Just a quick P.S. from my last post. The title, "Lessons Learned," is a great song by Carrie Underwood, American Idol winner #4. Anyone who is a small or big fan of country music should check her out.
Speaking of music, last weekend was a great mix of good food, good friends, and great jazz. Cork's Jazz Festival did not disappoint. I actually wish I could have gotten to see more shows. In my Music in Modern Ireland class on Tuesday, we talked about the general sense of Cork's music culture and the atmosphere of the weekend. We all agreed music is a big part of the social scene in the city. It's not simply background noise which people yell over at a bar. Most of the time when there is live music, people are taking the time to listen and enjoy. Friday night, Kristin and I went to Scott's Bar for dinner and a jazz show. The group was called The Collage, and I actually heard about them because one of the music professors at the University sent an e-mail saying this was his band. I definitely don't know many Holy Cross professors who advertise they are in bands in their free time!
Just like I learned at the Folk Festival, food is incorporated into every event in Cork! We were walking around in the city on Saturday and suddenly saw about 20 vendors set up with different types of food: Mexican, ice cream, kebabs, and there were 2 crepe guys - success.
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| Looking out from Gloria Jeans |
The next items on the agenda are Dingle tomorrow for the night, and Halloween on Sunday. To be honest, Halloween has never meant much to me and I probably wouldn't even notice if it came and went. I'd much rather celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas any day. So I'm a lot more excited about spending tomorrow and Saturday in Dingle with my friends Kristin, Joanna, and Kara. Dingle is supposed to be beautiful. Caroline in the Alumni office told me about a lot of great things to do, like horseback riding, fish and chips, and a bunch of great wool shops. I hope everyone else has a great fall weekend. And Daylight Savings in Ireland ends on Saturday so we get an extra hour - yay!
Slan!
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| Jazz Improv Session |
Ali: While in Dingle check out Benner's, it supposedly has the longest bar in Ireland. Benner's is owned, at least in part, by some Boston business men, including the late Joe Mulligan. That's a name Mary Fran will remember from her summer trip to Ireland some thirty years ago. I also believe there is a restaurant in Dingle called Doyle's, it must be great. Rember to send your Dad a Happy Birthday card as he celebrates # 50. Glad to hear everything is going well. See you soon. Bill & Judy
ReplyDeleteWithout having to catch a plane on the other end, your bus trip to Dingle should be much more relaxing than your epic journey to Shannon. :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun. Can't wait to read about your weekend. xoxo
Hi Ali!! Dingle!! That was the highlight of my visit to Ireland the summer after my junior year in college. However, I will admit that I did not visit the number of places that you are!! I can not wait to hear about your visit....and I would love to hear about those wool shops!! Your great grandmother, Nana Sweeney knitted me and all of my brothers BEAUTIFUL Irish knit sweaters back in the 70s. I still have mine and treasure it! She did such beautiful work. Though it is faded, I still enjoy wearing it and I always receive compliments!! Enjoy your weekend!! Lots of love, MaryFran :)
ReplyDeleteSweetie,
ReplyDeleteMom filled me in on your beautiful weekend in Dingle. Sounds so good and I am sure you will not soon if ever forget these wonderful experiences.
Love you so much!!
Dad