Emerald Island Adventure

lovely meeting you

2009-04-12T15:15:00.018+01:00

Some of the last things we did on those last days: visit to Cork and Blarney castle, another quick trip to Galway (I didn't get to see the cliffs -I know...- but at least I have a good excuse to go back), tea and then dinner with teachers -we were stuffed by the end of that day-, scones and more tortilla for the McGraths, popcorn popping, more gardens and easter decorations, general conference and the most adorable children (Michelle's boys and Emily) that I really wish we'd had more time to spend with.

Well, I think this is the end now. I am going to miss the people I have met here. The Irish have been so welcoming, friendly and giving. It seems to me like I have been blessed to meet and associate with the best people during my time here.

It's been so nice meeting you, hope to see you again soon.

potpourri...

2009-04-10T11:48:00.008+01:00

Back home(!), the adventure in Emerald land has come to an end, and travelling will most probably be limited to dreaming and planning for a little while now. I look forward to visiting Ireland again (it would be so interesting to see those girls again in a little time). Travelling is addictive and I hope I can do more of it pronto (already thinking of "vacaciones" So much to see and learn...)

Since I ran out of time, I'll try summarizing in pictures and few words (hopefully few mistakes too-yep, good luck to me:) the last week or so.

Sunday we had all of the goodbyes at church and then dinner with the Gibbons (I hope I come back to Waterford branch soon). On the way back home from church, Angela stopped at this cute tiny village that has a castle -de cuyo nombre no puedo acordarme...- with beautiful gardens. I thought the entrance was perfect for the place and the stories (apparently a white witch lives here). We met one of her sons, or so Angela said (I'd like to believe it). He opened a window and with crazy Einstein-like hair and told us: "it is clooosed." (it reminded me of Miracle Max in "The Princess Bride") But then he let us take pictures because "you see, she has come all the way from Spain..." :)

Karaoke on

Friday was

brilliant!

Even Siter

Anna went.

Our lunch

buddies

were fabulous!

They re-wrote

words for a

song and sang

that and

Dancing

queen in those dresses!

Michelle is the one to blame. Only Michelle could. Everyone had to sing,

and right before leaving all the Spanish did, "Adiós, con el corazón."

I had a great time and loved being with everyone. They've been and

are simply the best.

For a goodbye thank you treat and as poor students we are,

we made 6 tortillas de patata for the staff. It was a fun morning.

We had quite a few laughs trying to figure out amounts of potatoes, salt, oil, eggs we needed in the shops the day before... and then peeling, cutting, cooking and turning the tortillas. They didn't stick or burn and we didn't make any alarms go off.

It was a success!

Not one bit of tortilla was left and the recipe on the table desappeared too.

girls.smoothies.goodbyes

2009-04-09T22:02:00.006+01:00

{I love you sweet Roísin, never change!}

This is the happy, sweet, innocent, lovely, caring, honest, friendly, full of goodness Roísin. She does karate, gaelic football and also cheering in the school band. She is commited to her goals (for her lenten covenant she decided to watch TV only on certain moments of the week and has stuck to that decision up to now) and has a glow about her. As I've seen her interact with the other girls and teachers -and have been coached by her to do all the new dances and songs- I've noticed she loves people and having/making friends. She has a clean, innocent personality. A heart of gold. I've come to the conclusion I want to be a little more like Roísin when I grow up.

I think I have little stories and chats to remember with each one of the girls in 4th class now that I am back home. Part of what has made the experience so great at school is first hand discovering and recognizing that they all have individual, precious personalities that make them unique and special. I am going to miss these girls, their smiles, questions, challenges, chatting moments, excitment, wittiness, goodness, interests and personalities.

These are some of our "smoothie day" and "hugs and goodbyes day" pictures:

can you tell it is an all-girls school? :)

grate-full :)

2009-04-03T20:00:00.011+01:00

Last weekend was such a nice weekend, I probably should've posted about it before, but this has been a busy week preparing things for the last week of school and for university too... but it's been a good one. I think I'll work my way back starting with today... oh today. Lovely, tender, nice, beautiful, bitter-sweet, so so nice...

Today started off with hugs, cards and gifts as soon as I came in the class this morning and then... Have you seen Joseph and the technicolor dreamcoat? ... Every time we have a prayer service at school I am reminded of it (I am actually listening to the music right now).

For every important saint the school has an hour of prayer. The classes in a same grade are assigned the service. They prepare a programme with music, little comments from each girl and pictures to explain and pray together. Today, the last day before the break, we had the Easter service. Everyone gathered in the hall again, the little girls ready in the stage, the rest sitting in the floor and benches and the teachers sitting in chairs on the sides (I guess this is where I am reminded of the musical and think it's funny to be a part of one - see, we don't really do things like this in Spanish schools).

How nice that we arrived to a music day and are leaving with another one (including the karaoke tonight:) I think today's service was my favourite out of all we've had. The senior infants sang beautifully and talked about this world's beauty and the Savior, His life and His love for us and his resurrection. I loved it and the feelings I had as I thougth of Christ and how precious each one of us is to Him.

After the hour of prayer, the most awaited moment -for like a month- finally arrived: the easter egg raffle! All girls shouting, preparing their tickets and clapping as the baskets full of easter eggs of all sizes imaginable came out. When all that excitement was over and all the chocolates gone, the principal announced they had one more business before clossing the morning. She then went on to explain that they'd had some special people with them for quite a few months now... - I was very surprised, I just wasn't expecting anything - I could feel the tears coming... and yes, quite a few followed.

The next few moments were so funny. When they called out each of our names, all the girls screamed, clapped and cheered... I just couldn't quite get over it. It seems one can never give back enough. So... we went up there, and thanked them and all the girls. Well, the teachers have gotten each one of us, silver jewlery from the famous Newbridge silverware! (madre mia!) Each teacher chose the one for the teacher or practice teacher that has been with her (thank you Susan. I think mine is great!). It's been a full -and very emotional day.

The rest of the time we spent in class eating the goodies we'd brought. I gave the girls the stars I'd made for them and we took pictures and more pictures. Had hugs, tears, hugs, goodbyes and more hugs.

I have LOVED my experience in the school... and those girls... oh those girls. I am going to miss them.

And the word that keeps coming to me is gratitude.

she's a hit!

2009-03-31T23:15:00.009+01:00

I have many different things to post before my little adventure is over, but not enough time and worst of all, we are back to the horrible internet connection! (we are keeping our fingers crossed the good one will come back soon). In the meantime, I had tell you... The girls at school love this sweet, little lady (thanks Yaiza, you're the best! - and you're now popular in School Mhuire's 4th class too:)

Every single girl will admire it every time I wear it as a little brooch on my jackets... she's just fab, isn't she? (this last one, is another of the expressions I hear all the time and love it, "it's fab")

*Yaiza, I really think you should start your own little business! Love you girl, I'm excited I'll be seeing you so soon!

a good evening (2)

2009-03-30T20:00:00.014+01:00

chocolate cake?...

Becky had been wanting to have scones and I'd been missing baking... so, mama Helen came to

the rescue and kindly sent us her lovely scone recipe (cause I can never remember all the steps), so after the Easter surprises, hugs, kisses and pictures, we all went down to the kitchen to realize we didn't have caster sugar... There were disappointed faces in the kitchen, so we decided to try doing mama Helen's, yummy and easy chocolate cake! (also known as the "200-200-200" cake in the Benito home).

200 gr sugar

200 gr margarine

200 gr self-rising flour*

4 eggs

1/2 tsp of salt

4 tbsp of warm water

60-70 gr of Nesquick (or drinking chocolate)

*it turns out even more delicius if you use cornflour and baking powder! (it does a really goowy dough and REALLY spongy cake. It is a Familia Benito favourite).

I love baking it because it is one of those few recipes I can do without looking at the paper every two seconds and because it's connected to many good memories too. We've baked it many times together (with mum, Clara, friends...) and for many people/occasions (birthdays, friends, family, birthdays, quick Sunday desserts, missionaries, birthdays...).

We had fun preparing, measuring and especially trying the dough. Sarah and Jack coloured (we got cards that night too) while little James played with his football and checked the oven every couple minutes. We discovered that Carol loves stirring the dough... and when she finally stopped and got it all smooth, everyone made sure that bowls and spatulas had no dough left on them! :)

The results weren't too bad! We did two little cakes and used the rest for cupcakes.

Patricia brought strawberries and fresh cream the next day and we had it for tea (qué rico)

a good evening (1)

2009-03-30T18:10:00.015+01:00

Last Thursday...

Jack: "giiirlss, come down for a second?"

Jack and Sarah: "Carols!"

Girls: "coming!"...

* Knock, knock!*

The door opens and Jack's head pops in, then Sarah jumps in the room too. Both with big suspicious smiles and hands on the back. Becky, James and Trisha outside ...

Sarah: "come down off your beds!"

Jack: "we've got something for ya"

Girls: "for us?!"

They can't resist it anymore and both show us big cadbury's easter eggs! (Ohhhh! they are sooo cute). Then Trisha, Becky and James come in and they are also holding pijamas for us!!

Patricia: "since you're not going to be here for Easter..."

We are so spoiled and they are so so good and genuine and giving!

Of course, we had to take pictures of it all and of course, Sarah and Jack were the stars.

sun-day: people and views

2009-03-24T21:09:00.016Z

Last Sunday was mother's day here and it also was one of those warm, peaceful, lovely Sundays. The primary children sang "Mother I love you" to every mom and girl's delight. Jonne was dressed in a cute, pink and white, spring dress (we have been learning some piano together and I've really enjoyed that time with her). I think she is so clever and pretty! I feel that, during my time here, I have grown to appreciate more the opportunity to interact with people. There is so much to learn from those around us and so much benefit from exposing ourselves to people ("in giving we recieve").

{if you click on these or just go over them they should get bigger}

With the beautiful days we've had, I've taken zillions of pictures (thanks to Pres. Gibbons too). Though I wish I could capture it all better, I had to at least post some from our Waterford trips and my walks around Carlow (I have found a dream garden...).

(Also, daffodils are everywhere right now and this is what we found in the entrance when we got to school last Friday. Daffodil day!)

St Patrick's parade

2009-03-23T18:51:00.011Z

Everyone said we had to go and have the experience, see the parade and atmosphere in Dublin. So we did. We were standing there, Tuesday 17th, at around 10:30am (2 hours early). We got front row right by other Spanish people which was nice. When the commentators arrived, before it all started, they had many people sing or answer questions about their countries. Since we were front row, we kind of were put in the spot to "sing" the Spanish national anthem (we la la la-ed very well our non-lyric but wonderful himno nacional, and got a big bag of the good jelly babies and free tickets to the fair). The parade started, finally, and this is some of what we got to see: (the heads cut off are Gema and Blanca -sorry, I can't be bothered to fix it)

St Patrick's is a big party day (of course, it's Ireland!) and though the parade was good, I think I'd rather spend it in family in a smaller town parade and fun-good traditions to go with it.

daffodil day and paper art

2009-03-22T23:38:00.013Z

I don't know what the history of daffodil day is, but I think it's great. We had tons of daffodils in school. And we got to have a newspaper-dress art lesson. We had tinkerbell and a gnome among others.

girls were

really cute and creative

little

sowers and taylors!

cuteness

2009-03-19T22:52:00.034Z

Well, this has nothing to do with Ireland, but I came accross these and couldn't resist posting them. They're probably not that exciting to anyone else, but I just have this thing about hats; they make me happy. One day, I'll wear hats just whenever I feel like it.

Other than this, today has been another great weather day, with wind and some highlights:

- It was very nice to be outdoors with the girls doing a scavenger hunt in the sun.

-I taught a lesson on the digestive system. It was really funny how most girls wouldn't even look at the diagram (so "delicate" for what they choose to be... they make me laugh) but, eventually, they got to look and follow the route of an apple in the body diagram.

- We did and experiment with wool and a drawing that helped us realize that all guessings fell short. When girls measured the wool, they were shocked that our small intestines are around 9 metres long. Tomorrow more (I bet you they are excited to learn and draw parts).

- learnt at lunch time that school Mhuire, actually means school Mary

- talking to mum on the "skype phone" for almost two hours, also dad (today is father's day in Spain. Thanks for being the best dad I could ask for, papá. TQM al infinito) :)

- Back home, Jack, James and Sarah wanted to have their own scavenger hunt, so we prepared that and off they went. It took them less than 10 min to complete what girls did in 45 (boys...).

- I bumped into some girls from school at Aldi's. It seems every girl in school knows the "Spanish teachers." Some say 'hola, ¿cómo estás?' Others strike up conversations with you and insist that you get in front of them in the line to pay at Aldi's!

Love'em :-)

paddy's day at school

2009-03-19T18:09:00.027Z

Last Monday every cailín (=girl) and teacher left their uniforms home and wore green (green sweaters, green hats, green hair-bands, green faces, necklaces... you name it). We had a pre-St Patrick's day celebration. Every class gathered in the "halla" and, starting with the infants, did a song or poem in Irish.

To end, some girls had prepared a few dances in their cute costumes.

It was great! (I've only learned the basic step, they make it look like it's as easy as walking. Not true, but it is addictive and really fun). Then, Mrs McCormark came out dancing (!) and the halla roared with cheers and clapping. This bit was really fun.

We also had a little school parade. The mini-band and the "cheerleaders" went in front and the rest of the school followed. We danced and played in the patio (irish music was in the background most of the day and during every break). The hard school day ended with a quiz time in the halla and the Spanish teachers leaving early to go to Dublin for the parade there.

first: Newbridge

2009-03-16T21:57:00.013Z

Saturday, Aurora, Carol and I, spent the day with the Gibbons'. We got to visit the Newbridge Silver plant with Angela. There was jewelry, cutlery and decorations, some really classy, some just extravagantly fun; there were also, dozens of pictures of famous people and some lovely, old fashioned dresses. On the second floor there's the "Style Museum." Many more famous dresses, paintings, letters, pictures, magazines... we took lots of picutres, here are a few:

Who would've thought there would be all of this up those stairs, and in such a fun little space!

Thank you for such a lovely day and for all that you do, Angela!

second: sky fest

2009-03-15T23:33:00.024Z

After Newbridge and dinner at the Gibbons', they were excited to go see the fireworks and music festival down in Waterford (in preparation for St Patrik's, I think), and took us with them. The fireworks were placed along one side of the river. Music and colour went on for a good 20 minutes. Sky fest was worth the travel! The children around us could not stop "awww-ing." It was cute and fun to hear them every time a new set of colours went up.

a different day

2009-03-14T23:09:00.025Z

Though being home, sick, yesterday I missed out on a day that had started really well at school (interaction with the girls was going great) and other stuff, there were some good things:

* staying in bed. * rest+being lazy was ok * a heat pack to keep me warm * playing with my little blog (I've discovered how to do a three column layout and I feel all professional with the new little achievement) * write e-mails * lots of thinking time * Wander around/search the internet * Listen to great talks, also music (I'm trying to learn "Consider yourself" and "I'd do anything" from Oliver Twist. Two of the songs the girls sing and I really want to sing with them) * and the best thing, I had the perfect excuse to eat RICE! (the McGrath's never eat rice. They don't even own one bit of it!) * I guess another one could be i can't eat chocolate...hmm

I guess my body decided to give me a more complete experience while here with a taste of the Irish bug that's been going around in school (girls and teacher). Today was better, we actually had a great day. We've been to Newbridge and Waterford with the Gibbons. I'll post that soon.

first real solo

2009-03-10T21:45:00.019Z

It was a mild, nice morning today. Then the principal came to tell me that Mrs. Kennedy was sick and could I cover for her.

My thoughts: "it'll be a good challenge and good change after all these weeks" and "I'll definitely be involved/active today" but also "are you sure? me? all day?" We learnt a Spanish chant for

a game we played in PE, sang the national anthem (in Irish), read and memorized the "water cycle" poem, did math and English (speech markers were the bumpiest bit), had a presentation by Surbhi about her time in India w/ her family (wedding included!) and the inevitable Q-A session we all were excited to have. By the end of the day my thoughts were: "I've practiced enough, I'll go home now, thanks." I'm not sure what it is, this teacher here is still working on a way that will best work for her to keep order and feel alright about it. Anyway, i survived and once classes were over, went for a good, long WALK on a perfect weather day (no wind!) and forever green gardens to admire. Spring has sprung! -or it's getting there. The bitter cold is gone (fingers crossed it stays that way), there are daffodils, baby lambs, longer evenings, and flowers on trees.

Thoughts now: "I think I'm ready for more learning. I DO really enjoy those girls anyway."

simple weekend

2009-03-09T20:39:00.045Z

Irish weather was at its usual craziest this weekend. It is incredible how it can be anything and everything, and all in the same day and back again so quick. It was drizzling and windy all Saturday (Carol and I have decided it can't rain without wind, they're inseperable). Snow on Sunday morning, then sun and heavy showers on and off through sunny clouds. And on the way back home... the rainbow!

The Nickells have been so kind to have me for the weekend. They are the wonderful missionary couple from Idaho serving in Waterford. They live in Tremore, right by the beach. It's been great staying with super missionaries like them. Saturday we went on a little road trip for Women's Conference in Limerick (thanks for being so brave Sister Nickell!). Aurora (from Mexico) and Kaelyn came too. I admire these women and keep learning from them.

We made new friends and cozy blankets (I should seriously consider improving my sowing skills).

The scenery/landscape on the way there and back I just loved. How it can be so beautiful I just don't know.

Every few minutes I HAD to say it or I would have burst!

Church was edifying and fun (I had to give a talk and teach a little primary class). The choir sang All creatures of our God and King.The missionaries were happy and positive. The young women cooked for the new converts aka Kaelyn, which meant everyone got to have cheese cake or brownies, nice bread and shepherd's pie or spaghetti. And all throughout the weekend, learning and more learning.

class

2009-03-05T19:08:00.041Z

We had a problem solving math class yesterday. Teacher handed out little logic games. I walked around, as usual. As I passed by Rebecca and Jacqueline, they were both looking puzzled. The girls read me the problem: Ellie bought a fish and was told that it needed to be put in 1 litre of water. She only had a 7 and a 4 litre container. Could you help her get the 1l?

They explained their ideas, I gave some clues and after a while of trying (and I'm sure, feeling they'd been tricked with an impossible one to resolve), Jackeline looks at me, dead serious, and says: "the fish is gonna die". It caught me so off guard... I started laughing and found it so hard to stop. The girls looked at me with their sweet faces, half smiles, probably even more puzzled... I would've given all my pennies to know what they were thinking. The whole moment was precious.

The other funny comment happened after having one of our reading sessions of The Famous Five. I was sitting by Emma, when she looked at me and said: "The Famous Five are wonderful books, aren't they?... But they are so expensive" I was curious so I asked, "how much are they?". Emma: "SEVEN euro!" I nodded, loving her grown-up tone, then suggested, in that same kind of seriousness, she saved 1€ a week and she might have enough to buy the next one by the time she's finished hers. She nodded too. Will she do it?

Sophie is another of my "favourites". She has a heart of gold and an inquisitive mind. Loves to learn and asks questions that just show how much she's thinking about what you say. She motivates me to do better and makes teaching rewarding and exciting when I see her so aware, sitting straight, eyes wide open as she listens/discovers.

Then there's proper class Clodagh. An independent, resolute soul and such an active mind! Short, dark hair, red framed glasses, she's the fun-nerdy girl in the class. Always with her dictionary, ready to answer as fast as possible -and it will be correct.

I have to mention Roisin K and Nicole. Roisin was my "best friend" the first weeks here. She came up to me, took me by the hand and made sure Carolina was involved, had a partner and learned the dances, new songs, etc. Always smiles and friendly looks, even hugs and positive comments after a class she liked (usually PE). Friendly, innocent and happy about life. Nicole is the athlete, loves running and Gaelic football, focused worker and simply good.

Of course there are rockier moments/classes, but really, it is a very neat group. I can't complain at all about my 4th class :) If I was their age I'd want to be best friends with these girls.

qué guay, EFY!

2009-03-02T20:26:00.033Z

This has been an exciting, instruction packed, inspiring weekend. I had the opportunity of going to Germany and attend the training sessions for the EFY program (Especially For Youth) we will be having in Spain in August. Although it feels like I should've headed home after all the travelling that's been going on lately, still it felt good coming back to a green, fresh, sunny Ireland evening.

EFY has been taking place in England, Germany and Sweeden for the past couple years and now, for the first time, France, Italy and Spain are embarking on the adventure. If you'd like to learn more about EFY in Spain click here or here for general EFY information in English.

Friday, soon after arriving, all the young-adults had the opportunity to attend the fireside that Elder Oaks, one of the apostles of the church, and his wife gave for the youth in Frankfurt. Much of what we heard seemed taylor made for me and my life now. The rest of the weekend consisted of training, training, training... many insights, learning and understanding, AND some fun little moments during meetings and breaks. We learnt the EFY cheer "alright" and made the adjustment to modo español: qué guay, qué guay, qué guay, qué guay, qué guay, hey... E-F-Y!!! (Also, there were all kinds of delicious treats and desserts... so dangerous, but us girls definitely made the most of them this weekend).

but I think this was my favourite treat: an incredibly comfy, big bed and lots of soft pillows all for me. I felt pretty spoiled.

It's been lovely to see friends from Spain and also very uplifting to participate in the training sessions, share ideas, experiences and time with these faithful young-adults and leaders who are striving to serve and strengthen the youth. I still have lots to learn, do and orgainze but I feel very excited about this program, it is going to be such a positive, unforgetable, great experience for all involved everywhere. I'm grateful I get to be a part of it.

scarf photo funness with Georgia

2009-02-26T22:50:00.001Z

We did have a couple of shop moments, of course.

The great/terrible thing about Matalan, Penney's or Primark

is it's so cheap... This time we came across some fun scarves

so, off we went and got some alike. Georgia the blue and

Lauren and I the red. Later, Georgia and I decided we needed to

have a photo session... uh yes we had some fun!

Auntie Jean and I have had a thing about mac coats (I think that's

what they call them) and then, suddenly, I spotted these polka

dot shoes that had Irene written ALL over them (those are

for you subidoncita!)

flowers for Nanny

2009-02-26T22:40:00.003Z

On Monday we went to Rufford park and took flowers for Nanny. Auntie Jean was telling me how she used to love it there and would always want to go when she visited Mansfield, no matter the weather or season... They would walk for a little, then sit on the wooden benches while having a natter and watching the girls play :)

p.s. I love that Nan loved nature so much. I love Nan.

with the girls :)

2009-02-25T16:36:00.001Z

Here are some of the pictures with the girls: Georgia, Lauren and auntie Jean. We've had a neat week together.

walks in parks

and yummy food (some of the best moments seem to happen when eating or preparing food together!)

I love all three of these girls SO much!

feels like home

2009-02-25T16:21:00.004Z

For midterm break I decided to fly over to England and stay with my family for the week. They live near Nottingham, which is a beautiful part of the country (I wonder if there is a not beautiful spot in England really).

England has always amazed me, I don't know what it is about it that makes me feel so at home. Well... I do a little. Around my 9 years of age I started visiting England and my dear Nanny more often and this collection of precious memories came with it --the warmest ones being of the times with her, of course (we spent hours together).

Some of my favourite memories are: going to Chester and having one of those "out" days walking around its charming little streets and the park, feeding the ducks and eating ice-cream (yes, I was very spoiled); playing draughts with Grandad, or being with Beryl and "silly-billy" Bryan over the road; trips to the beach, green parks, or fun fairs; fish and chips fresh from the chippy (incredibly yummy!) and, my top most favourite one, crying with laughter with Nan over nothing really that funny... absolutely loved it.

Avoca & Grafton Street

2009-02-24T21:20:00.001Z

On a less cultural note, and as the girls we are, we had to pay a little visit to the shops. Grafton Street is such the lively, perfect shopping place with hundreds of shops and flower stands every few steps you take (...if I were a rich girl). My all time favourite though, was this quaint café/shop near Grafton Street called Avoca. It is a family business and one of the few remaining native shops in Dublin. Like a museum all of its own or maybe a doll house a escala real, I couldn't help but absolutely love it.

Avoca's retail director said that customers "should feel slightly uplifted and feel a bit of theater going on" Well... mission accomplished. You totally got me feeling bright!

Dublin weekends

2009-02-24T21:16:00.000Z

First time we went to Dublin was 3 weeks after arriving in Carlow, though loving it, we were craving some city life. Someone mentioned a Temple Bar Music Festival in Dublin, and that was the perfect excuse to make up our minds. I felt I was crazy for going to Dublin straight from school on a Friday after a really busy week, but once there the "tiredness" disappeared.

I appreciated Dublin not being huge and, though a cold weekend, I actually really enjoyed walking around and feeling all touristy having to figure out on our maps where to go. One of the highlights was the free, walking tour we got from this Irish/German student at Trinity College, also a writer and musician. He did a great job showing us around and tying it all to the history of Dublin and plenty of funny anecdotes (he even played the tin whistle for us). My favourite places were Trinity college and its incredibly beautiful library (every library should look like that -ladders included), the Cathedrals and St. Stephen's Green Park (Green is no coincidence). I could've spent my entire day taking pictures there.

Dublin Castle is... different. I loved the gardens and found the contrast between the castle and the "lego" houses beside it quite interesting. I wonder why this contrast of buildings, colours and completely different styles seems to be everywhere I've visited in Ireland so far.

Temple bar is the popular spot, filled with pubs, restaurants, cafés and bars. Though it had nothing to do with bars until quite recently. It gained its name from it's owner, Sir William Temple, and as it stands right by the river Liffey it became: Temple's bar. We had fun going in some of the pubs while the live music was going on and, on our second visit, we even enjoyed some live Irish dancing!

What I did love indeed was all the street music and markets. The fresh food was delicious (and cheap!) We've made a good, long stop on the Saturday food market both times we've been here. I kind of fell in love with these guys playing in Grafton Street... I mean with their music; they were class -as they say here :)

parks

2009-02-24T21:12:00.000Z

Some pictures of Phoenix park and Saint Stephen's Green park, Dublin.

oh English...

2009-02-21T22:11:00.000Z

...last night I was talking with my aunt, kind of laughing about the amount of pictures I'd been taking. Then she very nicely said: "oh, you know your blog... the emerald island?" Me, "yeah..." Auntie Jean, "well, I realized I read emeral on your title, but it has a -d at the end, it's emerald" ... Me: "ohhh... really? oh, funny...", followed by more laughing. But really... you'd think I'd notice these things after having read the lyrics as I sung Wicked, The Emerald City, umpteen times. Oh English... you and I still have a long way to go before I stop butchering you. Practice, practice, practice :-)

fridays, the Gibbons, Waterford

2009-02-18T22:02:00.000Z

On Fridays, if we're not visiting somewhere else, we have a treat. President Gibbons happens to work in Carlow, so on a Friday he comes after work and takes us to his house for dinner with his family, then we all travel down to Waterford for seminary/institute. The ride is always grand - as the Irish say- because, no matter the weather (snow, rain, ice or sun), the scenery seems to match it perfectly, in a good/pretty way, and we get to have some good chats, jokes... just a nice time overall.

We've had delicious dinners and desserts at the Gibbons'. I love this family and just about everyone I have met in the Waterford branch. I kind of really miss it when we don't get to go! President and Sister Gibbons, or Paul and Angela, and their 14 year old son, Ben, have been so welcoming. I feel a little undeserving at times. They not only have us for the yummiest dinners and help us get to church - driving quite the distance- but also, have made us feel a part of the branch, been understanding, loving and KIND... so kind to us.

Ben is an avid reader; always a book in his hands. He and Michael Moylan are learning to play the guitar. Michael is actually really good and Meighan, his sister, has an amazing voice. So, some Fridays they get together and play/sing their music for a while. This particular day we all joined in, it was great. I love Fridays!

Medieval Kilkenny

2009-02-17T16:28:00.000Z

Kilkenny is a beautiful city with such a rich medieval heritage! We were lucky to catch one of those rare sunny, blue sky Saturdays and to have brother Moylan, who knows a great amount of the history here, with us. He and his family are just great. I still don't have a picture with all of them, but I really enjoyed my weekend with them.

As we toured around the city, we decided to have a look in one of the gift shops. The man there was quite a funny one. He informed us of every possible discount we could get, then had us put on these huge hats and took pictures of us all.

Kilkenny Castle was my favourite thing. The Butlers of Kilkenny Castle came to Ireland in 1171 with the Norman invasion. Strongbow, a legendary Norman invader, built a fort where the Castle stands today, by the Nore River. Then the Norman's power was consolidated when they built the city walls to keep the Irish from coming in. By the 1930's the Butlers realized it was too much for them to maintain and held a great auction in the castle for five consecutive days! Around the 70's, it was passed on to the Castle Restoration Committee for £ 50.

Kilkenny is also known for an important cultural scene of music, theatre and commedy. That we won't get to see, as it happens mainly in August, but I'm hoping to see the castle grounds even more gorgeus in the spring and who knows if we won't just come on a good music weekend.

Jack & Carol go fishin'

2009-02-11T23:21:00.000Z

So... Jack and I were in the kitchen today, just chatting and being good doing our homework, when, somehow, we ended up taking all these pictures and having such a good laugh! Jack named it: Carol & Jack go fishin' , so there it goes :)

I really enjoy being with this neat family. They all have such good hearts and sense of humor.

Snow...

2009-02-09T17:52:00.002Z

There had been a couple of freezing cold days lately around here. We finally got the snow and it totally payed off when one looked at the scenery. Just makes me happy. And the best thing is, we are actually having some incredibly beautiful, sunny days now (three in a row!).

Apparenty, Carlow hadn't had snow like this in about 15 years. It became quite the impossible task to keep the girls' attention at school on the first day of snow. Everyone was super excited. Some of the girls had never seen snow like this so, it was fun watching them at play time and after - absolutely soaked - sitting on the floor by the radiators with their red cheeks, shoes and socks off, listening to the teacher. Very funny.

The teachers were really nice and gave hardly no homework so everyone could just enjoy the snow the next day. Oh yes, school was cancelled on Tuesday. James, Jack, Carol & Carol had a snowball fight -- I'd say it was a draw. It's a shame to not have a picture of that. We definitely had some fun though.

Thursdays, music nights

2009-02-09T03:37:00.001Z

Thursday nights at Irish pubs are especially good for live music. We'd been looking forward to experiencing the typical Irish music in one of these pubs even before coming. The Dolmen is a calm but vibrant place to get the traditional singing (tin whistle and all). I really enjoy the different places each time, but this week was the icing on the cake when we got "The Galway girl" en vivo y en directo! Carol and I can't help humming or singing it like... all the time.

Last Thursday we had another fun treat. The teachers had organized a night at a 'tapas bar' owned by a Chilean man, maybe because of all the Spanish influence invading their school (I don't think I've mentioned that there are 5 other teachers. They're certified teachers, on a programme to improve their English). Well, that night was definitely a good one to remember. I can't get over how helpful, friendly and nice the teachers have been. The secretary is the bubbliest, nicest lady you can think of. She's working on getting everyone to go on a trip to Madrid next fall! But until then, the next thing I'm really looking forward to do with them is the Karaoke night she's planning to have right before we leave. That promises to be quite a fun, unforgetable moment too.

tortilla feast

2009-02-05T02:10:00.000Z

Carol & Carol decided it was time for some tortilla española goodness at the Mcgrath's home. Since the main ingredient in Irish dishes is potatoes, we thought it was a brilliant idea :) So, we bought lots of panecitos de barra and got busy in the kitchen.

I always am a bit of a mess cooking for the first time in someone elses kitchen. This time was no different. In fact, making tortilla can create so much smoke that I am grateful for the Mcgrath sense of humor - they're just the best- and for a not-too-noisy fire alarm. We have now learnt to keep the window wide open and the door shut before we even start!

Somehow we managed it. It was quite some fun and the best was everyone seemed to love the tortilla española (proof is we've had to make it twice and Jack and Sarah, in the pictures, keep asking if we're going to do one again). So, we're now two little proud Spanish-tortilla-cookers. We definitely enjoyed our little tortilla feast but thought Patricia was a genius when she used the extra panecitos for some really yummy pizza-paninis.

School Mhuire

2009-02-04T18:03:00.002Z

If you are wondering how to pronounce that, we've been told the mh- consonants together make a wh- sound in Irish, so it's something like "School Whuora", when you hear people saying it. We just try, and most times people understand where it is we are doing our prácticas :)

School Mhuire is very proud of its strong music tradition. And no wonder! I am definetly taking their idea of using music for all different occasions and/or purposes in teaching at school. It would be great if we could do something like this in the schools back home. They have a great band (they've even travelled to New York representing the school!). Sister Anna is the nun that has been leading it for some 25 years. She also was the principal until two years ago. Everyone we have met just loves and looks up to her and what she does. We do too.

The school is also really artistic. All the walls seem to have original and colourful drawings, projects and posters hanging on them as part of what the girls prepare or do in their classes. We've discovered they make great backgrounds for pictures too! Here are some photos of the hall, staff room and some girls in art class (oh yeah, I LOVE the wall-to-wall windows in each class. No matter how old the school is, this was the greatest of ideas. As you can probably notice, the sun, when it shines, brings in so much light and warmth - really important, warmth!) and the big "Bienvenidos" poster they've made with all of our names and pictures on it. I know it's kind of tiny, but you might be able to find someone you know in it.

Then there's the choir. We were in for a lovely treat on our first day at the school. The girls from 4th, 5th and 6th class were praciticing a few songs. The occasion was a little sad this time; two girls in school had just lost their daddy. The teachers and girls got together and practiced for the funeral. For some reason I was very moved during the practice, and then during the service. They all did a fantastic job. The lyrics and music sang by these little girls was so beautiful. I actually recorded many songs, my favourite is based on the scripture in Ecclesiastes: "To everything there is a season". I recorded all and now I can't post them, but I wanted to share that experience anyway. So, for now, I'll just post the words of this farewell song they sang, it has such a nice harmony to it... you have to hear it - I'll somehow post it one of these days.

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be at your side

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May the rain fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again

May you keep safe in the gentle, loving arms of God

For everything there is a season,

A time for living

A time for going home,

In all things God is near always guiding your way.

school learnings and things

2009-02-03T19:41:00.000Z

Before coming to Ireland we were told it was very possible we would be doing our practicum in a religious school. I was looking forward to learning from the experienced background and teaching tradition of these schools, and then when we visited the school for the first time when arriving I was even more interested, it was an all-girls school! It just seemed to me like it would make it even more fun and quite different to what I've experienced before. Up to now this seems to be making the whole experience even more entrañable or memorable. I sure am loving those girls. They are all so lively and full of ideas. It is, 99% of the time, great fun to be working with them. As one of the songs they sing says: "each one a whole different world".

One of my challenges when teaching is finding the way to best reach the girls, or whoever is listening, so it'll be the best way of helping them learn and accomplish all of those things teachers are supposed to achieve. It is definitely so exciting when that happens and I click with a certain student!

Another thing that's really hit me since I've been here is how big a role and impact the Christian heritage has had in this country. Its influence through Irish history seems very present even now in the people, the traditions, even everyday life and especially, but maybe because that's what I'm most involved with these days, in the field of education (a lot more than in Spain - otra sorpresa).

Happy Birthday Clarita Bonita!

2009-01-27T23:57:00.000Z

Hoy es el cumpleaños de Clara. 14 años, no me lo puedo creer! I just love that blond 'little' girl, though not so little any more. I used to love playing with her as baby. What I most remember of her then is her happy smile, curly-blond-baby-hair (very very cute) and her big, bright, happy, brown eyes.

At 14, she still has those beautiful Spanish eyes, a great sense of humor, and a very loving, fun, giving, happy, good and just lovely personality. She plays the cello beautifully, loves being active, children, and anything that is lovely or lovable. She is simply great! Happy birthday and happy 14 my beautiful sister!

Carlow

2009-01-24T19:41:00.000Z

I thought I'd put together a few of the things we have learnt about Carlow. (I love this flower shop in the centre of town. I feel like taking a picture every time I pass by it!)

County Carlow is one of Ireland's smallest counties. It is 90 Km from Dublin and located on the Southeast of the isle, on the banks of the River Barrow (I've been trying to learn my geography with the girls at school), and is bordered by the Blackstairs Mountains to the east, the limestone land of the Barrow Valley and the Killeshin Hills to the west.

Carlow town is quite the bustling market centre and seems to serve a large rural area and many students. The meeting point for students is the Liberty Tree, in the centre of town. One of the most impressive pieces of architecture is the courthouse (modelled on the Parthenon in Athens). Saint Patrick's College is, in part, connected to the grounds of the Cathedral of the Assumption. The ruins of the old Castle stand next to the river Barrow and a lovely park is on the other side. Again, we are looking forward to seeing all the green and these historic sites when leaves are in the trees and nice spring colours are out! We took a little walking tour around the city yesterday. Here are some of the pictures.

Leaving and Settling

2009-01-20T15:55:00.000Z

Believe it or not it has already been a little more than a week - it's taken a while, and it is a work in process, but I have finally sort of settled, found my whereabouts and am a little more organized about things here in Ireland.

The adventure started Saturday, 10th of January. The day before we had the biggest "nevada" (I think this whole blog thing will be mainly Spanglish) I have seen in Madrid. It was lots of fun but the airport kind of shut down and we were not sure whether we would be flying the next day. Lucky us, we did! The airport was in a bit of a chaos but after a few bumps and 8 hours of travelling we finally got to Carlow, Ireland with our new families.

We have soon discovered that the Irish are very welcoming people and love having a good conversation. I was so happy that the President of the Waterford Branch (closest to us, though almost an hour and half away drive) offered to pick us up and take us to church on Sundays- he drives around 10 miles, picks us up, then his son and then goes all the way down to Waterford - I have to say, it is a BEAUTIFUL drive with all the rivers, hills and valleys, country houses here and there, little villages and, of course, sheep). President Gibbons is the nicest man anyone could ask for. The entire drive down to Waterford he explained a million different things about the area we are in, the people, the branch, and it was all so helpful. He made us (Carol came to church too) feel so welcome and comfortable.

Everyone at church has been super nice to us. We have learned or their excitement for all the baptisms they've had lately - the last one was Kaelyn (probably didn't spell that right), a young woman, who got baptized in the sea! She is absolutly great, a super missionary and has such a great personality.

I think, for now, I'll just say I am so grateful for everything I am being able to do and experience and for the people around me. They all are so good to us and such good examples of giving, loving and hard working. Oh, I almost forgot! The family we are staying with is just great (I need to take pictures). Patricia is our mom. She is great and so good to us and her family. Then there's Becky, James and Jack. Becky is 14 and is a lovely young girl, she is very nice and we even get to play the wii-fit with her. James or "J" is 11, supports Liverpool FC and is a #1 food fan! (it is amazing how skinny he is and how much he eats!), he is really nice too. Jack is 9 and a lot of fun, never stops still. Carol and I love how the boys sing to call mom, "Maaa" ... it has the funniest tune. We love the Mc Graths :)