Ireland

Leaving Ireland

by Sannie Olson, 2011 ISP

Well, we are tearfully leaving the Emerald Island behind. This has been our home for four months, and so many memories have developed and embedded themselves in our minds. There's no way we will ever, ever forget this amazing experience in this one-of-a-kind town with it's equally as unique people. 

This past weekend was full of laughs, tears, and see-you-laters as we crammed as many activities as we could into our final days. Thursday, we had our formal farewell banquet with the cottage board; we were joined by Peter, Theresa, Eoin, John and Brenda Staughten, and Dave, Sue, Pat, and Molly O'Toole. After a delicious dinner and heartfelt speeches from the professors and John, we danced the night away one last time. 

With Jen joining us, we had a grand adventure Friday morning. We biked a forty-five minute trek to Crough Patrick, and then proceeded to climb to the summit for lunch. The excursion took just under three hours where we saw Gandalf and the most amazing view of Louisburgh and the surrounding areas we consider our backyard. With knees shaking and big toes sore, we hopped back on our bikes in the sudden downpour and peddled the seven miles back home. 

After a bit of packing, organizing, and booking hostels, we sat down to a delicious BBQ where we delved into sausages, burgers, chicken, and a wide spread of sides, desserts, and drinks. Soon after, we found ourselves in our old classroom for the No-Talent Talent Show. We were awed by the musical talents of PJ and the Flannels who penned their own lyrics riddled with memories we've gathered along our way. Preston sang, Bill mimed, and Nathan, accompanied by Scott and Preston, sang their rendition of Friday and Don't Stop Believing. Just following, we viewed the collection of short video clips Nathan compiled to music. We each received a copy of this wonderful memory bank, along with personal notes! Eoin, who joined us for this part of the evening, delivered us one final time back to the cottages on our mobile home, our bus. Great fun was had as memories were shared.

Sunday and yesterday found us packing, weighing, repacking, throwing out clothes, toiletries, etc., and cleaning profusely around the cottage. We even had a burning party in which we tossed our notebooks and handouts into a blazing, last fire. Good byes were shared throughout the weekend, with many promises to see each other again. 

What an experience we will never forget. 

Reif Run, Surfing, Faculty B-day, Volleyball and Studying!

Great Week in Louisburgh
by Sannie Olson, ISP 2011 Participant 

Tuesday found us back to school after the nice, extended weekend. After class and a bit of homework, the sun beckoned a group of us to the lawn to partake in numerous games of volleyball, an activity which has become quite routine this past week! We are a mixture of skill levels, and attention spans, and many a great laugh are heard throughout the afternoons as accidents occur and handstand competitions begin! After dinner and a bit more homework, our cottage mates trekked to the GAA's Gaelic football pitch to watch Ben Hodapp sprint up and down the field. We only made him blush a few times upon our arrival, again when he scored a goal (three points), and finally when his team won the match! My evening ended pleasantly watching a few episodes of Breaking Bad (such a great show!) with Jen and Anna.

Yesterday was not only Nathan's birthday, but it was also the annual St Scholastica Reif Run. Not wanting to miss out on traditions and break our continuous participation, Bill marked out a 5k course for us. We registered, we ran, we finished, and we will supposedly be receiving shirts upon our return home! Volleyball followed the race! Later on in the evening, everybody attending Nathan's birthday celebration at Joe Mac's. Great craic!

Today, WE WENT SURFING!!!! And what a blast it was! We were picked up from the cottages and brought to Carrowinsky Beach, where we were quickly outfitted with full bodied wetsuits and boots. After shimmying into the cold, damp, sandy, spandexy suit, we grabbed boards and headed to the water's edge for our first lesson: getting on the board and riding the wave to shore on our bellies. Level one: completed with great satisfaction with the help of Charles. Back to the sand, we had lesson two: standing. Level two: completed with great difficulties! I had multiple tumbles, face plants, and belly flops, but boy, oh boy, I did get up!! A few times, at that! This experience is definitely one of the highlights of the Ireland trip!

As I sit here now, my toes, hands, and abs ache for my battles with the sand and surf. I am exhausted, but exhilarated with today's activities! Now, off to a dance party in Cottage 3!