Last Final, Ultimate Frisbee, Sauna

As of 2pm today, I'm a college senior! It's a little scary to say, and will definitely take some getting used to for a while. I think the exam went pretty well, and overall I felt prepared.

A group of us headed out into the park across from our apartment building to toss the frisbee around. There were a bunch of us, and so we started to get a game of ultimate frisbee. My throwing skills were a little off, but with some coaching (Thanks Mike!) I caught on pretty quickly. Before we knew it, it was already 5pm. I really enjoyed getting the chance to run around outside for a while, and to finally relax and enjoy the fact that classes are over until September.

Jack, Colleen, Meghan, Melissa and I headed to the sauna before dinner, for a little relaxation time! I closed my eyes, and almost felt like I was sitting in the sun on the beach, hearing the splashing of the pool water, can you tell I'm a little excited about this summer?

We're all headed into the city to celebrate the end of our junior (and some senior) year of classes and another 21st birthday. It's hard to believe this is our last weekend in Dublin, but I'm sure it will definitely be one to remember.

Last Exam as a College Junior

I've officially completed my sixth week as an intern. Where has the time gone? Today at work, one of my co-workers asked Jack and I whether all Americans primarily support the professional sports team closest to their hometown, or if they choose whatever team they want to support. We both laughed a little, as Jack's from Boston and has grown up watching the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins, and he knows that I've always supported the Philadelphia teams. Knowing there's a chance that the Bruins and Flyers may be facing each other soon in the playoffs, we both were kidding around with each other. Our co-worker got a kick out of our "slagging," and explained how many Irish choose to follow Manchester City, Manchester United or Liverpool in the Premier Football League, regardless of their distance from the teams.

Tomorrow morning I'll be taking the last exam of my junior year. I'm pretty excited, yet a little apprehensive about the idea of being a college senior! It's another essay format test, and I'm not too worried about the material. I've really enjoyed this class [Mass Media in Ireland] and am a little sad about seeing it end. We've learned about many of the different facets that make up the Irish media, discussed the Irish-ness portrayed in American advertisements, watched two films Intermission and The Wind That Shakes the Barley and talked about the role of media during the conflict in Northern Ireland several decades ago.

My New Love for... Food?

As we all know, I love food. Over the past few months, I've had to adapt to a different, yet similar culture to home, including the Irish cuisine. While it seems like January 13th and our arrival in Dublin was only yesterday, we've been living, studying and working for nearly 3 1/2 months in this foreign country we have all begun to call home.

Anyway, back to the food part. Here's a list of just a few of my favorite Irish (or maybe not so Irish) foods that I've grown to love over the past few months:

Cadbury Chocolate


While Abby tried to convince me that Galaxy was the best European chocolate, I'd have to say I beg to differ. This rich, creamy chocolate bar is incredible, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. They also make some really good hot chocolate powder, which is perfect when mixed with milk. Also, I'd say before studying abroad, I was definitely more of a vanilla fan. That's changed!


Biscuits

Popular for drinking with tea, the McVitie's Lights are my absolute favorite. They remind me of the animal crackers Mom also buys, and that I continuously snack on at school. Shaped almost like a cookie, they're a little better for you too!


Nutella


Before studying abroad, I'd probably tried nutella once or twice. Abby came home from camp one summer in love with the stuff, and I never really understood why, until now. It's perfect on brown bread toast, biscuits and bananas, among other things. While in Italy and France, I began to realize just how popular it is in Europe. Nutella flavored gelato and banana and nutella crepes: what's not to love? The picture above is just the collection of jars I've accumulated over the last few months.


Green Tea

After drinking green tea while on spring break, I decided to buy a box. I've never been a huge Iced Tea fan, but I have to say I really like drinking an occasional cup of hot tea, especially if it's green tea!


Tomatoes


This Jersey girl finally loves tomatoes (Nana will be so proud when she reads this!). It took some convincing over the years, but after spending a few days in Italy, I finally have acquired a taste for them. Fresh mozzarella and sliced tomato is SO GOOD! (The picture above is a sandwich I had while in Rome).

I'd also add brown bread and salt & vinegar chips (the American and Irish versions) to the list as well.

Maybe I should blame studying abroad, being away from home and having to adapt to something new for my new found love of these foods. Or maybe it just took adopting the "I'll try it once" attitude. Either way, I'm pretty thankful and am happy to say I've expanded my love for food.

Day off, Dinner, Volcano?

Due to a family death at work, the office was closed today and I had the day off. I spent a good portion of the day attempting to get my internship portfolio organized, as it's due a week from Friday. It's hard to believe the semester is wrapping up already! After a trip to Tesco for groceries and a long run at the gym this afternoon, I think I'm re-energized and ready to get back to work tomorrow.

Last night a group of us met up with Meghan's parents in the city for dinner. They were some of the lucky ones who were able to make the trip over following the Iceland volcano eruption. They treated us to dinner and pints, all which were very much appreciated. It was fun getting to talk with her parents, and I can definitely see where she gets her positive attitude and spunky personality now.


Update on the Iceland Volcano situation: The Dublin airport was closed again today, after the volcano erupted for the second time yesterday. No news on when it will re-open exactly. Aside from the airport closing, we have not been affected whatsoever. The weather last week and throughout the weekend was absolutely beautiful and without a cloud in the sky! I'm only hoping it decides to cooperate next Saturday May 1 when we're due to fly back to the States!

Jenna Runs the Marathon

While I sat behind my desk at my internship today, I couldn't help but think and wish I was in Boston. Today marked the 114th annual Boston Marathon, one of the world's most historic races, where runners from all around the world compete in a race to the finish. It's 26.2 miles, and from what I've been told, it's a long 26.2 miles, starting in Hopkinton and ending in Copley Square in the heart of the city.

More importantly, one of my roommates at BU, Jenna, ran today! After volunteering during last year's marathon, spending hours refilling and passing out water and gatorade cups to runners, she decided she was more than up to the challenge. Jenna ran the marathon through Dana Faber Marathon Challenge team, to raise money for cancer research and in memory of her cousin. This girl has incredible determination, let me tell you.

She started training early last summer, and even made a trip down to Ocean City to run in the Guts and Glory 5K in August with me. Here's a few pictures from the race last summer, when I was almost able to still keep up with her!



I eagerly anticipated 3:30pm Ireland time, which marked the beginning of the second wave and Jenna's start. I followed her online through the Boston Athletic Association's tracking system, which was great! She finished with a time of 4:16:38. Absolutely incredible! I couldn't be any more proud!

I got a chance to talk to her tonight, and it was great to hear how everything went. She seemed energetic, not sure how she is after running 26 miles! Congratulations Jenna, I'm so proud!

Irish-American Football

This afternoon Elizabeth, Colleen and I headed across the road from campus to support two of our Irish friends in their football game against the Dublin Rhinos. (Yes, the Rhinos!) While they lost 15-8, it was great to get to see Sean and James play after hearing them talk about their team for the past few months.



The weather returned to its normal, cool, gray skies, but we were all happy to sit outside for a few hours. Watching the game brought back some memories of high school football at Regional, and we couldn't help but reminisce about watching "American" football back at home a little.


Our Irish, American football playing friends, James (68) and Sean (88).

Sean's punt return, below:

Temple Bar Markets & Bray

A group of us headed into the city centre around noon today to check out the Temple Bar markets. After being away from Dublin for the last seven weekends, I was pretty pumped about checking out all of the food, jewelry, crafts and books.

Did I mention food? Spinach, cheddar cheese and ham quiche and a passion fruit smoothie for me!

We found a dress sale, and couldn't resist the chance to try a few on. With a buy 2, get the 3rd free deal, Melissa and I each bought three dresses!

After our shopping and eating, Colleen, Melissa, Jack and I hopped on the DART (Dublin Area Rail Transit) to explore Bray, a seaside town south of Dublin. It took close to an hour on the train, and we each were happy to nap a little along the way.

After arriving, we headed straight to the beach. The water was an absolutely beautiful, crystal clear blue! The promenade and area near the shoreline was crawling with people, as everyone seemed to have the same idea as us! The incredible weather we've been having all week only continued today, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the sunshine.



After walking down the beach, we decided to walk up the hill you see in the picture below. Still exhausted, we stopped to rest and take in the incredible view!
And a short nap for everyone followed. The sun felt so great, and I think I may have gotten a little color on my face!

After resting, we headed up the hill a little bit to check out the scenery. The hill, Bray Head, winds around the coastline toward Greystones, the next town down from Bray. We didn't make the 5.5 km hike from Bray to Greystones, but managed to see some of the beautiful landscape!



We walked back through the town, stopped to grab ice cream and chips, before getting back on the DART to head back to the city. What a great day, and the weather just made it that much more enjoyable!