So Lauren and I went to the market today. We were both running low on fresh produce (I was down to my last apple if that's any indication of how desperate I was) so we decided to make our way to Moore St. to visit the local produce vendors.
Moore Street is located right off Henry street near a huge shopping center called Jervis. It's on a side street of sorts, but as soon as one turns the corner there lies a slew of local produce vendors just waiting to sell you their broccoli and bananas (10 for one euro!).
If ever there were a heaven on earth, this place would be it.
The local vendors offer some excellent deals, like 8 apples for 2 euro, or 10 tomatoes for 1 euro, deals that just can't be found anywhere else. And it's all fresh, too.
Lauren and I discovered the warehouse where they store the produce, and say today's shipment being delivered while we were walking to the market. The vendors will buy in bulk from the warehouse, then sell their goods on and around Moore Street.
Lauren and I spent a good 15-20 minutes walking up and down this produce heaven, scoping out the produce and spotting bargains left and right.
The market is filled with vendors yelling out their prices (often identical to the prices of the vendors next to them) and promoting their organic produce.
The vendors are another part of the market I love. They are all such colorful characters (some a little more than others) but they always treat customers like old friends.
There are always the "regulars", too. For example, the lady that always sells boxes of grapes for 1 euro along Henry St. or the guy at the corner who always asks how our school is going. They are all such great people, and I don't think they realize how happy they make me when I see them!
I've been going to this market since week 1 in Ireland, so I can only hope I become a regular to some of the local produce vendors as well. It's such a nice constant to my week, and I really love seeing all the vendors when I go.
Oh, and also on the way home Lauren and I imitated one another's walks, as well as those of our friends and family. It was hilarious and I had to stop and switch my grocery bags from one shoulder to the other while I continued to topple over laughing.
We had a really good time, then I went to marketing communication class and spent the remainder of the afternoon in the library...
Was a very happy, successful and productive day, to say the least.
Now, it's time for bed.
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A beautiful moment...
This was taken one day after school while Lara and I were walking home from the library. Speaks for itself, I think...
Malahide
So Lauren and I went to Malahide this weekend!
We jumped on the DART and rode it a few stops and hopped off at Malahide..my goodness do I love Irish transportation!
Once we arrived, we headed left for the beach (ironically one of the coldest places I've been so far) and proceeded to have a beach photoshoot. Our shoot was senior portrait-style, complete with cheesy, posed shots and pensive "staring into the water contemplating existentialism and future career goals" photos.
The results of those can be seen below, hahaha....We then ventured to the Malahide castle (not before a lovely stroll through the quaint town, of course) which was buried in the depths of a beautiful forest. When I say beautiful I really mean it. The place was magical, like something you'd see out of a fairy princess movie. I half expected a troll to pop out.
Unfortunately, we were not so lucky, but it was still one of the most beautiful and magical places I've ever been. Literally, it took my breath away.We then had a magical forest photo shoot (surprise, surprise, hahaha) and continued our walk toward the castle. No less than 10 minutes later, we stumbled upon an adult sized "playground" of sorts. Don't worry, we played in it on the way back from the castle, hahaha...
Once we finally made it to the Malahide castle, we went on the grand tour of the place, which consisted of a number of pre-recorded guided tours that played from speakers as you entered each room. Wizard of Oz style.
We also ventured into the gift shop and tea room. In the gift shop I seriously contemplated buying wool socks made in Donegal, but I rethought the idea since I already own a pair of wool socks. I should have sprung for them, I still might, haha.
After discovering the royal tea room was fresh out of everything except coffee and hot tea (go figure) we left the castle grounds and took our American selves to Starbucks. (Not before playing on the adult playground, of course.)
After Lauren and I ordered a hot chocolate and white hot chocolate, we wandered back to the DART station. We were quite a sight to see, me dressed in my North Face jacket, American Eagle jeans and Nike walking shoes, and Lauren with her Jansport travelin' backpack, both with our fresh Starbucks cups in hand and a day full of photos to upload.
All in all, I think the trip was a huge success. We were freezing cold almost the entire time, but the magical forest and adult playground made it incredibly worth it!
Here are some photos to recap the trip:
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Again, Beautiful Moments...
This day was one to remember. It was one of the first days of school, and I decided to treat myself between classes to some hot tea at Butler's Chocolate Cafe. Not only did I receive a miniature teapot to go along with my teacup and saucer, but I tried an orange-chocolate truffle that day, as well.
Also, I had just received a package from my family (first one while in Ireland, can be see in the background!) so that made this moment even more special. Everything just fell into place in that moment.
Will remember this one for years to come...
Beautiful Moments, part 1
(Left) The walk to school was perfect that day.
(Right) The sun rising over Smithfield. What a perfect way to start the day...
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Glendalough
Friday I woke up early (feeling like P. Diddy, of course) and ventured to Glendalough with a big group of Dublin Business School (DBS) and European Business School (EBS) students. The group was comprised of about 80 German/French students and approximately six Americans. I loved it!
It's been years since I've really gotten to socialize with European students (except for the wonderful French exchange students I've met at Winthrop!) so I was really excited for this opportunity.
Luckily, I'm taking a number of classes through EBS so many of my classes are also filled with both French and German students so I knew a good bit of them before the trip.
Once we boarded the bus, I sat next to my friend Michael (from Germany) and Britta (also from Germany). On the way we chatted about different social scenes in our respective countries, social norms, our courses of study, and the differences/similarities between German and American school systems.
I found the discussion on educational differences the most interesting. Basically, in many European countries, (Germany included) the students pay much less to attend a university as compared to America. About $18,000 less when compared to Winthrop.
For example, Michael pays about 500 euro per semester (about $750) to receive a higher education. Due to the low cost of higher education, many German students choose to stay in school much longer than in America. Some will spend 7-9 years in university trying out different classes and figuring out what career suits them. Costs will increase, however, once the 7-8 year mark hits.
After a bumpy 30 minute bus ride, we arrived at our destination. Many of the students on the trip (myself included) were incredibly car sick from the bus ride to Glendalough so once the bus stopped we rushed out the door and into the fresh air.
We were then taken on a 20-minute introductory tour of the old monastery, the graveyard and a view of the valley.
A little background:
Glendalough was once an old monastery where monks and various families would go for religious solitude or simply as a place escape the throws of everyday life. And I can see why. The place is gorgeous beyond belief, and the monastery is combination of magic and serenity unlike any other place I've been. They say visiting Glengalough 7 times is the religous equivalency of visiting Rome once. I plan to get my money's worth while in Ireland, haha.
After our introduction, a group of us ventured on the color-coded "green" walking path ("green" meaning easy and short) which led to a stunning view of one of the lakes of Wicklow.
I think the walk to the view was the most fun. The whole hour was spent walking uphill and getting to know one another between gasps for air.
The French students were hilarious (my roommate Magali was with our group as well!) and we ended up taking an "alternate route! up a very dangerous and steep part of the mountain.
We are better people for it, haha.
I also had a nice 30 minute conversation getting to know Michael and Britta. They are really great people and I learned alot about their lives within that short amount of time.
Finally, after walking uphill for a solid 45 minutes, we reached the view of the lake, had a photoshoot and made our way back down.
Again, the conversation flowed easily and I had a great conversation with another German student about what classes we are taking, what classes are offered in America, etc.
We then had another photoshoot in front of the lake before boarding the bus to go home.
Naturally, I fell asleep on the bus, but I woke up just as we arrived back in Dublin.
I have to say, I had a really great time on the Glendalough trip and I hope to go back again and spend more time in the area. The view was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the conversation could not have been better!
Will work on getting those pictures soon.
Cheers!
It's been years since I've really gotten to socialize with European students (except for the wonderful French exchange students I've met at Winthrop!) so I was really excited for this opportunity.
Luckily, I'm taking a number of classes through EBS so many of my classes are also filled with both French and German students so I knew a good bit of them before the trip.
Once we boarded the bus, I sat next to my friend Michael (from Germany) and Britta (also from Germany). On the way we chatted about different social scenes in our respective countries, social norms, our courses of study, and the differences/similarities between German and American school systems.
I found the discussion on educational differences the most interesting. Basically, in many European countries, (Germany included) the students pay much less to attend a university as compared to America. About $18,000 less when compared to Winthrop.
For example, Michael pays about 500 euro per semester (about $750) to receive a higher education. Due to the low cost of higher education, many German students choose to stay in school much longer than in America. Some will spend 7-9 years in university trying out different classes and figuring out what career suits them. Costs will increase, however, once the 7-8 year mark hits.
After a bumpy 30 minute bus ride, we arrived at our destination. Many of the students on the trip (myself included) were incredibly car sick from the bus ride to Glendalough so once the bus stopped we rushed out the door and into the fresh air.
We were then taken on a 20-minute introductory tour of the old monastery, the graveyard and a view of the valley.
A little background:
Glendalough was once an old monastery where monks and various families would go for religious solitude or simply as a place escape the throws of everyday life. And I can see why. The place is gorgeous beyond belief, and the monastery is combination of magic and serenity unlike any other place I've been. They say visiting Glengalough 7 times is the religous equivalency of visiting Rome once. I plan to get my money's worth while in Ireland, haha.
After our introduction, a group of us ventured on the color-coded "green" walking path ("green" meaning easy and short) which led to a stunning view of one of the lakes of Wicklow.
I think the walk to the view was the most fun. The whole hour was spent walking uphill and getting to know one another between gasps for air.
The French students were hilarious (my roommate Magali was with our group as well!) and we ended up taking an "alternate route! up a very dangerous and steep part of the mountain.
We are better people for it, haha.
I also had a nice 30 minute conversation getting to know Michael and Britta. They are really great people and I learned alot about their lives within that short amount of time.
Finally, after walking uphill for a solid 45 minutes, we reached the view of the lake, had a photoshoot and made our way back down.
Again, the conversation flowed easily and I had a great conversation with another German student about what classes we are taking, what classes are offered in America, etc.
We then had another photoshoot in front of the lake before boarding the bus to go home.
Naturally, I fell asleep on the bus, but I woke up just as we arrived back in Dublin.
I have to say, I had a really great time on the Glendalough trip and I hope to go back again and spend more time in the area. The view was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the conversation could not have been better!
Will work on getting those pictures soon.
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Beautiful Moments
Since arriving in Ireland I have had a string of beautiful and wonderful moments. Like any good American in a foreign country, I am always armed with my pink 'point and shoot" camera so I have been snapping photos like a madwoman in an attempt to document them the second they happen. They often occur in one of the following places:
A) in public
B) in a public dining establishment
C) in a public restroom
D) in a generally awkward public place
Anyhow, I've been capturing all of these wonderful and memorable moments and have decided to share them in my blog. I call them my beautiful moments.
And in case you're interested, here is a little background:
Growing up around the dinner table, my dad would always ask my sister and I to share the best part of our day. This question was almost always the gateway into a string of dinnertime stories straight from the 1st grade playground or the 4th grade lunchroom. By the end of meal, the table would have erupted into a chorus of laughter, or a symphony of "awww's!" and "OH NO SHE DIDN'T's!". We lived crazy lives. You get the idea.
Unfortunately, once adolesence hit, the dinnertime ritual was often met (on my part) with a dramatic sigh or a roll of the eye (just one eye, since I can't manage to roll both). The conversations began to dwindle and the funny stories became few and far between.
Since college, however, I have noticed myself attempting to revive the tradition both at home and with my friends. In almost any conversation I find myself asking the other person "So what was the best part of your day?" or "What are the top three things that happened to you this morning?" Initially I am met with a confused look or a puzzled expression, but they soon break into a detailed explanation of what they did/who they saw throughout the course of their day. It's a great conversation starter, really, and I've learned so much about the people I ask.
Now I am always on the lookout for the best part of my day and will often make a note of these wonderful moments when they occur.
Such are my beautiful moments.
These are the little moments that are often overlooked, but when noticed are those that will make one appreciate the simple beauties in life. The kind that leave you feeling joyful and grateful at the same time.
In the coming months be on the lookout for my blogs with the title "Beautiful Moments" or "My favorite things" and you'll know exactly what I mean. I can't wait to share them with you.
A) in public
B) in a public dining establishment
C) in a public restroom
D) in a generally awkward public place
Anyhow, I've been capturing all of these wonderful and memorable moments and have decided to share them in my blog. I call them my beautiful moments.
And in case you're interested, here is a little background:
Growing up around the dinner table, my dad would always ask my sister and I to share the best part of our day. This question was almost always the gateway into a string of dinnertime stories straight from the 1st grade playground or the 4th grade lunchroom. By the end of meal, the table would have erupted into a chorus of laughter, or a symphony of "awww's!" and "OH NO SHE DIDN'T's!". We lived crazy lives. You get the idea.
Unfortunately, once adolesence hit, the dinnertime ritual was often met (on my part) with a dramatic sigh or a roll of the eye (just one eye, since I can't manage to roll both). The conversations began to dwindle and the funny stories became few and far between.
Since college, however, I have noticed myself attempting to revive the tradition both at home and with my friends. In almost any conversation I find myself asking the other person "So what was the best part of your day?" or "What are the top three things that happened to you this morning?" Initially I am met with a confused look or a puzzled expression, but they soon break into a detailed explanation of what they did/who they saw throughout the course of their day. It's a great conversation starter, really, and I've learned so much about the people I ask.
Now I am always on the lookout for the best part of my day and will often make a note of these wonderful moments when they occur.
Such are my beautiful moments.
These are the little moments that are often overlooked, but when noticed are those that will make one appreciate the simple beauties in life. The kind that leave you feeling joyful and grateful at the same time.
In the coming months be on the lookout for my blogs with the title "Beautiful Moments" or "My favorite things" and you'll know exactly what I mean. I can't wait to share them with you.
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