Heading North

This past weekend I went on a school trip to Northern Ireland. What some of you may not know is that Northern Ireland is a separate country from The Republic of Ireland (which is where Dublin is located) Northern Ireland is run by Great Britain. This also means they use pounds as their currency and sadly it has a worse exchange rate for us American students. Our first stop was Belfast which was once a very troubled city with a split of the Catholic and Protestant religions. The city now has much changed. But being Catholic myself it was very interesting to hear about. There was even a wall there separating the two communities that still exists today. The wall was filled with murals, graffiti, and there was even a part where the public could write on (I did of course). Belfast also had a great shopping center called Victoria Square (if anyone is every heading up that way- I recommend it). We also went by the most bombed hotel in Europe: The Europa Hotel.

We then proceeded to spend the night in Ballintoy a small village on the north eastern coast of Northern Ireland. It was beautiful and much different from the west coast we visited only a month earlier. I saw the sunset down on the rocky beach and then later that night in one of the two pubs the town had everyone from our group gathered to see traditional Irish music (which in the end we ended up taking over) the guy who was the paid entertainment encouraged us to get up and sing. It was a wonderful experience and it gave all the locals a good laugh too. The next day we headed back to Dublin but stopped at numerous other Northern Irish land marks including Giant’s Causeway (a cool rock formation on the ocean) a castle and we even went over a rope bridge which was 90ft above the crashing waves! Overall Northern Ireland was neat to see and I’m so glad we got to go. Despite my camera problems (my chip broke- but it got a new one) It was a great weekend!

(me, nick, and lindsay singing I'm a believer in the pub and a cool picture of the sun down by the harbor)

Ciao from Milano, Italy!

It's been a very hectic week between my two trips. Being a jet setter is not as easy as it looks... But getting to see a new city every weekend has been pretty cool, I must admit. This weekend I stayed with my cousin Loredana in Milan and my two roommates came along too. She has the cutest 5mo old son who had a smile that made you melt. The weather was amazing, a balmy 30c which was like 85f! Its the summer time we are use to in the states and it was a nice change. We ate good, having authentic Italian meals twice a day. I don't think I've ever eaten that much in my life...ever! My favorite was Loredana’s homemade Gnocchi but the gelato everyday was a treat too. Also Note to self whenever traveling back to Milan dress very nicely because everyone there seems to be into high fashion. The Dumo is also there which is the 4th largest cathedral in the world. Avoid the men selling bracelets there. There is a practically a Dolce & Gabbana on every corner not that I could afford it but it was just neat to see.

It was also the start of fashion week so there were many models out. I probably bought more the I should have but it was all gifts. My family was wonderful to me here and I hope to repay them one day when they come and visit the US. Although the culture is so different then what I'm use to I still feel some connection to my Italian side here. I definitely plan to return Milan one day hopefully when I have more money haha... It's hard to resist when you are In the fashion capital of the world. Until the next city.. I will blog sooner though don't worry next weekend is my relaxation weekend!

(first picture: me an Loredana's son Pasquale, second picture: too much shopping?, third picture: The Dumo)

Catching up 9-19-11

Sorry I have not blogged sooner a lot has been going on with school and roommates and just life... plus the Internet here is not very reliable.

The past 2 weeks have flew by...which makes me think before I know it will be going home which is sad to think about after a month of living here it's starting to feel more homey! This past weekend me and my two roommates Allison and Lindsay all went to Paris, France! It was a blast and for three under 21 year olds I think we did relatively well in a city that seemed about five times bigger then Dublin. I was able to navigate my way around a city that uses a whole different language. The metro in Paris felt easier to use then NYC to me! But after being in France it makes living in Ireland so much less foreign, which is crazy. The pastries in Paris I would say hands down were the best part. If any one ever goes please get lots of Macaroons!! (Chocolate and Carmel are the best.. they even sell them at the McDonald's there)

(Me, Allison, and Lindsay in front of the Eiffel Tower)

I also was in the western part of Ireland one weekend ago which was the 9th,10th, and 11th of Stept.It was a truly beautiful part of Ireland and what the locals call the real Ireland (which everyone in the states has seen in the movies) The Cliffs of Moher were spectacular which means everyone who is reading this needs to go. Galway was a great college town and was very lively. In my opinion had a lot more local character then Dublin does. We stayed at two hostels which weren't bad at all and very clean. Overall the past two weekends have been a wonderful traveling experience for me. Even though it keeps me constantly busy and getting around can be overwhelming at times I wouldn't trade it for anything. Milan is next weekend! I promise I will try to blog more in between... sorry Heather!! But in the meantime I will send more postcards!

(me at the cliffs - the sun came out just for us)

First Day of Classes

The first day of classes was today... and i actually enjoyed going to both of them. They were for my earth science class but the cool thing about this class is we actually get to go out into Ireland and look at things first hand and see how they relate to earth science. Its something that interests me so it should be a good class. Friday we are taking a trip to Marble Arch Caves in Northern Ireland (which is a separate country) with my class. It should be really neat to see! Pictures will follow. I'm feeling more adjusted now which is great even though this past week has felt like one of the longest of my life I am loving Dublin so far and we are actually starting to plan out all our other European trips so lots more adventures are to come =)

Second Day in Ireland.. I'm still in one piece!

Well its my second day here and lets say its anything short of boring. Today me and my friends decided to take a trip to Ikea (to get some organization stuff for our appt) anyways it was a 5hr journey total but it was a great first full day in Ireland experience. Everyone here is so nice which seems like its a trend in most European communities. Riding the bus was definitely neat they have double decker buses here so I got to sit on the top and see everything from a whole new perspective. We ate a meal at Ikea and i had mashed potatoes to get in the Ireland spirit since yesterday we ate at an american like place called Eddie Rockets ( I do not know if there is any relation to johnny) but we made it back at 9pm and now it is close to 2am here and I'm still not tired I guess time change can do that to ya. I have orientation for the next three days so expect something new on Sunday. Goodnight everyone.

Leaving Home...

I'm leaving NJ today... it still does not feel real yet!! I hope I keep up with this blog while I'm there,and I hope you all enjoy following me through my Irish adventures. I would like to thank all my wonderful family and friends for encouraging me through this exciting time in my life. I know its going to be an amazing experience! Stay tuned for more updates... my plane leaves at 9:50pm tonight and I still have SO much to do! Talk to you all across the pond.