What did you do...?

What did you do? How was it? questions I know for the next few weeks I will be answering on repeat. But honestly, what did I do? Lets see... I visited over 18 different cities, I made incredible friends, I lived in an apartment with 5 awesome roommates. I relied on public transport, (mom was surprised that I learned how to hail a cab.) I danced, I laughed, I dated, I sang Karaoke. I picked up some great music, I cried a few times too many with two of the best friends I could ask for, I learned the ins and outs of Limerick City (something that some might not be too proud of haha) I had a bill to pay monthly for the first time in my life and was never late, and I decided that I WILL live in Ireland again. What did I do? I had the time of my life! And leaving this place, that has been my home over the past 6 months on thursday morning is going to be incredibly sad. But it is time, its time to see the family and the friends, and the only way I can possibly leave this wonderful place is by leaving with the promise that I will be back, soon!
America- I'm almost home. ETA: Monroe CT 2PM
see you all soon!
cheers!
<3

The final days of my study abroad adventure

Just as I thought, Kerry was beautiful! Saturday thru Monday morning I was lucky enough to stay with my roommate from this semester Dan and his family in Kenmare. Their beautiful home with its breath taking views was the perfect place to spend my last study abroad bank holiday. It was so great to be in a family atmosphere again, and have some mom-cooked meals :) Dingle was nice, however I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have due to the bad weather and the fact that I was traveling alone- I am NOT one of those people who say once they traveled alone, they never wanted to travel with people again. not me. haha So now I'm in the real home stretch, with family and friends telling me daily they're counting the minutes... (as of right now its approximately 174 hours till I'm standing in my doorway with Bubba jumping on me.) And while I am coming to terms with the fact that this amazing experience really is coming to a close, AND while I am looking forward seeing all of my favorite people, to say this is bittersweet would be the closest I can get to what I am feeling at the moment. Savoring every last moment in my, sorry to say America but, favorite country FOR NOW is my goal everyday I have left. But have no fear, I WILL BE BACK. I'm already planning my next trip 'home' in two summers from now, and 'The Americans' of apartment 72 (meghan, emily and I) are already working on the America trip next summer for Dan and Eammon. Oh and, I'm eating as many potatoes as I can ;)
see you so soon!
cheers!
<3

2 Weeks.. the countdown begins.

The weather here since my last post has been incredible! Barely any rain and temps ranging from the upper 70's to low 80's -no humidity, and TONS of sunshine! It's really been summer in Limerick, who could have guessed! Well as of today, I have exactly 2 weeks until I am standing on American soil. My last Bank holiday (3 day weekend) will be enjoyed this weekend in Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Then Monday at some point, I will head to Dingle for 3 days 2 nights, some horseback riding and hopefully some more beautiful weather! Then when I return to Limerick, my last week will be spent taking my last trips to the city, packing and cleaning and enjoying my very last Limerick City Milk Market... for now ;) I am officially alone in the apartment as of tomorrow, as well as the only one left here from my program. There are some new summer school student who arrived a few days ago, so it is nice to see i'm not the only one in my village :) Anyway, here we go... see you in 14 days!
Love you all!
Cheers! <3

The home stretch

So, 25 days left in this beautiful country. Almost all of my friends headed home, my apartment is empty (as is campus) but it is the beginning of a new, wonderful experience..and i'm excited. Time by my self, to do..? whatever i want! hopefully cooking up a storm, and working out. Also traveling, i'm thinking Dingle, Wexford, and possibly somewhere in Kerry again (it was gorgeous the first time!) and tons of time to reflect on the fact that I have had the time of my life over here, and have to return to reality and all of my beautiful friends and family, and keene in the fall (UL does NOT have elementary ed, trust me i checked :) ) but I may as well enjoy the ride! hope all is well with everyone, I love and miss you all!

Cheers! <3

The end...for some

The last week of finals has arrived, meaning that my only two exams are happening this week, as well as the final finals for my roommates- its time to go home. This week its the boys heading home, next week all three ladies and I'll be here until June 14th! (any suggestions as to where to travel alone??) The beautiful weather and the promise of summer right around the corner is uplifting while we all wallow in the fact that this experience really has gone by way too fast. As sentimental as this week is promising to get, it seems to also be guaranteeing some tears. But for now, procrastinating like its my job and staring at the cows right out my window seems to be a good idea... I might even go for a walk :) Hope to skype some of you while I'm all by my lonesome-I'd love the company :) Miss and love you all!

Cheers! <3

papers, papers, papers

Mom and Carly's visit was great! We went to Galway, explored Limerick City (they loved the Milk Market, which is my favorite part of saturday mornings) went to Cork and Blarney Castle. We lucked out and had reasonable weather for all the days, exceptional weather on sunday for cork and Blarney. I loved having them here-although it was too short a visit! Now it's on to final exams. My last paper is due monday, followed by my only two written exams the following week... Emmy and Meghan leave May 13th and 18th... then I am here until June 14th. :) any suggestions as to where to travel, I would happily accept! I'm heading to Holland for a few days, and checking out more places in Ireland that I have yet to see.. then it's home for the rest of summer and Keene in the fall, in an apartment with Max, Meghan and Emmy... should be fun! haha
love and miss you all!

Cheers!

Easter Break, Mom's here!

Scotland and England... quite the Easter break! we spent sunday night thru wednesday in Edinburgh, literally across the street from the Edinburgh Castle... we then took our night flight to london, checked in to the sketchiest hostel at 2 am and promptly checked out the next day! We of course did all the touristy things, double decker bus tour, Tower of London, even the London Aquarium! we also enjoyed some comfort of home in Edinburgh at TGIFridays, and in London at The Hard Rock. :) It was great. we took a million pictures, and all though not everything went the way we planned, it was really a great trip. Just be carful, fellow americans, the Great British Pound is equivalent to $1.75! Mom and Carly arrive tomorrow morning, I CAN'T WAIT! we'll let you know how it goes :)

<3

Paddy's day and Birthday shenanigans

The last 2 weeks have been nuts! Deadlines are looming, Birthday's were had... it was great. First, my week with Heather was awesome, it was so cool to show someone from home around, for them to see what i'm talking about over skype, and actually live in my apartment with me for a few days. of course, it was too short, i wish she could be here for ever but spending paddy's day with heather was so fun. We saw the parade, ate some irish food, pub crawled...perfect. Followed by and insane night in Cavan with the O'Reilly clan, i can't even describe how much fun that was! catching up with family and meeting so much of Genevieve's, i had a blast! wrapping up the craziness with my 20th, i had a nice relaxing day and the girls made me dinner and cake and took me out at night, also awesome :) This weekend is dedicated to actually getting work done so no traveling for me, but very soon we will be spending about 9 days in Scotland and England! can't wait!

love and miss you all! <3

Update...

Well I suppose an update is in order... since Blarney we've seen Galway, The Burren and Aillwee Caves, more of Limerick including St. Johns Castle and are heading to the ring of kerry this weekend. Heather is coming on monday to spend her spring break here (Yea!) and St. Paddys in Dublin, and then on the 18th I'm heading up to a crazy party with the O'Reilly clan. Followed by my 20th on the 20th then our easter break which includes 10 days of Scotland and England the first week of April. So many more trips to plan, time here is almost half way over and I am no where near ready to go home! but.. I do miss and love you all!

<3

Cork & Blarney Castle

Cork is such a nice city! staying within walking distance of the center didn't hurt either... cutest little B&B, Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle, we crammed a lot into our less that 48hours there. We had great food, saw some cool touristy sites and had a great nights sleep in a comfy bed- not a hostel! :) Pictures to be added soon, they really tell the story :) love and miss you all!

<3

Week 3

We're heading out in the morning to Cork for the weekend.. after our first week of 'real' class (tutorials started, they're the hands-on-you-have-to-go part of classes here) we're pumped to be going somewhere fun! Blarney Castle, possibly Cork Zoo, not to mention a cute hotel instead of a hostel :) 

Dance class started this week, I learned my 3's and 7's.. don't ask me to explain. I can't. i can barely do them haha but it's a lot of fun. Education tutorial was interesting as well to hear the different take on education and the role of the teacher. 

Still just getting started here and I've almost been here a month! I'll keep you updated, and of course post pictures. 

<3

Family Dinner

Almost three weeks in and it's time for a family dinner! Chicken Parm, pasta, garlic bread and Apple crumble (gluten free of course but still just as yummy for my four non-gluten free dinnermates) to end a nice relaxing weekend. nice clean room, all caught up on school stuff and planning our next weekend trip, possibly watching the super bowl.. if we're up... and skyping with mom and gram (ON HER BIRTHDAY!) ellen and alex later. so nice..

miss you all! love you!!

<3

First Weekend Adventure.

You know those trips that never go according to plan? And.. how those trips always end up to be the best? Going against what we expected seemed to be the trend this weekend. Starting off with the wrong bus schedule, which left us in a little town called Ennis for almost 6 hours...was one of the best things that happened this weekend! Ennis is a town that none of us would ever think to travel to, and it was just beautiful. Tons of little shops, a few pubs, and very nice people. We stopped at one of the pubs just by chance and had the most killer meal, followed by great shopping, our day of a detour ended up being... just grand! Of course, the good weather was saved for the day we weren't at the cliffs.. however, even in the rain the Cliffs of Moher are amazing. We mini 'pub craweled' in Doolin, known for being close to the cliffs, and only having 4 pubs. There were more cows than people, but the hostel was really nice, as were the couple who ran it. We didn't make it to the Burren, but saw a slideshow put on by the owner of the Rainbow Hostel to the extent that we felt like we didn't need to go. hahaha We met some new Doolin friends, saw the cliffs of insanity (princess bride anyone??) and just in general had a blast. OH! and, I finally got my made-in-ireland-claddagh ring! I'll add some pictures here, more on facebook. Miss you all, and hope you are all well! Cheers!

<3

Try something New

You all told me, you said "when you're in Ireland, try new things". Well guess what, I Erin Catherine Steinbrick tried something that anyone who knows me would never believe I did. I, in front of over 60 people (stone cold sober mind you.  of course it was for a free pint...) sang aloud. Yup. Adele on Karaoke, I did it! HA take that something new! hahaha needless to say, Ladies night was a success, so much fun and even has me researching "best karaoke songs" for next week :) (suggestions are welcome)

<3

Possible Classes

We have to chose our "modules" (classes) that we start with on monday, my selections: Irish Folklore, Teacher as a Professional, Social Psychology, and Irish step dance. yup, that's right, i'm going to learn Irish dance in Ireland. Hopefully I don't die, and that i do pass.. who knows.

Anyway, were having a lazy saturday, just hanging around, cleaning a bit a possibly making food soon. Apparently Irish students go out on sunday nights, so we should be going around with some friends we've made tomorrow night. Last night made me really excited about being in Ireland, finally I feel like I'm here! Ahhhh, and it feels great!

The real day one.

Fun fact, Ireland has a TJ maxx.. it's just called TK maxx but other than that it's the exact same! needless to say we stopped in there today, and were able to score a blow dryer for cheap, one that won't blow up the apartment. Orientation was good today, met some of the other international students and saw some club advisors and professors that got me really excited about starting on monday...it just needs to get here a bit faster! :) Today was better than yesterday, still struggling with jet lag and of course the language (as we were told today, we speak American English, and American English is an entirely different language than Irish English) one woman talked so fast in the store today, we thought she was basically mumbling. Anyway, the city of Limerick is beautiful, a great mix of old and new. and shopping for groceries was...an experience. We now understand why the Irish students call and have them delivered for only a little more than the bus fair to get to and from the store. So anyway, I heard I scared some people yesterday with my post, I assure you I am fine! I just need my soon-to-be Irish friends to get there butts to school already! :) well.. I made it until 2 am, but i should get to bed.  Good night!

<3

Day 1...sort of.

Well unfortunately, today was a bit of a bust. With a plane ride that lasted thru the night, no sleep, no food and no instruction on how to do, go or get anything else that we might need we were left tired, hungry and a bit pissed. Being of the only group that is currently on campus (the international students) other than the handful of grad students, no cafes, pubs or restaurants were open at normal hours or at all leaving us with one choice- a pub that had few people in it, crappy food and high prices. Still yet to have my Bailey's in Ireland I am going to bed tonight deciding that today was a fluff day and it is tomorrow that is our true first day, and i'll make it great if it kills me! On of positive side, we arrived safe and sound with all of our luggage in a killer apartment with beautiful weather. Full day of orientation tomorrow-including a tour around both the campus and city (humm.. might have been helpful today) and dinner with all of the internationals from our CIS program tomorrow night. I know tomorrow will be awesome, so till then, good night!

<3

HEREEE!

we made it, we're all moved in-well not quite unpacked but we'll get there!

more later!

Almost There!

I am currently packing my life into 2 suitcases and 1 carry-on for 5 months of wonderfulness that I can no longer wait for. I have no idea who my roommates are, what room number I am, what my classes are or even  my mailing address, and for once I am ok with that. I have a full day in Limerick to myself with my two lovely travel companions (and roommates from home) Meghan and Emmy on the 18th, to hopefully find our room/rooms, some food and some rest, as I am sure we will need it.

Counting down the minutes...