As the Fulbrighters began gathering in the lobby, I very quickly determined that this was going to be an interesting group of people to share time with . . . some families, some singles, some married without spouses in tow, and others with spouses and/or children coming and going throughout their tenure. I immediately felt VERY fortunate to be at a point in my life when I could take off from home and bring work with me to spend this time here with Mark (OK, Mother, you've been right all along).
We're beginning to learn about "Irish time", as our 8:30 departure headed toward 9:00. Once we left the offices and headed out, we re-traced our path through the city and passed within a block of our apartment - - - then into unknown territory, past the suburbs and into the beautiful Irish countryside. It was an amazingly sunny day, and I wished I had brought sunglasses (which I haven't needed a single time since arriving).
The rolling hills were punctuated by miles and miles of stone walls. Sheep and horses dotted the fields, and occasionally there was a ruin of a long ago church (or castle?) reminded us of the rolling hills of Kentucky (except for the ruins).
Three hours later, arrived in Galway - - the purpose of the trip being to give us an introduction to the Irish language within an area of native Irish speakers - - which meant two days of immersion into the Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking region).
We were greeted at the Chamber of Commerce by the Fine Gael Councillor (Mayor of Galway City) and treated to a luncheon and welcoming remarks. Leaving the Chamber we drove through Galway to the National University of Ireland Galway.
Street in Galway
Presentations were made by a variety of presenters - - - history, politics, economics and Irish language were the topics, and all were well presented and helpful. Fulbrighters were then called upon to introduce themselves to each other formally (as we'd already pretty much done that on the bus) - - - amazing number of people with Indiana connections!
A reception followed in the old administrative building of the University with more dignitaries and Fulbright Alumni in attendance.
Aula Maxima Lower, NUI Galway
Back on the bus for the trip to the Connemara Coast Hotel where there was dinner, more introductions, and pub time.
Connemara Coast Hotel
View from Bus leaving hotel
Thursday morning check out and back on the bus - - this time traveling deeper into the Gaeltacht to the Irish Language TV station - - really interesting presentation by the TG4 Director of Corporate Affairs (good education on how TV differs from the States, as well.
Next stop was the office of the Language commissioner - - bureaucracy seems to be the same everywhere - - and a delightful luncheon again!
This is where Mark and I had to skip out on the rest of the agenda, as Mark had to be back in Dublin by Friday morning to participate in a field trip with DIT (after all, that IS why he's here).
Taking a bus from Spideal back to Dublin to catch the train, we decided to go for the earlier bus (as we are now familiar with "Irish time" and that gave us a couple of hours to wander the streets of Galway.
Spideal (me next to fence)
View from Spideal bus stop
Galway City Canal
St Nicholas Church
Cathedral
Medieval Walls now enclosed in Shopping mall
A train ride, a Luas connection and a good walk took us back to the apartment. Mark says Friday's field trip was worth coming back for. And, I signed up for an Irish language class - - - that should be entertaining!!!!
Now on to weekend # 3 - starting out with Laundry, Skyping, and a lazy morning. . I'll see you all on Monday.
Have a SUPER weekend, Indianapolis!!!! (watched the Jimmy Fallon show from Circle Theatre and was homesick). I've loved keeping up with the festivities on Facebook - - keep it coming!
No comments:
Post a Comment