Academic LIfe, Yes I'm Actually Studying

Since I came to Ireland on a Study Abroad program I guess I should talk about the classes I am taking, yes in all my fun I am actually going to class. Going to class is not all that bad, especially when you get to have class in a pub called The King’s Head. I promise having class in a pub was actually a very educational experience. There is a lot of history surrounding The King’s Head in Galway, Ireland. The King Head’s is where the man who beheaded King Charles, hint the name The King’s Head, lived. We learned about all the history associated with the building and then we had a debate on the third floor. The seventeen of us were divided into two groups and given a week to prepare for a debate for or against the rehabilitation of Cromwell in Ireland. Just so you know my team won. Having a class in a pub was a new experience.

Now, I have done more than just have classes in pubs. Two weeks ago I got the chance to learn the Irish Penny Whistle. It is similar to our version of the recorder. Let’s just say seventeen people trying to learn an instrument at one time can be a little loud and annoying. But it is all great fun and a very effective way to wake up some sleepy roommates. In the next coming weeks we will be learning Irish dancing. You could say I am more than a little excited.

This past Monday we got the chance to go to an Irish secondary school located about fifteen minutes from where we are living. At the school we were broken up into small groups and talked about the differences between an Irish school and an American school. Wow, there are so many differences I cannot even talk about them all. I think one of the most dramatic differences is the way they are tested. In America we have the ACT and the SAT tests to take to get into college. In Ireland the class that is testing takes a day to take the tests for college, sounds simple right? If you happen to be sick the day of testing, you are out of luck. You only get one chance a year to take the test. If you miss the test you have to stay another full year in school to retake it! To me that was crazy! Overall, it was a lot of fun to talk to local teens and see their view point on Ireland. 

Language Differences and Amsterdam

Dia dhuit, conas ata tu? Ta me go maith. Ta se grianmhar innia. Now, its ok if you do not know what I just said must. In Gaelic I told you hello, how are you? It is sunny today. Gaelic has been an extremely hard language to learn so far. The words are not spelled how they sound. The word dia dhuit (hello) is pronounced gia-hutch, ta se grianmhar innia (It is sunny today) is pronounced ta-shay-green-were-in-ya. Knowing a little Gaelic has helped me talk to locals but there is little difficulty in everyday life with language.

Ireland’s first language is Gaelic however a lot of people do not actually speak Gaelic very well. Everywhere you go people speak English. I hear English more than I hear Gaelic. However, it is required that everything be in both Gaelic and English in Ireland. It is really nice being in a country that speaks the same language as you. It is going to other countries that concern me. (Grade for class.)

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was absolutely amazing. If you have never been I recommend putting it down on your list of places to visit. Amsterdam is full of rich history and culture. Amsterdam’s national language is Dutch so at first I was very nervous. However, almost everywhere has an English whether it is maps, menus, or signs. The majority of people speak Dutch on streets but were able to speak English if they realized you spoke English. While in Amsterdam I wondered the city. Over two days I walked twenty-three miles and biked about fifteen miles. If you have the time, bike through Amsterdam. Bikes are a huge deal; they even have their own lane in traffic with stop lights. At first it was terrifying riding alongside traffic but you get the hang of it pretty quick. It is a great way to see the city. While on my journey through the city I got to explore many museums. I visited the Van Gogh Museum. Personally, I am not very excited by art but getting to see all the beautiful art pieces in person was amazing. It is such a different experience viewing art in a book and seeing the real life masterpiece. I also visited the Tulip Museum and the Cheese Museum, yes an entire museum dedicated to cheese. If you do find yourself in Amsterdam go visit the Anne Frank House. I will tell you right now, be prepared to wait in line but it is well worth it. The tour takes you through the house Anne Frank hid in with her family and others. Seeing the rooms where she hid for her life was emotional. You get to read the letters Anne wrote and the original Diary of Anne Frank. I will forever remember that experience. Amsterdam was a blast but now it is onto another adventure. This weekend I leave for Belgium; I cannot wait for stories I will have to share.