Study Abroad - June 30, 2009

I apologize for not writing sooner. The internet has been pretty sketchy for a while. I have been writing in my journal faithfully so that I could condense my thoughts (and pictures) onto my blog for all my family and friends to read. So, here goes!
First day in Ireland! I landed at the Shannon airport just before 10 am and as soon as everyone in our program landed we headed straight to Bunratty Castle (see picture). This castle was pretty sweet. Our tour guide was very small and very energetic. My favorite thing about this castle was the surrounding grounds. There's a little village, beautiful gardens, a kid's play ground, and a pub called "Dirty Nelly's" which I think is a very funny name for a pub.

We passed through a cute town called Adare and stopped at the church there. We then stopped in Dingle for dinner. Dingle is a sea town and the sea food was delicious! Our hostel was in this "town" called Duo Choain. From my window I could the ocean. The Ireland coast is stunning at sunset! The sunsets in Ireland rival the ones up in Idaho, and that's saying something.

This is me in the gardens surrounding Bunratty Castle.

See my umbrella? Josh picked it out! I love it!

Bunratty Castle

More pics to come!

Tomorrow, you're only a day away.

Well folks, after months of planning and preparation, I am leaving to the UK tomorrow. I cannot believe that the time has gone so quickly. When I first got accepted to the program I felt that the months could not be passing more slowly. Suddenly, I had to pack up and head home to California before leaving to Ireland. Now that it's finally upon me, I am experiencing some pre-departure jitters and butterflies. I know that I'll have a splendid time and look forward to all the amazing experiences I will have with all the other folks on this study abroad program.
Our program actually has its own blog for which I am an author. If you would like to keep up with all the things I'll be doing, please direct your browser to http://englishlanguageinbritain.blogspot.com.
I'll do my best to keep MY blog updated as best I can, but I make no promises. Be sure to leave lots of comments on any posts I do make so I will be more motivated to post entries.
Peace out USA! I'll be back in six weeks!