Visiting Kilkenny castle was particularly exciting for me because it was the first thing we saw when we entered the village; not to mention the first castle I have laid eyes on. On our first night in Kilkenny we walked down the parade towards the restaurants 7 pubs in town. We glimpsed the castle over the walls and suspected that it must be where we were headed the next day. Across from a stored called the luck of the Irish carrying fine clothing and accessories, the castle leered over the town making the trees and cars look tiny in comparison.
The next day (the day we went to the castle) I was late to catch up with the class who were standing on the green waiting for the tour to begin. I caught a few shots with my camera of people standing at the doors before we headed to a short film of the history of the castle. Particularly amazing facts stand out in my mind, like for example it was sold to a restoration company in Kilkenny for a mere 50 pounds in the 80’s.
The restoration of the castle was little by little, and the castle seemed empty for its capacity since all of its bounty had been auctioned off by the Butler family in the 30’s. What was left in the castle was quite amazing, especially chairs of leather mahogany and brass7 Chinese hand painted wallpaper in the woman’s withdrawing room.
Portraits of the family were maintained and positioned throughout the castle, but were most prominent in one hallway. They depicted a personality you wouldn’t see by simply reading about the ancestry. Portraits of Elizabeth Butler & other woman attached to the family through marriage where quite breathtaking.
The ceiling of the hallway was burned with images of natural life while the rafters were painted with images of beautiful Irish women (a symbol of Ireland) and different animal heads reminiscing of Norse mastheads to symbolize the crests of different royal families.
Later over dinner in Kilkenny a man who worked at Kytelers Pub told us that even though the castle is now owned by the town the Butler Family would visit the castle yearly as a sort of family reunion. So the traditions of the castle still go on in despite its changes in appearance.
Abby V.D.N.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Veneda and Jesse S. solemnly taking in the history surrounding them at the old cemetary and stone tower on our walk through Castle Woods. The trail felt like Vermont at first. There were amazing trees, ruins of a stable, field with beautiful horses, and wildflowers. Oh I cannot forget the buzz in the air of the far off bees. We never came across the hive, thank goodness.
Carole L.
Cliffs of Moher
While looking out over the cliffs, I realize I am actually in Ireland. It sank in right here while a woman played the harp and sang on the steps. It was so surreal.
Carole L.
My after thoughts of my dream come true
This was an amazing experience for me that would not have been possible if not for CCV. I enjoyed meeting and spending time with all of my classmates in Ireland.
Some of my highlights would have to be: The Cliffs of Moher, The Great Blasket Island, The Hill of Tara, Newgrange, Tour by Colm of Fethard, The Literary Pub Crawl in Dublin, and getting to know my new friends and fellow students.
I will never forget the memories I now have. We are all so close that we plan on getting together this summer. We also know that one of the traditional pub bands will be playing in New York sometime in August and we are planning on getting together then and going to see them. I now have added to my family.
The relationships we have all developed surprised us all. Ireland is truly magical in so many ways. We are living proof. This trip has created a bond between us all.
Carole L.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 6 - Moone High Cross
One of the stops we made on our tour of Ireland was to look at a Celtic Cross, or High Cross as they are sometimes called. These crosses were used in medieval times as a meeting place for religious purposes and/or as a way to mark boundaries. For more detailed information about what the symbols mean on this particular cross follow this link:
http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20Cross%20Moone.htm
I enjoyed this stop for another reason though. There was a cemetery next to the cross and while walking through it I stumbled upon a grave stone that might be an ancestor of mine. My Grandmothers Maiden name is Kelly. My Grandmother is not too sure of the dates but her mother and aunts and uncles came over to America sometime in the 1800's. The Grave stone that I found reads:
"Erected by Micheal Kelly Late of Clongh in the Parish of Balungla and now in America in memory of his beloved wife Ellen Kelly who departed this life on the 3rd of November 1857aged 47 yrs. Also his son James died June the 6th 1859 aged 17yrs. "
Kelly C.
One of the stops we made on our tour of Ireland was to look at a Celtic Cross, or High Cross as they are sometimes called. These crosses were used in medieval times as a meeting place for religious purposes and/or as a way to mark boundaries. For more detailed information about what the symbols mean on this particular cross follow this link:
http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20Cross%20Moone.htm
I enjoyed this stop for another reason though. There was a cemetery next to the cross and while walking through it I stumbled upon a grave stone that might be an ancestor of mine. My Grandmothers Maiden name is Kelly. My Grandmother is not too sure of the dates but her mother and aunts and uncles came over to America sometime in the 1800's. The Grave stone that I found reads:
"Erected by Micheal Kelly Late of Clongh in the Parish of Balungla and now in America in memory of his beloved wife Ellen Kelly who departed this life on the 3rd of November 1857aged 47 yrs. Also his son James died June the 6th 1859 aged 17yrs. "
Kelly C.
Final Thoughts
Memories of her flow through my head,
like her history full of beauty and dread.
The majesty lies in her heart heavy like a stone,
without all, her secrets I could not have discovered alone.
Her cliffs, castles, abbeys, delight
when the flocks of tourist bed for the night.
Her love I must leave to an untold year,
and with much pain and a salty tear.
Chris L.
Photo donated by Carole L.
More from Great Blasket
The Blasket Island
As soon as the island came into view I fell in love. The Blasket is the most surreal beautiful place I have ever had the opportunity to visit. It is like a piece of heaven was cut out and placed off the shores of Dingle Bay. I had a feeling it would be an amazing place as soon as the dolphin started following our ferry out of the bay. I had never seen a dolphin until that point. The locals said that "Fungi" (the dolphin) has been living in their bay for over 20 years. Even animals can recognize the magic of that area. Pulling into the area where we exited the boat I could barely contain my excitement. As we walked up the hill to the area where the house ruins stood I felt that overwhelmed (in a good way) feeling of enjoyment. Once I walked to the top of the hill it was a sensory overload. There were sheep, donkeys, and seals, a beach, a cliff area, and bright green grass everywhere. A small group of us immediately went to the beach. We sat on the beach watching the seals for about an hour and a half. Rachel told us a folk tale about the seal taking off their seal skin. We did not end up doing a lot of hiking around the island but the experience we did have was fabulous. Taylor and I fed the donkeys some pieces of bread and they wouldn't leave us alone after. Even though the island seemed like the perfect paradise it also held the face of reality. On the beach there was a dead seal and also a dead sheep. I'm unsure of what happened to the seal but pretty sure that the sheep had fallen off from a cliff drop. The island was also home to an unpleasant plant, a nettle. A few of us ended up getting stuck by them. Luckily it only burns for a bit. Before we knew it the boat was back to pick us up. It was time to leave this new paradise known as the Blasket Island.
Kim G.
As soon as the island came into view I fell in love. The Blasket is the most surreal beautiful place I have ever had the opportunity to visit. It is like a piece of heaven was cut out and placed off the shores of Dingle Bay. I had a feeling it would be an amazing place as soon as the dolphin started following our ferry out of the bay. I had never seen a dolphin until that point. The locals said that "Fungi" (the dolphin) has been living in their bay for over 20 years. Even animals can recognize the magic of that area. Pulling into the area where we exited the boat I could barely contain my excitement. As we walked up the hill to the area where the house ruins stood I felt that overwhelmed (in a good way) feeling of enjoyment. Once I walked to the top of the hill it was a sensory overload. There were sheep, donkeys, and seals, a beach, a cliff area, and bright green grass everywhere. A small group of us immediately went to the beach. We sat on the beach watching the seals for about an hour and a half. Rachel told us a folk tale about the seal taking off their seal skin. We did not end up doing a lot of hiking around the island but the experience we did have was fabulous. Taylor and I fed the donkeys some pieces of bread and they wouldn't leave us alone after. Even though the island seemed like the perfect paradise it also held the face of reality. On the beach there was a dead seal and also a dead sheep. I'm unsure of what happened to the seal but pretty sure that the sheep had fallen off from a cliff drop. The island was also home to an unpleasant plant, a nettle. A few of us ended up getting stuck by them. Luckily it only burns for a bit. Before we knew it the boat was back to pick us up. It was time to leave this new paradise known as the Blasket Island.
Kim G.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Last Day
This is a bitter sweet momment for us all. We truly enjoyed our time here, but are of course missing our families and friends. We do realize that we have quite a few posts to catch up on. I believe that most of us will be doing so when we return home and can look through our journals. The time to reflect on all the beauty we have seen will be a surreal momment for us, I'm sure.
I can tell you that I myself have times when I just think this may be a dream, when in fact my dream came true.
I know collectively we have tons of pictures and will also be posting them here. I am thinking of also setting up a CCV Ireland Trip facebook page, so that we can share our many pictures. Our little group has become so close during the last 10 days that we are all going to become facebook friends if we have it. I have truly enjoyed this whole experience.
Carole L.
I can tell you that I myself have times when I just think this may be a dream, when in fact my dream came true.
I know collectively we have tons of pictures and will also be posting them here. I am thinking of also setting up a CCV Ireland Trip facebook page, so that we can share our many pictures. Our little group has become so close during the last 10 days that we are all going to become facebook friends if we have it. I have truly enjoyed this whole experience.
Carole L.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dublin - day 2
Another busy day in dublin . First up a great lecture on myths and the landscape of Ireland. Made me want to study here in Dublin. Then on to a madcap tour of the city with stops at the Kilmainham Jail, which was sad and depressing. Just a horrible place to have been locked up.Then on to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Such intricate and beautiful work. (I may go back tomorrow to spend more time there) And Lastly a quick tour of St. Patricks Cathedral.
Dublin is so full of history and beauty that it would take much more time than we have to see everything.Tomorrow we're off to the Hill of Tara. Can't wait!
vg
Blasket Island - May 16th
Crashing waves
The sound of motor boats
The ruins left behind
Mountains
Seals on the beach
People hiking
Peaceful
Sunny
Breathtaking... Blasket Island.
--Alyssa
The sound of motor boats
The ruins left behind
Mountains
Seals on the beach
People hiking
Peaceful
Sunny
Breathtaking... Blasket Island.
--Alyssa
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
May 16th - Blasket Island
After climbing and exploring Blasket Island and it's ruins I found myself a little nook away from the cold wind to sit and look out at the beauty that I was lucky enough to have in front of me. Looking out at the beach on Blasket Island and across the ocean to the town of Dingle. It was a magical and fascinating place to visit.
EJSF
Images of the Great Blasket Island
These are images of our second day, out on the Great Blasket Island. We were met by a dolphin as we ferried out to the island a place of high cliffs and fallen stone houses in various states of ruin and disrepair. The ground is covered with rough grass, wildflowers, thistles, tufts of wool and the leavings of sheep. Seals rest effortlessly on the edges of the crashing waves, and lie on the sun in the beach. Gulls circle in the distance and white caps and spray surround the distant islands. One woman remains on the island now, and the village is otherwise uninhabited.
The experience of being on the island was a reflective and spiritual experience for many of us. The silence, measured only by the crashing of the waves, the clear skies and bold geography of the place captivated us.
J.S.
Day 5 - Kilkenny
So far, we've all been incredibly busy making it difficult to find time to post and/or we've had marginal internet access to do it. We'll need to back fill text and photos over the coming days and should have an easier time to do this when we get to Dublin.
Today we began with a 4 mile forest walk at Claremorris Woods 20 miles south of Kilkenny. These are the lands around the former 17th century Claremorris estate comprising hundreds of acres of mature mixed forest and the remains of what was once the largest country home in Ireland - destroyed during the Irish Civil War in 1922. During the walk we serendipitously came across the old monastic ruin of Aghaviller, consisting of a small Medieval church and stump of an earlier Round Tower.
This afternoon was free time in the City - an opportunity for all to explore. A few of us climbed the 90 ft. 9th Century Round Tower and explored the 13th century cathedral of St Canice - the latter a marvel of design, construction and repository of centuries-old artifacts.
Peter K.
Today we began with a 4 mile forest walk at Claremorris Woods 20 miles south of Kilkenny. These are the lands around the former 17th century Claremorris estate comprising hundreds of acres of mature mixed forest and the remains of what was once the largest country home in Ireland - destroyed during the Irish Civil War in 1922. During the walk we serendipitously came across the old monastic ruin of Aghaviller, consisting of a small Medieval church and stump of an earlier Round Tower.
This afternoon was free time in the City - an opportunity for all to explore. A few of us climbed the 90 ft. 9th Century Round Tower and explored the 13th century cathedral of St Canice - the latter a marvel of design, construction and repository of centuries-old artifacts.
Peter K.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sorry these are so sporadic, internet time is often hard to come by. We are so busy and sometimes just too tired. But we are having a good time and learning so much....
Tues. May 18 -
Another great day, though windy and rainy. Went to Kilkenny castle, which is right across the street from where we are staying. really beautiful. Then on to Kells Priory- the most extensive Priory in Ireland.Even tumbling down over the ages, you can feel the spirit of the place. Next, Fethard and an Irish history lesson Colum.He made it come alive. then dinner and music by the Keltic Kats. these guys are great. We are really getting to know one another and traveling well together.
Ireland is beautiful - everything that I expected and more.
Veneda Gabourel
Tues. May 18 -
Another great day, though windy and rainy. Went to Kilkenny castle, which is right across the street from where we are staying. really beautiful. Then on to Kells Priory- the most extensive Priory in Ireland.Even tumbling down over the ages, you can feel the spirit of the place. Next, Fethard and an Irish history lesson Colum.He made it come alive. then dinner and music by the Keltic Kats. these guys are great. We are really getting to know one another and traveling well together.
Ireland is beautiful - everything that I expected and more.
Veneda Gabourel
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 1 in Ireland
Landed at Shannon Airport at 6am Ireland time!! We were all rearing to go!!
Meet our bus driver, Kevin.
We headed to Dingle with a few stops along the way. We stopped at Leamahen Castle to take pictures.
We stopped next at Poulabrone Megalithis Tomb to look around and take pictures.
Headed to The Cliffs of Moher next. They were indescribable! There was a harpist playing on the stairs named Tina. She was absolutely beautiful! So much so that I was crying and Venita was as well.
Stopped at Ballyhaighy Beach for a bit.
We took a ferry over to Dingle where we were going to be staying for two nights. Cute town with a harbor.
Went to dinner and visited a pub to listen to traditional music.
Will continue later this evening.
Carole LaVanway
Meet our bus driver, Kevin.
We headed to Dingle with a few stops along the way. We stopped at Leamahen Castle to take pictures.
We stopped next at Poulabrone Megalithis Tomb to look around and take pictures.
Headed to The Cliffs of Moher next. They were indescribable! There was a harpist playing on the stairs named Tina. She was absolutely beautiful! So much so that I was crying and Venita was as well.
Stopped at Ballyhaighy Beach for a bit.
We took a ferry over to Dingle where we were going to be staying for two nights. Cute town with a harbor.
Went to dinner and visited a pub to listen to traditional music.
Will continue later this evening.
Carole LaVanway
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Welcome to Ireland 2010!
Welcome to the CCV Study Abroad course Ireland through Words, Images and Music (HUM-2710), taught by instructor Peter Keating. Students depart for Ireland on May 14. Check back regularly for exciting updates on their travels!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Final Reflections for Costa Rica/Intercultural Communications Class
Two weeks after returning home, here is an image representing our shared reflections and insights from the trip. (Click on the image for a larger view.) This image was created using www.wordle.net.
Images of Wordles are licensed
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Images of Wordles are licensed
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Sunday, January 17, 2010
On the way home
The group left San Jose with an on-time flight departure and are on their way to Newark, then home.
Very early Sunday morning
3 am - with a goal of a 3:30 departure from the hotel, students are already loading luggage on the bus!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday - Last Day
Today we travel back to Alajuela and get ready for a 3:30 am depature to the airport tomorrow!
Manzanillo Refuge
Our final day in and around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca we were rewarded with warm sunshine and many glimpses of wildlife, including sloths and howler monkeys. Our Afro-Caribbean guides enjoyed seeing how brave we were about meeting smaller forest creatures such as millipedes, spiders, and bats, and from them we learned to recognize many trees, such as this walking palm, which can move as much as one meter per year!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bribri homes and food
Today we met with more individuals from the Bribri community, who taught us about locally used herbs and medicinal plants and then prepared a meal served in banana-leaf dishes. Dessert was ripe bananas roasted in an open fire served with a home-made chocolate drink.
Bribi
Today we met with two individuals from the Bribri indigenous group and learned a little about their culture and history. Indigenous leader Timoteo Jackson took us on a hike to a special waterfall and entrepreneur Miss Petronilla talked to us about how the Bribri used cacao and other medicinal plants.
We were very happy to be able to purchase some of this very special chocolate!
We were very happy to be able to purchase some of this very special chocolate!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sustainable Agriculture and Ecotourism
In one of UGA's classrooms we had the opportunity to learn about the history of San Luis and how sustainable agriculture and ecotourism has developed in recent years.
Paper Crafts
Monday morning we learned about a business project in San Luis that makes paper crafts from locally recycled paper.
San Luis Dogs
An informal poll of our group revealed many of us brought photos of our dogs on the trip. The neighborhood dogs in San Luis have been very happy to have our attention.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday - Ecotourism
Today we began our explorations of Costa Rican ecotourism. Our day started bright and early with a 6:30 breakfast, and then we were off to the Monteverde Cloud Reserve Forest, where thanks to our excellent guides, Oscar and Ricardo, we were lucky enough to see the quetzal, a bird that lives no where else in the world except this one cloud forest. Can you spot it? Click on the photo to enlarge it, then look for a tiny emerald-colored spot just above and to the right of the approximate center of this photo.
Night Hike
Nighttime, we learned from our naturalist guides, is when the insects of San Luis are busy!
Saturday - Making Arepas
Today we learned to make Arepas from three women who live on a farm cooperative a fifteen minute walk from UGA's campus in San Luis.
They were delicious with a nice vanilla flavor, kind of a cross between a pancake and a scone. We had them with pineapple jelly and coffee and fresca, a juice.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
We've arrived in Costa Rica!
We had a good flight, over five hours, to San Jose and sailed through immigration and customs. Our driver for today and tomorrow, Eduardo, took us safely to our hotel, and we're all ready for a good night's sleep!
Newark
We've spent the past two hours looking for examples of unspoken airport culture. Our plane to San Jose boards soon and is on time for a 5:15 departure.
On the way!
Here is our group getting ready to check in at 10:00 on Friday morning, Jan.8. The flight left on time and is landing in Newark right about now (2:15 pm). Good day to head out of Vermont to someplace warm.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Welcome to Costa Rica 2010!
The Costa Rica Study Abroad Intercultural Communication course taught by Amy Beth Kessinger will be leaving from the Burlington airport at 10:00 AM Friday, arriving in Costa Rica about 9:00 PM local time.
Stay tuned here to our upcoming adventures!
Stay tuned here to our upcoming adventures!
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