Blogs from Galway, County Galway, Ireland, Europe - page 6

We had another early start for sight-seeing today. We went to see some Abbeys, Castles and the city of Galeway. The main issue is getting anywhere. Judy tells Kirsten what she wants to see and then Kirsten has to try and figure out how to get there and if we have the time to fit everything in. It gets interesting. First stop was Quinn Abbey, a century or two old Abbey with a cemetery inside and outside the Abbey. We toured the grounds and it had very scenic surroundings. Judy was climbing all over and into it. There was no one there to tell you couldn’t so she did. Including hopping a fence. After the Abby we were on our way to Galway. While driving we saw a castle or abbey and decide to stop and ... read more

Hello! Today was a relaxing day for us. I have been experiencing pain in my lower back and hip when we walk (which is everywhere we go). So, this morning I got to experience a doctor's office in Ireland. It is very different than the states. The doctor called me back and came in right behind me. He checked out the movement in my legs and asked me questions. I said yes sir and he said that he is not used to being called sir. He said it was nice. After the doctor I got my medicine and went back to the dorm. I ate lunch and got ready for a lecture. The lecture was ok. The guy was really nice. Then we walked back to the dorms in the rain. That was fun! We were ... read more

Well, time flies when you’re having fun, eh? We cleaned up Swier’s Farmhouse early on Wednesday morning—strange what the male cousins left behind but I think I now know where all the missing mates of sock pairs live—and were on the way to make our flight from Manchester to Dublin in a circuitous pattern. The squiggle of a driving route began with a return trip to Haddon Hall because I had a sneaking thought that my sunglasses may have tumbled out of my purse when we stopped in their café for lunch. The super helpful and cheerful tour guide came skipping back towards us in pink knitted cap and fuchsia willies, big smile and thumbs up. Glasses found! Now on to Chester. Of course it rained, hailed, and sleeted and of course we were again circling ... read more

As soon as we all got back from our day tours, the girls had to get ready to catch a bus to Dublin. After collecting their stuff from my room, we stopped at the mall in Galway to go into Penny's. I didn't understand the brilliance that is Penny's until I saw it for myself, it seems to be a big thing in Ireland, and I think other parts of Europe too. It's like a nicer, cheaper, bigger H&M. One of the girls wanted to buy something before heading to Dublin. Then the girls hugged Jon and me goodbye and rushed off to catch their bus. Later I went out to hit the town in search of music and a meal with Jon. We filled up on carbs at this restaurant/bar that promised music, and it ... read more

My last official day in Galway. Bittersweet. I have so loved my time here that it pains me to leave it, but I hope to be back one day to share its beauty with others. The idea of going home is pretty nice too. Don’t get me wrong, I could stay here forever. But sleep and my family will be happily welcomed on Sunday. Our professor left Galway yesterday so we took it upon ourselves to decide what to do with the last of our time. We chose Finnegan’s, one of the best restaurants in Galway, to celebrate our last lunch. As I sat there, I began to think about the experiences I’ve had here and all of the wonderful people I’ve met. I’m beyond lucky to have had this chance and I wouldn’t trade it ... read more