Hi all! I've been having many requests for some details regarding my weekend to the Galway area with the photography society, so here I am! Friday evening we met at 5pm to leave from Cork. I didn't know anyone else going, so I was hoping to meet some new people to maybe chat with on the bus ride there (about a 4 hour drive straight through). While we were waiting, a German girl named Luby came up to me and asked me if I were alone too. We ended up sitting together on the bus and generally hanging out a lot over the weekend, which was fun.
So, anyway, ended up leaving Cork around 5:30pm. Took forever to get through all of the rush hour traffic though, so it was already 6:00 by the time we actually made it out of the city. We stopped after awhile at Bunratty Castle in County Clare, a great castle built in 1425. It was definitely dark by then, which was kind of a bummer, but they do keep the castle illuminated to some degree at night, and it was kind of fun trying out some nightime shots (of which I got a few decent ones). From there we just headed the rest of the way to Galway City. We got in fairly late (after 10pm) and so everyone just split up and got some dinner in small groups (I think we had 47 overall in the group that went on the trip). Luby and I ended up at a McDonalds... haha. However we did go to an (amazing!) crepe shop afterwards where we had coupons from the hostel for 20% off. Cheap AND delicious! We called it a night after that, since we were pretty worn out from the long bus ride.
Saturday morning we headed out around 9:30am by bus. The hostel we were at provided a simple, free breakfast of cereals and toast, which was convenient for a group as big as ours. Our plan on Saturday was to drive through a region called Connemara and make lots of photo stops. Our first stop was in the town, Cong, where the movie "The Quiet Man" was shot if you're curious. Very cute little town, with a great old abbey that we were able to look around a bit. It was pretty crummy weather though, lots of rain that wasn't agreeing with my camera. Did get a few nice shots though, and it was nice to see even if the photos didn't turn out great. From there we mostly just did a lot of touring of the countryside. Stopped at the Kylemore Abbey, a famous old abbey that is absolutely gorgeous, espeically with the fall colors around it right now. Again, crummy, crummy weather though. Some stops along the way were just unbearable. Freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and very high winds. Didn't make for the greatest site-seeing day, but oh well. Ended up back in Galway around 5pm, and everyone just did their own thing again that night (which meant I HAD to go back to the crepe shop just once more of course!!).
Sunday ended up being much better weather-wise. Very cold still, and some rain, but not nearly as bad as the day before. We drove through the Burren, a very particular landscape consisting of lots of limestone rock. Hard to explain, but very neat. Had some great, great, scenic stops, several of which were by the ocean. I was really glad to see the ocean so close again, even if the Atlantic did decide to attack my feet at one point and make them cold and wet for the rest of the day....
Yesterday afternoon then we got to see what I considered to be the highlight of the trip, the Cliffs of Moher. Really incredible. It was great too, because just when we got there it stopped raining for a bit and the combination of the sun trying to peak through with the rain clouds made the sky look gorgeous! Definitely a place worth visiting, and somewhere I'd like to get back to one day. The Cliffs were our last stop, and we headed back home and made it back into Cork around 7pm last night.
I think I hit the main points of the trip anyway. Aside from the miserable weather that one day, I had a great time and was so glad to be able to get to that area! Incredible, incredible, incredible!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A quick update
I've been very busy last week and this week (writing papers, etc.) but I realized it has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and I wanted to get in a quick update.
My grandparents Carroll and Mary Jo came to visit me two weekends ago. It was so nice to see them, and I'm glad they were able to come! I hope I didn't bore them too much... I felt so bad for not having more ideas for things to do with them.
I've been trying to figure out what I'm doing with my time after classes are over, but before I head home on December 22nd. I really wanted to visit London and Paris, but didn't know how I felt about going on my own. I kind of realized though that one of the big pluses in coming to study in Ireland was that I'd be able to see some other parts of Europe, and I'd kick myself later if I didn't take advantage of that. So, over the weekend I booked some tickets. I'll be spending three nights in London, then taking a train from London to Paris and spending three more nights in Paris. I'm a little scared, yes, but I'm excited and know in the end I'll be just fine. It will be nice in London, because a woman I met this summer working at the ranch, Rita, has offered me a place to stay while I'm there. I'll be finding a hostel to stay at while in Paris.
In other news, I'm going to Galway for a weekend trip with the Photography Society this weekend. I've been really wanting to go to Galway, so I'm looking forward to it. I don't know anyone else going though, so I hope I can find someone to chat with or something on the bus rides.
Okay, that's really all I have time for now. Hope everyone is doing well. I've been a bit stressed and a little homesick, but I'm doing well.
-Hannah
My grandparents Carroll and Mary Jo came to visit me two weekends ago. It was so nice to see them, and I'm glad they were able to come! I hope I didn't bore them too much... I felt so bad for not having more ideas for things to do with them.
I've been trying to figure out what I'm doing with my time after classes are over, but before I head home on December 22nd. I really wanted to visit London and Paris, but didn't know how I felt about going on my own. I kind of realized though that one of the big pluses in coming to study in Ireland was that I'd be able to see some other parts of Europe, and I'd kick myself later if I didn't take advantage of that. So, over the weekend I booked some tickets. I'll be spending three nights in London, then taking a train from London to Paris and spending three more nights in Paris. I'm a little scared, yes, but I'm excited and know in the end I'll be just fine. It will be nice in London, because a woman I met this summer working at the ranch, Rita, has offered me a place to stay while I'm there. I'll be finding a hostel to stay at while in Paris.
In other news, I'm going to Galway for a weekend trip with the Photography Society this weekend. I've been really wanting to go to Galway, so I'm looking forward to it. I don't know anyone else going though, so I hope I can find someone to chat with or something on the bus rides.
Okay, that's really all I have time for now. Hope everyone is doing well. I've been a bit stressed and a little homesick, but I'm doing well.
-Hannah
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fitzgerald Park
There are plenty of days where the general state of our world sends me into a bit of a depression. Honestly, are we doomed to fail, or is there still some hope that everything might just be okay?
Then there are those other days. Days like today, where there’s not a leaf or a twig that seems out of place. Despite all of the evil and terrible things in the world, there is a light and airy feeling about that just makes me feel good again.
I’ve decided that Fitzgerald Park is a magical place for this. When I step through the gate, it’s as if I’m stepping into some incredibly cheesy and false world. But the great thing is, it’s not fake at all. There’s the young couple playing soccer with their small daughter and furry white dog, sneaking delicate kisses around the little girl so she won’t scrunch up her face at them. The brother and sister stomping around in the autumn leaves, completely consumed in their game and without another care in the world. The lovers leaning against a sturdy tree, embracing one another with knowing smiles. The elderly couple shuffling towards a park bench, hands fitted together as if they knew no other way.
The breeze catches my hair as I walk, sweeping it away from my face. I take a deep breath, exhale, and know that everything is going to be alright after all.
Then there are those other days. Days like today, where there’s not a leaf or a twig that seems out of place. Despite all of the evil and terrible things in the world, there is a light and airy feeling about that just makes me feel good again.
I’ve decided that Fitzgerald Park is a magical place for this. When I step through the gate, it’s as if I’m stepping into some incredibly cheesy and false world. But the great thing is, it’s not fake at all. There’s the young couple playing soccer with their small daughter and furry white dog, sneaking delicate kisses around the little girl so she won’t scrunch up her face at them. The brother and sister stomping around in the autumn leaves, completely consumed in their game and without another care in the world. The lovers leaning against a sturdy tree, embracing one another with knowing smiles. The elderly couple shuffling towards a park bench, hands fitted together as if they knew no other way.
The breeze catches my hair as I walk, sweeping it away from my face. I take a deep breath, exhale, and know that everything is going to be alright after all.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Change is a good thing, right?
So I'm beginning to bring back the tradition of forgetting about this blog I think, and for that I apologize to all my loyal readers (all... two of you?). ;)
The weeks here seem to be flying by, which I find odd as I haven't been extraordinarily busy. It's not that I've gotten lazy or anything, I swear, it's just the Irish way! The Irish are very laid back and I think live much less hectic lives in general than we do in America. The perpetual lateness thing still amuses me as well. The other day, a friend and I attempted to get breakfast at a cafe across the street from our apartment complex. The cafe was supposed to open at 9am, but the owners were just arriving a bit after 9, as we were, and didn't seem to think anything of the fact that they wouldn't be ready to actually serve any food for another half an hour. A completely typical example around here.
I am enjoying my classes for the most part. I think I'm enjoying my History of Irish Films class the most, although listening to my stereotypical Irish professor for my Irish Studies course go on about how the Germans boil children in soups is amusing too... My psychology class is a bit boring I think (not to be offensive, but I feel like psychology is one of those subjects where, at least in the lower level courses, half of the information is really just common sense). I started up my Irish Language class this week (three hours per week), which seems very fun but also very difficult. Irish is a very different looking language, and many, if not most words are not pronounced phonetically. There's also all kinds of strange rules about the structure of sentences. I keep trying to throw in some of my Spanish skills and knowledge, which as it turns out, just doesn't work.
This past week I've been keeping busy outside of class volunteering for the Corona Cork Film Festival. I was kind of hoping to get some shifts working at the venues of the films (tearing tickets is pretty darn easy), but instead I've been spending my time at the box office. It's actually been pretty fun though, and it kind of brings me back to my days of working at the Civic Center in Des Moines (a job I thoroughly enjoyed). Don't get paid of course (it is called volunteering for a reason I guess), but for every four hour shift that a volunteer works, he or she gets a free ticket to any film that is being shown. There are a ton of films put on by the festival, about 15 per day I would guess at various venues, lasting one week. Lots of variety, with everything from feature films, to shorts, to documentaries, to silent films. I've gotten three of my free tickets so far, and will be seeing the "Nightmare Before Christmas 3D" (lol, it was listed as a family showing, but who cares, right?), "Encounters at the End of the World", which is a documentary on Antarctica, and "Hunger", an award-winning feature film about the hunger strikes in Ireland. I'd also like to see some international shorts that are being put on, and maybe another documentary about a gay couple from Australia going to the U.S. to adopt children (the description says they adopted their children from Iowa actually).
I guess the other "big" news I have is that my plans for the end of the semester have been changed. My dear friend Emily, from Canada, is unfortunately unable to accompany me traveling around Europe in December. I was really disappointed, but things happen, plans change, and sometimes things just don't work out the way you wish they would. Of course, this meant things got a little difficult. My plane home has already been booked, leaving from Paris on the 4th of January. After spending the summer, and now fall away from home though, I quickly realized that if I wasn't able to spend Christmas in Europe with Emily, being at home with my family was where I wanted to be. Thinking about the possibility of having to spend the holidays here, alone (all my flatmates and friends are going home themselves), was not very easy. Luckily though, I have very understanding parents and grandparents. I was able to find a relatively cheap flight through Aer Lingus that will have me home on the 22nd of December. I am very relieved to have that flight booked, and am now working on figuring out what I want to do in the time between completing my classes here and heading home. I was extremely excited at the prospect of seeing Paris with Emily, and I would still very much like to visit there. I'm just hoping I'm strong enough to do something of that nature alone. Whatever happens, I have faith that things will work out just fine, because they have to, right?
I once read a quote that went something like this. "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end." It's a quote I like very much (being the optimist I am), and I know that even if my experiences here aren't exactly what I had planned, this is a trip that I will never forget or regret. And you know? Life is often more fun when it's not planned anyway. :)
The weeks here seem to be flying by, which I find odd as I haven't been extraordinarily busy. It's not that I've gotten lazy or anything, I swear, it's just the Irish way! The Irish are very laid back and I think live much less hectic lives in general than we do in America. The perpetual lateness thing still amuses me as well. The other day, a friend and I attempted to get breakfast at a cafe across the street from our apartment complex. The cafe was supposed to open at 9am, but the owners were just arriving a bit after 9, as we were, and didn't seem to think anything of the fact that they wouldn't be ready to actually serve any food for another half an hour. A completely typical example around here.
I am enjoying my classes for the most part. I think I'm enjoying my History of Irish Films class the most, although listening to my stereotypical Irish professor for my Irish Studies course go on about how the Germans boil children in soups is amusing too... My psychology class is a bit boring I think (not to be offensive, but I feel like psychology is one of those subjects where, at least in the lower level courses, half of the information is really just common sense). I started up my Irish Language class this week (three hours per week), which seems very fun but also very difficult. Irish is a very different looking language, and many, if not most words are not pronounced phonetically. There's also all kinds of strange rules about the structure of sentences. I keep trying to throw in some of my Spanish skills and knowledge, which as it turns out, just doesn't work.
This past week I've been keeping busy outside of class volunteering for the Corona Cork Film Festival. I was kind of hoping to get some shifts working at the venues of the films (tearing tickets is pretty darn easy), but instead I've been spending my time at the box office. It's actually been pretty fun though, and it kind of brings me back to my days of working at the Civic Center in Des Moines (a job I thoroughly enjoyed). Don't get paid of course (it is called volunteering for a reason I guess), but for every four hour shift that a volunteer works, he or she gets a free ticket to any film that is being shown. There are a ton of films put on by the festival, about 15 per day I would guess at various venues, lasting one week. Lots of variety, with everything from feature films, to shorts, to documentaries, to silent films. I've gotten three of my free tickets so far, and will be seeing the "Nightmare Before Christmas 3D" (lol, it was listed as a family showing, but who cares, right?), "Encounters at the End of the World", which is a documentary on Antarctica, and "Hunger", an award-winning feature film about the hunger strikes in Ireland. I'd also like to see some international shorts that are being put on, and maybe another documentary about a gay couple from Australia going to the U.S. to adopt children (the description says they adopted their children from Iowa actually).
I guess the other "big" news I have is that my plans for the end of the semester have been changed. My dear friend Emily, from Canada, is unfortunately unable to accompany me traveling around Europe in December. I was really disappointed, but things happen, plans change, and sometimes things just don't work out the way you wish they would. Of course, this meant things got a little difficult. My plane home has already been booked, leaving from Paris on the 4th of January. After spending the summer, and now fall away from home though, I quickly realized that if I wasn't able to spend Christmas in Europe with Emily, being at home with my family was where I wanted to be. Thinking about the possibility of having to spend the holidays here, alone (all my flatmates and friends are going home themselves), was not very easy. Luckily though, I have very understanding parents and grandparents. I was able to find a relatively cheap flight through Aer Lingus that will have me home on the 22nd of December. I am very relieved to have that flight booked, and am now working on figuring out what I want to do in the time between completing my classes here and heading home. I was extremely excited at the prospect of seeing Paris with Emily, and I would still very much like to visit there. I'm just hoping I'm strong enough to do something of that nature alone. Whatever happens, I have faith that things will work out just fine, because they have to, right?
I once read a quote that went something like this. "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end." It's a quote I like very much (being the optimist I am), and I know that even if my experiences here aren't exactly what I had planned, this is a trip that I will never forget or regret. And you know? Life is often more fun when it's not planned anyway. :)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Classtime
With what seems like a very late start, classes have officially started this week at UCC. I'll be taking a total of 5 courses for the semester. A class called "Irish Film History," which seems like it should be quite interesting; a psychology course called "Perception and Memory," a biology course entitled "Aquatic Biology," an introductory Irish language course, and a class just for international students that talks about a little of everything regarding to Ireland (history, customs, culture, language, people, etc.). I was going to take an Archaeology course instead of the Irish language course, but after my first class on Wednesday, I decided it just wasn't worth taking a class I didn't need if I'd be bored to tears in it! So overall, I'm happy with my classes now (although I haven't been to the biology course yet, as it is only for the second half of the semester).
I think classes in general in Ireland (or at least UCC) seem pretty similar to those in the states thus far. Perhaps a bit less organized, as seems to be the Irish way, but lectures seem just about the same. Contrary to universites in the states however, Irish classes are much more "go at your own pace." There are very few assignments throughout the semester for most courses (or "modules" as they are referred to here), and the end grade is almost entirely based on an end-of-the-year exam or essay. I'm actually glad to not be staying the entire year, as final exams for all courses (whether they were taken first semester or second) are taken over 4 weeks in May.
They had some fun activites going on this week though as it's the first week back ("Freshers Week"). On Sunday night, my flatmates and I went to an Irish dancing lesson with live music. Very fun, very tiring, and a bit more difficult than it looks! I was especially humbled when I paired up with an Irish student for one dance who has been doing Irish dances most of his life. On Wednesday and Thursday they had clubs and societies fairs going on, where you could visit all of the different booths and sign up for some activites. I plan on joining the Sciences Society, The Equestrian Club, The Badminton Club, and maybe the Photography Society if I have time. Last night we also went to see "Little Miss Sunshine," which was being shown in one of the lecture halls by the Film Society.
I'm not sure what the plans are for this weekend. I just got my hair cut quite short this morning (long hair was NOT suiting me well with all of this rain and humidity). I'll try to edit and add a picture in a bit here. I think that pretty much brings people up to speed though. Make sure to check out the link I added a couple of days ago to see some pictures. I've been having a horrible time trying to get pictures to upload here for some reason, so I have a lot more that I need to try to get up at some point as well.
Cheers!
I think classes in general in Ireland (or at least UCC) seem pretty similar to those in the states thus far. Perhaps a bit less organized, as seems to be the Irish way, but lectures seem just about the same. Contrary to universites in the states however, Irish classes are much more "go at your own pace." There are very few assignments throughout the semester for most courses (or "modules" as they are referred to here), and the end grade is almost entirely based on an end-of-the-year exam or essay. I'm actually glad to not be staying the entire year, as final exams for all courses (whether they were taken first semester or second) are taken over 4 weeks in May.
They had some fun activites going on this week though as it's the first week back ("Freshers Week"). On Sunday night, my flatmates and I went to an Irish dancing lesson with live music. Very fun, very tiring, and a bit more difficult than it looks! I was especially humbled when I paired up with an Irish student for one dance who has been doing Irish dances most of his life. On Wednesday and Thursday they had clubs and societies fairs going on, where you could visit all of the different booths and sign up for some activites. I plan on joining the Sciences Society, The Equestrian Club, The Badminton Club, and maybe the Photography Society if I have time. Last night we also went to see "Little Miss Sunshine," which was being shown in one of the lecture halls by the Film Society.
I'm not sure what the plans are for this weekend. I just got my hair cut quite short this morning (long hair was NOT suiting me well with all of this rain and humidity). I'll try to edit and add a picture in a bit here. I think that pretty much brings people up to speed though. Make sure to check out the link I added a couple of days ago to see some pictures. I've been having a horrible time trying to get pictures to upload here for some reason, so I have a lot more that I need to try to get up at some point as well.
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Link to Pictures!
I will do a real update sometime tomorrow, but I thought I would post a link to some pictures I was finally able to get uploaded!!
Enjoy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30839479@N06/?saved=1
Enjoy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30839479@N06/?saved=1
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kenmare, Killarney, and Dingle
Erin and I decided to explore a bit of the surrounding area in Southern Ireland these past few days. We have orientation at the university tomorrow and Friday, then classes start on Monday, so we figured we'd take advantage of some of this time off before then. Monday morning we took a bus from Cork to Killarney. Killarney is a very cute town just west a bit from Cork. It's especially nice because there is a large National Park that has entrances right from the city. After talking to a woman at the tourism office in Killarney, we decided to take the 2.6km hike to Ross Castle. We didn't want a very long hike, as we were both carrying normal backpacks that aren't really designed for long walking trips, and so a 45 minute walk to a castle sounded grand. Granted, we didn't know anything about this castle going into this hike, but hey, castles are cool, right? And indeed, we weren't disappointed. Ross Castle is quite cool indeed! It was a castle built in the 15th century, and although we didn't pay to take the tour of the inside, the outside is quite spectacular. It has a great view over a lake too (great place for a picnic, too bad we had eaten our packed sandwhiches in the parking lot at the tourism office).
After our lovely walk, we wandered back into the town center and looked around a bit. We were debating where we wanted to stay the night, and Erin suggested we go to a town south of Killarney called Kenmare, since I had been wanting to visit a town on the coast. On the bus we went again. Erin had been to Kenmare last week with her parents, and we discovered that Kenmare is probably more fun if you have a vehicle to get to all of the cool scenic spots. We did however take a nice walk down to the pier (well, it was nice aside from the fact that we got a bit lost trying to find it), and we enjoyed the view of the ocean (actually called the Kenmare River at that point since the land causes the ocean to narrow so much). We also visted a stone circle, which, for two euros, isn't as exciting as you might think. Yes, it is literally a circle made out of stones, in this case, 15 tones with a diameter of about 10 meters. Apparently, it is a 3000 year old structure that was used by people as a means of tracking the solstices and other calendar events. We found a nice pub to eat at that night (I had the "traditional" fish and chips) and we found a nearby hostel. We met two German girls who were hiking the Ring of Kerry and made us feel like whimps when we found out they had just been walking for nine hours!
In the morning we left Kenmare and headed to Dingle, the most western city of Ireland. Dingle was another place Erin had been with her parents, and we were hoping to get into contact with another American student she had met there last week, but we were unable to get into contact with him. All the same, we had a really great time in Dingle. After having a rather frustrating conversation at the tourism office with a woman who kept telling us about all of these amazing spots you could get to only by car, (even after we had told her we did not have a vehicle), we eventually found out about a nice foot path you could take along the coast. We found the path surprisingly easily (despite the fact that the term "path" is used very loosely to describe fields of grass with a faint line where the grass is slightly smushed down), and had a really great walk. We found a really neat old stone structure (an old tower or something?) and just enjoyed the amazing views of the ocean. The town itself is very nice as well, with lots of cute shops designed for tourists. After having a picnic of Subway subs for dinner, we found a really great hostel that was cheap, friendly, cute and cleanly, and even included a free breakfast of cereals and toast! Later that night we headed back to the main street and had the privelege of listening to some really great live traditional music. I also got my very first Guinness there (not my favorite thing in the world, but fairly tasty).
This morning then we once more caught a bus and made our way back to Cork. All in all, a quick, but very nice trip I think. I took quite a few pictures, and am trying to get them up, but both this site and facebook are not being very kind to me tonight! So I'll get them up as soon as I can. :)
After our lovely walk, we wandered back into the town center and looked around a bit. We were debating where we wanted to stay the night, and Erin suggested we go to a town south of Killarney called Kenmare, since I had been wanting to visit a town on the coast. On the bus we went again. Erin had been to Kenmare last week with her parents, and we discovered that Kenmare is probably more fun if you have a vehicle to get to all of the cool scenic spots. We did however take a nice walk down to the pier (well, it was nice aside from the fact that we got a bit lost trying to find it), and we enjoyed the view of the ocean (actually called the Kenmare River at that point since the land causes the ocean to narrow so much). We also visted a stone circle, which, for two euros, isn't as exciting as you might think. Yes, it is literally a circle made out of stones, in this case, 15 tones with a diameter of about 10 meters. Apparently, it is a 3000 year old structure that was used by people as a means of tracking the solstices and other calendar events. We found a nice pub to eat at that night (I had the "traditional" fish and chips) and we found a nearby hostel. We met two German girls who were hiking the Ring of Kerry and made us feel like whimps when we found out they had just been walking for nine hours!
In the morning we left Kenmare and headed to Dingle, the most western city of Ireland. Dingle was another place Erin had been with her parents, and we were hoping to get into contact with another American student she had met there last week, but we were unable to get into contact with him. All the same, we had a really great time in Dingle. After having a rather frustrating conversation at the tourism office with a woman who kept telling us about all of these amazing spots you could get to only by car, (even after we had told her we did not have a vehicle), we eventually found out about a nice foot path you could take along the coast. We found the path surprisingly easily (despite the fact that the term "path" is used very loosely to describe fields of grass with a faint line where the grass is slightly smushed down), and had a really great walk. We found a really neat old stone structure (an old tower or something?) and just enjoyed the amazing views of the ocean. The town itself is very nice as well, with lots of cute shops designed for tourists. After having a picnic of Subway subs for dinner, we found a really great hostel that was cheap, friendly, cute and cleanly, and even included a free breakfast of cereals and toast! Later that night we headed back to the main street and had the privelege of listening to some really great live traditional music. I also got my very first Guinness there (not my favorite thing in the world, but fairly tasty).
This morning then we once more caught a bus and made our way back to Cork. All in all, a quick, but very nice trip I think. I took quite a few pictures, and am trying to get them up, but both this site and facebook are not being very kind to me tonight! So I'll get them up as soon as I can. :)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Getting lost, roommates, and pubs
On Friday morning I was keen to do some exploring. My first intention, however, was to find the tourist shop and buy a map since the little printed-out one given to me by ISU just wasn't cutting it. So I looked at my crappy map, made a plan of how to get to the tourist shop, and headed off. About 1 hour later, I hadn't a clue where I was, but I definitely was not at the tourist shop. I ended up somehow completely leaving the shopping area/business district and was wandering around random neighborhoods. I resisted pulling out my map, remembering that it's not exactly a good idea to draw attention to yourself as a tourist in an area you don't know. Not that it would have helped much anyway, seeing as names of streets aren't exactly conspiculously posted around here, (if at all...). I finally ran into a sign that pointed to the city centre and headed that way. At that point, I was just wanting to find my way back to my flat, completely not caring anymore if I ever found the tourist shop. But as chance would have it, about 1 1/2 hours after I had initially set out, I ran right into that darn shop. And the kicker was, it was a street I had been on before and I just hadn't known it! I'd like to say I know the city of Cork better now after that episode, but I don't think that's true at all. I really doubt I could get lost the same way twice...
After leaving the tourist office (and buying the map I was now more convinced than ever that I needed), I walked down the street to the Englisht Market. The English Market is this great indoor area where there are tons of different booths set up. They have everything from fruits and vegetables, to breads, to meats and fishes, to chocelates and pastries. It's a little overwhelming when you actually want to buy something though, as the area is very crowded and most people are moving rather quickly. However, I did manage to buy some chicken and finally headed home to rest after a rather exhausting morning.
That afternoon I decided to explore the campus a bit. As I was hoping, the UCC campus is only about a 10 minute walk from my flat. It's a really gorgeous campus from what I saw. A great mix of the old stone buildings with ivy covering them that you would expect with a smattering of more modern buildings. Really pretty.
I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at my flat. Made myself some dinner, then decided to see a movie at the theatre that is just a block away (I was dying to see a movie at a cinema after having been in Montana). I saw a really cute coming-of-age Irish film called "32A." I was a little annoyed with myself upon coming home when I realized I hadn't locked the door, even though I was certain I had. Upon further inspection, I noticed there were people in my flat and that one of my roommates had indeed arrived. This roommate is named Erin, and is an American like myself (she's from New Jersey). Her parents flew over with her about a week previously, and they had been doing some traveling around the southern part of Ireland before moving her in. Her parents were really nice and asked me along to dinner with them. I told them I had already eaten, but accepted their offer of at least tagging along for a drink. We ended up at a restaraunt/bar called "Scott's," which was a very busy place indeed on a Friday night. I got a cup of seafood chowder (which was amazing!) and had some nice wine from the bottle Erin's parents had purchased to wash it down.
So, all in all, Friday was a very productive day indeed I though. Saturday was a little less busy, but just as nice. Erin and I did some shopping in the morning (we went back to the same grocery store several times because we kept thinking of things we had forgotten). We came back in the early afternoon to discover that our other roommate, Cleo had arrived. Cleo is a music student from France and was accompanied by four of her friends who had came along to make sure Cleo got situated, as well as to do some traveling. All very nice people, and all but one of her friends spoke English fairly well. Erin and I left to let Cleo get situated, and we headed to see if we could get our ID cards from the university. It didn't appear that the office was open on Saturdays, so we continued our journey and headed to the gym several blocks away that we'll have free use of as students this semester. It's a very nice gym, very modern with great facilities. It was really nice to get a workout in.
We ended Saturday by making some dinner and heading to the Fransican Well Brewery and Pub that is directly across the street from us (Erin, Cleo, Cleo's friends and I). Got to try one of their own beers ("Rebel Red"!) and we had a nice time. We packed it in pretty early, since we were all dragging a bit.
So, I think that was a rather detailed (probably excrutiatingly detailed for many of you) entry that brings everyone up the present. I'm sure my blogs will get less mundane in the future. I just happen to have a bit more time on my hands presently. Erin and I are thinking of doing some traveling in the area for a few days though, so I may have some more exciting updates later in the week.
Until then....
Hannah
After leaving the tourist office (and buying the map I was now more convinced than ever that I needed), I walked down the street to the Englisht Market. The English Market is this great indoor area where there are tons of different booths set up. They have everything from fruits and vegetables, to breads, to meats and fishes, to chocelates and pastries. It's a little overwhelming when you actually want to buy something though, as the area is very crowded and most people are moving rather quickly. However, I did manage to buy some chicken and finally headed home to rest after a rather exhausting morning.
That afternoon I decided to explore the campus a bit. As I was hoping, the UCC campus is only about a 10 minute walk from my flat. It's a really gorgeous campus from what I saw. A great mix of the old stone buildings with ivy covering them that you would expect with a smattering of more modern buildings. Really pretty.
I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at my flat. Made myself some dinner, then decided to see a movie at the theatre that is just a block away (I was dying to see a movie at a cinema after having been in Montana). I saw a really cute coming-of-age Irish film called "32A." I was a little annoyed with myself upon coming home when I realized I hadn't locked the door, even though I was certain I had. Upon further inspection, I noticed there were people in my flat and that one of my roommates had indeed arrived. This roommate is named Erin, and is an American like myself (she's from New Jersey). Her parents flew over with her about a week previously, and they had been doing some traveling around the southern part of Ireland before moving her in. Her parents were really nice and asked me along to dinner with them. I told them I had already eaten, but accepted their offer of at least tagging along for a drink. We ended up at a restaraunt/bar called "Scott's," which was a very busy place indeed on a Friday night. I got a cup of seafood chowder (which was amazing!) and had some nice wine from the bottle Erin's parents had purchased to wash it down.
So, all in all, Friday was a very productive day indeed I though. Saturday was a little less busy, but just as nice. Erin and I did some shopping in the morning (we went back to the same grocery store several times because we kept thinking of things we had forgotten). We came back in the early afternoon to discover that our other roommate, Cleo had arrived. Cleo is a music student from France and was accompanied by four of her friends who had came along to make sure Cleo got situated, as well as to do some traveling. All very nice people, and all but one of her friends spoke English fairly well. Erin and I left to let Cleo get situated, and we headed to see if we could get our ID cards from the university. It didn't appear that the office was open on Saturdays, so we continued our journey and headed to the gym several blocks away that we'll have free use of as students this semester. It's a very nice gym, very modern with great facilities. It was really nice to get a workout in.
We ended Saturday by making some dinner and heading to the Fransican Well Brewery and Pub that is directly across the street from us (Erin, Cleo, Cleo's friends and I). Got to try one of their own beers ("Rebel Red"!) and we had a nice time. We packed it in pretty early, since we were all dragging a bit.
So, I think that was a rather detailed (probably excrutiatingly detailed for many of you) entry that brings everyone up the present. I'm sure my blogs will get less mundane in the future. I just happen to have a bit more time on my hands presently. Erin and I are thinking of doing some traveling in the area for a few days though, so I may have some more exciting updates later in the week.
Until then....
Hannah
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hello from Cork!
So, my time has ended in Montana, my crazy week home has ended (DAT went well, brother's wedding was fabulous) and I am finally at my new home for the next 3 1/2 months!
Traveling here went well overall. I made it, and on time anyway, which were the two main goals! Tuesday morning I left Des Moines about 10:45am. Headed to Chicago, where I had about a 4 hour layover. From Chicago I went to London. The flight was long, and I didn't get any sleep really (quite a turbulent flight), but I did get to watch 2 movies (Made of Honor and the Sex and the City Movie). In London I had another 3 hours to wait. By then it was about 7am London time, and so I got some breakfast at the Giraffe restaraunt (really good organic smoothies!). My flight to Dublin was delayed by just a bit. Finally got to Dublin around 10:45am their time. Got through Customs fairly quickly and headed to the exit.
Took me about 20 minutes to find what I thought was going to be some sort of booth for Aircoach buses, but what turned out to be a man with a cashbox selling tickets. Bought a ticket to Cork City from him, and the next thing I knew I was being shoved onto a bus that would shuttle me to where the actual bus heading to Cork would pick up from. If I had had a bit more time to think, I would have waited for a later shuttle bus, as I knew the bus to Cork wasn't leaving until 1:00pm. But, as I watched the scenery pass by me, I realized it was a bit late for changing my mind on that matter. I knew I was to be dropped off at Trinity College in Dublin, at which point my pick up location was supposedly a few blocks away. What I wasn't aware of was that Trinity College is located in the middle of downtown Dublin. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but as it would happen, I ended up weaving my way amongst the very busy streets of Dublin pulling two very large suitcases and carrying a third as a backpack. And of course, I got completely lost. I eventually found out that the stop I was looking for was located in front of an O'Brien's Coffee Shop. What I found out after trekking down the street to one such shop, is that this particular shop is a chain. So, an hour or so after I had been initially dropped off by the shuttle bus, I found myself in front of the correct O'Brien's, waiting another hour in the rain for the bus.
The bus to Cork arrive right on time, and I was very thankful for the soft seat and roof over my head. I had planned to stay awake on the bus ride to view the scenery, but I kept drifting in and out of sleep. This probably turned out to be a good thing actually, since Irish roads do not seem to be made very wide, and Irish drivers do not seem to be made to drive very slowly. After was seemed like forever (but was actually only 4 1/2 hours), we arrived in Cork. I was expecting some sort of actual building when I heard the words "bus station," but this didn't seem to be the case. So instead I wandered over to a nearby hotel in search of some payphones. I must have looked rather frazzled, as an elderly woman sitting in the lobby asked me twice if I were okay! I found the phones though, and got through to my dad to let him know I had arrived, and the apartment landlord to let her know the same so she could meet me at the apartments. The woman at the frontdesk of the hotel was nice enough to call me a cab, and I finally made it to my final destination.
After getting checked into my apartment, I calculated that it had been about 29 hours since I had really slept, and about 11 hours since I had last eaten. I dug through my purse and ate a few melted and squished granola bar, blew up my traveling pillow, and slept. And boy did I sleep. I didn't bother to set an alarm, thinking I'd wake up on my own by 9 or 10am. So I was a little surprised when I found it was 1:00pm when I finally stirred - a good 17 hours of sleep!! And since it was now a good 30 hours since I had eaten a real meal, I also found myself quite famished. After a quick shower, I left my apartment and found myself nearly jumping for joy when I saw the cafe across the street. Who knew Pear Mango yogurt could taste so delicious?
Now that I had some food in me once again, I decided to hit the city centre and do some shopping (a real pillow was at the top of my list, blow up travel ones just don't cut it for actual sleeping, said my stiff neck). I have already decided that I love my apartment's location. The main shops started not 2 blocks away! And shops there are! I probably covered a total of 10 blocks and never could see what appeared to be the end! There are no large department stores here of course, which makes things both more difficult and more fun. All of the shops are much smaller and more specialized (for instance, I found my pillow at a bedding shop). I also hit up an electronics store for an adaptor for my computer, the 2 euro store, where I bought some OJ and trashbags, another discount store for hangers and the all important umbrella, a Subway for a sandwhich (they are still 6" and 12" subs, not the cm equivalents for those who are curious!), and a small grocery store for some frosties and milk.
I like my apartment quite well so far. It's a two bedroom apartment, with mine being a single, and the other being made for two people. I haven't met either of my two roommates yet. One is apparently moving in over the next couple of days (she's in town with her parents), and the other is coming from France on Saturday. There's a small kitchen, a small living room, and one bathroom. The views from the living room and my room both overlook the River Lee, which runs through the entire town. Thought I haven't been exploring that way yet, the campus is supposedly about a 10-12 minute walk, also very nice.
As for now, I should probably get unpacking. Got to make my room seem more like MY room.
Traveling here went well overall. I made it, and on time anyway, which were the two main goals! Tuesday morning I left Des Moines about 10:45am. Headed to Chicago, where I had about a 4 hour layover. From Chicago I went to London. The flight was long, and I didn't get any sleep really (quite a turbulent flight), but I did get to watch 2 movies (Made of Honor and the Sex and the City Movie). In London I had another 3 hours to wait. By then it was about 7am London time, and so I got some breakfast at the Giraffe restaraunt (really good organic smoothies!). My flight to Dublin was delayed by just a bit. Finally got to Dublin around 10:45am their time. Got through Customs fairly quickly and headed to the exit.
Took me about 20 minutes to find what I thought was going to be some sort of booth for Aircoach buses, but what turned out to be a man with a cashbox selling tickets. Bought a ticket to Cork City from him, and the next thing I knew I was being shoved onto a bus that would shuttle me to where the actual bus heading to Cork would pick up from. If I had had a bit more time to think, I would have waited for a later shuttle bus, as I knew the bus to Cork wasn't leaving until 1:00pm. But, as I watched the scenery pass by me, I realized it was a bit late for changing my mind on that matter. I knew I was to be dropped off at Trinity College in Dublin, at which point my pick up location was supposedly a few blocks away. What I wasn't aware of was that Trinity College is located in the middle of downtown Dublin. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but as it would happen, I ended up weaving my way amongst the very busy streets of Dublin pulling two very large suitcases and carrying a third as a backpack. And of course, I got completely lost. I eventually found out that the stop I was looking for was located in front of an O'Brien's Coffee Shop. What I found out after trekking down the street to one such shop, is that this particular shop is a chain. So, an hour or so after I had been initially dropped off by the shuttle bus, I found myself in front of the correct O'Brien's, waiting another hour in the rain for the bus.
The bus to Cork arrive right on time, and I was very thankful for the soft seat and roof over my head. I had planned to stay awake on the bus ride to view the scenery, but I kept drifting in and out of sleep. This probably turned out to be a good thing actually, since Irish roads do not seem to be made very wide, and Irish drivers do not seem to be made to drive very slowly. After was seemed like forever (but was actually only 4 1/2 hours), we arrived in Cork. I was expecting some sort of actual building when I heard the words "bus station," but this didn't seem to be the case. So instead I wandered over to a nearby hotel in search of some payphones. I must have looked rather frazzled, as an elderly woman sitting in the lobby asked me twice if I were okay! I found the phones though, and got through to my dad to let him know I had arrived, and the apartment landlord to let her know the same so she could meet me at the apartments. The woman at the frontdesk of the hotel was nice enough to call me a cab, and I finally made it to my final destination.
After getting checked into my apartment, I calculated that it had been about 29 hours since I had really slept, and about 11 hours since I had last eaten. I dug through my purse and ate a few melted and squished granola bar, blew up my traveling pillow, and slept. And boy did I sleep. I didn't bother to set an alarm, thinking I'd wake up on my own by 9 or 10am. So I was a little surprised when I found it was 1:00pm when I finally stirred - a good 17 hours of sleep!! And since it was now a good 30 hours since I had eaten a real meal, I also found myself quite famished. After a quick shower, I left my apartment and found myself nearly jumping for joy when I saw the cafe across the street. Who knew Pear Mango yogurt could taste so delicious?
Now that I had some food in me once again, I decided to hit the city centre and do some shopping (a real pillow was at the top of my list, blow up travel ones just don't cut it for actual sleeping, said my stiff neck). I have already decided that I love my apartment's location. The main shops started not 2 blocks away! And shops there are! I probably covered a total of 10 blocks and never could see what appeared to be the end! There are no large department stores here of course, which makes things both more difficult and more fun. All of the shops are much smaller and more specialized (for instance, I found my pillow at a bedding shop). I also hit up an electronics store for an adaptor for my computer, the 2 euro store, where I bought some OJ and trashbags, another discount store for hangers and the all important umbrella, a Subway for a sandwhich (they are still 6" and 12" subs, not the cm equivalents for those who are curious!), and a small grocery store for some frosties and milk.
I like my apartment quite well so far. It's a two bedroom apartment, with mine being a single, and the other being made for two people. I haven't met either of my two roommates yet. One is apparently moving in over the next couple of days (she's in town with her parents), and the other is coming from France on Saturday. There's a small kitchen, a small living room, and one bathroom. The views from the living room and my room both overlook the River Lee, which runs through the entire town. Thought I haven't been exploring that way yet, the campus is supposedly about a 10-12 minute walk, also very nice.
As for now, I should probably get unpacking. Got to make my room seem more like MY room.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Yes, an actual post!
So I just realized that the last time I posted a blog was... oh.... roughly a month and a half ago!! Sorry about not keeping everyone updated. It's weird to even think this, but I've actually become annoyed with using the computer. I like to check my e-mail briefly when I get the chance, but I just don't find myself wanting to spend long periods of time online like I am used to at home (but of course, here I couldn't spend long periods of time online even if I wanted to). Anyway, excuses, excuses. I'm sorry for being so bad at updating!
So.. hmm.. what has happened since mid-June? Some of my family came up right after I last updated, and I think a good time was had by all. Everyone had fun and no one got hurt (although some people tried their darndest). Since then it's been business as usual I suppose. The days of each week tend to blend together, and I can't think of much inparticular that should be brought up. I've been hiking and riding quite a fair bit, although it's gotten much hotter lately which makes all of that stuff a bit less fun. We're still getting a few decent rain showers here and there, which is good (except for when you're being poured on at the cookout like this past Tuesday). There are now fires east of us (in Red Lodge, south of Billings), and south of us (Yellowstone park). We're all hoping another doesn't start up nearer to us and that they can get a break from the winds and get those two fires under control. The ranch has been evacuated 3 times in the past two years, and I don't think anyone wants to try it a fourth time.
Phyllis and Ron (the owners) are expecting their first grandson from their youngest son any day now (Bonnie, their daughter in law, was due last Saturday). We have a pool going about when the baby will be born and what it will be. So cross your fingers for me that she has a boy on Monday! Bryant, one of the co-owners, has been having a rough bout of health issues lately. Last week we went in for a doctor's appointment and ended up staying in the ICU of the hospital for several days. He had another appointment today, so we're hoping he and his wife Ellen don't have to make another visit to the hospital. This weekend there is a "Sweet Pea" annual festival going on in Bozeman that Jodey (the manager) and I are going to go to (leaving tonight, will be there tomorrow on our day off). Should be a good time, especially after how hectic today has been (some journalists are coming to write about the ranch, so we've been crazy busy cleaning and preparing for them).
Today is August 1st, which means in one month, on August 31st, I'll be coming home. I'm glad I took this job, and I feel like I've gained a lot from it, but I don't think I was prepared for how much I'd miss home at times. I think what makes it hard, actually, is just the fact that we are so isolated out here. I love the wilderness, but sometimes I think it's civilization I miss more than anything. The idea of being able to run to the store for something quickly, or going out for ice cream... those kinds of things just aren't realities out here. It's hard living where you work as well at times; and, living with the people you work with (6 women sharing 1 tiny bathroom can get rough!). It's hard not to resent your coworkers occasionally just because you're around them so much! But, all in all, I am glad I came here. And I'll be glad to come home soon as well. I'm going to try to make a point of spending as much time as I can with everyone in the brief time before I head to Ireland and really soak it all up.
Okay, now that was a decent update, was it not? I'll try to get to this at least once more before I head home, and I promise I'll be much better in Ireland since I'll have my own computer and you'll all probably find that more interesting anyhow.
Until next time....
Hannah
So.. hmm.. what has happened since mid-June? Some of my family came up right after I last updated, and I think a good time was had by all. Everyone had fun and no one got hurt (although some people tried their darndest). Since then it's been business as usual I suppose. The days of each week tend to blend together, and I can't think of much inparticular that should be brought up. I've been hiking and riding quite a fair bit, although it's gotten much hotter lately which makes all of that stuff a bit less fun. We're still getting a few decent rain showers here and there, which is good (except for when you're being poured on at the cookout like this past Tuesday). There are now fires east of us (in Red Lodge, south of Billings), and south of us (Yellowstone park). We're all hoping another doesn't start up nearer to us and that they can get a break from the winds and get those two fires under control. The ranch has been evacuated 3 times in the past two years, and I don't think anyone wants to try it a fourth time.
Phyllis and Ron (the owners) are expecting their first grandson from their youngest son any day now (Bonnie, their daughter in law, was due last Saturday). We have a pool going about when the baby will be born and what it will be. So cross your fingers for me that she has a boy on Monday! Bryant, one of the co-owners, has been having a rough bout of health issues lately. Last week we went in for a doctor's appointment and ended up staying in the ICU of the hospital for several days. He had another appointment today, so we're hoping he and his wife Ellen don't have to make another visit to the hospital. This weekend there is a "Sweet Pea" annual festival going on in Bozeman that Jodey (the manager) and I are going to go to (leaving tonight, will be there tomorrow on our day off). Should be a good time, especially after how hectic today has been (some journalists are coming to write about the ranch, so we've been crazy busy cleaning and preparing for them).
Today is August 1st, which means in one month, on August 31st, I'll be coming home. I'm glad I took this job, and I feel like I've gained a lot from it, but I don't think I was prepared for how much I'd miss home at times. I think what makes it hard, actually, is just the fact that we are so isolated out here. I love the wilderness, but sometimes I think it's civilization I miss more than anything. The idea of being able to run to the store for something quickly, or going out for ice cream... those kinds of things just aren't realities out here. It's hard living where you work as well at times; and, living with the people you work with (6 women sharing 1 tiny bathroom can get rough!). It's hard not to resent your coworkers occasionally just because you're around them so much! But, all in all, I am glad I came here. And I'll be glad to come home soon as well. I'm going to try to make a point of spending as much time as I can with everyone in the brief time before I head to Ireland and really soak it all up.
Okay, now that was a decent update, was it not? I'll try to get to this at least once more before I head home, and I promise I'll be much better in Ireland since I'll have my own computer and you'll all probably find that more interesting anyhow.
Until next time....
Hannah
Thursday, June 19, 2008
An....interesting... first week.
This week was the start of our official season with the horses here. Guests arrived fairly uneventfully on Sunday. We (or more specifically, I) sweep, wash, and wax all of the floors in the lodge and in the four rooms above the lodge on Sunday mornings. My back was starting to bother me a bit as I was working on them, but I figured the pain would go away once I stopped. Come lunch time, by the time I had finished, my back was really bothering me. I was dreading having to mop one last cabin after lunchtime. I was just gathering my stuff up to head over to that cabin to finish the floors, and low and behold, the guests staying in that cabin had arrived an hour early! I wasn't sure what to do with that cabin in that situation, so I started running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to find Phyllis to figure it out. Well, I couldn't find her, and so I ended up sprinting to that cabin ahead of them and trying to finish it up quickly even though the floor had only been swept. I dashed out just in the nick of time, and ran into Phyllis on the path back. By that time, my back was absolutely killing me and I had a mini-meltdown because it hurt so badly. So Phyllis and Jodey got me set up with an ice pack and some ibuprofen and sent me home for the rest of the afternoon. Not a great way to start the first week I suppose....
Monday didn't turn out to get better. My back was feeling relatively better (it's Thursday now and it's kind of back to hurting a bit more again), and the morning went fine, but the afternoon went a bit downhill. Laura, one of the wranglers, was leading a horse through a gate when a part of the saddle got hung up on the latch. In the tussle, Laura's hand got jammed somewhere and hurt her hand pretty badly. So off she went to the hosptial, chauffered by Ron. She ended up having broke her left index finger and needed stitches for a deep cut she had recieved. So that was a bit chaotic, and I ended up helping down at the corral for a bit so we could get the ride out down a person. That same day, Nancy, the cook, also cut her hand rather badly on a bad can opener. Not a grand day for injuries, or hands in particular. Very stressful day for everyone, but Tuesday would be better, right?
Tuesday morning started out just fine, thank goodness. The afternoon ride that day was to Bray's Cabin. I had some time off in the afternoon, so I was thinking of going. Laura was going along with Arlene as the wranglers for the ride, but Laura started feeling really poorly about a 1/4 of a mile in and turned back. So I got to play wrangler for the ride and was a bit stressed once again, worrying about Laura. We came back from the ride to find out that Nancy had been taken to the hospital. She suffers from Crohn's Disease (sp?) and was not doing well. So I hurridly helped to finish up unsaddling horses and ran up to the kitchen to take over some of Nancy's normal duties for preparing food for the cookouts we have on Tuesday nights. I warned the guests in advance that the presentation of food was certainly not up to par - but I tried. Things didn't run nearly as smoothly as they often do, but we were able to manage through the cookout just fine.
And of course, Tuesday night, just for a bit of last minute fun, the power went out! Jodey and I just looked at each other and started laughing at that point. Figures, doesn't it? Luckily the outage only lasted about 5 hours, and the guests didn't seem to mind playing games by candlelight and fireplace in the lodge.
The good news is, Wednesday and Thursday have been rather uneventful. As I mentioned, my back is still bothering me a bit, moreso today than it has been, but I'm thankful to have a more laid back day. Poor Phyllis, one of the owners, had been out of town (a rare occurrence) on Monday and Tuesday. I fear she'll never leave again for fear of what else could happen!
On another bright note, the guests here this week are quite nice overall. One woman here by herself is from London. I was chatting with her about my upcoming time in Ireland, and visiting London. She graciously has offered me a place to stay anytime I come to visit there. Emily - if you read this - that means we will likely have a place to stay in England now!
Anyway, I think that's the main news recently. I thought this week would go by quickly, but honestly it's been one of the longest of my life! We're hoping that since so much crazy stuff happened this week, the rest of the summer will be incident-free.
Until next time.....
Hannah
Monday didn't turn out to get better. My back was feeling relatively better (it's Thursday now and it's kind of back to hurting a bit more again), and the morning went fine, but the afternoon went a bit downhill. Laura, one of the wranglers, was leading a horse through a gate when a part of the saddle got hung up on the latch. In the tussle, Laura's hand got jammed somewhere and hurt her hand pretty badly. So off she went to the hosptial, chauffered by Ron. She ended up having broke her left index finger and needed stitches for a deep cut she had recieved. So that was a bit chaotic, and I ended up helping down at the corral for a bit so we could get the ride out down a person. That same day, Nancy, the cook, also cut her hand rather badly on a bad can opener. Not a grand day for injuries, or hands in particular. Very stressful day for everyone, but Tuesday would be better, right?
Tuesday morning started out just fine, thank goodness. The afternoon ride that day was to Bray's Cabin. I had some time off in the afternoon, so I was thinking of going. Laura was going along with Arlene as the wranglers for the ride, but Laura started feeling really poorly about a 1/4 of a mile in and turned back. So I got to play wrangler for the ride and was a bit stressed once again, worrying about Laura. We came back from the ride to find out that Nancy had been taken to the hospital. She suffers from Crohn's Disease (sp?) and was not doing well. So I hurridly helped to finish up unsaddling horses and ran up to the kitchen to take over some of Nancy's normal duties for preparing food for the cookouts we have on Tuesday nights. I warned the guests in advance that the presentation of food was certainly not up to par - but I tried. Things didn't run nearly as smoothly as they often do, but we were able to manage through the cookout just fine.
And of course, Tuesday night, just for a bit of last minute fun, the power went out! Jodey and I just looked at each other and started laughing at that point. Figures, doesn't it? Luckily the outage only lasted about 5 hours, and the guests didn't seem to mind playing games by candlelight and fireplace in the lodge.
The good news is, Wednesday and Thursday have been rather uneventful. As I mentioned, my back is still bothering me a bit, moreso today than it has been, but I'm thankful to have a more laid back day. Poor Phyllis, one of the owners, had been out of town (a rare occurrence) on Monday and Tuesday. I fear she'll never leave again for fear of what else could happen!
On another bright note, the guests here this week are quite nice overall. One woman here by herself is from London. I was chatting with her about my upcoming time in Ireland, and visiting London. She graciously has offered me a place to stay anytime I come to visit there. Emily - if you read this - that means we will likely have a place to stay in England now!
Anyway, I think that's the main news recently. I thought this week would go by quickly, but honestly it's been one of the longest of my life! We're hoping that since so much crazy stuff happened this week, the rest of the summer will be incident-free.
Until next time.....
Hannah
Monday, June 9, 2008
Is it summer yet?
Okay, finally made it to the computer again! Things get so crazy around here sometimes, and when I find time off, I just don't have the energy or patience to get on the internet and create a blog! Sorry! I try though, I swear.
Anyway, this past week was really great. Our first official week with guests, although the first two weeks of the season are new sessions called "Wellness Weeks." This past week (the first week) we had just two guests in addition to the facilitator for the weeek. The guests were actually sisters, and first cousins to Arlene, one of the wranglers here. They were great fun and it was a really good week. I have some time off in the afternoons typically, and so I went on several hikes and did some other activities with the girls and Heidi, the facilitator, in my free time.
Thursday was the really exciting day of the week though. The horses (about 35 in all) are kept about 14 miles down the dirt-and-boulder road towards town over the winters. In order to bring them up to the ranch, they drive them on horseback up the road. I was really excited to hear from the owner, Phyllis, that I could go along and help if I wanted to. Of course I did, and so on Thursday morning we all headed down to get the horses. I ended up riding an 8-year-old bay gelding, Cal. Three people rode in the front, to try to set the pace and keep the horses from galloping the entire 14 miles. The other three people, including me, rode in back to drive the horses forward, keep them grouped, and return those to the herd that would wander off driveways or into the woods or whatever. Things got a little hairy at times, but that was to be expected considering the circumstances. None of the riders had ridden the horses before, and the horses hadn't been ridden since October. So add that to the fact that we are running other excited horses down the road, and you can't exactly expect your mount to be an angel. But everyone survived the little shenanigans that the horses pulled, and we all made it safely to the ranch. We even had two people taking pictures and videos from the back of the car driving in front, so I'll have to share those when I get home.
Since then I've kind of fallen in love with the horse I was riding, Cal. I'm not even really sure why I like him so well. He's a pretty horse, but he doesn't have that amazing of conformation, and he's not even that comfortable to ride (he paces instead of trotting). But he tries hard for you and he's careful about where he puts his feet (which is necessary on some of the trails around here like the one I took the other day with some others). It's just so hard to resist that cute face. Especially when he follows me around the pasture....
Anyway, I'm trying to think of what other news to share. Not too much going on this week. Just two guests this week as well. I guess I should enjoy it while it lasts. This coming Sunday marks the beginning of our first week of the real season with riding. I think we are booked our first week and all of those afterwards clear until the end of August (when I come home anyway). Should be fun though.
I guess that's about all I have. I miss everyone back home, and I hope everyone is enjoying their summers! We've had very cold temperatures here, with lots of rain and even some snow! I had my electric blanket turned on high last night! Hard to believe it's June....
Until next time!
Hannah (Montana)
Anyway, this past week was really great. Our first official week with guests, although the first two weeks of the season are new sessions called "Wellness Weeks." This past week (the first week) we had just two guests in addition to the facilitator for the weeek. The guests were actually sisters, and first cousins to Arlene, one of the wranglers here. They were great fun and it was a really good week. I have some time off in the afternoons typically, and so I went on several hikes and did some other activities with the girls and Heidi, the facilitator, in my free time.
Thursday was the really exciting day of the week though. The horses (about 35 in all) are kept about 14 miles down the dirt-and-boulder road towards town over the winters. In order to bring them up to the ranch, they drive them on horseback up the road. I was really excited to hear from the owner, Phyllis, that I could go along and help if I wanted to. Of course I did, and so on Thursday morning we all headed down to get the horses. I ended up riding an 8-year-old bay gelding, Cal. Three people rode in the front, to try to set the pace and keep the horses from galloping the entire 14 miles. The other three people, including me, rode in back to drive the horses forward, keep them grouped, and return those to the herd that would wander off driveways or into the woods or whatever. Things got a little hairy at times, but that was to be expected considering the circumstances. None of the riders had ridden the horses before, and the horses hadn't been ridden since October. So add that to the fact that we are running other excited horses down the road, and you can't exactly expect your mount to be an angel. But everyone survived the little shenanigans that the horses pulled, and we all made it safely to the ranch. We even had two people taking pictures and videos from the back of the car driving in front, so I'll have to share those when I get home.
Since then I've kind of fallen in love with the horse I was riding, Cal. I'm not even really sure why I like him so well. He's a pretty horse, but he doesn't have that amazing of conformation, and he's not even that comfortable to ride (he paces instead of trotting). But he tries hard for you and he's careful about where he puts his feet (which is necessary on some of the trails around here like the one I took the other day with some others). It's just so hard to resist that cute face. Especially when he follows me around the pasture....
Anyway, I'm trying to think of what other news to share. Not too much going on this week. Just two guests this week as well. I guess I should enjoy it while it lasts. This coming Sunday marks the beginning of our first week of the real season with riding. I think we are booked our first week and all of those afterwards clear until the end of August (when I come home anyway). Should be fun though.
I guess that's about all I have. I miss everyone back home, and I hope everyone is enjoying their summers! We've had very cold temperatures here, with lots of rain and even some snow! I had my electric blanket turned on high last night! Hard to believe it's June....
Until next time!
Hannah (Montana)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Alas! An entry from Montana!
Well, I'm coming up on the two week mark for landing in Montana. As it turns out, internet does exist here, just only as VERY slow and unpredictable dial-up. So between its speed and its use by the ranch for office purposes, I don't really have internet in the sense most people are used to. But, I thought you guys deserved an update, so here I am.
My flights to Montana went well. On time for both if not even a little early. Flew into the Billings airport (largest city in Montana with a population of ~100,000). Found Phyllis, one of the owners, with ease as the airport is quite small. The ranch is very remote. About an hour and a half away from Big Timber, most of which is driven on a very poor dirt-and-boulder road. The address here is actually in McLeod, Montana, but McLeod basically just consists of a post office and a bar (The Roadkill).
Saw lots of wildlife in my time here so far. My first night in we saw a large adult Grizzly Bear across the way in a meadow! Very cool, as long as he stays across the river that is... I've also seen plenty of deer and elk, a coyote, several moose (one kept hanging around the "bunkhouse" where I live and thus was termed "Hannah's Moose" by the others), bald eagles, and several black bears.
The weather had been quite nice the first week I was here, but then this past week we had three days straight of cold snow! It was wet, heavy stuff, so it melted rather quickly, but nonetheless I was not exactly thrilled to see a sheet of white and be tromping through 4 or 5 inches of the stuff for that time. It's mostly gone again now, and instead we've been stuck with rain. It's supposed to get nice by mid-week though, so hopefully that holds true.
All but 2 staff have arrived at this point (both wranglers, one arriving today and one arriving tomorrow). For the most part, the other staff is great and I'm glad to be around them. The owners, Ron and Phyllis, are really great and treat the rest of us well. Phyllis and some of the others keep telling me how much they appreciate my hard work, so I must be doing something right thus far.
The first guests arrive June 1st (next Sunday), although there aren't very many guests the first two weeks. The first two sessions are "Wellness Weeks," something new they are trying this year. The horses won't be brought up the road (literally driven with people on horseback the 14 miles up the road) until June 6th, and so the regular sessions involving the horses won't begin until after the Wellness Weeks.
So far we've just been doing a lot of deep cleaning around the place-indoors and out- in preparation for the guests. The ranch had to be evacuated last year due to wildfires (cross your fingers it doesn't happen this year), and so the ranch was kind of left in less than ideal conditions at the end of last season. It's hard work, but bearable, and it will be worth it in the end when everything is spruced up and looking good. I think I will enjoy my time here more once guests arrive and we are able to get into a routine. I don't like having to ask what I'm supposed to be doing all of the time, and so it will be nice when everything is second nature and I can just go and do it with no questions asked.
I've been taking lots of pictures, but don't have anyway to get them on here currently unfortunately! I'll probably create entire albums on photobucket or something when I get back from the summer, so I'll be sure to link that here so you all can look through everything if you choose.
Things are going to get much crazier and busier here shortly, but I'll try to take some time to update this once every two weeks or so if I can! Otherwise, I've been writing lots of letters, and have only recieved two (thanks Dad and Papa and Grandma), so if you expect to keep getting my letters, write me back please!!! The address is PO Box 4, McLeod, MT, 59052, so now you all have no excuses!
So, in conclusion, I'm doing well, but missing home a bit more than I thought I would. I'm ready for the season to start, and working had until then.
Goodbye for now! Have a great holiday weekend everyone!
My flights to Montana went well. On time for both if not even a little early. Flew into the Billings airport (largest city in Montana with a population of ~100,000). Found Phyllis, one of the owners, with ease as the airport is quite small. The ranch is very remote. About an hour and a half away from Big Timber, most of which is driven on a very poor dirt-and-boulder road. The address here is actually in McLeod, Montana, but McLeod basically just consists of a post office and a bar (The Roadkill).
Saw lots of wildlife in my time here so far. My first night in we saw a large adult Grizzly Bear across the way in a meadow! Very cool, as long as he stays across the river that is... I've also seen plenty of deer and elk, a coyote, several moose (one kept hanging around the "bunkhouse" where I live and thus was termed "Hannah's Moose" by the others), bald eagles, and several black bears.
The weather had been quite nice the first week I was here, but then this past week we had three days straight of cold snow! It was wet, heavy stuff, so it melted rather quickly, but nonetheless I was not exactly thrilled to see a sheet of white and be tromping through 4 or 5 inches of the stuff for that time. It's mostly gone again now, and instead we've been stuck with rain. It's supposed to get nice by mid-week though, so hopefully that holds true.
All but 2 staff have arrived at this point (both wranglers, one arriving today and one arriving tomorrow). For the most part, the other staff is great and I'm glad to be around them. The owners, Ron and Phyllis, are really great and treat the rest of us well. Phyllis and some of the others keep telling me how much they appreciate my hard work, so I must be doing something right thus far.
The first guests arrive June 1st (next Sunday), although there aren't very many guests the first two weeks. The first two sessions are "Wellness Weeks," something new they are trying this year. The horses won't be brought up the road (literally driven with people on horseback the 14 miles up the road) until June 6th, and so the regular sessions involving the horses won't begin until after the Wellness Weeks.
So far we've just been doing a lot of deep cleaning around the place-indoors and out- in preparation for the guests. The ranch had to be evacuated last year due to wildfires (cross your fingers it doesn't happen this year), and so the ranch was kind of left in less than ideal conditions at the end of last season. It's hard work, but bearable, and it will be worth it in the end when everything is spruced up and looking good. I think I will enjoy my time here more once guests arrive and we are able to get into a routine. I don't like having to ask what I'm supposed to be doing all of the time, and so it will be nice when everything is second nature and I can just go and do it with no questions asked.
I've been taking lots of pictures, but don't have anyway to get them on here currently unfortunately! I'll probably create entire albums on photobucket or something when I get back from the summer, so I'll be sure to link that here so you all can look through everything if you choose.
Things are going to get much crazier and busier here shortly, but I'll try to take some time to update this once every two weeks or so if I can! Otherwise, I've been writing lots of letters, and have only recieved two (thanks Dad and Papa and Grandma), so if you expect to keep getting my letters, write me back please!!! The address is PO Box 4, McLeod, MT, 59052, so now you all have no excuses!
So, in conclusion, I'm doing well, but missing home a bit more than I thought I would. I'm ready for the season to start, and working had until then.
Goodbye for now! Have a great holiday weekend everyone!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
35 hours and counting....
It's Sunday evening, which means in roughly 35 hours, I'll be in the airport and getting ready to head to Montana. It's strange, because it still almost doesn't seem real to me. This, of course, is rather ridiculous, because as I just mentioned, we are down to an hour countdown! I think it's finally hit me that I'm leaving soon, it just hasn't quite sunk in yet that I will not be coming back for 3 1/2 months! Ah well. I am nearly no longer a teenager. It is time for me to do something off completely on my own for once!
I'm not really sure I have a ton to say today! These past few days have been rather busy but fun. Wednesday I finished up my last final and moved out that night. Odd to be done with two years of college already. Thursday I went downtown (Des Moines) to have lunch with my dad and get a tour of some of the Principle buildings. The buildings were really great looking, and lunch was fun. On Friday I did some shopping and then went to an Iowa Cubs game that night with my dad and my grandparents. I hadn't been to a baseball game in quite awhile, so it was nice to do so again. The weather held out for us and the I-Cubs even won (in one of the fastest games I've ever seen!). My grandpa even got a foulball (it bounced off some guy's hands and literally landed in his lap). Finders keepers. :P
Yesterday was a crazy day. Helped out with some major house cleaning, then headed up to Ames for my brother's college graduation (Congrats again Andy!). After that we headed back to our house in Ankeny for a little party. Two of my dad's brothers and their families were there, along with my dad's grandparents, my brother's fiance, her parents and one of her sisters. My dad grilled out and my mom made tons of delicious desserts (3 pies and one sheet of brownies!). It was a full house for sure, and I think a good time was had by all.
Today was just spent doing some more shopping. This afternoon my grandparents, parents and I went to see the movie "The Visitor." Very good film, but rather sad and depressing as well. Even moreso when you realize things like that are happening to people everyday in the U.S.
Anyway, I think that's about all I have to say! Check back later and I'll try to add some pictures from the I-Cubs game and graduation. This will be my last post before I leave, and therefore I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again! If you'd like the address of where I'll be at, talk to my parents.
Until next time....
Hannah
Pictures:
My dad and my grandma before the game...
The game...
I'm not really sure I have a ton to say today! These past few days have been rather busy but fun. Wednesday I finished up my last final and moved out that night. Odd to be done with two years of college already. Thursday I went downtown (Des Moines) to have lunch with my dad and get a tour of some of the Principle buildings. The buildings were really great looking, and lunch was fun. On Friday I did some shopping and then went to an Iowa Cubs game that night with my dad and my grandparents. I hadn't been to a baseball game in quite awhile, so it was nice to do so again. The weather held out for us and the I-Cubs even won (in one of the fastest games I've ever seen!). My grandpa even got a foulball (it bounced off some guy's hands and literally landed in his lap). Finders keepers. :P
Yesterday was a crazy day. Helped out with some major house cleaning, then headed up to Ames for my brother's college graduation (Congrats again Andy!). After that we headed back to our house in Ankeny for a little party. Two of my dad's brothers and their families were there, along with my dad's grandparents, my brother's fiance, her parents and one of her sisters. My dad grilled out and my mom made tons of delicious desserts (3 pies and one sheet of brownies!). It was a full house for sure, and I think a good time was had by all.
Today was just spent doing some more shopping. This afternoon my grandparents, parents and I went to see the movie "The Visitor." Very good film, but rather sad and depressing as well. Even moreso when you realize things like that are happening to people everyday in the U.S.
Anyway, I think that's about all I have to say! Check back later and I'll try to add some pictures from the I-Cubs game and graduation. This will be my last post before I leave, and therefore I'm not sure when I'll be able to update again! If you'd like the address of where I'll be at, talk to my parents.
Until next time....
Hannah
Pictures:
My dad and my grandma before the game...The game...
My grandpa and his ball
My grandpa and I
Fireworks after the game...
Graduates starting to file in (more grad pics to come!)
My dad and I. Slightly bored before the ceremony.
Andy and I.
Andy, my mom, and I.
A cute picture of my dog. Just because....
Friday, May 2, 2008
Good-bye Classes
As of about half an hour ago, I am officially done with going to class (for this semester anyway) . I have three finals next week and will be done come Wednesday. It's exciting and crazy to think about. In less than a week, I'll be halfway done with my undergraduate degree. Furthermore, since I'll be studying in Ireland this fall, I have only three semesters left at Iowa State University. Which means, I've completed more semesters here than I have remaining!!
I also completed my last tutoring sessions this week. If you don't remember, I got dropped from my plant pathology lab job at the beginning of the semester due to budget cuts. I began tutoring in February for the second course in the chemistry series for science majors (Chem 178 for you ISU people). I ended up with 5 separate sessions, two of which met twice a week. I was kind of nervous in the beginning, as I can be a bit shy in front of groups, but it actually turned out to be a good fit for me. I never had more than 4 people in a group, and that was a good size. I don't think I'd ever like to be a professor teaching in front of 200+ kids at once, but 4 or less was definitely doable and even fun at times! It was also a great review for me for when I take the DAT (Dental Admission's Test) come September.
So, speaking of September, I figure I should give a rundown of my shenanigans (isn't that such a fun word?) after the dude ranch. I'll be flying home from Montana on August 31st, a Sunday. I'll be leaving from Des Moines for Ireland on Tuesday, September 9th. In that time frame that I'll be home, I'll be quite busy! My birthday is September 2nd (I won't be a teenager anymore!), I'm taking the DAT on September 4th, and my brother, Andy, is getting married on September 6th. I also hope to get up to Ames sometime in there to visit some of my college friends. I'm sure I'll also try to pack in some things like doctor's appointments, and oh yeah, packing for Ireland!!
So, Ireland. As I said, I'll be leaving for Ireland on September 9th. I'll be living in Cork (city), Ireland, and will be attending classes at the University of College Cork. Cork is the third largest city in Ireland (after Dublin and Belfast) and is located in Southern Ireland near the coast. The city is an important seaport. The River Lee runs through the heart of the city, and the apartment I'll be living in, Leeside Apartments, is located on the river near the city centre (notice the UK spelling! I'm practicing! ;)). Most of their apartment complexes there are similar to the style of Frederickson Court Apartments here in Ames. This means that there are usually between 1-6 bedrooms in an apartment, and you just pay to rent a room. I've heard the area I'll be living in is a great location, and I can't wait to experience it.
The University will between a 5 and 30 minute walk from my apartment (I've been told both of these numbers and everything in between by various people). The University has about 12,000 students and from what I can tell, a beautiful campus! From what I've been told, the system there is a bit different. Much less time is spent in class, and it's much more of a "work at your own pace" kind of thing. Meaning, very few assignments throughout the semester, with most of your score resting on a final exam or paper at the end. Of course, I'll have to tell more about this when I'm actually able to experience it first hand. At this point in time, I do not know what classes I will be taking there. I put in some of my preferences for courses in my application, but I will not know for awhile if I get into those ones or not. Apparently, after two weeks of classes, there is a college fair type thing where all of the departments set up booths and give you information about classes. At that point, you could apparently change all of your courses if you so chose.
Anyway, that's the bulk of information I know about Ireland at this time. I feel like I should perhaps know more, but at the same time I'd rather learn by experiencing. So I'll leave you all for now with some pictures of Ireland from the internet (yes, be jealous, be VERY jealous! :P).
Cork City
Shots from University College Cork
And other random shots from around Ireland.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Two Weeks From Today
It seems this year will be full of adventures for me. So, like any college girl in the 21st century, I feel this warrants a blog! Hopefully it will be a good way for people to keep up with what is going on in my life and a good way for me to reflect and track my own shenanigans. :)
So, the adventures for the year:
Two weeks from today, I will be hopping (well, okay, probably just walking) onto a plane and heading to Montana for the summer. I will be working at the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch. For those of you remember the ranch vacation I went on with my parents two summers ago, yes, this is the same place. You can view their website here. My technical position title there will be a housekeeper. While I will be doing things like making beds and cleaning rooms, I assure everyone this is not your average housekeeping position.
The ranch itself is rather special (or at least I like to think so!). It's address is McLeod, Montana, but really it is off by itself in the mountains. The last hour or so to the ranch is on a lightly traveled dirt road. There's no television, no Internet (I don't think), no newspapers, and no cell phone service. The ranch itself is a rather small operation. There are about 8 employees, plus the owners, and in one week there is never more than 23 or 24 guests. The high employee to guest ratio means that guests and employees are interacting a lot. Everyone eats meals together, and things like campfires and volleyball are common in the evenings.
And of course, there are the horses! Obviously, this is one of the main attractions for me (although the location is so beautiful and has so much to offer on it's own as well). Housekeepers (there will be two of us) tend to have more time off in the afternoons, so I'm told, in which we have free time to do as we wish. Between this and my one day off per week, I'm hoping to get in a fair amount of horse time. The hiking and just "hanging out" areas there are amazing as well.
So, that's my blurb on the ranch. As I mentioned, I do not believe I will have Internet access there. However, I'm thinking that I may be able to access a computer several times during the summer when I'm able to get into town. I'll try to update this blog at those times to give everybody some news.
So, my other main adventure this year...
Come this September, I'll be flying abroad to study in Cork, Ireland for the semester. Since I've blabbed so much about the ranch already, I will hold off on all of the Ireland talk for now. It is, after all, nearly finals time (next week!) and blogging isn't exactly the most constructive thing I could be doing presently!
So, in conclusion, welcome to my blog. Read what you want, when you want. :)
So, the adventures for the year:
Two weeks from today, I will be hopping (well, okay, probably just walking) onto a plane and heading to Montana for the summer. I will be working at the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch. For those of you remember the ranch vacation I went on with my parents two summers ago, yes, this is the same place. You can view their website here. My technical position title there will be a housekeeper. While I will be doing things like making beds and cleaning rooms, I assure everyone this is not your average housekeeping position.
The ranch itself is rather special (or at least I like to think so!). It's address is McLeod, Montana, but really it is off by itself in the mountains. The last hour or so to the ranch is on a lightly traveled dirt road. There's no television, no Internet (I don't think), no newspapers, and no cell phone service. The ranch itself is a rather small operation. There are about 8 employees, plus the owners, and in one week there is never more than 23 or 24 guests. The high employee to guest ratio means that guests and employees are interacting a lot. Everyone eats meals together, and things like campfires and volleyball are common in the evenings.
And of course, there are the horses! Obviously, this is one of the main attractions for me (although the location is so beautiful and has so much to offer on it's own as well). Housekeepers (there will be two of us) tend to have more time off in the afternoons, so I'm told, in which we have free time to do as we wish. Between this and my one day off per week, I'm hoping to get in a fair amount of horse time. The hiking and just "hanging out" areas there are amazing as well.
So, that's my blurb on the ranch. As I mentioned, I do not believe I will have Internet access there. However, I'm thinking that I may be able to access a computer several times during the summer when I'm able to get into town. I'll try to update this blog at those times to give everybody some news.
So, my other main adventure this year...
Come this September, I'll be flying abroad to study in Cork, Ireland for the semester. Since I've blabbed so much about the ranch already, I will hold off on all of the Ireland talk for now. It is, after all, nearly finals time (next week!) and blogging isn't exactly the most constructive thing I could be doing presently!
So, in conclusion, welcome to my blog. Read what you want, when you want. :)
Pictures of the ranch from two summers ago:
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