice on things.

Since I had only one full day to see Dublin, I decided to try and hit up all the venues I possibly could! First I went to the Guiness Storehouse and took the tour, which ended at a bar with a skyview of Dublin (so beautiful). Then I walked across the city to see the National Natural Museum, the National Gallery, and the National Archeaology and History Museum - all sooo great! I also got to roll the streets of the Trinity College (where James Joyce went - very cool!). So now I am back home and EXHAUSTED! The streets were starting to get hecktic as well, because Pearl Jam is in town. (they havent been here for nearly 15 years!) I plan on having a early night in, and tomorrow I go off to Bratislava then Prague! I am unsure about internet usage, but I will surely try to keep you updated!

until next time!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

I was a calm, relaxing, quite uneventful Sunday here in Galway. I even went to St. Nicholas church for a service - I didn't hear much of anything because I was just simply blown away by the church itself. It is delightfully funny how the Irish are just as dedicated to Sunday church as they are to hitting the pubs the night before - or even later on Sunday night after church! That was at least what I saw. On a whim I decided to go out onto Quay Street late on Sunday night. A bit nervous for being by myself (and thinking I was a bit of a loser for going out to check out the pubs alone, but hey...) I just walked into a couple of bars, checking out the walls and feeling a bit like a retarded tourist. Just as I was about to give up hope, I found a small bar that was playing live 'trad' (traditional) Irish music - so I decided I wouldn't look too stupid for just checking out the band - but right when I walked in, I did that whole eye contact thing and someone said hello to me. He was a guy from north Wales (right near Colwyn Bay - the place where my great uncle was born) and was traveling with a bunch of buddies - whom he all introduced me to. They were from all over - Dublin, London, and even New Zealand. They were just here for the night, and were celebrating the fact they they could all get together as friends and have a good time - and fortunately for me they took me under their wing and let me hang with them! They were so cool, treated me just like I was one of the old friends. They bought me a Guiness (and taught me how to drink it) and joked around all while listening to the fiddle and guitar play in the background. I was feeling very Irish indeed. Before I knew it we were all singing and dancing until late hours of the night! Now THAT was definitely Irish of me! At least great pub experience. So to all of you back home - you've got some expectations for when I go out to the bars with you in 4 months! hehe!

Added note: One Dublin guy (actually he was a born in Dublin, but lived in London) told me that there are 4 irrevocable things in life: the spoken word, time, a bullet, and missed opportunity - any thoughts on that?

As you can imagine, today has been quite leisurely and there is not much to report. I found a grocery store and spent like an hour just looking at all the stuff. I also met two girls from Finland who are also studying here at NUI Galway. They gave me some black licorice - it was super yukky but I ate it and told them it was great anyways. They just got in today and want to go grab a guiness at the pub...will it be another night like last?! We'll find out!

until next time!

xoxoxxoxoxo

I have arrived! Surprisingly I am all in one piece and in good health and happiness!

Although I have to admit - yesterday was not such a case. After having no sleep for about 30 hours, I was tired, a bit lost, and a bit homesick (much to blame my mother for - thanks for leaving a surprise love-note in my luggage...tear!). However I decided to make myself stay awake for the rest of the day so that I would get a good nights sleep that night. So to keep myself busy I walked ALL over Galway - I visited the NUI Galway campus, shopped around all the streets, and even got to see some sites - the Church of Saint Nicholas - the oldest medieval church still in use today. It was incredibly gorgeous! However, that still did not quite boost my spirits...so of course I did the only thing I could do...have a Guiness! I hit up the rather popular Quay St. (a street lined with restaurants, pubs, and people - thats whats in the picture!) and had my first glass of Guiness. It was great to be around all the people and fun, but it could not beat my tiredness (in fact I think the drink made me more tired) - so I called it a night somewhat early and fell alseep quickly in my hostel.

This morning I actually went back to the Church of St. Nicholas and was just in time for a service there - I am still amazed by all the amazing glass windows and sculptures! I also went for a small run along the river Corrib (river that runs through Galway) and actually discovered a lot of old dirt tracks, as well as a lot of other runners! yay! One thing I learned so far (besides the fact that they drive on the other side of the road - that was a quick first lesson: look to the right before crossing the street!): Irish people are extremely friendly and if you make eye contact with someone, they almost immediately say hello!

After all this I have been spending the rest of today rolling the streets of Galway and met some locals who give me advice about where to stay, where to go, what to aviod! What I hear so far is that Galway has a great social life - maybe I should have stayed out later yesterday! After a late lunch (oh another lesson learned: a burger here does not mean it is included with a bun - it is just the meat - but comes with potatoes!) it began to rain here a bit, so I have retreated back to the Hostel for free internet!

I also have a phone now - so if you are traveling in Europe, call me up - 085 7631532!

Ok well time for a little trip planning - tuesday its Dublin, then off to the continental Europe! Hopefully I will be able to find more free internet to keep you updated!

xoxoxo!

Ok so it's 9pm here in Enumclaw - I just had a fabulous meal outside with my family as the sun was setting - definitely a great way to leave home! Actually, it might have been better if it was raining and crappy - MUCH easier to leave behind. It is almost the same way with leaving people as well - I have had such a great summer with all my friends and family - it makes it so hard to say goodbye! However, I have to head out sometime. So to all that I didn't get a chance to tell them: ADIOS! I miss you already!

I leave tomorrow morning, and in about 24 hours I will be across the world, all alone in unfamiliar territory. I will surely lose my way (along with some important travel item), get ripped off, cry, and lose my way again...how thrilling! I am honestly excited to be on my own completely and out of my comfort zone. I have found that when I am in this place, I learn the most. It's scary, but thanks to the constant support from everyone, I have confidence and faith that it will all work out.

From there, I plan on going to Galway for a few days, then heading to Dublin. ThenI have a plane ticket into Europe on that Thursday, and another plane ticket heading back 6 days later - where I will go in between those days will depend probably on how I feel on that particular day. A true test to my womens intuition!

Ok well I hope everyone has a great rest of the school year - I will miss you all horribly but I will be excited to share stories with you (via blog, email, phone, or in person when I come back!) in the future!

xoxoxo

Hello All!

Welcome to my blog page! With this blog (what does blog mean anyway?) I hope that I can write and record all my fabulous, unusual, wild and even scary experiences of my study abroad trip to Galway, Ireland! Lets hope for more fabulous experiences than scary ones...

My trip officially starts on the 18th of August, when I depart seattle early in the morning. Thats only about a week and a half left in seattle! So among all the frantic packing and planning, I really hope that I will be able to spend some quality time with friends and family. So give me a call up, and we'll go to lunch or something - my treat - so at least you can score a free meal out of it right?

Ok well thats it for now! I'm off to start what will probably be my most difficult and daunting task...packing...wish me luck!

Much love

Vanessa