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One Month on the Emerald Isle

Published on by angelinapacosaLeave a comment

It is hard to grapple with the reality that I have already been in Ireland for just over a month now, and consequently, I have to face that I only have about two months left. The time has simultaneously seemed to pass so fast and so slow. There is so much that I want to see and do that I often feel like I’m already running out of time to do them. But I’ve learned to slow myself down and appreciate the sight I’m seeing, or what I am doing, to make sure that I am present and that I am living the moment, that I am an active participant. I don’t want to end my study abroad journey reliant on remembering these experiences solely through the pictures I take. I want to be able to draw upon the physical memory in my mind and recall what exactly these experiences were like in the initial moment.

All that being said, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things around me. A big adventure isn’t absolutely necessary whenever I have the spare time. Sometimes just exploring the city around me is enough, and Cork City has a lot to offer.

Getting to know the city you live in, I feel, is a crucial part of the study abroad experience. It will teach you about the people you live with- students, locals, and tourists alike- and can put you in touch with the culture in a way that can be unique. Cork is different from Galway is different from Dublin. Cork, while a popular city, is less of a tourist destination than the other places I just mentioned, and therefore has given me a more unique, singular experience. Cork is a city of art and music and life in a way that feels genuinely authentic.

Cork By Day

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Cork is a true city. There is something going on at all hours of the day, which surprised me at first. It seems like there are people running errands and going to the shops in the middle of the afternoon, even on weekdays. It’s not unusual to see entire families out, making a day of it.

There are so many food options, which I am constantly pleasantly surprised by. There are so many different restaurants and take-away spots that have their own unique personalities and feature a specific type of cultural cuisine: Italian, Indian, Chinese, French, etc. Cork is a melting pot city, after all, and there are so many great authentic spots if you’re ever in the mood for a specific type of cuisine. There are also several bakeries on each block, often just a storefront or two away from each other.

One of my favorite places in the city is Fitzgerald Park. It’s the perfect spot because it is so versatile- there are spaces within the park that feel different from one another. There are benches by the river in the shade, there are long stretches of grass lawn where you can sun yourself (when the sun decides to come out), and there is a lovely fountain that is the fixture of the park. There are benches set into carved alcoves surrounding the fountain, which makes it the perfect place to read. It’s also a great spot to people watch, if that entertains you.

Cork By Night

Night life- depending on the day of the week- can be a bit crazy. As UCC students tend to go home on the weekends, weeknights are usually very busy. Club culture is definitely a thing here, but in terms of the more laid-back scene, live music in the pubs is definitely a staple.

Our favorite spot is Dwyer’s, which has live trad (Irish traditional) music every Thursday night. I love listening to trad music because I feel like it helps me connect with the Irish culture. I’ve even started to recognize some of the songs in the universal repertoire, which makes the experience all the more genuine. The live music scene usually packs out the pub- to the point where it’s standing room only- but I’ve found that locals and tourists alike have no problem creating a dance floor from the small area before the band’s stage. The dancing feels like yet another mark of authenticity, and it creates an unforgettable atmosphere with the music. I already know that this will be a part of my experience that I am sorely going to miss once I get home.

Over this last month, I have met so many new people. Some have been from home, but a vast majority have come from all over the world: France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, Peru, Sweden, and Bulgaria, to just name a few. I have seen so many new things and travelled to new destinations. I have started to learn so much about Irish traditions- thanks to some of my classes- and what every-day life is like for the people who were born and raised here. I find myself feeling extremely fortunate- lucky- every single day, and I can’t wait for what the next month might have in store.

Two Very English Weekends

Published on by Elsie BuczkowskiLeave a comment

Weekend in London

I was super excited to have an entire, proper weekend in London after my trip to Munich. A few of my friends were out of town, so I had some alone time to explore my area. For the most part, I tried to get comfortable in my dorm. I was having a lot of trouble feeling relaxed and at home in my room all by myself. It was exposure therapy. And now I have lovely little lamps that make it feel homey. And I have cute prints I got from the Victoria & Albert Museum on my fabric bulletin board. I went with my photography class, but after class was dismissed, I had a walk around by myself. I was so content and in awe that I took no photos of the art. 

Another thing that I’ve been thinking about is my spending habits here. This city is so incredibly expensive, especially the area that I’m in. The only place you can get a pint of beer for less than 9 pounds within walking distance of my dorm is the Metropolitan Bar, a JD Wetherspoons pub. This chain of pubs gets a bad rap in the UK, but I love that place with all my heart. The drinks are half the price of the bar across the street, and the food menu is absolutely massive. I would compare it to something like a Sharis. It’s cosy. There are strange old people there all the time. You sink into the worn booths. But I’m obsessed with the vibe they have curated consistently throughout their many locations. 

Another way we have been spending less money is by cooking at home in our shared dorm kitchens. We’re terrible cooks. But we are determined to get better. 

Last Sunday, we walked around Marylebone and got a little Sunday brunch out. It was perfect and relaxing and exactly what I needed before the week started. 

I’ve also mastered the art of walking in London. The thing that I didn’t understand about London is that there is no designated side of the sidewalk you’re supposed to walk on. People just walk wherever they want, all the time. Once I finally accepted this fact, my life became much easier. Now I walk whatever side of the sidewalk I want to, I look straight ahead at where I want to go, and people (for the most part) will get out of my way! 

Weekend in Canterbury 

This past weekend, we went on a girl’s trip to a small town called Canterbury, a few hours outside of London. It was the perfect calm, walkable small town where we could catch our breath and not always have to be on edge. 

The five of us took a 30-minute train ride to the White Cliffs of Dover on Saturday morning. We got a quick French breakfast and then took a taxi up to the viewpoints. The pictures do not do this place justice. We lounged around in the grass, soaking up the sunshine and staring at the cliffs like it was a riveting film. We didn’t want to leave so bad that we didn’t call our taxi until the last second. 

Back in town after our morning in Dover, we explored the beautiful gardens and canals. The cathedral that Canterbury is famous for did not disappoint either. But the weekend’s main event was our punting tour on Saturday evening. We had so much fun gossiping with our punting guide, Marcus, while he tried to tell us about the rich history of Canterbury. It was so entertaining we seriously considered going back in the morning before we had to catch our bus. 

I woke up at 8:00 am on Sunday so stressed out. I had received an email that said our bus had been straight-up cancelled. Without a refund. Instead, they put us on a different bus that left two hours later than the bus we scheduled and didn’t even take us all the way to Central London, where we departed from. Luckily, I found a train for only £15 more than we paid for the bus. I was worried that a last minute ticket would be ridiculously expensive. I called the bus service, and they kindly gave us a refund. 

I am excited to spend another weekend in London before heading to Paris. I’m extremely proud of myself for finally getting into a groove here. I look forward to sharing all the touristy things Max and I do this weekend when he visits, as well as more about my internship in my next update!