29 August 2009

first days in dublin

so i have only been here for a day and a half and it is safe to say that i have loved every minute of exploration and relaxation here in dublin. perhaps it is the excitement of a new city or the ability to do as i choose, but i could definitely get used to this! I have wandered around the different neighborhoods of the city center numerous times already, and because the city is so compact, it is easy to walk everywhere. it reminds me a lot of london (of course with it's own charm) but even more accessible because of it's size. every street and every alleyway is exactly how i pictured dublin: shops, cafes, and pubs everywhere you turn. the weather is super sporadic too, it has rained on me eight times today alone and no one seems to care.. they don't even put up their hoods!
i was on full tourist mode today as i took a quick city tour this morning and gerry, the tour guide, even offered to tour my family around when they come for the holidays! i then went on a tour of trinity college and saw the book of kells. the library was my absolute favorite part of the
university. as you walk into this amazing two floored library filled from floor to ceiling, it feels as if you have entered the 17th century.
i also walked through st. steven's green which is the main urban park here and toured Christ Church Cathedral (photo). the people i have met here are super friendly and will strike up a conversation with you anytime anywhere. its nice, being on my own and having people actually acknowledge that i exist ha. some kid even gave me a high five as i was walking along!
one more day of sightseeing and then it's off to UCDublin. but being a tourist these past few days has made me even more excited to spend the next four months here. until next time!
ireland is where strange tales begin
and happy endings are possible
[charles haughey]

26 August 2009

well it's about time...

to my family, friends, and anyone who cares to read this terribly overdue blog entry,
i know i have been a horrible blogger lately (notice the date of the last post...) but now i definitely have something to write about! in just a few hours, i will be on my way to dublin, ireland.. the setting of my most exciting (and lengthiest) adventure yet. i have no idea what the coming semester will bring, so i will just have to wait and see what life throws at me this time. i sure hope you will be a part of it too! i will try to blog as much as possible, and will keep you updated on my life overseas and my upcoming travels (i.e. a much anticipated trip to visit brittany in denmark-- see 'even better links' on the right hand side). as i leave the comforts of home tomorrow, i hope to find a little bit more of myself in the new and exciting and unpredictable days that lie ahead of me. wish me luck !
lots of love
amanda
so goodbye for a while, i'm off to explore
every boundary and every door
[missy higgins]