Outing #2
Prague, Czech Republic! OK, so at the end of the Berlin trip (that Thursday, to be exact) myself, Gabbi, Mimi, Ricardo, Suzanne, and McKenzie all left that evening for Prague! We were all sooooooo excited!!! :) We packed our bags and left for the train station that would take us along to our next adventure. The ride into the country was beautiful - lovely landscape that was well taken care of. Arriving in Prague was like stepping foot into a fairy tale city - seriously. The structure and design of the buildings (the whole city actually) was built with so much detail into it, that even the pot hole covers has a nice design on them. I couldn't believe how well taken care of the city was in terms of its details and structure. We had spent our days visiting the tourist sites such as the Charleston Bridge, Old and New Town (lots of museums and tourist shops) and the Old Jewish Quarter. It's funny for the last one because on our final day Suzanne and I (Everybody else had left early to get back to Ireland) had accidentally stumbled into a 5k race that was going on haha! The nightlife of Prague was just out of this world. We went to a legitimate ice bar - you read that right - a bar made of actual ice!!!! Now we could only stay in there for 20 minutes, but it was sooo awesome having a drink and "chilling" (heh, get it?). After that we went to what is claimed to be biggest dance club in Europe - and boy was it fun! It had several floors in which each one was its own genre of music - now naturally I found myself in the "Oldies" section dancing to the greatest hits of MJ, Kool & the Gang, and other old time, funky stuff! Prague is a beautiful city that I seriously recommend to anybody to visit if they want a true, European experience.
-J. GIBSON
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Outing #1
Berlin, Germany! OK, so it's been a hectic time lately - studying for midterms and FINALLY having a free weekend to travel along with all of us going to Germany! Now, I've read up on this country and can understand their history and significance, but being able to actually go to it and visit was just so cool! There was just so much to do in Berlin - I visited the site of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandburger Gate, the Sachsenhausen Holocaust Concentration Camp, the Berliner Dom, The Reichstag, the museums and sooooo much more! Being a history buff was like a dream come true in this country - I mean I got to walk the same grounds where not to long ago (about 70 years) one of the most bloodiest and truly shocking conflicts and violations of human rights occurred. I can tell you I was amazed and disgusted at the same time. I thought how could this have happened and yet people just returned to their "normal" lives? Shocking . . . Anyway on my downtime I experienced the nightlife of Berlin, that is the restaurants and bars which were really great! The currywurst and local craft brew drinks was a great combination for lunch and dinner haha! Back to this, I really enjoyed Germany and would love to visit again in the future because along with seeing the sites, you just have to take the time like I did to walk around and be "lost" in the atmosphere.
-J. GIBSON
Berlin, Germany! OK, so it's been a hectic time lately - studying for midterms and FINALLY having a free weekend to travel along with all of us going to Germany! Now, I've read up on this country and can understand their history and significance, but being able to actually go to it and visit was just so cool! There was just so much to do in Berlin - I visited the site of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandburger Gate, the Sachsenhausen Holocaust Concentration Camp, the Berliner Dom, The Reichstag, the museums and sooooo much more! Being a history buff was like a dream come true in this country - I mean I got to walk the same grounds where not to long ago (about 70 years) one of the most bloodiest and truly shocking conflicts and violations of human rights occurred. I can tell you I was amazed and disgusted at the same time. I thought how could this have happened and yet people just returned to their "normal" lives? Shocking . . . Anyway on my downtime I experienced the nightlife of Berlin, that is the restaurants and bars which were really great! The currywurst and local craft brew drinks was a great combination for lunch and dinner haha! Back to this, I really enjoyed Germany and would love to visit again in the future because along with seeing the sites, you just have to take the time like I did to walk around and be "lost" in the atmosphere.
-J. GIBSON
My Experiences
I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to explore wonderful new places thanks to my amazing family. Without them I would not be having the time of my life here in Dungarvan and be traveling around Europe. It’s difficult for me to summarize my experiences so far because there has been so much that has happened that I am in awe. The sweet little town that is Dungarvan has become another home to me. The beautiful views of the town as you travel toward it, the bay front, the constantly changing tide, and the people all make for a serene and friendly environment. Tom Keith (who has practically become a guardian to us all) has been absolutely phenomenal in taking care of us - he has taken us on trips around the country to see the best and most important sights for what defines Ireland. Just recently we got back from a weekend trip to Galway where we saw the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands! Ah, such beautiful views . . . Anyway, I just want to take the time and say thank you to Tom Keith and his family, the Dungarvan Mayor and town council, and the town I like to call my "home" - that is my other home - Dungarvan an truly wonderful place that has been nothing but a great time for me. Thank you to everybody who has made my experience truly amazing!
-J. GIBSON
I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to explore wonderful new places thanks to my amazing family. Without them I would not be having the time of my life here in Dungarvan and be traveling around Europe. It’s difficult for me to summarize my experiences so far because there has been so much that has happened that I am in awe. The sweet little town that is Dungarvan has become another home to me. The beautiful views of the town as you travel toward it, the bay front, the constantly changing tide, and the people all make for a serene and friendly environment. Tom Keith (who has practically become a guardian to us all) has been absolutely phenomenal in taking care of us - he has taken us on trips around the country to see the best and most important sights for what defines Ireland. Just recently we got back from a weekend trip to Galway where we saw the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands! Ah, such beautiful views . . . Anyway, I just want to take the time and say thank you to Tom Keith and his family, the Dungarvan Mayor and town council, and the town I like to call my "home" - that is my other home - Dungarvan an truly wonderful place that has been nothing but a great time for me. Thank you to everybody who has made my experience truly amazing!
-J. GIBSON
Monday, April 29, 2013
Irish Heritage and Culture
At first I figured I was just taking classes here in Ireland to fulfill my graduation requirements. Back at Mercyhurst I would take a jumble of classes that really didn't work off of each other and contribute to one another in the same term. Here, I am taking a comparative government class that looks at the American and Irish government, Ethics in a cross cultural sense, learning the Irish language and culture, and an Irish literary class. After having gone through these classes (today was our last day - now we are studying hard for finals!) I realize that they all do connect and have really worked together to help my education. There is way, way too much to write down that I've learned but I've learned it and have applied it and I think that is the greatest way to have fun while learning - is to be immersed in it. The fact that Mercyhurst gave me this opportunity to enhance my education is something I am grateful for because I have learned the Irish heritage and culture and have been involved with it. Learning of the Irish Parliamentary system, ethical issues in Ireland (such as the Magdalene laundries, financial crisis, etc), the language and the literature has really made my Ireland experience that much more enjoyable. In a local pub I would sit down and discuss these things with the Irish and they are astonished that I know so much about their country and it's history. One of the poems we read really got at me, it was the Easter Rising of 1916 by WB Yeats. Going to Dublin and actually walking the ground and being in such a place of historical importance really was amazing. There is just so much Irish heritage and culture that I've been able to be immersed in it and feel as the Irish do.
-J.GIBSON
At first I figured I was just taking classes here in Ireland to fulfill my graduation requirements. Back at Mercyhurst I would take a jumble of classes that really didn't work off of each other and contribute to one another in the same term. Here, I am taking a comparative government class that looks at the American and Irish government, Ethics in a cross cultural sense, learning the Irish language and culture, and an Irish literary class. After having gone through these classes (today was our last day - now we are studying hard for finals!) I realize that they all do connect and have really worked together to help my education. There is way, way too much to write down that I've learned but I've learned it and have applied it and I think that is the greatest way to have fun while learning - is to be immersed in it. The fact that Mercyhurst gave me this opportunity to enhance my education is something I am grateful for because I have learned the Irish heritage and culture and have been involved with it. Learning of the Irish Parliamentary system, ethical issues in Ireland (such as the Magdalene laundries, financial crisis, etc), the language and the literature has really made my Ireland experience that much more enjoyable. In a local pub I would sit down and discuss these things with the Irish and they are astonished that I know so much about their country and it's history. One of the poems we read really got at me, it was the Easter Rising of 1916 by WB Yeats. Going to Dublin and actually walking the ground and being in such a place of historical importance really was amazing. There is just so much Irish heritage and culture that I've been able to be immersed in it and feel as the Irish do.
-J.GIBSON
"The Local" Scene
Here in "Fungarvan" (Hehe) there is a lot to do. I've been out and about biking, walking, and just taking the time to do some deep reflection on what I'm doing in life and how I want to achieve my goals. While doing that, I've also had time to go and check out the local scene and have some fun! The bars are really cool, Creation, Anchor, and John Keane's all have a good nightlife (it includes good dance music and a dance floor!) which is great for when I want to go out and just dance my life away! I've also been to the more down-to-earth local bars (one is conveniently named The Local) where I've had a nice pint with the locals about the country and just what in general is going on with them. It's nice and interesting to hear their story and they are genuinely interested in hearing mine. It may be an older crowd but I really do connect with the older generation - in a way that we love to talk each other's ear off about history and current news and just how their day is. One of the events they had here in town was a live band, and as a musician myself I really care for our playing. So, seeing live bands here in Ireland is really sweet! I love the traditional Irish music - it's a change from the American music I listen to. I've even had the chance to play a few songs - with Tom Keith's daughter and son! This is just a small idea of what my time in Fungarvan has been and many more to come!
-J.GIBSON
Here in "Fungarvan" (Hehe) there is a lot to do. I've been out and about biking, walking, and just taking the time to do some deep reflection on what I'm doing in life and how I want to achieve my goals. While doing that, I've also had time to go and check out the local scene and have some fun! The bars are really cool, Creation, Anchor, and John Keane's all have a good nightlife (it includes good dance music and a dance floor!) which is great for when I want to go out and just dance my life away! I've also been to the more down-to-earth local bars (one is conveniently named The Local) where I've had a nice pint with the locals about the country and just what in general is going on with them. It's nice and interesting to hear their story and they are genuinely interested in hearing mine. It may be an older crowd but I really do connect with the older generation - in a way that we love to talk each other's ear off about history and current news and just how their day is. One of the events they had here in town was a live band, and as a musician myself I really care for our playing. So, seeing live bands here in Ireland is really sweet! I love the traditional Irish music - it's a change from the American music I listen to. I've even had the chance to play a few songs - with Tom Keith's daughter and son! This is just a small idea of what my time in Fungarvan has been and many more to come!
-J.GIBSON
Dublin Weekend!
So our first weekend here we all went to Dublin and boy I sure did have a great time! We checked into Jacob's Inn hostel and it was nice; once again it was myself and the other gent on this trip. We had a nice sized room with good accommodations. Our first trip was a mini tour of Dublin to get the idea of the city, so where everything is and how to get back to hostel, etc. I wish the weather would have been nicer though because it was a cold and wet, rainy weekend. But hey that's Ireland! Just like Erie, PA, the weather can't make up it's mind haha! The next morning we had a three hour walking tour which our tour guide gave us the lowdown again of all the historical importance of Dublin. While in Dublin I went to the Guinness Factory - it was a self guided tour and it was really a great time! We toured it and got to see the steps in making the perfect pint and at the end we could pour our own "perfect pint." Finally we went up to the Gravity Bar which had a beautiful view of the city and made for a great time. Also, while there we got to see a museum about Irish literature - specifically William Butler Yeats. It was really cool because it gave me insight to what we are learning in Dr. Brian Reed's class (and made sense of it haha!). My time in Dublin was great and I hope that all who go to Dublin will enjoy it just as much as I did!
-J. GIBSON
So our first weekend here we all went to Dublin and boy I sure did have a great time! We checked into Jacob's Inn hostel and it was nice; once again it was myself and the other gent on this trip. We had a nice sized room with good accommodations. Our first trip was a mini tour of Dublin to get the idea of the city, so where everything is and how to get back to hostel, etc. I wish the weather would have been nicer though because it was a cold and wet, rainy weekend. But hey that's Ireland! Just like Erie, PA, the weather can't make up it's mind haha! The next morning we had a three hour walking tour which our tour guide gave us the lowdown again of all the historical importance of Dublin. While in Dublin I went to the Guinness Factory - it was a self guided tour and it was really a great time! We toured it and got to see the steps in making the perfect pint and at the end we could pour our own "perfect pint." Finally we went up to the Gravity Bar which had a beautiful view of the city and made for a great time. Also, while there we got to see a museum about Irish literature - specifically William Butler Yeats. It was really cool because it gave me insight to what we are learning in Dr. Brian Reed's class (and made sense of it haha!). My time in Dublin was great and I hope that all who go to Dublin will enjoy it just as much as I did!
-J. GIBSON
CONTINUED: More Irish Fun & Update
OK, so to continue from my last post about the Irish language, one of the most interesting things I've learned is that it is seen as both good and bad. It is good because it was reinstated by the Irish Department of Education and is taught in schools and paid for by the government, but is bad because the people see it as a nuisance. Why? I've asked the locals I've met why they don't like learning the language of their country. I've gotten many responses but mainly the students have been forced into learning a language they feel is dead and is not useful today. True, I can understand their point but even knowing a few basic phrases I think would be useful. I see it in my travels; the state is trying desperately to keep this language alive but the younger generation has given up hope on it. As sad as it is, I feel the language will eventually be gone and English will dominate the country's official language. Is this something the Irish want? It's a question that I cannot answer but only think about and I hope that it does not. It is a part of the their culture and they should embrace their culture.
-J. GIBSON
OK, so to continue from my last post about the Irish language, one of the most interesting things I've learned is that it is seen as both good and bad. It is good because it was reinstated by the Irish Department of Education and is taught in schools and paid for by the government, but is bad because the people see it as a nuisance. Why? I've asked the locals I've met why they don't like learning the language of their country. I've gotten many responses but mainly the students have been forced into learning a language they feel is dead and is not useful today. True, I can understand their point but even knowing a few basic phrases I think would be useful. I see it in my travels; the state is trying desperately to keep this language alive but the younger generation has given up hope on it. As sad as it is, I feel the language will eventually be gone and English will dominate the country's official language. Is this something the Irish want? It's a question that I cannot answer but only think about and I hope that it does not. It is a part of the their culture and they should embrace their culture.
-J. GIBSON
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