Dublin PICTURES!

Included are some fabulous pictures from our experiences in Dublin! And here's the link to the entire album. You're welcome!

In the hostel and ready to explore! And a pic of a Irish band performing on Grafton

A real live leprechaun! and Channing showing the only other women in red. I'm stylish.

Bulmers cider beer = delicious! And the restaurant had an Alabama Slammer!

A gift from a boy at Captain America's: a mini origami elephant! And entering Trinity College

At Trinity College then St. Stephen's Green

Statue by St. Stephan's Green and our first Guinness of the trip!

We found fun masks at the street market

Dublin Castle!

The chairs on the lawn and opening the door to Christchurch Cathedral

Christchurch Cathedral and a fun lamb we saw

The Irish apparently love the vikings and Guiness Brewery!

Whitney Houston died? and a Cinderella carriage!

Irish band at The Celt, and the Irish boys showing us how to dance

Dublin Collage!

Will add photos later but until then, hopefully this will suffice! In the process of adding them online now so I can share them. :)

Getting to first with the Blarney Stone

Yesterday was another eventful day! We got up early while we were still in Cork to go visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney stone. And of course, Channing and I took full advantage of our cameras and camera-whored to the max.

Blarney Castle was pretty sweet although some of the staircases were so narrow we wondered how the servants ever made it up them. I guess this is one reason why everyone was so skinny in the Middle Ages. We also kissed the Blarney stone! And were kind of disappointed that it's supposed to make you eloquent, not give you good luck. But we're going to pretend the latter, why not?

After that we got on the bus back to Dublin so we could enjoy our last night in Ireland to the fullest. Upon our return, of course the first thing we do is search out some cupcakes. We had seen some the other night but when we passed by it again it was closed. So we promised ourselves we'd go back and get some (no judgements). They lived up to expectations and the place also provided a delicious and cheap dinner! Hurray!

Then we walked O'Connell Street, getting in a view of the Spire and other statues while also stopping in some stores. And you'd be so proud of us, we didn't buy anything! So next we went on a hunt to find a place to meet some more genuine Irish people. The first bar was a bust so we did a little research to find a better option. Of course, it didn't really occur to us that it was a Monday night and even in Ireland people might not be out.

We did eventually find a place, Pygmalion, with a local clientele who we ended up meeting. We met Magnus (pronouced Man-us, the g is silent), Kevin, and Stuart. Manus is an actor so of course we got his autograph in the event he makes it big so we can say we knew him when! Kevin had a talent for impersonating people in a high pitched voice that had us rolling and Stuart looked like Shia LeBouf. There were a couple others but their names escape me.

All in all, it was a fun night and learned that Dubliners are unfamiliar with the language the boys from the other night taught us. They called them "cultchies" or "bog" because they were from the countryside, so I guess everyone has these prejudices haha. But Channing and I have decided we're going to use what we learned from the cultchies anyway! And we've gotten quite good at impersonating an Irish accent if we do say so ourselves because we've been repeating some of the more memorable lines.

Sorry for lack of pictures so far

So as my mother has so kindly pointed out to me, we haven't uploaded any pictures. But don't worry they'll be coming soon!

I just put some from my camera onto my computer so I'll try to get them uploaded here today. And we'll also blog about Blarney castle while we're at it because we took LOADS of pictures there.

So patience please =) and we're about to be in London!

Cleary, did you cut the cheese?

Taking advantage of this free wifi to describe our evening in Dublin with the Irish boys.

We started by going to Sinott's (at the top of Grafton Street) to watch the Champions League final (GO BLUES!). The place was packed and if course, the males heavily outnumbered the females which was not a problem at all. We found a place to stand that wasn't too in the way and asked some lads what we had to do to get a drink. A good opener, no?

This group of boys all had VERY Irish names: Sean, Conor, Niall, Darren, Barry, and Mark. They were pretty fun and hilarious so we didn't mind spending time with them. Eventually we got tired of not being able to move so the boys persuaded us to come to another pub with them. Neither Channing nor I would chug the rest of our beer so... We smuggled them outside underneath our coats. Can't say thats the first time I've done that either but oh well.

We waited outside for the others and eventually started to walk towards Flannery's? We never made it there so I'm not sure how it's spelled. We were walking with Sean and Conor an they decided to take us to The Celt "a true Irish bar" and who were we to say no? So off we went!

What resulted was a fun night and us learning a lot of the Irish lingo which I will now impart to you:

Bagel: a weirdo or really big jerk
Tuned in: someone who knows what's going on
Kickety mare kickety foal: like father like son
Bacon: corned beef
Brashers: bacon
Make it large: turn the volume up
Feeders: breasts
Shifting: kissing
Simple: not very bright or smart, idiotic
Hurling: Irish sport which looks like field hockey on crack
Tirty-tree: thirty three
Craic: a good time, enjoyable person or experience

Also one of the best stories about the lads: we're in the cab and all of a sudden it smells pretty bad. Conor accuses Sean, "Cleary, did you cut the cheese?" and Channing and I have a giggle-fit. Because, who says cuts the cheese anymore??? And with the Irish accent, it's just too much. Then Sean is all "I swear, it weren't me!" and Channing I definitely aren't the culprits so Conor accuses the cab driver! Who doesn't say a word... So I guess we know who the guilty party is!

Through recounting this story countless times Channing and I have become quite good at our irish accents. Or at least we think so haha.

But there's the highlights from that night in Dublin! We're on the bus back to Dublin from Cork at the moment and still savoring our tour of Blarney Castle and our smooch with the Blarney stone. More to come soon!

Legs. Are in. Pain.

Well, Channing and I had another successful day in Ireland! Too much walking but I'm sure our legs will recover! Or they better.

We started out the day with a trip to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and ended with a tour of the Dublin nightlife with some real Irishmen (but more on that later).

The Book of Kells is pretty neat and it's amazing to think how well preserved it is and how detailed when you think of how old it is. But I guess some monks had a lot of time on their hands. Err... Or a "saint" did.

After that we got distracted because we saw TopShop (fabulous British clothing store, look it up) and ran to it! I didn't end up buying anything because it indulged myself yesterday at Zara (love that place!) but Channing got a fabulous dress. Definitely going to make someone ask where it's from so she can go "Europe!" We are achieving our goals =)

Then we took a tour of St. Stephan's Green which is a pretty cool little park with a lot of greenery! There were some really fat seagulls which was a little disconcerting but you know, when in Dublin...

We also made our way to ChristChurch Cathedral where we were sorely tempted by the amount of baked goods surrounding it. Fortunately we stayed strong and were repaid with a fabulous traditional Irish meal at a pub called Harry's near Grafton Street. It was delicious! And paired very well with the Guiness's we both ordered. Yum.

Dublin Castle was next and that was cool to see buildings like that in the middle of the city. But overall, it was a little underwhelming. The highlight was definitely when we finally found the Chester Beatty library (the signs wanted to take us through buildings you couldn't go through...), and there's a beautiful green right in front of it. And on said green there were three random chairs we're guessing were from an event that morning. Of course, we wanted to get a picture sitting in them because they were so out of place, so... We did. And we just ignored all of the odd looks. Go big or go home!

We then decided to leg it to the Guinness Brewery to buy some souvenirs for people. Funny thing is you can't really get in without a ticket but we persuaded the nice Irish lass to let us in because we only wanted to visit the gift shop and she obliged! Once up there, true to our word, we only visited the gift shop but believe me when I say we thought about doing the tour. There wasn't another ticket checkpoint so we could have just caught up with a group! So here's a travel tip to those going to the brewery in the future: just say you want to go to the gift shop and they'll let you up!

Well that was most of our day, but there's so much more to tell from the evening's activities. We can provide you with a nice list of Irish slang that we learned but that will have to wait for later. I don't want to overwhelm you!

But top of the morning to you from our bus to Cork! We'll be there soon ad then we'll be smooching the blarney stone! =)

Our first adventure

So we made it safely to Dublin AND had our first adventure today!

It all started when our flight to London was delayed in landing because apparently Heathrow was really busy (wouldn't they know these things beforehand since it's one of the busiest in the world?), but eventually we were able to land. And then we had to find out what terminal we should be on for our next flight. As luck would have it, it wasn't the one we were currently on.

So we take the nice little 10 minute bus ride over to terminal 1 from terminal 5. This is about 11:30 when our flight is at 12:05. So we get off the bus and are like well I guess there's no stamping of the passport? Wrong.

We wait in line while the lady grills us about how long we'll be in the UK, to which the answer is hopefully not much longer since our flight leaves in 30 minutes. So a little flustered, we make it through only to find out we have to go through additional security checkpoints. So a face scanning, bag scanning, another face scanning, and 15 minutes later, we're on our way to gate 84. Easy peasy, right? Wrong.

I think we walked (err... ran) at least a mile because this terminal was so huge, and empty. The signs told us it would take 15 minutes to reach our gate from the current point we were at, and challenge accepted! So we run/walk all the way from gate 1 to gate 84. And have about 5 minutes before our flight is supposed to leave.

When we get there, we see a crowd of people and THEY HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED BOARDING YET. I'm glad we got that memo before we ran the whole way there. But never fear, we made it. We handled all the stares from the other passengers and were A-Ok.

So long story short, we ran but we made our flight! So we're currently in Dublin, all cosy in our hostel and happy after a good meal :)

2 DAYS!

So Channing and I have both somehow come down with some sort of sickness. Timing is everything apparently. But at least it's before we left so I could go to the doctor and get the drugs necessary to get rid of this nasty sinus infection. Thank goodness for antibiotics!!!

In other news... 53 HOURS TO BLASTOFF! It still hasn't hit me that I'm going to be in Europe this time in less than 3 days. But I'm pretty much all packed and ready except for a few items that I'll need to use before leaving Thursday. So crazy. I'm worried I don't have enough but of course I've probably packed too much. Such is life right?

And to manage expectations, I hope to update as much as possible which may mean a picture here or there and a post every two days or so. Hopefully. But depending on internet availability it may be longer than that.

Thanks for coming along for the ride and hopefully I'll have tons of fun stuff to update on!

Security! I got a complicated order

So as the day gets closer and closer (4 days!), Channing and I are in the midst of planning our packing. One thing I have decided is that I hate terrorists. Because of them I can't bring my normal sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, etc. In addition, I can't bring a razor or fingernail clippers. In effect, terrorists are making my goal of staying clean while traveling very difficult. So not fair.

However, since I ended up not having to work bootcamp last night, I did begin packing! I suppose that shows how excited I am for us to embark on this journey. I think I've identified what all I need to take and have planned accordingly, but it stinks that I can't bring more. But I suppose that's a blessing in disguise because then I'd have to lug around all those extra pounds.

But I digress, nothing and no one can bring me down because in 80 hours I'll be on a plane to Europe! And that only just now hit me that the number is in the double digits. Huzzah!

I caved.

I blame Amy.

7 Days and I can't focus

I'm supposed to be working on my white paper. Especially since the direction I'm taking with it was changed today. But you know what I'm doing? Shopping. For Europe.

It's not like I really even have money to buy tons of things to wear but I just want to look good while I'm representing America overseas. Is that too much to ask? And now I must beg the question, why aren't clothes less expensive?

However, I'm going to try to stem the urge to buy clothes here in the US so I can buy fantastic European clothes. And then when someone says, "Oh that's cute! Where did you get it?" I can be all smug and go "Oh, just you know, Europe." Ha, that will be so much fun! So, I think I will save my money so I can do that. Yeah, I will.

9 DAYS

I've come to the conclusion that I'm so ready to be done with school. I take Channing to the airport tomorrow and then I won't be seeing her until May 17th when we leave. So sad! But it gets me thinking about what I'm going to pack. For 3 weeks and one bag, this is going to be quite the challenge; but as Barney (HIMYM) says, "Challenge accepted!"

I've already decided on one sundress because it seems indestructible and what better to have while touring Europe than an indestructible dress? I guess I'll go from there and try to pack things that 1. can be layered and 2. go with a lot of things.

So much to think about! But I'd much rather be thinking about this than school. It's gross.

Cheryl is my name and procrastination is my game

Well, good news: WE'VE BOOKED EVERYTHING!!!! Well... except for where to stay in London. So if you know of anyone who has a place to stay in central London and you can hook us up, I would love you forever. Preferably this person would be around 25, fun, and not creepy. That's not a lot to ask for, right? Of course, at this point, we'd probably take what we can get.


Anyways, this trip is starting to feel real. Both Channing and I will be done with our exams later today so we're are counting down the days. Which, if you're wondering and I'm sure you are, is 14!


That's only 336 hours!

16 Days

Well, 16 days until Channing and I board our flight to Dublin. Is it weird that it still doesn't feel real?

But that could be because we haven't booked our hostels or train tickets yet. But, you know, one thing at a time. And we're planning to do that this week (so get off my back! haha).

I've also started thinking about what I'm going to need to pack. From my previous experiences I know it can get cold in Dublin and surrounding areas so we need to pack some things for that. Perhaps the new jacket I bought in Cincinnati? My purchases are always so clutch.

And while I'm mentioning Cincinnati, I found an apartment!!! I'm so pumped because we didn't think it was going to work out because of move-in days but Jody and I are going to make it work and one came available! It's One Lytle Place and it's pretty much thebomb.com. The location is fabulous and so is the floorplan. I can't wait to move in!

Well I guess that's really all the updates I have. Stay tuned, the date of departure is near!

Last A-Day... and I didn't go

Today was my last A-Day as a student at The University of Alabama. Definitely bittersweet but I didn't even go.

Don't get me wrong, I love Alabama football--after all, I've been to every game (yes, even away games) the past two seasons with the exception of the 2011 Capital One Bowl against Michigan State--but let's face it A-Day is boring.

Yes, you can see how players have developed in the off season. Yes, you get to take the first look at the new recruits who have made it on campus early. Yes, you get to be in Bryant Denny Stadium. But, here's the catch, you're playing yourself. Who do you cheer for?

To me, the magic is absent. Football gives me chills, watching my team win is the best feeling in the world, and A-Day doesn't provide any of this.

So, judge me if you will, but I enjoyed being in the air-conditioning and watching highlights on TV. I hope you enjoyed your sunburn.

Also... 33 days until Europe!

One Month to Graduation

It's official. Only one month until graduation! And apparently I will be walking now because my mother has requested it. Fine. I'll stand in the heat for 3 hours (unless I can escape after my name is called) and get a fake diploma. All for you, mom.

But yeah, May 5th is the day! Granted, I will have to work 2 weeks of bootcamp after but... minor details. So that means 42 days until EUROPE! Now that spring break is over that's what I'm mainly looking forward too.

Channing and I have been identifying things we want to do and people we can stay with in the various locales, so it's all coming together!

EEEEEEEEEEEK!

Beach Castle Fun

Well, SB12 is officially over and let me tell you I am NOT looking forward to the next 46 days (until graduation). Can it be May already? Specifically May 17th so I can be on my merry way to Europe?

That trip is really the only thing keeping me going. Senioritis is clamping down and giving me school paralysis. As in, no motivation, no work ethic, only living for the weekends.

So in honor of my wonderful productivity I've decided to highlight some of the things Channing and I have identified that we would like to do during out trip. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear it! Especially if the idea is something free :)

So to start off, here's some of the things we have on our mind for Dublin:

• National Museum (free)
• Guiness Brewery (alas, not free, 15 euro)
• Jameson Distillery (missed this my first time around, 9.60 euro)
• St. Stephen's Green (free)
• O'Connell Street

Obviously this isn't everything, but it's some of the main things. We're also looking at trying to go to another Irish city. Maybe Galway for the Cliffs of Moher? Or Cork? We really just want experience as much as possible while staying within our budget.

Well this has been my attempt at trying to keep the blog semi-regularly updated so I can get in the groove of updating once we're abroad. 

Until next time, Ciao!

SB12

While I wait for EuroTrip 2012, I guess I can gloat a little bit about my fabulous spring break plans. One thing is for sure, the 45 hours until departure are going to be the longest 45 hours of my life! (with the exception of the 8 hour flight to Europe)

So what am I doing that's so awesome? Well, I'll just be moseying down to my friend's beach castle (worth $3.4mil) on a private island. No big deal. Also, the weather is supposed to be fantastical (knock on wood), so its going to be EPIC.

While there we're also going to travel to see the Detroit Tigers spring training (Channing is a HUGE fan) and pick out our future husbands.

I CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE!

Flight Booked!

Well, I have some good news: I AM RETURNING TO EUROPE!

I booked my flight last week and I could not be more excited. I'm going with my best friend Channing and all I'm saying is Europe better watch out.

Our itinerary as it stands is:

• Dublin and surrounding area
• London and surrounding area
• Paris
• South of France: Marseille, Nice, TBD
• Monaco

This also means I will be updating more often (mostly at my parents' urging). You know you're excited!

More details to come...

Spring Semester!

I am apparently really bad when it comes to accountability. Perhaps I should just give up ever doing a blog because I suck at it. No life story accumulating within this site, that's for sure. Not that creating a life story was ever the plan. But I digress.

What's new? I have dedicated a major part of my life to the MIS program this semester from 20 hours a week on my Capstone project, to upwards of 15 hours of work every week. And that's not counting the 9 hours of other classes I'm taking. My life is not my own. Altogether that's 44 hours but it always seems like much more since sometimes it's spaced out. I guess you could say I live for Fridays (only 4 hours of work!) and the weekends. They sustain me.

In other news: I am so excited about the success our basketball team is having! Roll Tide! We are the SEC West champions! It feels good, because, who would have thought? While little sister down the road with their dying trees has one of the worst records in the SEC. Oh, that feels good. And beating Kentucky at home, what a crazy game!

But in reality, it's only made me wish football season was closer. I know that means I'm skipping summer which I am really looking forward to also (Cincinnati and P&G here I come!) but I love those football days spent on the quad and in the hallowed ground of Bryant-Denny. It's there that I'm with my family, the Alabama nation.

Wow, I just waxed poetic! Although, I think that's giving myself too much credit. Anywho, it's time for one of my non-MIS commitments, PSC321 International Law. Let's get it!