This past Saturday, Conner, Paul, and I went to the International Rules game at Croke Park in Dublin. This was the first match in 95 years held on November 21st in Croke Park. 95 years ago on that day was “Bloody Sunday.” This was when the British Army came in during a Gaelic Football match and shot 14 civilians. On Saturday, the Gaelic Athletic Association honored those lost and affected in that tragedy so long ago by lighting 14 flames that were lit the entirety of the game, laid a wreath where one of the murders occurred on the pitch, and held a moment of silence for all of those lost then and also in the recent terrorist attacks. It was silent among the 40,000 fans that stood there for a long time. It gave me chills as I reflected on the sorrow and grief of those who have lost a loved one.
We got to watch a match between Scotland and Ireland in the mixed game of Shinty and Hurling, and then we watched Australia and Ireland play a mixed game between Australian Rules and Gaelic Football. This game is held each year between the Aussies and the Irish and is rotated between the countries. It was the coldest night of the year so far, down to 32 degrees. I got pretty chilly sitting there for four hours, but it was so fun and awesome to watch. I definitely have had withdrawals from sports! It was very fast paced and easy to catch on to. Ireland won the match with a close and exciting end, making it that much better!
Sunday and Monday I spent several hours with my eyes glued to my notes and studying. My brain is just about fried after studying so long for the two exams I had today. After my last class, I went on a destress run, and when I got back, my roommate Fiona invited me to have dinner with her and her friend Michelle. I had the best time relaxing, laughing, and conversing with some friends. I am so lucky to have a great roommate, who is also a great chef! I got to have a typical Chinese dish that was delicious! I now have people to visit when I make my way to Beijing and Malaysia one day. J
This week is my last week of class and I cannot believe I’m almost done with the semester! As it is also Thanksgiving week, I should say that I’m so thankful for this learning experience going to school in Ireland the past 3 months! Can’t wait for all of the exciting things I have planned in the remaining weeks.
We got to watch a match between Scotland and Ireland in the mixed game of Shinty and Hurling, and then we watched Australia and Ireland play a mixed game between Australian Rules and Gaelic Football. This game is held each year between the Aussies and the Irish and is rotated between the countries. It was the coldest night of the year so far, down to 32 degrees. I got pretty chilly sitting there for four hours, but it was so fun and awesome to watch. I definitely have had withdrawals from sports! It was very fast paced and easy to catch on to. Ireland won the match with a close and exciting end, making it that much better!
Sunday and Monday I spent several hours with my eyes glued to my notes and studying. My brain is just about fried after studying so long for the two exams I had today. After my last class, I went on a destress run, and when I got back, my roommate Fiona invited me to have dinner with her and her friend Michelle. I had the best time relaxing, laughing, and conversing with some friends. I am so lucky to have a great roommate, who is also a great chef! I got to have a typical Chinese dish that was delicious! I now have people to visit when I make my way to Beijing and Malaysia one day. J
This week is my last week of class and I cannot believe I’m almost done with the semester! As it is also Thanksgiving week, I should say that I’m so thankful for this learning experience going to school in Ireland the past 3 months! Can’t wait for all of the exciting things I have planned in the remaining weeks.