First Week/Tour of Plassey

     It has been an interesting first week in Limerick, Ireland!  I've already gone through two umbrellas- The weather here is quite unpredictable (although favorable compared to the "Polar Vortex" occurring back home). It drizzles on and off throughout the day.  The rain doesn't seem to phase the Irish at all, however. In fact, I've noticed many of them don't carry umbrellas or even wear rain boots.
     Ireland truly is an Emerald Isle and is exactly what one would imagine it to be.  It was remarkable flying into Shannon airport and seeing the countryside from an aerial perspective.  I think my mother would die to have a yard full of grass as green and lush as Ireland.
     Grocery shopping for the first few times actually proved to be quite the adventure.  One should know that plastic bags are NOT provided upon checkout.  Customers are expected to purchase a re-usable bag or bring their own.  While at times this may perhaps seem inconvenient, I like their eco-friendly approach.  Depending on the store, you may also have to pay to use the grocery carts.  I'm sure the locals can easily spot the foreigners carrying arms full of groceries around the store.  Products in Europe also contain a lot less preservatives than in the United States.  This means they expire faster, so people generally don't buy as many things at once.    
    Perhaps one of the most amusing things thus far has been learning Irish words as well as Irish "slang." I will share with you a few of the terms I have learned:

-The word "Craic" (pronounced "crack") is often used in place of the word "fun".  For instance, an Irish student said to me the other day, "Rugby is good craic." I was taken aback momentarily.

-Many of you I am sure know this next one. The Irish refer to their french fries as "chips," and call potato chips "crisps." I had forgotten about this the first time I had a meal here!

-The next word, "muppet," I haven't really heard used as much.  It often refers to an ignoramus or foolish person. If you are ever called a muppet, I would certainly not take that as a compliment.

-Everything in Ireland truly is "grand." I have heard this used countless times in conversation the past week.  In this aspect it really is like the movies. I smile each time I hear it.

I have posted below a video I filmed of where I am living during my stay! There are five villages on campus that students may choose to live in.  The houses in the villages are essentially like apartments, or town houses with anywhere from 4 to 8 people (of either gender).  Each student gets his or her own bedroom, and shares the kitchen and living room area. If you have any questions please feel free to comment!

 

Ireland Facts!

Hello everyone! I leave for Ireland in just a few short days. I am currently in the process of packing and purchasing last minute necessities (like umbrellas). Posted above is a map of the country, and circled in red is the city of Limerick, where the University of Limerick is obviously located. It is this exciting place where I will be spending the next four months:)

Some quick facts about Ireland that I found interesting:

• Population: 4,775, 982 
• Capital: Dublin
• Approximately 87.4% of the people are Roman Catholic

- Ireland is a little over 1/3 the size of Michigan.

-There are apparently no snakes (thankfully) on the entire island of Ireland. This is due to its isolation from the rest of Europe; moles, polecats, roe deer, and weasels will also not be found. 

-Many of the Irish have last names beginning with "Mac" or "O'..." which means respectively "son of" and "grandson of" in Gaelic. 

-Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom and comprises of approximately 20% of the island of Ireland. Their standard of currency is the Pound, while the rest of Ireland uses Euros.

Sources: 

http://www.eupedia.com/ireland/trivia.shtml 

www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ei.html