Ode to Google, Malls, and Galway's 10-minute walks

A 10-Minute Walk

The following is what I did on my way to go see Spencer in the hospital.  I call it my 10-minute walk although it lasted for several hours, because I took my time going and coming.

I went back to McDonagh's and had chicken and chips.  I was so tempted to try their mushy peas, but I was too full.  I will have mushy peas before I leave!  I love eating here because they have stools on the outside of the room, so even if you are sitting by yourself, you aren't really because you are so close to other people eating.  It's a nice way to meet people.

There is a very nice walkway right next to the river on the way to the hospital.  It is beautiful and green and surrounded by people and nature.  It was by far my favorite path.  I tried to use the panorama feature on my camera, but it made the pictures really small.  See what you think.  The first on is on the walkway and the second is next to the cathedral. 

I had a very nice visit with Spencer at the hospital and he started to cry and told me how grateful he was that I was here with him in Ireland. I was so happy to hear him say that, but when I was on my way home I wished that someone was here with me.  So, I went in a nice restaurant and had hot chocolate and shepherd's pie - Comfort Food.

I believe that God really watches out for us and he's always there when we need Him.  I walked out of the restaurant when I was done and heard the most beautiful Irish music!  I kept walking and there were street performers after street performers.  I heard guitars, harps, and even a Didgeridoo!  My favorite was this guy.  I'm not sure what Marilyn Monroe and Pres. Obama have to do with Irish music, but here it is:

I Have Clothes Now - Sort Of

The original plan was to come to Ireland on Friday and leave the next morning with Spencer and go to the doctor here.  By the time I was in Chicago, he was in the hospital.  So, I literally had 2 shirts, 2 pants, 2 pairs of socks (one was what I got from the airplane ride), and luckily 3 pairs of underwear.  So I have been washing in the sink and hanging out to dry things I wasn't wearing.  Today I found the mall.  It's so strange, you would never know there was a mall unless you were looking for it.  It looks like a tiny alleyway and then BOOM!  It's a mall.  It's just like an American mall.  It was huge!  I was very surprised that such a big mall can start off as a little alleyway.  I found 2 shirts, socks, gloves, and a suitcase.    I tried to find pants, but that was asking the impossible since even when I'm in America I can't find pants that don't need alterations.  I was thinking of buying shoes, but this is what I found:

These shoes are a little too cool for me.
I'm a comfortable shoes kind of girl.

Sorry, I don't want to have to balance
when I'm wearing shoes.

These look semi-comfortable, but they had
absolutely no padding on the
inside of the shoe.

Ode To Google

I have had to make several calls since I've been here, both to the U.S. and inside of Ireland.  Gmail has a chat feature.  Next to the chat feature is a picture of a little phone.  I get to talk to America for FREE and I get to talk to Ireland at 17 cents a minute.  THANK YOU GOOGLE!!!!!

Google is the best.

They put my mind to rest.

I can call my Mom.

I can also call my friend Tom. 

(It rhymes, I don't have a friend named Tom.)

Thanks Google for making calling cheap.

So I can hear the sheep in Ireland bleat.

(Use your imagination and pretend it rhymes!)

Checking Out Downtown Galway, Ireland

Bap Bread

I finally was able to go to downtown Galway today - after visiting Spencer and a very long nap!  I went to find lunch and there is a street lined with restaurants and shops.  I found a bakery that had sandwiches and so I walked in and it was warm, crowded, and friendly.  I had a bread called bap.  I had no idea what that was, so I thought I'd try it. This is bap bread and turkey and cranberry sandwich.

Downtown Galway, Ireland

There are a lot of shops and restaurants on one road and the road turns and there are a lot of vendors and food carts on the other road.  There were lots of people and shops!  

 

I had to take a picture because of the funny name!

There is a beautiful cathedral in between the city center and the hospital.  I love going inside the cathedrals, there are works of art and amazing architecture, not to mention inspiring worshipers and prayers happening.

This was the river next to the cathedral.  Very beautiful!

I was trying to find the hospital when I was done walking around, so I asked a person for directions.  He told me which direction and then said, "5... no... 10 minutes walk."  I thought that someone was going to say something other than 10 minutes, but I think it's the law to say that it's 10 minutes away.  :)  I found it easily and I am happy to say that Spencer is doing very well, I think that his stay will be very short hopefully!

Ireland Day 2 - 10 minutes walk.

My 10 minute walk

I decided to day when I went to visit Spencer to try to find the local Mormon church.  I got directions from my B&B family to the hospital - a 10 minutes walk they said.  I looked on my map and decided if I go a little farther I can go on the road where the church is supposed to be.  I said supposed to be because I never found it, but I did have a lovely hike.  I walked for about 2 hours.  I did visit Spencer and he was sleeping and very drugged, so I had a nice 5 minute visit before he decided to sleep again.  Sleep sometimes is the best medicine!  

This 10 minute walk is so funny to me!  I actually saw a sign that pointed in a direction and said some type of attraction was 10 minutes one way and another attraction was 10 minutes in the opposite direction.  Unfortunately, it was on the other side of the road, and I didn't want to get run over for a great picture.  Half way between the 10 minute walk from the hospital to the B&B, I asked a store clerk for directions, and she said, "It'll be about a 10 minute walk."  I cracked up right there in the middle of the store.  She must have thought I was crazy! 

My Rock Walls

One thing I wanted to see was rock walls along the roads in Ireland.  I have seen several movies with that and it just seemed lovely.  (I'm thinking P.S., I love you and Leap Year.) There are rock walls everywhere, in fact I saw a bridge with flat cement facing the water and stones put in as a facade on the side facing the road. 

Here is unusual bush.  It had these
popcorn-like bulbs.   I wish I had a
better picture to show you!

Here is an example of the many rock walls
I saw on my hike today.

Road Signs are a bit unusual in Galway, Ireland.  They are written in Gaelic and English.  They drive on the other side of the road, so I have to check, recheck, and recheck again when I cross the road.

 

There are great bike paths there.  The bike sidewalk for walkers is one level, the bike paths are a little lower, and the road itself is on the lowest level.  I thought this was great because the bikes have their own lane that is not on the road.

I was so confused by this sign.  I think that it means watch out for the bikes, but I'm still not quite sure.  If a bike was going straight then the bike would still be hit even if they veered to the left to go right.  I don't get it.  Thank heaven I'm not driving here.  I thought it would be easy to get used to since I drove in New Zealand on the opposite side of the road, but it's been way too long!

 Here are some lovely flowers just outside my B&B.  It's a really lovely garden!

I'm in Ireland, Crazy but True

You Are Where?

Well, all I can say is be careful what you wish for.  I was wishing so badly to get away from work and travel.  Spencer, my brother who lives with me, was in Ireland on holiday (that's vacation to Americans).  He got sick and he's in the hospital.  I talked with the doctors and he will be fine, but they wanted me here so I can be with him.  They aren't quite sure when he will get better, but they want me to stay until Monday so they will have a better idea. 

Taken in Dublin from the bus.  I was awake for the 2 seconds
it took to take this picture.

I thought it was really cool that it had both the
Irish and EU flags

 It Took You How Long?

So, I woke up at 4:30 a.m., flew to Chicago got on a plane to Dublin at 6:30 p.m.  (The reason I flew so early is that I wanted to be sure that I got on the plane to Chicago because I was flying standby.) Arrived in Dublin at 8:30 a.m., got on a bus to Galway and arrived here at 1:30 p.m.  In that type of situation, here were my priorities:  1.  Book a Bed and Breakfast.  2. Meet with the doctors at the hospital.  3.  Go back to the B&B and took a shower. 4. Sleep.  5. Eat (Fish and chips!)  I was so tired that I had no desire to eat even though I hadn't eaten since breakfast.

Things I Noticed Immediately

So, I noticed that when I hear Irish people talk, it seems they add letters that aren't there.  I'm not sure if they are doing that or it's just me hearing wrong.  Galway for example.  Galway rhymes with hallway.  I swear I was hearing Galaway.  When I asked where I could get great fish and chips 2 people told me the same place.  I heard McDonalds, but it was actually McDonaugh's.  I thought it was a funny name that they made, but McDonaugh's has been around since 1902. (I know because I read the sign.)

I also noticed that no matter where I was in Galway the place I wanted to go was always a 10 minute walk.  I have a sneaking suspicion they are talking about how an Irish person walks instead of how I walk, but nevertheless, it is walking distance.

Most businesses have an O' or Mc something in the name.  It's not just an Irish joke, it's the norm.

My B&B - St. Clare's

I went to the tourism office when I got here and they found me a lovely B&B that only cost 35 Euro a night.  They are this lovely older couple who have a lovely home, I came and they asked me if I would like a coffee or tea to refresh myself, I don't drink either, but it was so nice for them to offer!  It's very Irish with a living room with a wee fireplace and it's lovely.  They bent over backwards to accommodate me and they even got a taxi for me when I told them I needed to go to the hospital (even though it was just a 10 minute walk, I was almost late for my appointment, so I thought I'd take the safe route and get a ride there).  The sweet woman stood at the window and watched for the taxi for me so I could sit down for a second.

When I came back and wanted to sleep, she turned off the radio and made sure everything was quiet so I could sleep.  She said, "I'll turn on the heat for you.  It turns on at 5:00 p.m. and then it will turn on again before you wake up."  That was a little concerning to me because I'm a cold natured person, but I was too tired to question this practice.  So, I put on my jacket over my pajamas and slept!

Life, Death, and Religion

Aunt Claudia

It is funny how the death of someone really makes you look at your own life.  This weekend, my aunt Claudia passed away.  She had cancer and she had no pain.  I think of my father's last week of life and thank heaven that Claudia went so easily.  She was a very funny lady and my cousin - her granddaughter asked Claudia what she wanted to be for Halloween.  Claudia replied, "Lady Gaga!"  She was much hipper than my mom, who wouldn't have a clue who Lady Gaga was.  Claudia, I'm going to miss your wide smile and your helpful heart!

Women's Conference

This weekend, I have been thinking a lot about religion and spirituality.  Not only was this reflection caused by my Aunt's passing, but also because this week was also Women's Conference.  Women's Conference is when the women leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints give talks about various religious topics.  These conferences always inspire me to be a better person and I really enjoy listening to them.  http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/general-relief-society-meeting/2012/09?lang=eng 

Afterlife - Agree to Disagree

I also have a very good friend who is an atheist.  He does not believe in any type of afterlife.  It is mind boggling to me how we can both have such conviction in our beliefs and be at the polar opposite ends of the spectrum.  I cannot imagine a world in which death is the end.  It seems so obvious to me that the spirit leaves the body.  I have felt the presence of my dad, grandparents, and others who have passed away.  It is a very interesting debate, one leaving us both with our same beliefs, but with more respect for everyone's right to believe what they may.

Separation of Church and State

I teach future teachers at Grand Canyon University, which is a Christian college.  My students go on and on about how religion should be brought back into the classroom.  Although I am a very religious person, I am an even bigger advocate in religious equality.  I always ask my students which religion they want in the schools.  Should it be Christian, Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Jewish, or some other religion?  What about parents who are atheists and don't want any religion?  I am great with people believing what they wish to believe.  I am not okay with teachers choosing for their students what to teach them about religion.  Let's leave that to parents.  Thank heaven for separation of church and state because that is the law, no matter how much the teachers I teach want religion to be a part of schools.  Be careful what you wish for!

Key Chains and Sand - My Travels Around the World

I saw a friend at church recently who said, "You have been everywhere!  I want to sit down and talk with you about your travels one day."  I found that quite ironic since she has been more places than I have.  I talked to her a little about this ironicness (not a word) a little later and she said that she was older and I had a great start.  She also told me that she collected sand from where ever she went, which is right up my alley since I LOVE beaches.  She even collected dirt from the Eiffel Tower in France because there is no sand there.  

I collect key chains.  I started on my first trip to Europe because I was poor and my luggage was full.  It turns out that I had key chains from the previous countries I went to before I became a big traveler. So, Diane, this blog is for you!

Aroha Nui! 

Can you believe the first place I ever went outside of the USA is New Zealand?  This was 1993.  What a lucky girl I am!  I lived there for 1 1/2 years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Thanks to facebook I've recently re-established friendships!  I lived mostly in Hamilton and Auckland in the North Island.  It's one of the most beautiful places in the world!  My part of New Zealand had a lot of Polynesians.  I learned how to say, hello and good-bye in about 10 different languages.  I loved it there!  

I went to Canada next in 1994.  Actually, I went to Niagra Falls for a day, which hardly counts, but I count it anyway.  I don't have a key chain from there.

Because I knew a lot about Polynesia, when someone came into my BYU teaching methods class asking who wanted to student teach in Tonga, I jumped at the chance!  I was there for 3 months in 1996.  I loved it there.  There was nothing to do at all, but flirt with boys.  When I was there they thought all white women were beautiful, so for 3 glorious months in Tonga, I was beautiful.  The first Tongan word I learned was Foi Lole - which means you are as sweet as candy!  

In 2006, I went with my friend Bonnie to pick up her cousin Ang, who I have known for years, who was studying in France.  Bonnie, Ang, Ang's friend, and I had a whirlwind trip to London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Paris, France.  We were there for 8 days I think.

On my first cruise in 2009, I went with my friend Bonnie for my birthday, who has been with me through most of my travels.  She had never been to New Orleans, so we started from there.  We went to Cozumel, Mexico.  It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun!

In 2011, I went to Italy for 3 weeks with my friend Sandy.  I loved Venice because it had some beautiful masks and trinkets.  These are not key chains, but they are small, cheap, and easy to carry.

Rome, Florence (Firenze), Pisa, and Venice! I love Italy!  In Rome, we stayed in a magical campground filled with music.  In Florence, we could've eaten dirt and it would have been the best food I have ever had in my life. Pisa gave us a nice sunny reprieve from the rain in Florence. In Venice, my friend Sandy and I had fun getting lost and following a cute gondolier.   

Did you know that Vatican City is another country within the walls of Italy?  The Sistine Chapel is there and the magnificent ceiling that Michelangelo Painted!  This trinket is actually an eraser.  It's my favorite part of the painting!

  

In October 2011, I went with the South Family to the Bahamas on another cruise to celebrate Bonnie, Jessica, and my 40th Birthday!  Bonnie's actual birthday was on Tuesday, Jessica's birthday is November so we celebrated on Wednesday, and my birthday is in December, so we celebrated on Thursday.  What a wonderful time with a wonderful family who adopted me into their family so long ago that we don't want to mention how long ago!  Love you all!!!!

In 2012 went with my friend Suzanne to Vigo, Spain where our friends Marcos and Beatriz live.  They took us to Porto, Portugal and we had a wonderful day with my Spanish, English, and American Friends!!!  Thanks to my Spanish friends, who made it possible!  We walked over the bottom of this bridge and came back on the top part of the bridge.  It was a perfect day!

In 2012, I went to La Alberca, Spain to teach English to some wonderful Spaniards!                         

Right and Wrong

Since I started my new job I have noticed that I have this black and white way of looking at things.  I have never really noticed it before, but at my new job, it comes up all the time.  Here are some examples:

1.  When my students started to come in my room, some of them went straight to google to search for their favorite website.  In my eyes that is completely wrong because #1 I had no idea where they were going or what they were doing.  #2 Google is not a child friendly website.  I teach from my website and they only go where I want them to go and do what I want them to do.  They only search on sites that are kid safe.

2.  During a PTA meeting, I went to take pictures, when I came back to the lab, there were students in there unsupervised on youtube and other websites.  I feel this was wrong because who knows what they will find on youtube and when kids are on school property, they should always be supervised.

3.  I introduced my students to a student friendly social networking site called Edmodo.   www.edmodo.com  They could add a picture and they wanted to search in google for images.  This was wrong because if you take google images it is breaking copyright law.

I am not so sure if I am right or I am going crazy trying to make sure they go to safe places when in reality everyone steals images from google images.  A co-worker suggested that it was our job to make sure they know how to search properly because they will do it anyway.  Plus, it is easier to find images on google than any other website.  This is oh so true!  But, if I don't teach them the rules and safety who will? 

I spend quite a bit of my time also with undergraduate students who are still stealing pictures from google images.  My university students don't know that copying and pasting without documention is wrong and it drives me up the wall!

I am not sure if I am wrong or right or a little of both, but thank heaven my co-worker Kathy has the patience of a saint for putting up with my rules!