I'M BACK!

HELLO 2011! The past 2 weeks have been slow in posts, but certainly not in action! I have so much to relay back to the blog. At least I posted while at home and at JFK, or else I wouldn't know where to start! The beginning of Spring in Cork has been amazing, especially getting to start it all off with Kathleen, Colleen, and Lauren, and getting to share with them (and show off a little!) everything I've been doing for the past few months.

The time we spent in Paris was so incredibly fulfilling. We saw everything! Literally everything. My first trip to Paris back in October (I can't believe that was already 3 months ago) was such a whirlwind 24 hours. This trip, we got to spread out everything over 4 full days. This gave us plenty of time to enjoy the city, but also take necessary breaks. I arrived in Paris Thursday night (December 30th), and after a much anticipated reunion, headed out for some Italian food. Kind of bizarre, right? Italian food in Paris? But we found the best pasta place! We also got to see the Eiffel Tower lit up, the perfect way to end our first night all together in Europe.

Over the next 3 days, I can honestly say we must have walked the entire city of Paris. Arc de Triomphe, River Seine, Champs-Elysees, Versailles. In October, I feel like I saw a glimpse of a bunch of stuff but never really got to take everything in. This time we did. Did you know you can climb the Arc de Triomphe?! That was definitely the best surprise while in Paris. We climbed to the top and got the most amazing view of the entire city. It reminded me of what climbing to the top of the Empire State Building would be like. This was my favorite part of the trip, along with La Duree, an amazing bakery on the Champs-Elysees that was recommended by my neighbor from home, Jean. By the time we were in the cab on our way to the airport to come back to Cork on Monday, January 3rd, I felt very satisfied that I had experienced everything Paris has to offer. But that's definitely not to say if I got the opportunity, I wouldn't jump at the chance to go back!

My account of Paris would certainly not be complete if I didn't at least touch on New Years Eve. Oh, man. What an experience that was. It was madness! There must have been at least 30 Holy Cross Crusaders gathered together on the Champs-Elysees. Juniors who came just for New Years, along with those of us who are studying abroad. It was an incredible reunion, and certainly a night my friends and I will be reliving for many years to come.

Finally, back in Cork! We rolled in to Castlewhite Monday night, the night before classes started. Though I admit, I was slightly more concerned at showing my friends a good time than getting right down to business. They call it Syllabus Week for a reason, right?! Unfortunately, I did have a paper due that Thursday, so while my friends toured Kinsale, Cobh, and Blarney Castle on Tuesday, I was stuck in the library for a few hours. Thursday was a big day for us. We took a Paddywagon tour, a bus tour famous in Ireland, to the Cliffs of Moher, and stopped at a bunch of interesting sites along the way. All 3 of my friends had never been to the Cliffs, and it was amazing seeing their faces light up when we got there. Even though I forgot my camera in the hotel room for the majority of our Paris trip, I took a bunch of pictures on Thursday that you all can enjoy.



We spent our final couple of days together in Dublin. A bunch of Kathleen's close family still lives in Ireland, outside of Dublin, so Friday afternoon we took the train from Cork and spent some time with her family. Not getting to live with any Irish students, it was cool seeing how they all interacted with one another, and getting to spend time with them. We also went to the Guinness Storehouse which was very cool, and I recommend it to anyone of any age. Even though he's only 12, I would definitely bring my little brother, Timmy, on the tour, if my parents let me. After the tour, you go up to the Gravity Bar, one of the highest points in Dublin. The bar has glass windows all around, and you can look out onto the entire city and the surrounding Wicklow Mountains. Very impressive!

I can't say enough good things about the week I spent with my friends. I wish all of my friends could come visit me! Even though I am still going to miss them for the next few months, it's crazy to think my study abroad experience is already half over, and I will be seeing them in about 4 months. Realizing this has shown me I definitely don't want to look back for a second disappointed I didn't take advantage of every opportunity, big or small. So tomorrow, I am excited to just enjoy Cork for its simple pleasures. After my Social Theory class in the morning, I am heading into the city and spending the day in Gloria Jeans Coffee Shop - are you ready this? - reading for FUN. I don't think I have gotten the chance to do that since high school! My boots also completely fell apart in Paris - I basically felt like I was walking barefoot on the street - so I have to buy some new ones as well. Should be a fun and mellow weekend.

I hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year! I will continue my updates soon.

Slan!