Ghost Writer: Dublin

Hello All! It's Erin's ghost writer again. She's too lazy to update, so here I am

Anywho, this weekend Jessica, Erin Andrew and I decided to head to Dublin to see the sights. I have to say, I was expecting more from it. Not that I didn't have fun with the group...I guess I just thought it would be more like London. But, it wasn't.

The first day we were there (we went Saturday overnight) we ate lunch and then headed to the Guinness factory. On the way we stopped at Christchurch which had a crypt in the basement (so cool), and then St. Patrick's Cathedral which was gorgeous. They actually have a spot outside where St. Patrick baptized people in the 5th century! It is amazing to me that history goes that far out here. I just can't wrap my mind around it sometimes. I wish we had castles and old buildings like this in the States. I guess I'm lucky to live in Boston where so much American History happened and some of the oldest buildings in the nation are located.

The factory (or storehouse) is pretty much in a really rundown area of Dublin...so the walk there was quite enjoyable. I felt like there wasn't enough in the factory to consume 5 floors. It was oddly spaced out. However, my highlight at the Guinness Factory (besides the free pint at the end) was the area where you can learn to build a 'Perfect Pint'. They actually teach you how to pour your own beer. It was funny because when it was my turn, the girl asked me if I had poured Guinness before. To which I replied that I had not, and she was surprised because I actually did it perfectly! I laughed. It must be the name. Something in my Irish blood must come out around a Guinness tap. I have to say, it was all the more enjoyable knowing that I had poured my own. We even got certificates.

After that we headed back to our hotel and changed because it was Jessica's sister's birthday and we decided to eat dinner to celebrate. We actually found an Italian place around the corner from our hotel that is semi-famous. There were tons of pictures on the wall with celebrities and the owner. I mean, big names like Scorsese (?), Robert Redford, SJP and Matthew Broderick...etc. I ordered a lamb shank that was so delicious that I think it ruined lamb for me for the rest of my life. It was literally falling off the bone and it melted in my mouth. I wanted more. I was so depressed when I was finished eating. Andrew ordered the same thing and wanted to gnaw on the bone, that's how good this lamb was. Homegrown and grass fed....oh my goodness.

I did enjoy Trinity College quite a bit. Erin, Andrew and I split off from Jess and her sister on Sunday morning and went to the College to see the Book of Kells (which is fantastically amazing!) and our tour guide was this really dreamy Irishman with curly blonde hair ala Simon Baker. I was a little bit in love with him, I'm not gonna lie. Then we went to St. Stephen's Green and shopping and we made it to the Jameson factory. That was also disappointing but offered a free Jameson after the tour. They actually have the original cat that patrolled the barley warehouse for mice stuffed because he was 'head cat'. He caught 23 mice a day. Gross. I just felt that the tour didn't need to be as long as it was. The Jameson was good though, I have never had it before and it was quite smooth I have to say.

Then today we had our official picture with the CJ for the brochure next year. We're also getting a copy of it (so I've heard) so hopefully it comes out nice. I'm sure it will because it's professional. It just sucked having to get up early to look even more presentable for this class than I already do. I was lucky to not have to iron.

Guest Speaker

Hello All!
Erin McGowan is busy right now, so I am here to write to you about her fantabulous study abroad experience in Ireland. It's pretty sad that she hasn't updated this thing in a while, which I informed her of as I was headed to this same website to update my own blog (Shannon International for any of you that care). She requested that I update hers because she is busy eating dinner.

Ireland is unbelievable. Not only is it beautiful but the people here are so warm and kind it's a real shock from being back in the States. We have all decided that we do not want to leave here. Ever. If only this program was for a whole semester instead of 6 weeks. Everyone that's here gets along great even though we are all from different schools. One of our professors was actually surprised by that fact because in previous years there were definite rifts between schools. I liken it to the animosity between the Jets and the Sharks.

Our apartment complex is right by the Corrib River and there is a really nice river walkway to run along and generally enjoy the river. The water is not as cold as one would assume and some of our group have even gone swimming. It's only a 10 minute walk to class, and from campus we can easily walk into town in about another 10-15 mins depending on how fast we're walking

The town of Galway itself is a great mix of travelers and locals, and all the pubs are very fun. There is live Irish music in most of them at least one day a week, and others have bands that play later on at night or DJs. (I have to say that it's very hard to describe all of this in one post without boring anyone who is reading this that I do not know)

There have been some school trips: one to the Aran Islands a few weeks ago, one on Friday to Connemara/Clifton, and one to the Cliffs of Moher that we missed because we went to London that weekend. London is amazing. Erin's already been so she was laughing at all of us and saying that she was probably taking the same pictures that she did last time. One funny thing though is that Erin's backpack got searched while we were waiting for the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. It was past the roped off area on the ground and it was stuffed with dirty clothes from the weekend and the police officer came up and made her open it. Quite funny. Apparently she looks suspicious.

Next weekend we're going to Dublin, should be good times. Other than that, folks, I don't really know what to say. I've enjoyed getting to know Erin. I think she's one of the funniest people I have met in a really long time. I will be sad when we part ways, considering she lives all the way in Texas. I'm trying to get her to call me when she's in Boston for the Boston Marathon this spring.

Hopefully she will update soon.

Moving to Ireland in 10 days.

I plan to post pictures while I am gone, hopefully.

Scouts' Williamson: Eagles could be fit for Boldin

I hope the Iggles have called an emergency meeting to discuss what they are going to do to make sure Boldin is on the Philly sideline next season.




We MUST not let the Giants get this guy!

Read More.

What an invention...

A wine glass that is built to hold and ENTIRE bottle of wine.
I am on the fence as to whether or not this is a good idea or a terrible idea. Aww, who am I kidding, this is a HORRIBLE idea.
I do however find it very funny.

EQUALITY?

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I like it.

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Countdown Central

I am fortunate enough to be traveling a handful of places in the next few months and I think the plans warrant a countdown...

NFL Draft Party/College Reunion (Hoboken, NJ):
26 days
Memorial Day visit with Sister, Bro-in Law and Nephew(LA, CA):
54 days
Ryan's Graduation (Philadelphia, PA):
60 days
Moving to Ireland for the Summer Semester (Galway, Ireland):
75 days