Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Tale of Two Cities (Plus A Handful More)

This past month certainly has flown by.

Its hard to believe in the past 28 days I've travelled to four different cities, three different countries, and spent practically just as much time outside of Limerick as I have in the city.

What has struck me the most about travelling is how different cities can be and most certainly are. Besides travelling in Ireland, I have been blessed enough in the past year to go to several big cities in America as well: NYC for Spring Break last year, Orlando for a family vacation, Washington DC for a conference in the fall, and Atlanta for Fall Break.

At home, although those four cities are very different, it never struck me as so until this trip. Due to the compactness of our travels, we've seen city after city, being able to more accurately see the vast differences. I shouldn't be so surprised by it. Each city just reflects the culture of thrives in.

Our first city of this entire trip was Limerick, the city we live in. Not a pretty city, it doesn't need to be. It is known as the Sports Capital of Ireland. If you've ever seen any Irish sport, they're rough, tough, dirty, and entertaining all in one. That pretty much sums up Limerick. [No worries on the rough and tough part, we're still completely safe here!]

The next few cities we've visited during our trip thus far were Dublin and Cork. Interesting because Dublin is the official capital and Cork is the unofficial capital. Again the cities reflect this with the higher end shops, cleaner streets, and plentiful tourist attractions in surrounding areas. If I had to pick my favorite place we've been to in Ireland so far, I'd definitely be torn between these two.

Then March rolled around, and London came as well. I'm not really sure what I expected of London anymore, but it superceeded any I had piror to visiting it. London was by far the nicest city we've been to. No part seemed unsafe (although I'm sure there are some). I've never seen so many Rolls-Royce's, Lamborghini's, and other high end cars as I did in London. The least expensive car that we caw rolling around the city was a Mini Cooper! The city was old, historic, and absolutely beautiful. London has turned out to be my favorite city thus far and the one I hope to have the chance to return to again someday (for hopefully longer than 36 hours).

Next was Paris. Still as gorgeous as the time before, it is still a slightly dirty city. The building style is different than London's and rather than the city seeming to emphasize history, it emphasizes the arts and culture. You simply cannot get away from it in Paris, try as you might. Even when we went to go to the historical things like Napoleon's Tomb or Versailles, the beauty outweighed the history for me. Paris was the city I had my heart set on for this trip, and I was very pleased with everything we did and saw there! [Especially considering we weren't sure if we were going to make it there for awhile]

Brussels though was the complete opposite. The Capital of Europe was not pretty, historic, or clean in the least. It was a completely different kind of city. Although all prior ones have differed in their emphasis, they all were still sightseeing cities. The best sight we saw in Brussels was the Mannekan Pis. It was, however, the capital of food for us. All of it was delicious (minus the street escargots) and we had a wonderful time doing different things than we were focused on doing in all of the other cities. Brussels was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of city for me. I don't plan on returning, but it was still a fabulous weekend trip.

Liverpool, though, topped them all for me in a surprising way. I won't go into all the details again, as I just wrote on the trip, but I will say it again, it was wonderful! I'm not ruling out going back to it again (like we have for Brussels). I would absolutely return, go into the Beatles' former homes, and go out on the town again! It was the best time we've had yet.

That's not to say the best has already come. Just because we're finished with our travelling outside of Ireland certainly doesn't mean we're finished travelling. Our Spring Break begins Friday, and the day after Easter, we will be heading to the Aran Islands for a few days. Although it may be too cold to actually get into the water, you better believe I will be going to the beach! We also have a week of travelling with my entire family, which I'm really looking forward to as well. [Especially because we're renting a car for one of the trips. Hey Mom and Dad, think I can drive on the left side of the road for a little??].

Beyond those planned things, we have lots of other free time and a few other day trips we intend on taking. The best is yet to come, I'm sure, and by then end, it will probably be impossible to pick a favorite city, a favorite trip, a favorite memory.
Phillip and I have taken on a good portion of Europe. We're ready for the second half of our travels now!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Twist & Shout-ing In The Beatles Home

Liverpool was absolutely wonderful. We honestly only went because we found super cheap flights and thought it would be fun to go on a Beatles tour. Our planning stopped at that, and I thought the fun would too.

Boy, was I in for a surprise!

For starters, we began the trip well. It was the only trip we've taken where we landed and left at normal hours. When you're flying cheap, you don't get to be choosy on your times. Though it wouldn't be a big deal for a trip or two, after a month of travelling, you become thankful for those small things. We could be on a normal eating schedule and sleeping schedule. It was great.

Beyond just that though, the city was great as well. Most of their museums are free, so during the morning, we went to the Tate Museum of Modern Art and a few other national museums. Then we grabbed lunch, the best fish and chips we've eaten here, and ate it under an awning of a store because it was pouring rain. Then we made our way to the Magical Mystery Beatles Bus Tour.

This was a big yellow and blue painted bus, which we had to call a coach, that was owned by two guys in their thirties. They knew lots about the city, but were also characters in their own right. Our bus driver had road rage I've never experienced before in a tour bus. There were a few times that he got mad at other cars and would curse at them, but what's better is he actually got out of the bus at one point to chase down a taxi driver. Even better yet, we sat directly behind the bus driver, having a front row seat to all the action.

He wasn't the only character though. The actual tour guide enjoyed bantering with the fifty year old ladies in the front of the bus, as well as making fun of every visitor not from Liverpool (all in good fun of course). He told us slightly inappropriate things and had a few choice curse words he liked to throw in occasionally. It was great and entertaining, plus we got to see tons of Beatles spots, our favorite of which became the Cavern Club.

The Cavern Club is where the Beatles played some of their first shows, and they played over 250 there. Not only have the Beatles played there though; lots of other well-known artists including Queen, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and many more, have played there as well. [For all you 'Across the Universe' fans, its the club in the beginning on the movie Jude and his girlfriend go to.]

It was the spot we chose for our evening amusement in Liverpool, and it was a blast! They have live music at all times and we stayed for two of the performers, both cover artists. They played some Beatles, requests, and more. I had 'Sweet Caroline' dedicated to me, followed by a song about Kentucky. [He asked where we were from... not just a lucky guess.] I danced with a forty-something drunk man to 'Imagine' and made best friends (supposedly) with two women from Liverpool who wanted to hang out again and have me go stay with their niece in London. We got the whole club on their feet to do the 'Twist & Shout' and got recorded singing and dancing by another tourist. Really, what more could you ask for from a night out?

It just goes to show you, don't judge a book by its cover (or rather, its description in a movie). It was clean; it was interesting; most of all, it was fun! [Although we were right on assuming it was rainy. Maybe we just caught the city on an off day for weather though.]

For now, our travels outside of Ireland are complete and Liverpool was a great end to it all. With a month and a half left, we've just got to finish up school and see the rest of Ireland!
Phillip and I at the Cavern Club, enjoying our only evening in Liverpool.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

American Politics Abroad

Before we left for Europe, Phillip's cousin gave us a word of advice - 'Don't talk religion or politics abroad'.

Although great advice, I'm finding it hard to live by that completely. The religion part has been relatively easy, especially here in the Republic of Ireland. We're Catholic; they're Catholic. It works. But in the heat of this Health Care mess, for lack of a better phrase, I find that I want to know what Europe's view on it all is.

Since we've been in Ireland, I cannot remember hearing anything about the Irish government. If we hear anything about a European government, it is the British government and how they all steal money from it. Otherwise, issues aren't really raised.

When it comes to health care, it seems to vary by country across Europe. France is a socialized system; Ireland is not completely. Moreover though, I'm interested in what Europeans think of the United States and our government.

At home, we're hit over the head with politics, scandals, and media. Here, that just isn't the story. If anything, they hear about our problems, laws, scandals, and victories. Honestly, I haven't really asked about what my roommates or other Irish think of American politics, but I have a feeling that they don't really care a whole lot.

That's not to say a few don't have their opinions though. My Irish professor bluntly asked who supported Obama in one of our very first classes. All the Americans were shocked and unsure what to say. Do we say we love/hate him and chance that our professor is the opposite? All of us stayed quiet. Our teacher was slightly shocked we didn't all jump on the opportunity to talk about our home politics, our new president, and what we thought of him.

For now though, I have to rely on others to keep me updated and try to read up on what is going on. It is hard to believe everything you read on the Internet, but that is about all I've got at this point. Hopefully when I get home, the health care problems have settled and are being dealt with properly. I'd rather not return home to a civil war over something like health care.

I'm not trying to make this political, say what I think is right/wrong, or begin any kind of debate. I just think the European approach is interesting and very diverse as a whole. They don't hear about their own politics as much as they've heard about ours and it seems they have quite a warped view when it comes to what Americans think about their own politics. We're all extreme, fired up to either rally behind or revolt against each new law, new politician, new idea. I guess that is how any media is though, regardless of the country, only showing the extremes- and even then, usually the bad extremes.

Phillip and I with our most recent visitor, Flat Stanley. He didn't bring us any news of politics though.

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Capital of Europe: Brussels

Brussels is either confused about their identity or completely comfortable with it. Either way, it threw us off for our weekend visit to the capital of Europe.

First, it is important to note that Belgium has two official languages, French and Dutch. This means that all signs in the city are in both languages. The languages certainly don't stop there though. When we went to a flea market Saturday morning, conversations between two people could be in three or more languages! I don't even know how anyone could keep that straight. I can barely speak English sometimes. :)

Furthermore, the French is different from France French, so even if you think you know it, chances are you don't and they will probably not understand you if you try. From the get go, we were in a pickle. I knew enough French to get us by in France, but if it is not even the same French and could possibly even be Dutch, how were we supposed to communicate? Most of the time we gave up and just spoke English. Maybe that's terrible, but when there are two official languages and you can't even speak their proper form of one of them, you have to find some common ground somewhere.

Beyond the languages, the people of Brussels are proud of their ugly city. Seriously, Brussels is not a pretty place and certainly isn't the capital of sightseeing. It surprised me that the capital of Europe is such a drab town.

So needless to say, in the beginning of our trip, we already felt like it was a lost cause. We spent Saturday morning doing the little sightseeing there was, all while being confused about the language. When noon rolled around and we were already finished with the plans we made, we were unsure what to do next.

Have no fear though, the trip made a move for the better when we found the tourist part of town, and tourist in Brussels means food.

We snacked on food the entire weekend. Fries, waffles, escargots, mussels, chocolate, and beer made up our nutrition. It was (mostly) delicious and gave us the experience we were looking for. The city wasn't much to write home about, our hostel was clean and acceptable for what we wanted, the people weren't the nicest, but when it came to the food.... that was their selling point for us.

Belgium certainly was a different kind of trip for us. It was wonderful and quite the experience. I'll probably never go back there again, but it is what it is and overall, I'm very glad we went.
Phillip and I with our street escargots - probably our least favorite food we ate there.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Home, Sweet Home (for now)

Never in my entire life have I been happier to be in Limerick than I was last Saturday. Following a four day trip to Paris, I was exhausted, a bit tired of French, and mostly just wanted to be back in a comfort zone.

It is interesting that Limerick has become that for me, a comfort zone.

Travelling is wonderful, and Paris was a great time, but it is always nice to return home. Finally, we've grown into calling this place home (for now). Don't get offended America, you're my really home, but I needed somewhere to take your place for awhile and Limerick is doing a fine job.

It was a long, slow, and a bit rocky process, but we've made it here. I love Limerick and wouldn't trade this all for the world. We are to the point where the city feels like ours. We know our way around and we've assimilated well. Unfortunately, the only thing that makes us stand out is our accent, a nuisance most of the time.

It is strange to me that in ways, my trip is now on the downswing. Don't get me wrong; in many ways, it is still on the rise with all the travelling left (Belgium is this weekend) and visitors to come. Yet, it is now officially halfway over and Saint Patrick's Day was the best way it could have been marked ever.

St. Pat's certainly is NOT a tourist holiday here. Yes, there are lots of tourists, but all the Irish come out to celebrate... and believe me, they celebrate it right.

The party begins the weekend before almost everywhere in Ireland. In Limerick, they have fireworks on Saturday and an International Marching Band Parade on Sunday. Those are just the in-city festivities though. Horse racing begins as a major sport and there are other minor competitions as well.

The weekend party though is nothing in comparison to the party on St. Patrick's Day.

We began our day with a parade on O'Connell Street, the main drag of Limerick. The five of us, and our 60,000 closest friends, packed the street to see the spectacle. [To be completely honest, the spectacle wasn't fantastic, but it was a great start to the day.] After an almost 3 hour long parade, we indulged in some Irish food before heading to the bar.

At Smyth's, the first place we went to, the ages ranged from infant to infinity. (Okay, so that's a bit drastic.... but there were babies, toddlers, and elderly alike.) Free Beer, the band, played some traditional music and some traditional spins on some classics. After that we headed to a quieter pub for some acoustic music and pints all around.

The music couldn't have been better, the company was wonderful, and the pints were delicious. After about twelve hours or being out for the day, Phillip and I were full of St. Patrick's cheer and headed back to the apartments for the night.

It is hard to really put to words just how wonderful yesterday was. No description will do the day justice. It is bittersweet to think that I may never again have the chance to celebrate Saint Pat's the proper way (in Ireland) again... but as Phillip's sister told me, I'll always have the memory of it.

It was by far the best way to mark the halfway point of this wonderful experience. A true Irish celebration for a girl who truly loves the Irish.

Phillip and I at Smyth's on St Pat's Day celebrating halfway through our trip.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Appreciation

Webster defines appreciation as a 'sensitive awareness' or 'recognition of aesthetic value'.

Appreciation is almost a new-found virtue for me here. Sure, I've always appreciated the people in my life, my country, and my life, but it all has come to new extremes here as I see not only the great things about my life but the shortcomings as well.

This past weekend though the appreciation was not focused on life back home. Instead it fell in the beauty, the history, and the culture that London entailed, and it made me wonder 'Do the people of London really appreciate the city they live in?'

Phillip and I spent two wonderful days in London and saw all that we could fit into our 36 hour visit. It was not only beautiful weather, but the city itself was beautiful too. The architecture was various and magnificent... from the very old to the very modern. The history was full and the folklore, even fuller.

But over time, I could imagine that you become desensitized to these things. When you go for a run in Hyde Park, would you really think about how it used to be a hunting ground for the king? Would you appreciate the largest man-made lake in all of London? Would it occur to you that you are running on Royal ground? It is doubtful.

Walking through London was wonderful. We got to see the entire city via an open-top tour bus, we heard Big Ben ring, and ate some good fish and chips. We met a few good friends for dinner and London Eye, and then afterwards, we went out to experience the nightlife that is London. We stayed in a hostel for our very first time, saw where Princess Diana used to live, and had a front row seat to The Changing of the Guard. We appreciated each second of it; we had a sensitive awareness of the experience, the city, the life that is London.

This though made me wonder what I've been desensitized to in my own homeland. I feel like this is one of the biggest things I will experience when I get home: an appreciation not only to be there, but an appreciation for the history, the beauty and the architecture that is Kentucky, Cincinnati, and essentially, my home.

I hope I begin to have a sensitive awareness of all that is around me, both during the rest of my two months here in Europe, but that it continues when I return to the familiar of home as well. For now though, I will spend the next month appreciating Paris, Brussels, and Liverpool, along with St. Patty's Day in Limerick and every experience this all entails.

Phillip and I with the London Eye and the South Side of London.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March Madness... & April Too

March has begun and in a few days, it certainly will begin to move quickly.

In retrospect, these past seven weeks have been slow compared to what Phillip and I have ahead of us. Starting on Friday, we begin our mini-Eurotour. This weekend is London. Neither of us have been, but our plans are set and we are completely ready to leave. Plus, I get to see my roommates (and Kyle) there which will be such a nice treat! Our schedule for London is packed from 8am Saturday to 5pm Sunday.... and then we head back to Limerick for just enough time to do our laundry and talk to our families.

Then we're off to Paris! This is probably the trip I'm most looking forward to because I get to re-live and re-experience my trip from five years ago while playing tour guide to Phillip. We're even staying in the same hotel that I stayed in during my trip! Plus, I get to see Lauren and maybe even Cyrielle, the girl I stayed with in France, while I'm in the city. That will be a wild four days of touring, eating, drinking, and spending money but will be completely worth it.

Once back from Paris, St Patrick's Day celebrations begin in Limerick. Festivals, parades, music, a strongman competition, and more will fill the streets of downtown. I have a two days of class and then we're off for St. Pat's Day. Plus, I get to see Chelsea who will begin her student teaching in Ireland on Monday!

After St. Pat's, Phillip and I have just enough time to confirm our trip to Brussels that weekend, and then Friday we leave for that city. Neither of us have been to Belgium and honestly, we're just looking forward to eating all their specialities there: mussels, chocolate, beer, waffles, and more will certainly be calling our names.

Then we come back for a few days again before heading off to Liverpool, our last non-Ireland trip. We really just want to do the Beatles Bus tour and see what the city has to offer. That certainly will be our most laid back trip.

After all of this, March is over! But the madness doesn't stop there.... The weekend following all of this begins our Spring Break, where we have plans to travel to the Aran Islands, Bunratty, and Dublin at the very least. After all of this, we will have our final two weeks of classes and our first full week of classes in over a month! After classes are over, it is Study Week, but my family is coming to visit then. Then it is our final few weeks, and we return home.

It is probably a good thing that we had a semi-quiet weekend in Limerick this past weekend. We went shopping at the Market, checked out the University of Limerick's Campus, attempted to go to Ennis (but it was closed... literally), and had a nice dinner out on Sunday.

We have barely started our trip just looking at all that is ahead of us... but at the same time, it is going to go so quickly, its almost like we're already on our way home. With two and a half months left, I'm looking forward to every minute of it. I'm blessed to be able to do it all with Phillip. I'm blessed to have so many friends that I get to see while I travel and I'm here. I'm blessed that my family is coming to visit me for an entire week.

...and I'm certainly looking forward to it all.

Phillip and I by the river that runs through University of Limerick's Campus.