Songs From Ireland

Some of the songs we've listened to and learned about over here that have liked

Guinness Factory

Today was one of our friends birthdays so she decided what she wanted to do was go to the Guinness factory. We first stopped at Dublin Castle and took a few pictures but everyone was excited for the Factory. It was not a guided tour but rather a go along your own pace tour, which spanned up 5 flights. You started on the lower floors seeing the ingredients that go in, but they were all through videos not actually seeing anything which was a surprise. Then as you go up you get history and then see advertisements throughout the years. It was interesting, not what I expected. Halfway through you get a small taste test of some Guinness which is like a tease. On the top floor you is the Gravity Bar which is round, glass bar where can redeem your ticket for free pint. Was so good, like an entire different drink then tastes like in the States. Guinness definitely my favourite beer

Last Friday to Thursday

Last Friday Night we went to the party with international business students. We were the first to arrive, so as many times you see, the Champlain students congregated together at some tables and as some others foreign students filtered in they went to their own tables. The venue was the upper floor of club with some tables and a dj, which made it loud and small. Pretty sure Chris and I were first to say f**k it and go sit with a few students who were from France. We talked to them about their studies and what they thought of dublin and other parts of Europe. Met some others from China and Africa. A dude from Germany said everything in Dublin is more expensive then any place else in Europe and Berlin was great place to try and party. Found that drinks upstairs in club more exspensive then down so everyone was going back and forth from down there. Then just turned into huge dance sesh on the floor...all american music. Which is all we've heard since we got here, american culture at its finest. On Tuesday, Music class went to Masamba class,which was brazillian type music with drums, which was in a small cold almost storage bin like building, . We learned beats on three different types of drums and bells

lady on far left and dude on far right were instructors.(picture taken from google not mine) On bass drums instructors said I was one who could match on beat switches and follow along best so if lost follow me, and of course as soon as started messed up, but was a lot of fun. Since then not much just relaxed week, gym and classes been it. But now weekend has begun so let's see what happens from here..

Friday Night

Thursday night provided a great deal of fun and drinks. Tonight we have a party with the International Business students at a club in Dublin. There are students from Spain, Germany and even some American students along with some other countries. But before a night out with them have to have a family dinner...this is just straight class

First week of classes DONE

We have now gotten through our first week of classes. All of them this week were basically introductions, getting to know the teachers and the basics of the course. The very first class was music based class starting off with some pretty cool music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNLyMeoQ42s then my literature class which will go through the like of many Irish writers such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. Then a science class that delves into earth science, geology etc. which takes you through the Earths creation to why storms happen, gaining your own opinion on global warming with having an understanding of science, etc, which is also paired with a lab class. Also an intercultural communications class which discusses how we communicate with other cultures and gaining a better understanding of why they live the way they live. And lastly a marketing class that last semester created Hireland, which has established over 100 jobs this year. Big shoes to fill. I can't wait to really jump into them next week. But for now, time to kick back, head out and have a few less euro in my pocket

End of Orientation

Yesterday we took a hike to Bray. It was a little town on the coast that we got to by train. There was a mountain (or large hill as we all called it) with a cross at the top. We hiked up, my roommate Chris and I getting to the top first. It was an amazing view looking down on the village. We spent time up there and then went down to the Porterhouse where we all met for dinner. Chris and I asked the bartender what he recommened and pointed to a beer called Plain, which had a sign saying  “The Best Stout in the World", probably my favorite drink I've had so far. Today we got a guided tour around Trinity college and a few other places in Dublin. Tonight we tried O'Neill's for the first time and the food was excellent and large portions to. Soon out to the pubs for our first Saturday night!

First day Orientation

Today was the first day of orientation. We walked as a group to the campus, was about 1/2 hour from our apartment. The school is one small building that goes up four floors. We met some of the faculty and they sent us out in groups on scavenger hunt through the city where we had to find certain things, get pictures with people and talk to others. Our group was awesome, which included me and Chris and few other people who were awesome. Two were very much willing to ask anyone anything which was awesome. After we had short break and then out to dinner with some faculty. Started with small area to mingle with teachers and students and then all eat with teachers mixed in with students. Was awesome being able to have a drink and talk with teachers who had all kinds of advice from travel to just dublin living tips. Tomorrow is hike out in Bray and dinner with more faculty. Can't wait

Gym

Of course after pubs day 1 meant find gym day 2. We googled around and found one called Iveagh, very nice looking which was pay per month rather than 12 month contract. Was about 10 minute walk (my cardio) and got a tour. It was not because the girl helping us was attractive.....well maybe it was, but we decided to get a 3 month gym membership for 150euro which sets us up for our whole semester ($192.00).

First Night Out contd...

So...Chris and I, along with about 9 other Champlain students ended up going out tonight, but after a couple drinks we decided to call it a night due to our wallets being thinner than the bills that live in them. Temple Bar was a pretty happening place, but bit over priced. So far the pubs we've hit have been Brazen Pub, Tom Kennedy's, and Temple Bar. All good, but differed a lot in price and atmosphere. Classes start on Monday so best to get some exploring done before that begins. For tomorrow - find gym and stop looking completely American (Tims, carhartts, my face, etc)

First Night Out

We all were very tired so decided to head out around 5 o'clock and hit Tom Kennedey's for our first drink in Ireland. We all ordered a Guinness and then headed to Brazen Head for dinner which was delicious and right next to where we stay. Two Guinness and a Smithwicks down to start the trip off the right way

The Apartment

Irleand day 1

Arrived it Dublin at 4:45 local time. Was a long flight, very little leg room, especially with a bad knee. We got through customs quickly, the man made a joke of my O'Neill last name, saying definitely Irish can't hide that. Hoping that means I'll get that accent pretty quick. Got about 4 hours of sleep then went off on our quick tour around our block. Few little shops and pubs, along with a couple butcher shops i'm sure we'll get to. First purchase, Hoegaarden, milk, bread. Tonight heading to the Brazen Head Pub