Week in Review

---

Life is back to normal in Ireland. I missed three days of classes vacationing in Spain… which gave me plenty of reading to do once I returned. So I’ve spent the bulk of the past week trying to… believe it or not… study.

I’ve also tried to recoup my financial footing in anticipation of our trip this Thursday to Dublin (through Sunday), and my August post-course traveling.

Speaking of which… my travel plans are basically finalized. Dan and I decided to drop Zurich for timing and cost reasons. So the official schedule is as follows:
(1) Paris, July 30 - Aug. 3;
(2) Brussels, Aug. 3 - Aug. 6;
(3) Amsterdam, Aug. 6 - Aug. 10;
(4) London, Aug. 10 - Aug. 14

It also appears like our London travel plans could be cut short. Dan and I received emails yesterday from our charter travel agency, TNT Vacations, informing us that our August 15 flight from Boston to Kansas City has been CANCELLED. I’ll likely figure out the details on that in the coming days.

However, I am excited that we’ve confirmed all other flights, trains, and hostels for Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Boom goes the dynamite!

In other news, Yonne from our group celebrated her birthday last Thursday. The entire group split three taxis downtown to Molly Malone’s bar… and eventually made our way to Club Icon. One-word summary of the night: "Beer"

I took my comparative religion exam yesterday morning. “A 16 year-old public high school student refuses a Hepatitis B vaccination required by the Oregon Department of Health because of her religious views. You represent her. What is the claim, anticipated defense(s)… what is the likely outcome? In European countries?” (Paraphrased). One fact pattern and one essay question -- relatively painless.

In celebration of one of three classes complete, Professor Leeds treated the group to dinner last night at the Lodge Restaurant. I ordered the Salmon.

Random thoughts over the past week: (1) I miss driving my car. I hate waiting for buses, walking excessively, and paying too much for taxis. (2) Irish accents are starting to annoy me. Nothing against the people… I’m just saying. (3) I miss eating Chipotle and/or Qdoba… pathetic, I know.

Not too much adventure lately. Sean has done a good job getting out and seeing some of Irish countryside. I've included some of his photos below.

Later.

---

Photos

Tyler... me... Dan
Future roommates back in Kansas

One class down
and celebrating with good food and drinks

Professor Leeds
with Dan-o at the Lodge

Yonne
and Professor Leeds' friend on the left

Cliffs of Moher
Courtesy of Sean

King John's Castle
Here in Limerick... built in 1210.

Killary Fjord
Ireland's only deep water fjord... located in Leenane.

Kylemore Abbey
Located in Kylemore... currently run by Benedictine nuns.

Poulnabrone
Burial tomb used from 3800 - 3200 B.C.

O'Brien's Tower
At the Port of Inagh... with the Aran Islands in the background.