A Day in Dublin

     Starting off the morning bright and early mom and I went for a run along the Irish Sea. It was beautiful and a nice change of scenery. Especially for mom, as she is used to running on icy snowy roads through the woods. Used to cold Wisconsin mornings mom put on a fleece and windbreaker. Gently reminding her we were in Ireland I persuaded her to ditch the fleece. It's great to go out for a run and not feel like your lungs are going to burst.

     Returning from our run, cleaning up and heading downstairs we met Jose from Spain and Caroline from Sligo for breakfast. The family was able to experience their first full Irish breakfast. I even ate black pudding: a form of sausage made by cooking blood with a filler. It looks nasty, sounds nasty, but surprisingly tasted good. Now I won't say it's my favorite, and by no means would I ask for it as a snack. However, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised, especially after all the horror stories I've heard about it.
     Our start was a bit later than desired, but we were still able to make it into the city at a decent hour, leaving plenty of time to explore. Mary explained the "hop on-hop off" bus was our best option, giving us a guided tour of the city, yet allowing us freedom to get on and off when and wherever we'd like. Kilmainham Gaol, formerly a prison became our first stop of the day. Chalked full of history and character it seemed as though each wall had thousands of memories and tales to tell. The East Wing pictured below has been the filming site of over 100 movies, including the Italian Job.

East Wing of Kilmainham Goal.

Prisoner Katie in her cell.

Prisoners were required to use the spiral staircase rather than the straight center stairs because it required them to be in a single file line. With the angle of the stairs it would also slow them down, decreasing the likelihood of rowdy behavior.

Mug shots of prisoners were taken as they sat on this chair. Now if this doesn't look like the most uncomfortable chair ever, I don't know what does.

What a bummer when the prison puts spikes on the pipes making it impossible to climb up and escape.

     Our next stop was the Jameson Distillery. What a bummer it was to show up and be told the wait for tickets was two hours and the distillery would close in an hour and a half. No luck for us...but wait. Not with Russ Jamison on the job. Walking up to a man in a suit and tie, Dad explained his surname was Jamison and has always wanted to make a trip to the distillery. With a warm smile the gentleman reached in his back pocket and pulled out two complimentary tickets. Dad waited in the queue as Katie and I were off taking pictures. Somehow we still needed to secure two more tickets. Katie and I didn't know what had just happened and walked up to the same gentleman, he questioned if we already had tickets as he was turning guests away. We explained we didn't have tickets, but pointed to our parents waiting in the queue. Recognizing Mom and Dad the gentleman chuckled and said "Oooh, well then!" and pulled out two more complimentary tickets. We were in!

     Concluding our tour we were quite hungry, but it was getting late and pubs aren't very consistent when it comes to serving food late. On our way to the pub pizza caught our eye.

The pizza was quick, easy and filling. I'm glad we made the stop! On next destination was live trad music.  Just so happened to be at Abbey's Tavern. The very first song they asked if anyway one was from Galway as they played Galway Girl! I knew it was going to be a good night :  )

Tomorrows final destination is Kilarney. What we'll do in between here and there, who knows? It'll be another adventure!


With Love from Dublin

St. Patty's Day

 
     The Gang's all here. Who would've thought the entire Jamison crew would end up celebrating St. Patricks day in Dublin, Ireland? It's crazy, but it sure was fun. With only 4 hours of sleep, a bit of last minute packing and a bowl of cereal I was off to the bus station. Getting up in plenty of time, I'm not sure how I let myself leave the apartment so late. Running to the bus station, with my heavy backpack and cute boots on was not getting me anywhere fast. Switching to my running shoes, I began my "sprint", not much of a sprint as I felt like a camel with a large heap of belongings loaded on my back. My concern hit overload when I realized the bus was leaving in a matter of minutes and the station was no where in site. This was a five-year-old-separated-from-his-mother-in-the-grocery-store sheer panic feeling. Sweating, sprinting in anguish I made the bus by literally seconds. Let's just say it was an experience I don't ever want to repeat.
     Arriving at the airport Mom, Dad and Katie were easy to find and off we went. Renting our car, everyone was thankful to have an SUV, as I had explained earlier, cars here are just tiny. Villy is not even able to fit a guitar in the back of his car. How exactly was luggage for 4 going to fit in a car like that? Quite simply, it wasn't. Therefore the SUV was clearly our best option. What a comical sight watching Dad try to figure out how to drive. Flipping on windshield wipers, nearly killing us in the roundabout, misunderstanding the GPS. If only my video camera would have worked at the time. It would have made for some great footage.
    At last we arrived at Dunaoibhinn, our cute little B&B just outside of Dublin. Katie and I share a room as well as our own private bathroom. It's nice and tidy, with incredibly friendly hosts. Mary and Ernest are just brilliant!

So cute!

Seeing as though everyone is more than a bit tired, we were slow getting settled in. This meant missing the train, so Ernest got the car and told us to pile in! Giving detailed directions Ernest made sure to get us there on time, he is just grand.

The Dart train saved us a lot of chaotic travel in the car.

   Before leaving downtown Mom brought in a little gift from the Mobergs. Chocolate! You can't ever go wrong giving a girl chocolate, not to mention a Reeses peanut butter Easter egg. This was one request I forgot to ask my parents to bring over with them, needless to say I was delighted to find it in my gift. In addition to the yummy chocolate was also a great question: How does the cross affect your daily life? A great question to be answered each morning. It was a great reminder of home and my wonderful church family Thank you Mobergs!

    Off we went to the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade. Each year it's themed based upon a book. This years was Brilliant by Roddy Doyle. Decked in green gear and drinking shamrock shakes we celebrated St. Patty's day in style

     Even the youngest members were joining in the celebration.

Brightly painted faces lined Dublin's streets as spectators waited in anticipation of the parade.

Amazing colors and flashy outfits worn by parade members created quite the sight as they danced and sang their way along the parade route.

     It has been a long day with many sights and sounds around the city. Mom and I have an early morning run planned and plenty more sights to see with the family downtown Dublin. Goodnight!

With Love from Dublin

Is this real?

     Finish devotions, eat breakfast, patch jeans and check bag were all on my to-do list before leaving to the bus station.  As odd as it sounds, patching my jeans using an iron on patch was a comforting feeling of home. Thankful to get the patches by mail before my trip, they came in perfect time...sort of. Originally asking for patches a month ago, mom forgot and then forgot again, and again...eventually it just became laughable. A joke of sorts whether she would get here before the patches would. They beat her by exactly a week...it was a close call. 

     With my to-do list complete, the girls and I departed for the bus station. Brian, the gem that he is, sorted out a new bus time, allowing us a bit more sleep and preparation. By 11am we were off to Kerry. Sitting next to the window allowing warm sunlight to poor in, my North Face fleece became a warm blanket, draped over my shoulders, as I fell asleep listening to my ipod. I've never slept so well on a bus. Waking from the peaceful slumber, I was bummed to leave the bus, it was cozy ride with beautiful scenery. Baby lambs running through fields, chasing after one another, following close behind mom was a favorite scene as we ventured through the countryside. 

     Entering Limerick for a change in buses we passed flowering trees lining a park fence. Small white flowers bloomed from puffy round trees, creating the appearance of branches covered with tiny white Q-tips. A welcoming sign of spring and it's beautiful flowers to come. In addition to flowers another unusual sight popped up. Limos....limos? Wait a second,  an average size car in ireland is hardly the size of a compact car in the U.S. How in the world can a limo drive on Irish roads. It is beyond me how a limo would ever get around Ireland, but I've officially seen 4, all on the same city. I shall call Limerick: the land of limos.  On our new bus leaving Limerick the countryside came quickly as sights of heifers grazing in fields approached. Silly, yes, but it was comforting to see the heifers as they remind me of the farm back in Black River.

    Along the way frequent stops were made, picking up other travelers. Hygiene is viewed differently in every culture. The nationality of the next travelers to board I was unfamiliar with. However, BO is universal. Recognizing their less than pleasant smell I as grateful I wasn't seated in the middle of them, like poor Lindsay. Yikes I felt bad for her. Scarves are worn in many different fashions and useful for a variety of things. Fridays use: odor blocker, wrapping it around my face shielding my nose from the undesirable scent.

     Our very first stop was 

     The Ring of Kerry hotel was our weekend accommodation. A real hotel? Feeling like royalty after staying in so many hostels I wandered the hallways gawking at beautiful paintings, chandelier light fixtures and cozy couches. Was this real? We were actually staying in a hotel? No bunk beds, dirty carpets, rowdy backpackers? Wow this truly was a hotel! 

     Arriving in time for dinner I chose beef lasagna and a banana and toffee pie dessert. Both were scrumptious. Every meal eaten at the hotel felt like a race. Looking like starving orphans spending a weekend at Daddy Warbucks house we gorged ourselves as if each meal would be the last we would ever see. That is, until we return to Galway and eat our pb&j for meals on end. 

     Following dinner, Michol , a native of south Kerry spoke to us about growing up in Ireland. His stories were humorous and enlightening. Marian and Anja taught us several tradition Ceili Irish dances as a live trad band played for us. As my partner, Brian whirled me around the floor until my head spun and stomach churned in disapproval. We had an absolute blast, it reminded me of a young age when mom and dad would teach us to polka. Simply bouncing around not exactly making precise steps to the beat of the music. Our Irish dancing had it's moments of bouncing rather than actual dancing.

     Dancing had me beat, by 11:30pm I was dead asleep as another early morning came along. Breakfast served at 8:30 and off to the bus by 9:15am. Irish breakfasts are....interesting. Generally, tomatoes, eggs, sausages and bacon are served. Irish sausage is squishy in the middle and the bacon has a lot of fat. I'm not complaining, they aren't what  I'd make, but they could be MUCH worse. Loading the bus we took off for our Skeilig Ring Tour, our first stop was Valentia Island. The closest I'll get to the states without leaving Ireland. 

     Growing up in South Kerry Marian knows everyone, literally everyone. As we drove along no matter who it was Marian would call out their name and wave, proceeding to give us their life story. It was neat to see how close everyone was, but the best experience was traveling through the small valley village she grew up in. As she pointed out her great uncles house, grandathers farm and other relatives she also pointed out her mothers new house. Looking to my left her mother, father and sister waved from their living room window as her brother ran outside to snap a picture of us. How cute!
     Stopping at a local farm we hiked up to the top of a mountain for beautiful scenic views below out over the island.

     Valentia is also known for it's slate rock. Visiting the massive slate quarry, flat slate slabs piled one on top of another line the roadway.

    A near by beach provided a wonderful beach and castle a just a few meters out. Without wellies the walk over was a bit too wet. However, many students climbed their way up and over playing inside the castle.

    While in Cahersiveen a local Gaelic Football game was held down at the pitch. 17-18 year old boys played a match in the warm sun Saturday afternoon. This is one tough sport, as almost anything goes. A combination of football, soccer and basketball, it's nuts trying to follow the players. Gaelic football plays a huge role in Irish society, as a local bank uses it's advertisement as "You're born into your team" It's actually true, there is no trading of clubs, you play for the hometown team...always.

     Sunday morning we couldn't have asked for better weather as we soaked up the morning sun on our 40 minute trek up to stone forts. On our way we met with a farmer allowing us to hold his baby lambs.

     The views from this weekends trip were just spectacular. My brain is shutting down as I'm tired and have to pack for my next adventure. There are so many stories I'm leaving out, but hopefully you're enjoying the beauty of the God's creation through the pictures :   )

With Love from Galway

Off again...

       Friday morning and off on another adventure. This weekends destination, the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Both of which I'll make a repeat visit with my family next week, but the beauty of God's creation never gets old, so I certainly won't complain. 3D nights always fall on travel weekends, meaning 4-5 hrs of sleep and early mornings ...ouch. However, this mornings devo was perfect for the weekends adventure. Seeing as though the trip is arranged through my program and price included in my total payment and the adventure is well worth it. We are even staying in a hotel! I feel like royalty after all of these hostels. Anyway the point is, although the trip is will be great craic I still have major assignments worth most or all of my mark. Papers and tests looming over my head doesn't make for a clear mind to go off and travel. However, I know I need to trust God with my time and be thankful for the opportunity in front of me. Most girls in my program love to go out until the wee hours of the morning, which is grand. However, as most of you know this girl does not function well in such a setting. On all of our other trips Abby C. and I have stuck close and returned home early. Sadly, Abby C. didn't come with my program and will therefore not be with me for the weekend. I will greatly miss my traveling companion, however this mornings devotion reminded me of God's strength. No matter how tired I am from either staying out late or the general fatigue of travel, it is not my own strength I draw from, it is that of my Heavenly Fathers.
    

Jesus Calling:     

      "When I gave you My Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength. That's why it is so wrong to measure your energy level against the challenges ahead of you. The issue is not your strength but Mine, which is limitless. By walking close to Me, you can accomplish My purposes in My strength."

Any worrisome thoughts of a draining weekend are futile. Whether, stretching, challenging, relaxing or crazy the energy for my weekend will be provided for. 

      The circus has come to town. Tom Duffy's Circus set up camp next door to Gort na Coirbe apartments. A giant blue text, flashing lights and signs posted everywhere give life to the circus. The signs read "Chinese Circus" as irish flags fly high above the tents top. Chinese circus in Ireland? Something about that is just odd. No matter it's oddities it's a popular attraction as long lines of cars wait to join the fun. As I biked past I couldn't help but noticed the scene. Glowing in the dark of night, stage lights inside sent shadows flashing across the blue tent as the booming voice of the ringmaster penetrated the air. Although circus' can be kind of creepy I must admit the scene was quite intriguing, reminding me of Dumbo.

     Spoiled with warm temperature, bright sunshine, and an absence of wind and rain the weather been delight the last week and half. Unfortunately, the wind and rain have returned, it's only fitting my family experience the real Ireland. If they came only to experience sunshine and spring weather, they would never fully understand the damp feeling which soaks through all of Ireland. Whipping and howling the winds ominous sound alone gives a dreadful feeling to the thought of venturing out.  Trekking across the bridge on foot is uncomfortable enough with gust sweeping you from one side to the other. However, biking across is a different story, nearly impossible as you feel like you're biking up a mountain. Watching the proud Connacht Providence flags whip in the wind as you slowly, but surely make your way across.

In these moments of complaint, flowers and shrubbery come to view in the corner of my eye. Wind may be nasty, but I must be thankful, I wouldn't be seeing this in Wisconsin right now:

     Tim and Joan Cummings hosted last nights 3D evening. Providing, tacos, brownies, ice cream and candy we were full to the brim by the nights end. A cozy home, inviting friends and delicious food made for brilliant craic.

 Last night also marked a major event in my life. For the first time ever, I voluntarily watched a movie for a second time, ALL THE WAY THROUGH, with having seen it in the last month. This wasn't just any movie, this was Inception. A movie requiring constant attention connecting scenes and actions. It was difficult, but I did it. Jordyn you've got to be beaming. :  )

Brownie pudding & tea

 Yikes time to pack! I'll return with more stories and photos from the weekend. To all of those who officially start spring break today. Enjoy!!

With Love from Galway

Chicken Little Finds Peace

  

     PS 416-Applied Organisational Psychology fulfills a required Community Health Education credit needed for my major. Comprised of 3rd year (seniors) psychology students, the Irish course is much different than any I've had before. No clear direction is given as lectures bounce form one topic to another. Introductory Psych 100 is the only psych course I've taken, therefore my knowledge in the subject area is very limited. With an assignment worth 25% of our mark, Dr. O'Hora came across as very accommodating during lecture, encouraging us to ask question and seek help if necessary. E-mailing him a week or so later I received a reply stating he didn't meet with students in regards to assignments. Wait a second! Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Is he serious? Roadblock #1. Well his assistant was very kind and she too offered help on numerous occasions. Sending her a message for help sent me to Roadblock #2. Telling me Dr. O'Hora administered the assignment, she would forward my e-mail to him... Oh great, not helping. Professor number three, Padraig Mac Neela, can you please help? His response: this isn't my field of expertise, but I'll look over it for you. Thank goodness!

     True to Irish form Padraig was in no hurry to give feedback on my assignment. At this point anxiety and worry were dominating my thoughts. Finally getting back to me Monday I received Padraig's critique on my assignment due Wednesday! Lately, surrendering my time to the Lord has been a struggle. My Jesus calling devotion has been helpful, especially March 6th that reminded me Jesus is not subject to limitations of time or space. Trying to keep this in mind the next few days I still struggled to focus on devotions knowing papers were due and assignments yet to be finished.

     Yesterday morning my rushing through devos was over. I needed to give God my first fruits and spend my morning giving Him my undivided attention. The mornings devotion was as follows:

        Save your best striving for seeking My face. I am constantly communicating with you. To find Me and hear My voice, you must seek Me above all else. Anything that you desire more than Me becomes an idol. When you are determined to get your own way, you blot Me out of your consciousness. Instead of single-mindedly pursuing some goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit, so that you can see it from My perspective. If the goal fits into My plans for you, I will help you reach it. If it is contrary to My will for you, I will gradually change the desire of your heart. seek Me first and foremost, then the rest of your life will fall into place, piece by piece. 


     Wanting these assignments and papers done so badly, they became my focus as I pushed God out of my thoughts. In particular this difficulty pertaining to my psychology assignment had overwhelmed me. Knowing it was quickly approaching, due the next day, I had yet to finish my devotions. I prayed that God would help put me at ease as I surrendered my time to him. After all he is not subject to limitations in time or space. Generally devotions take me between 30min-hour in the morning. The clock read 10:50 as I began writing my prayers. They seemed to come alive as I was lost in God's love and his sweet communication with me. Finally! I had let go and allowed God to speak to me. My time in prayer felt as though 3 hours had passed. Thankful I'd taken the time to spend with God and not allow my time crunch to take over, I noticed the clock read 11:00am. 10 minutes! God is so good, and indeed is not limited by time. Asking for his help in my surrender and time to finish my assignment He provided in a mighty way.

Throughout the day I was able to focus on Him and feel His presence. Roadblock after roadblock this assignment wasn't getting any easier. It felt as though I was Chicken Little and the sky was falling. Nothing was going right regarding this assignment. Rather than stress about it, I was able to seek God and see from His perspective. Maybe He's trying to teach me something? In the end a single assignment my sophomore year of college is not going to affect the rest of my life. God is sovereign, therefore it doesn't matter whether it's an assignment or the sky truly is falling I am able to rest in God's peace. What a beautiful and freeing feeling.

Regrettably this mind set and focus on God didn't carry through until evening. Allowing worry to creep in around the same time I asked Dad to proofread my paper I let my thoughts get carried away. Suddenly I panicked thinking my assignment wouldn't get done. Loosing my patiences and temper I was very short with dad. An apology is owed, Dad I am sorry I lost my patience with you. I appreciate and value the help you gave me.

The assignment is finished and over with. It's great to be done and know I cannot do anything to change it. On a lighter note I returned to my bike to find a lovely daffodil stuck through my breaks.

Having been gone all day, I'm starving and must leave for CU shortly. 

With Love from Galway

Pancakes & Solitude

      Good Morning Galway! Spring has sprung and it sure is beautiful. One of my favorite flowers, yellow daffodils have popped up everywhere. They are a wonderful sight. The drought has ended this morning with a fresh sprinkling of rain, after going over a week without it. I must admit it was quite nice and welcome back anytime. My family would most likely appreciate the unusually dry weather as they are not used to being poured on everyday. Speaking of which, the count down until their arrival is only 9 short days. Ahh!! I've got lots to do before they get here.

    Yesterday, up early at 4:45am I laid in bed for 3 hours ...why?!? I haven't a clue. Such a lazy start to the morning put me behind schedule not allowing time for a run. Frustrated by my lack of motivation the morning was a bit unsettling. However, Monday's 2:30pm yoga class always makes my day. On our return from campus the sunlit fields and warm air made it irresistible to be outside. Feeling refreshed, flexible and ready for a run, my fancy new shoes and I were set to take on the road.

Ironically my t-shirt is from a track meet which reads
"All set?, you bet!"

      Sunshine radiating on my pale skin and wind blowing through my hair couldn't have made the days run any better. Around mile 1.5 my lung weren't cooperating, settling for a .5mi walk I was later able to pick up the pace again. Seeing as though it was 5pm, many cars whizzed past as rush hour traffic returned home from work. Reaching the countryside traffic slowed and silence swept over the fields. Glimmering ivy crept up old barns as thorn bushes tangled their way through stone fences. God's creation is truly magnificent. Standing in silence taking in the beauty of His work I treasured my solitude and time in prayer. A bit crazy I realize, but deciding to smile as I ran gave me an optimistic attitude and even greater appreciation for God's artwork around me. It was a joy to get many smiles and waves from those passing by as well.

     Finishing my run Abby C. and I made dinner and opened our bottle of wine. Yikes, that's going to be an acquired taste. Managing to take three bitter sips, I simply couldn't do it. Not to mention I felt a little dehydrated from the run, so wine wasn't exactly what I was in the mood for.

   Waking up to find my almost full wine glass, the girls saved it for me incase I was courageous enough to attempt drinking it again...no thanks.

     During dinner I was absolutely pooped. I didn't even feel like finishing. Returning to my room, I finished computer work and random tasks, it wasn't even 9pm, but I was ready for bed. Ireland has brought a lot of change, however some things just don't change. How I love my early bed times. :  )

     Today is Fat Tuesday, none of us have celebrated it back home, but decided we'd do so here. In Ireland most make pancakes for the occasion. Aurelie has never tried pancakes, so it was a must! Explaining they were essential thick crepes, we hoped she would like them. A bit skeptical, seeing as though her last attempt at American food didn't go so well. Let's just say she doesn't enjoy Ants On A Log, one of my favorite snacks! Thankfully Aurelie loved pancakes! We even taught her to make mickey mouse :  )

Aurelie makes her very first pancake!

Unfortunately, we didn't purchase any maple syrup, but at some point we need to. It's just not right to be a Wisconsinite introducing pancakes to someone, but not offering them maple syrup as well.

Fresh fruit = my favorite

Getting crafty with our pancake making I even tried a 4 leaf clover. I thought it was only fitting. So aside from nutella, peanut butter, and whip cream we also had oranges and spinach scrambled eggs to balance out the sugar overload.

Success! Aurelie has her very first Mickey Mouse pancake, complete with peanut butter, nutella and whip cream.

     There were a load of dishes to be washed after flinging pancake batter everywhere!

Today's lecture was canceled, but I've got plenty to do. Off to campus to work on an assignment! Hope you're enjoying your day :  )

With Love from Galway