Woke up to and got to class on time only to find out that class was canceled! I might sound like a nerd, but I was a bit disappointed! I guess I should probably tell you what my class schedule is like. I am taking Honors, Christian Marriage, Sacraments, and Theology of Christ. My honors class doesn't actually meet, which means i have 3 classes on Tuesdays and Thursday and NO CLASS THE REST OF THE WEEK! Makes me very, very very very happy.
Anyway Class days aren't that interesting to update about, but I did have a great time sitting out on the balcony listening to a friend play the fiddle while another Irish step danced. We miss Ireland. But Austria is such a blessing!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Meetings, meetings, and oh I live here??
Mmm finally got to sleep in yesterday. Oh wait. Franciscan wants us up early every morning for meetings. And not interesting meetings either. After a 2 hour meeting we were given a tour of the Kartause, because our school is like a tourist destination... seriously!! We walked through the Byzantine Chapel, painted by students. The Baroque library which is stunning, the garden and mini-museum, and realized just how blessed we are to stay in such a place.
We picked up our books and I did laundry and ate dinner with my friends.
It was a pretty chill day, with the exception of another meeting explaining more rules....
Our Fitness room is pretty great though, and Lauren and I took a chance at being embarrassed by our lack of knowledge about all the machines and fit in a quick work out.
Wednesday he also had meetings, ones I literally did not listen to a word of.... oops. But the highlight of the day was walking through Gaming on the way to mass in the local parish. Gaming is adorable. It's exactly what I thought an Austrian town would look like. There's little shops, and cafes and the Church is magnificent. Seriously every church I have been in has blown my mind!
It was in English, although we do say the Our Father in German at every mass, which sound more like a cacophony of people mumbling and clearing their throats. After Mass we talked with some locals. About 7 Austrian boys around the age of 14 who were surprisingly very good at English and who were very excited to recieve an american dollar bill from me!
To end the night we had a bon fire out side the Kartause with smores! It was surreal! We were sitting by a warm fire looking out into the starry sky surrounded by mountains.
We picked up our books and I did laundry and ate dinner with my friends.
It was a pretty chill day, with the exception of another meeting explaining more rules....
Our Fitness room is pretty great though, and Lauren and I took a chance at being embarrassed by our lack of knowledge about all the machines and fit in a quick work out.
Wednesday he also had meetings, ones I literally did not listen to a word of.... oops. But the highlight of the day was walking through Gaming on the way to mass in the local parish. Gaming is adorable. It's exactly what I thought an Austrian town would look like. There's little shops, and cafes and the Church is magnificent. Seriously every church I have been in has blown my mind!
To end the night we had a bon fire out side the Kartause with smores! It was surreal! We were sitting by a warm fire looking out into the starry sky surrounded by mountains.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Melk and Durnstien
So after a pretty exhausting first day we were up early and off to our first school adventure. We packed up the buses by 8:30 and were off to Melk Monastary. I sat in the back of the bus with all the little kids. They are so great and I can't wait to play with them. All of the staff and their families live right next to the Kartause so we get to interact with them all we want!
Melk was astounding. Melk Abbey was built in the 1700's. It is so old! Most of the places we get to visit are so rich and full of history. This monastery is massive, there are over 500 rooms! Tourists are not allowed in the actual Church, but since we celebrated Mass we were allowed in! It was covered in gold! I don't know if it was real, but I doubt it!
We went on a tour of some of the rooms in the monastary. Most were used for royal visitors. We had lunch on the University, which was delicious and much needed. And then we were back on the buses headed to Durnstien.
I absolutely LOVED Durnstien! It is a little town nestled between some hills and the Danube River, covered with rows of grape vines and filled with apricots! Our director told us we could climb to the top of the 'mountain' to the ruins of a castle. We looked up.. and were a little discouraged.
Despite tired feet, and the desire to sit in the streets and eat gelato all afternoon, we began the climb. Many steps and heavy breaths later we reached the top, and it was beyond worth it!! The view was spectacular, climbign around the old ruins of the castle like little kids was thrilling, and the air was fresh.
We spent more time wandering the streets of Durnstien and tasted some chocolate and bought some nutella gelato.
Then a nice long nap bus ride back to school, oh wait The Kartause! We ate dinner and then hung out around campus.
All in all, a great day of exploring!
Melk was astounding. Melk Abbey was built in the 1700's. It is so old! Most of the places we get to visit are so rich and full of history. This monastery is massive, there are over 500 rooms! Tourists are not allowed in the actual Church, but since we celebrated Mass we were allowed in! It was covered in gold! I don't know if it was real, but I doubt it!
I absolutely LOVED Durnstien! It is a little town nestled between some hills and the Danube River, covered with rows of grape vines and filled with apricots! Our director told us we could climb to the top of the 'mountain' to the ruins of a castle. We looked up.. and were a little discouraged.
Despite tired feet, and the desire to sit in the streets and eat gelato all afternoon, we began the climb. Many steps and heavy breaths later we reached the top, and it was beyond worth it!! The view was spectacular, climbign around the old ruins of the castle like little kids was thrilling, and the air was fresh.
We spent more time wandering the streets of Durnstien and tasted some chocolate and bought some nutella gelato.
Then a nice long nap bus ride back to school, oh wait The Kartause! We ate dinner and then hung out around campus.
All in all, a great day of exploring!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Welcome to Gaming!
Well I arrived in Gaming on Sunday afternoon and i was ASTOUNDED by the Kartause. I have seen so many pictures of it and it still took my breath away. Every time i walk outside I can't even believe I get to live here for 4 months. It's like living in a fairy tale!
I am living with my big sister in household, one of our intents, and another girl. It's a huge room! We unpacked our room in record time and had everything put away in about 2 hours! Impressive for girls, right? Most of our friends still have there stuff everywhere!
Well we got to Gaming and we had lunch, because we were all starving!!! The Mensa is great... so far. They always have rice and meat and vegetables, and so much fresh meat! So for now I am thoroughly content!
We got to have Mass in the beautiful Church that is literally a 2 minute walk from my room. It is gorgeous and I am so amazed that it's the Church we get to go to daily Mass at!
We went to bed, tired and worn out from Ireland.
I am living with my big sister in household, one of our intents, and another girl. It's a huge room! We unpacked our room in record time and had everything put away in about 2 hours! Impressive for girls, right? Most of our friends still have there stuff everywhere!
Well we got to Gaming and we had lunch, because we were all starving!!! The Mensa is great... so far. They always have rice and meat and vegetables, and so much fresh meat! So for now I am thoroughly content!
We got to have Mass in the beautiful Church that is literally a 2 minute walk from my room. It is gorgeous and I am so amazed that it's the Church we get to go to daily Mass at!
We went to bed, tired and worn out from Ireland.
The motto of the day is: it never hurts to ask
We actually got to sleep in today! We were up and out of the hostel at 10am and it was glorious outside!!! Warm and sunny with a breeze. Perfect weather for a ferry ride back to doolin. BUT WAIT. Tragedy stuck when I realized I didn't have my glasses. Remember that pub on Innis Oiir? Yup left them there. Well as soon as we got on the ferry I asked the crew if I could stop on the the other island and they said they could take me back at 3pm I said okay and then realized that would mean I wouldn't get to see the cliffs of moher at all. But I was not about to leave my glasses behind! Then we stopped at Innis Oiir and I decided to ask them if there was any way I could get off and run to the pub and they said yes!! I literally sprinted through the village hopping rock walls and running through people's back yards, startled a few citizens enjoying the sunny morning on their back porches. I got into the pub breathing heavy and after the bartender finished pouring a beer he went to look through the office and he found them! I made it back on the ferry and profusely thanked the crew for being understanding.
However, my crazy day wasn't over yet. We realized the bus we HAD to get on to ensure that we would make the last bus to Dublin was at 1:15 and we were still sitting on the ferry at 1. Panic ensued when we realized that we weren't going to get to see the cliffs at all. We got off and asked if there was any way we could manage it and the men literally pushed us toward the bus station and recommended we walk swiftly to make the bus.
On our way I spotted a tour bus that said 'cliffs of moher - Dublin tour'. It was like God had sent that bus from heaven. We asked if they had any room for us and he said we could get on the other bus that had 7 seats open for us!! Not only that, but we had time to explore doolin, get the 'best chocolate' in Ireland, explore the cliffs for 90 minutes, get a tour full of history on the way back about sights along the way and actually get to dublin all for 20 euro!
We were wonderfully blessed today and in addition to the perfect weather our afternoon was perfectly spent.
The cliffs were unbelievable and breathtaking. There is no way to imagine how high they are.
We also paid to use the restroom for the first time!
That night we checked into our hostel and went out. We found a sweet club that played some great techno ish music an we danced with other Franciscan students. It was a great people watching night. The style for girls in Ireland is all over the place. There aren't really any fads, it's just whatever you want to wear. And they dot really dance either haha just stand around. It was fun nonetheless.
We got a quick 2 hour nap and then we were off to the airport to fly to Vienna! Pretty much half the plane was Franciscan students!
However, my crazy day wasn't over yet. We realized the bus we HAD to get on to ensure that we would make the last bus to Dublin was at 1:15 and we were still sitting on the ferry at 1. Panic ensued when we realized that we weren't going to get to see the cliffs at all. We got off and asked if there was any way we could manage it and the men literally pushed us toward the bus station and recommended we walk swiftly to make the bus.
On our way I spotted a tour bus that said 'cliffs of moher - Dublin tour'. It was like God had sent that bus from heaven. We asked if they had any room for us and he said we could get on the other bus that had 7 seats open for us!! Not only that, but we had time to explore doolin, get the 'best chocolate' in Ireland, explore the cliffs for 90 minutes, get a tour full of history on the way back about sights along the way and actually get to dublin all for 20 euro!
We were wonderfully blessed today and in addition to the perfect weather our afternoon was perfectly spent.
The cliffs were unbelievable and breathtaking. There is no way to imagine how high they are.
We also paid to use the restroom for the first time!
That night we checked into our hostel and went out. We found a sweet club that played some great techno ish music an we danced with other Franciscan students. It was a great people watching night. The style for girls in Ireland is all over the place. There aren't really any fads, it's just whatever you want to wear. And they dot really dance either haha just stand around. It was fun nonetheless.
We got a quick 2 hour nap and then we were off to the airport to fly to Vienna! Pretty much half the plane was Franciscan students!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Rain rain go away
Early mornings are the best on vacation! But it was totally worth it for the fantastic day we had today. We got to Doolin at 10:40 and we immediately asked a hostel owner how to get to the ferry. He told us its about a 30 minute walk (walking is the essence of this trip) but he also told us that the next ferry left at 11. So, keeping up with our high opinion of Irish people's generosity, he called his friend and gave the 5 of us ladies a ride to dock. I told the man running the ferry exactly what we wanted to do and he gave us a ticket that would work and sent us on our way quickly and efficiently.
The ferry ride was wonderful, however the sky was a bit grey and cloudy and the waves were huge so we were rocking back and forth like crazy.
So we unfortunately had our packs with us and there was no way we wanted to carry them with us all day. So our first plan of action was to find a place to keep them for the day. We wanted to also rent bikes. Well the first place we saw was the bike rental and we asked if we could keep our bikes there. They said yes!! Happily we dropped our packs off got on our bikes and set off on a route that would cover the whole island in the 3 hours we were on Innis Oiir.
We biked through paths lined with walls and walls of stones. It was like a maze. We free climbed the ruins of this castle and got to the roof and looked put over the millions of rock walls everywhere!
We also saw a shipwreck but instead of exploring it we took of our shoes rolled up our jeans and ran through the ocean, we even did a jig. Despite the rain that was beginning to drizzle down we very much enjoyed some time on the beach.
We hid from the rain in a nice pub ( remember this pub it will be a crucial point later on) and waited for our ferry to the next island.
We met up with the rest of our group when we for to Innis More. And it was pouring. We were planning on camping there, but the rain did not seem like it was going to let up anytime soon and so began our search for a hostel.
On the walk to a hostel we spotted a tour bus and we asked him if he could take us to the hostel. We checked in and got a great deal on the hostel!
We still wanted to see the island but the rain prevented even the thought of renting bikes from crossing our minds. So for 10 euro we got to ride around and see the island. We learned that there are over 20,000 miles of rock walls just on that island. Ireland was pretty much covered in rock and to make room for farming and cattle land the Irish moved all the rock and made walls.
We made three stops on the tour. The first was a Franciscan Monastery from the 8th century!! It was ruins but still felt so surreal to be in a place that old.
The second stop was the most western point in Ireland. It was cold ad smelled like seaweed. We didn't stay long.
The third stop was a bit intimidating. Our tour guide said it would be an hour walk round trip, and we were all wet and tired but we somehow mustered the courage to get off the bus. It was beyond worth it! We climbed up to an old military fort that was situated on the cliffs. It was literally a 500 feet sheer drop to the ocean beneath and there were no fences. We were the only people up there and we enjoyed wandering around the fort and hanging our head timidly over the edge of the cliff.
Our kind bus driver let us stop at the store to grab dinner and dropped us off right at our hostel door. We got ready and walked down to a pub.
At first the pub was a little uncomfortable, it was small and there were seen of us and everyone was sitting. Also, the bar tender asked if we were minors. But after an hour the band came in and played some great Irish music ( mixed with some American covers of course) more people came in and it ended up being a fantastic night.
To bed we went in our hostel with paper thin walls.
The ferry ride was wonderful, however the sky was a bit grey and cloudy and the waves were huge so we were rocking back and forth like crazy.
So we unfortunately had our packs with us and there was no way we wanted to carry them with us all day. So our first plan of action was to find a place to keep them for the day. We wanted to also rent bikes. Well the first place we saw was the bike rental and we asked if we could keep our bikes there. They said yes!! Happily we dropped our packs off got on our bikes and set off on a route that would cover the whole island in the 3 hours we were on Innis Oiir.
We biked through paths lined with walls and walls of stones. It was like a maze. We free climbed the ruins of this castle and got to the roof and looked put over the millions of rock walls everywhere!
We also saw a shipwreck but instead of exploring it we took of our shoes rolled up our jeans and ran through the ocean, we even did a jig. Despite the rain that was beginning to drizzle down we very much enjoyed some time on the beach.
We hid from the rain in a nice pub ( remember this pub it will be a crucial point later on) and waited for our ferry to the next island.
We met up with the rest of our group when we for to Innis More. And it was pouring. We were planning on camping there, but the rain did not seem like it was going to let up anytime soon and so began our search for a hostel.
On the walk to a hostel we spotted a tour bus and we asked him if he could take us to the hostel. We checked in and got a great deal on the hostel!
We still wanted to see the island but the rain prevented even the thought of renting bikes from crossing our minds. So for 10 euro we got to ride around and see the island. We learned that there are over 20,000 miles of rock walls just on that island. Ireland was pretty much covered in rock and to make room for farming and cattle land the Irish moved all the rock and made walls.
We made three stops on the tour. The first was a Franciscan Monastery from the 8th century!! It was ruins but still felt so surreal to be in a place that old.
The second stop was the most western point in Ireland. It was cold ad smelled like seaweed. We didn't stay long.
The third stop was a bit intimidating. Our tour guide said it would be an hour walk round trip, and we were all wet and tired but we somehow mustered the courage to get off the bus. It was beyond worth it! We climbed up to an old military fort that was situated on the cliffs. It was literally a 500 feet sheer drop to the ocean beneath and there were no fences. We were the only people up there and we enjoyed wandering around the fort and hanging our head timidly over the edge of the cliff.
Our kind bus driver let us stop at the store to grab dinner and dropped us off right at our hostel door. We got ready and walked down to a pub.
At first the pub was a little uncomfortable, it was small and there were seen of us and everyone was sitting. Also, the bar tender asked if we were minors. But after an hour the band came in and played some great Irish music ( mixed with some American covers of course) more people came in and it ended up being a fantastic night.
To bed we went in our hostel with paper thin walls.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Sore Feet and Happy Hearts
So today was our 'unplanned day', which for me was unnerving since I need an itinerary to feel safe. However, it was an absolutely beautiful day.
We picked two towns on the map and decided to just go explore them. First, we went to Kinvara. It was a quaint little town right next to the ocean. I really loved the quiet feel of it. All the stores and pubs were brightly painted. Across the inlet of ocean was the Dunguaire Castle. It was a 16th century castle which was used as a defense. We got to climb all the way to the top and looked out on to the ocean.
We went to Ballyvaughn next. It was also a small town nestled near the ocean, but it was also rift in The Burren , which means the rocky place. Once thing we've learned here is there are a ton of rocks. Everywhere. We decided to do an 'easy' walking loop through the Burren. However, we did not get on the right trail and ended up playing frogged on the streets of death. We were pressed against the thorn bushes on the side of the road, sidewalk less and terrified of the crazy Irish drivers.
Finally we made it the Aiwee caves. Our feet were burning and we welcomed the team ride up the mountain and the cool refreshing caves. Not only did we get to see an underground water fall, but we got a great view from the top of the mountain.
We rewarded ourselves for the long hike with an ice cream and free fudge samples and began the long walk back. Which got longer, and longer, an longer the more we walked.
The whole trip took about 4 hours and we immediately looked for a good pub to sit down and eat. We had a very awkward experience with a woman who refused to talk to us in the bar till we asked for water. She gave us glass bottles of water, and we realized we were going to get charged. So we attempted to politely give them back to her. She explained that they didn't serve food, so we left. Disappointed and moving at a glacier pace. We got to a great bar very slap happy and happy to finally sit down and wait for our bus.
We ordered delicious food, my second real meal since I've been to Ireland. Mini steak with mushrooms and onions. Mmmmm.
We got back to Galway at around 8 an I went to bed early, extremely happy to lay in y nice warm bed. It was our lay night in the Galway house and I planned to enjoy it fully.
We picked two towns on the map and decided to just go explore them. First, we went to Kinvara. It was a quaint little town right next to the ocean. I really loved the quiet feel of it. All the stores and pubs were brightly painted. Across the inlet of ocean was the Dunguaire Castle. It was a 16th century castle which was used as a defense. We got to climb all the way to the top and looked out on to the ocean.
We went to Ballyvaughn next. It was also a small town nestled near the ocean, but it was also rift in The Burren , which means the rocky place. Once thing we've learned here is there are a ton of rocks. Everywhere. We decided to do an 'easy' walking loop through the Burren. However, we did not get on the right trail and ended up playing frogged on the streets of death. We were pressed against the thorn bushes on the side of the road, sidewalk less and terrified of the crazy Irish drivers.
Finally we made it the Aiwee caves. Our feet were burning and we welcomed the team ride up the mountain and the cool refreshing caves. Not only did we get to see an underground water fall, but we got a great view from the top of the mountain.
We rewarded ourselves for the long hike with an ice cream and free fudge samples and began the long walk back. Which got longer, and longer, an longer the more we walked.
The whole trip took about 4 hours and we immediately looked for a good pub to sit down and eat. We had a very awkward experience with a woman who refused to talk to us in the bar till we asked for water. She gave us glass bottles of water, and we realized we were going to get charged. So we attempted to politely give them back to her. She explained that they didn't serve food, so we left. Disappointed and moving at a glacier pace. We got to a great bar very slap happy and happy to finally sit down and wait for our bus.
We ordered delicious food, my second real meal since I've been to Ireland. Mini steak with mushrooms and onions. Mmmmm.
We got back to Galway at around 8 an I went to bed early, extremely happy to lay in y nice warm bed. It was our lay night in the Galway house and I planned to enjoy it fully.
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