An Irish Weekend

This past weekend three of us went to Ireland.  We didn't think that going was going to be a possibility when the volcano in Iceland erupted, leaving many people stranded in airports.  However, the airways opened back up and we had no problems going (had you told me a volcano would interrupt plans, I would've laughed four weeks ago).  There were a few people, not going with us, who already canceled their flights so we were the only three students who traveled.
                                                                  Elizabeth's cup with our
                                                                  long lost love: ICE!

One of the first most exciting things about Ireland (other than all of the English in the air!) was the ICE in Elizabeth's water!  I totally forgot about the existence of ice before I saw her glass... that's how obsolete it is here.  It also was refreshing to hear English, especially in a cool accent! 

Our first day was spent in Dublin which is more touristy than the other places, but is still very laid back.  It's definitely not like Paris where I always felt like it was go. go. go.  Dublin was a very refreshing place to be as far as capitals are concerned.  There are tons of places to see like Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Dublin Castle.  I definitely going to Ireland when the flowers start to bloom because the parks are beautiful.  We spent about an hour sitting in the grass of St Stephen's Green talking, people watching, and enjoying the scenery. 

The next day we went to Limerick and Shannon.  We didn't spend a lot of time in Shannon, but walked around in the rain in Limerick. Limerick was beautiful, even with the rain.  We walked around the town and 

through a park there.  This picture is from Limerick.

When we got to Shannon around 4 we stayed in our hotel.  We were so exhausted from traveling all day.  We watched The Best music video channel ever and had fun anticipating what random song would come on next.  The next morning we left the Shannon Airport at 6:40 and got back into Paris around 12 ( flight + time change + bus ride from Beauvais airport to Paris).  We had a picnic lunch in the park by the Eiffel Tower and then caught the train home.

This is what a typical weekend is like when travelling... lots of new things, lots of sites to see, lots of travelling, and not enough sleep!  The longest we slept was 6 hours, but that doesn't ever matter.  We always catch up on planes and trains!

DISCLAIMER:  If you ever go to Ireland take your rain gear because Ireland is known for its rain.  Luckily for us though, the sun was out while we were site seeing in Dublin. 
The people in Ireland are very nice and helpful.  I recommend going to everyone. 

St. Patrick's Cathedral

www.stpatrickscathedral.ie