Sunny with a high of 75.

After not coming home until 5am, it was not on my top priorities to wake up for 9am breakfast. We all slept until 11 am, got up, but our beach gear on and went to breakfast. The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was sunny, 75 degrees, and breezy. The beach is about a 15 minute walk from us, so we headed off, stopping at merchant shops along the way to pick up souvenirs and presents for friends and family. We laid out on the beach until about 3pm, and I was so happy that I finally got some color into my less than pigmented face. Vitamin D was much needed. We sat and talked on the beach, and relaxed. This trip was definitely more of a vacation than a sight seeing extravaganza, which was nice. After a long day at the beach, we showered and then the girls and I ate a free dinner at the hostel, which is first come first serve from 8:30-10pm. We met up with the guys for drinks and tapas (appetizers) at a nice restaurant down a cute street with different places to eat piled on top of each other. We settled for dessert and decided to lay low and just hang out at a bar for the rest of the night.



For the last day in Barcelona, we decided to take full advantage of being a tourist. We got breakfast, and hopped on the metro up to an area called Parc Güell. Park Güell is a garden complex with buildings sitting on the hill of el Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built in the years 1900 to 1914. The whole park was beautiful, we hiked up to the top and there was an absolutley stunning view of the entire city. We climbed up this rock structure with a cross on top and you could literally see a 360 degree view of the city from the water to the trees on the other side. I was literally sweating, I decided it was a great idea to wear a black shirt and dark jeans when it was about 80 degrees outside. Never the less the breeze kept me at a cool temperature and I made sure to stay in the shade for most of the time. As you walked down the path from the top of the park, there are merchants selling anything and everything you can imagine. From tshirts to scarves and jewelry to sunglasses you could get anything for a reasonable price. I settled on a few presents for some friends and a scarf for myself before heading down to see some of the buildings Gaudi built. The buildings were covered in mosaics, like most of the art work he had done, and were beautiful to look at.


pictured: Park Guell
After the park, we made our way over to La Sagrada Familia, another building built by Gaudi. It is a massive, privately-funded Roman Catholic church that has been under construction in Barcelona since 1882 and is not expected to be complete until at least 2026. It toweres over the trees and all the buildings surrounding it, and though it was covered with construction scaffolding and wires, it was still amazing to see the detail and architecture that went into building this cathedral. We stopped for a rest in the park area next to it where I tried a gofres (chocolate waffle with ice cream). It may have been the best thing I've ever eaten. I savored every bite and was completely satisfied with my 5 euro purchase. To cap off the day, we took the metro back and went to another park near the beach. It had the La Cascada Ciutadella fountain, which was built way back in the 1800's. It was also built by Gaudi, and had amazing statues and a gold plated dome on top. We walked through the park and also got to see the parliament building and it's surrounding gardens.





pictured: La Sagrada Familia, La Cascada Fountain, Barcelona Parliament building.

After a long day, we went out to dinner for traditional Spanish tapas for our last night. We ended up just hanging out at night at the beach, just talking and watching the waves crash down. I was completely relaxed and content with this entire weekend. Seeing such beautiful sights and walking around a country I truly never thought I'd visit has humbled me. I realize how blessed I am to have this opportunity to go to such amazing places each weekend I'm here. I don't take anything for granted, and I don't really think the gravity of being abroad has really set into my head yet. I know I am extremely lucky to have the opportunities I have, and I am truly thankful for them.

Viva La Espana.

I may be second guessing my decision to study here in Ireland. Don't get me wrong, the country is gorgeous in every way, but flying to Spain for a weekend may have made me a little regretful that I didn't pick Barcelona as my first choice for my study abroad. Monday wass a bank holiday here in Ireland, so everything was closed, including school. We decided to get away from the eminent rain that was brewing for the weekend and escape to a land of beaches, hansom men, and warm weather. We arrived in Reus airport, which is about an hour outside of the city. We had to get our passports stamped (my first one in a different country, YES!) and walk out to the bus stop that is supposed to take us to the bus station form which we have to get the metro to the city. The bus is about a half hour late, and there are maybe double the amount of people that can actually fit on the bus when it arrives. We were all nervous, because we had been waiting for over an hour for this bus, one of the guys pushed through the crowd and shelled out 150 euro for 12 tickets and passed them back. Success, we got on the bus and were off to check into our hostels. After a long drawn out metro and bus process, the girls and I arrived at our hostel, called Kabul. It's located on a gorgeous courtyard right in the center of Las Ramblas, a main street where vendors and gypsies hang out and do tricks for money. We checked in, got dressed and went out for our first drink in Barcelona. At 3am, it was time to call it a night, and we went back to the hostel and rested up for a big day on Friday.


Courtyard our hostel was in.

Friday morning we got up at 9am to take advantage of the free breakfast offered at our hostel. They had a nice spread; including muffins, cereal and baguettes with jelly. It was extremely helpful to get free breakfast, cause my bank account would have broken if I had to pay for three meals out a day for five days. I save money wherever I can. We were off and running to DUNKIN DONUTS (My savior for the early mornings in Spain). After a couple iced coffees and lattes, we embarked down Las Ramblas, snapping countless pictures of the gorgeous architecture along the street. I have never seen more beautiful buildings in my life. Every building was so intricate and had amazing rod iron balconies to look out into the streets. After a walk down Las Ramblas, and a quick stop at a flea market, we headed over to the pier to hang by the water and soak in some rays. We were waiting for the guys we flew over with to call, so we could meet up and head over to Montjuic, a mountain that is accessible by cable car and over looks the city at the top. We walked over to the cable cars, and for 9 euro we could go to the top and see the castle as well for free. Climbing the mountain on a cable car we arrived at the top. The views were absolutely breathtaking. The city itself is not tall, and the few skyscrapers they do have completely stick out. The different contrasting color of Barcelona give it a distinct character. The sun was beating down on each individual building giving it it's own life. I could have stayed and stared at it for hours. I wish we could have stayed for the sunset, it would have been awesome to see, but we headed back down the mountain on foot, checking out pathways, fountains and trails on the way. After the long day, a much needed nap occurred back at the hostel. We all slept for about an hour then got showered and ready for dinner for my friend Sarah's 21st birthday.





We went to a restaurant right in the Placa Reil (where we stayed) for Sarah's 21st, there was about a 15 minute wait so we asked to wait in the bar area. There were 4 euro drink specials so we went inside to order one for dinner while we waited. After an announcement to the bartender that it was Sarah's 21st birthday, it followed with five free shots in honor of becoming legal in the United States. We ate an amazing dinner, I had a salad with salmon and mozzarella topped with this fantastic honey mustard dressing. Everyone was full and we went to meet up with the guys to go out for Sarah's birthday.

We met up with the guys and took a metro to this place called Razzmatazz. It was a 15 euro cover to get in but it came with a voucher for a free drink. The club itself held 5000 people, and was completely insane. I am not a dancer, nor do I enjoy dancing so it wasn't really my scene, but the fact that the club held that many people was amazing. There was a Spanish band playing, so it was like a free concert as well. We stayed out until about 5am, when the metro re-opened. The Spanish don't go out until 1am usually, and stay out clubbing until 6 or 7am. I learned this lifestyle the hard way, and was extremely exhausted. I finally got to bed at 5:40 am, only to get about 4 hours of sleep until our next days activities.

Oober Tourist.

I'm now approaching my eighth week in Dublin and I have only taken a tour of the city once. I can obviously find my way around, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I can correctly identify to a weekend tourist which way a particular street is; but the historic legacies of this country and city especially is an aspect I have not paid enough attention to since being here. This past weekend, my roommate and I decided to get up early on Saturday morning (early being a relative term, closer to 11am), make breakfast and start the day off with some free tourist attractions in Dublin. I emphasize the word free because the euro is really kicking my butt in the bank department and with upcoming trips I have to stretch my euro to it's maximum elasticity. Lisa and I made a list of some interesting buildings to see, about half a page later we realized this was not all going to happen in one day. We decided to visit the National Museum of Ireland and Kilmainham Jail.


Front of Museum

First was the visit to the National Museum. The building is absolutely beautiful, and when you first walk in there is a mosaic type floor with all the astrological signs embedded in it. Unfortunately pictures were not allowed inside, so I couldn't document any of the exhibits I saw. We walked around the first floor for a while, which housed numerous priceless jewels and gold jewelry from way back in time. After a while we decided to journey upstairs through the viking, Midevil, and king ruled time periods. It was really interesting to see how Ireland had come to be through various wars and conflicts with their neighbors. As much as I don't enjoy museums, I found this one to be unexpectedly entertaining. I actually wanted to read each little plaque to find out where they had found this certain skeleton or old wardrobe collection. Learning about my heritage, not necessarily my own, but the people of Ireland was extremely gratifying, and I enjoyed my time there.

After coffee, we hopped on the bus over to the Kilmainham Jail. They offered a 2 euro tour for students. I had been to Alkatraz when I was younger and found it fascinating, so I was really excited to take a tour of this ancient and historic penitentiary. Our tour guide talked us through the various celebrities who had done time in the jail, as well as giving us time to actually go into cells. I found this terrifying, because of my claustrophobia, I could not imagine living in such small quarters for years at a time. We got to see and stand in the exercise yard, and stand where they actually executed people by hanging and firing squad. It was really interesting to see how the prison was considered to be one of the state of the art facilities of its time. I also learned that people actually attempted to break the law on purpose to get into jail during the height of the potato famine. I always knew about the famine and how it affected Ireland, but for people to want to break the law just to get a meal it made me understand how desperate some people were for food and that starvation was more prominent than I had imagined.






Finally after the tour we walked out and across the street to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The museum was closing within 5 minutes of are arrival, but the long pathway towards the museum was gorgeous. The leaves were turning to typical fall colors, and it reminded me of back home. I've missed the changing seasons since I've been abroad, and this gave me a little chance to reminisce about the fall weather. We finished our day off with a group dinner to the Real Gourmet Burger. After a three mile walk home from the restaurant, I was exhausted. I took the night off to relax and just hang out at home to prepare for this weekend, BARCELONA.

Adios, amigos.

Five on Three.

After taking it easy Friday and Saturday night, Sunday had the promise of being a fantastic day. In the United States, we have the Kentucky Derby, where men bring their money, and women bring their hats to watch horses run full speed around a track in hopes of nabbing that first place spot and cashing in big time on some dough. In Ireland, just about 45 minutes from Dublin in a town called Killdare, plays home to a racetrack for the four legged beauties. My friend Sarah had invited me to go to a horse race with her, because her aunt and uncle were coming from home and told her to bring a friend. I have never been to a horse race, I think the closest I've come was a New Hampshire car race with my family when I was about 7. I didn't know what to expect, but I know I didn't look good in big hats, so I figured the next viable option was to just buy a new dress instead. Priorities, check.

At 10am, I meet Sarah and walk to the bus and we begin our journey to her aunt and uncle's hotel. We round up everyone and leave around 11:30am to catch the train to Killdare. The train ride lasts about 45 minutes, and after getting off we hop on a free shuttle to the race track. Now I've never seen a race track but the ones in my mind have been relatively small, with dirt where the horses run. But this track was huge, and all grass. We walked into the lobby and got our tickets, which were pre-paid for my Sarah's uncle, and walk inside the track. There inside, low and behold is a store called 'Mad Hatters'. Naturally, there is a stigma that you have to wear some sort of hat to the race, so we all walk into the store looking for some sort of covering for our heads. I find this beret, which would make me look extremely European on my trip to France, and for 20% off 12 euro, I splurge and buy it. Sarah, her aunt, and her aunt's friend all bought hats as well. We walk outside and the sun has come out, making it a delightful day to be outside. All of us take our seats and people are in a frenzy to go place their first bets. Sarah's father told her to put 5 on 3, to win. We walk up to the counter and unknowingly pick the favored horse to win.


In front of the race track.

Sarah, her aunt and uncle and I in front of the horse statue.

After betting, you get a receipt for the bet you've made and go take your seat outside near the tracks. The horses begin to file out and go to the starting gate, which is so far off in the distance I can't even see it. The horses are off, and the announcer, who seems unenthusiastic, starts talking in the typical horse-race voice about who's in front, back, middle, etc. They are rounding the bend and it seems as if number 3 is in the front. Sarah and I get excited and start screaming, along with the rest of the crowd and wait for the horses to cross the finish line. Number 3 had a clear lead until he was passed and came in second. So much for the win. Sarah's out 5 euro.



The horses!

Sarah and I at the race.

We stayed for a total of 5 races, and called it a night. The experience was a first for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting dressed up and gambling. I don't plan on frequenting any casinos though, because the amount of money people lose on those races is insane. After a long day, it was nice to finally retire into my sweat pants and have an impromptu Disney singing festival with my roommate, Lisa. I love life in Ireland.

Oktoberfest.

This weekend marked Ireland's celebration of Germany's world renowned drinking festival, Oktoberfest. I was planning on attending the actual Oktoberfest, but time and money constraints kept me here in Ireland during the festivities. To compensate for not having a drinking festival of their own, or just to keep to buzz from Arthur's Day going, the Irish decided to host an Oktoberfest, large beer mugs and all. We went to a new pub called the Porter House, which had four stories and live music. The band played on a balcony hanging over the lower two floors. It was a great place to hang out and relax, while drinking a beer the size of my torso. I don't even enjoy the taste of beer, frankly the carbonation upsets my stomach, but the loom of these giant glasses was like a challenge I had to tackle. It was 9 euro for about two and a half pints. That comes out to a great deal because normally pints are around 5.60 euro in the tourist areas. After convincing myself I needed to drink this monstrous mug, I now had to tackle the challenge of picking out which beer I would voluntarily drink to upset my stomach to a new level. I chose Temple Brau (brau is pronounced brew). It wasn't terrible, but definitely did not change my views on beer in any way. It did the job. I was about a third of the way through and realized I could no longer drink this goblet of beer, and was ready to give up. After a couple comments about me being a sissy, and the realization that I just dropped 9 euro on this thing, I picked it back up and sipped, painfully through the rest of the mug.

The band that was playing had just got back from a European tour and was playing a few local shows. They were really great, and energetic and for once, genuinely seemed happy that Americans were in the bar. The lead singer asked where my friends and I all hailed from, and after not knowing where Connecticut was, I just settled for New York as the closest and most reasonable location in the North East. The thing is, non-Americans only know about 4 places in the United States; New York, California, Las Vegas, and Chicago. So if you are lucky enough to not be from there, it becomes Geography 101 trying to draw out the United States in the air while pointing out where you live.

We ended up staying at the pub until closing, around 2am. My stomach, cringing, hurting, and hating me for drinking that beer was not happy with the half mile walk back to the top of Grafton Street, where we have to hail a cab to go home. There were screams for McDonald's, but I took the stand and said no more late night snack times for anyone, because we are all feeling, and seeing the repercussions of the late night Mickey D's binges. At least I'm learning how to say no to one thing here. Drinking will be next on my list.

I guess it's a good thing I didn't pay for a flight over to Germany for the actual Oktoberfest. I don't think I would have been able to drink that much beer and function as a normal human. The taste of Oktoberfest in Ireland was just what I needed without going overboard in the money department.

UPDATE

So, I received an e-mail Tuesday morning stating someone had found my wallet by the docks of the Liffey River in Dublin. I contacted the man named Joe Donnely and he returned my wallet to the reception office of my housing complex. Everything is still inside, my passport, license, credit cards, travel cards. Everything except my bus pass, which is a small price to pay. My wallet was clearly submerged in the river for some time, because my license film cover has completely come off, and my checkbook is now destroyed. But this man has restored my faith that for every horrible person in this world a nice one will come and help you out in a bad situation. I am completely grateful and blessed that my wallet has come back to me, and have learned a valuable lesson through all of this. Just wanted to keep everyone updated.