Did You Know...

That Galway, according to my history professor, used to set its clocks 10 minutes later than Dublin? Apparently some still believe that is the case in Ireland...one of them is me. It's been nearly three weeks, so I need to catch you up.

First of all, I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving; so in the spirit of the day...

I'm thankful that on November 9th, two cottage-mates and I met 4 politicians from New England in a local pub in Spiddal and talked about everything from baseball and football, to Bob Dylan, to the changes that had recently taken place in our country. (I'm also thankful that these mid-fifty year old men felt generous enough to buy us two rounds--but that's beside the point.) It was a great night and we have some great stories to tell when we get back.

I'm thankful that we had the opportunity to travel to Cork, in southern Ireland, on a group excursion. It is a gorgeous city and the fall colors were in full swing--not nearly as good as Minnesota, but not bad none the less. This is my "senior picture" from just outside the Blarney Castle.


Did I kiss that stone? You better believe I did--I mean who really cares if rumor has it that the locals urinate on it. I'm still kickin' after two weeks, so I think I'm fine. Anyway, if you thought you couldn't stand my excessive talking before, now I ACTUALLY have the gift of gab so you better watch out come Christmas. We also walked around the University of Cork campus which reminded me a lot of St. John's, the place I am really excited to get back to again.

I'm also thankful for a great trip to London!

6 of us jumped the pond and spent 4 days with the queen, and despite the cold weather, we had a great time. Oh FYI, in case you ever go abroad and lose your passport, all you need to do is fork over $100 and probably cry a little at the embassy. That would've been my plan anyway, but one of the girls who went with us executed it to perfection after she left her passport on the plane getting into London. Needless to say, we were hoping that this incident was not a sign of things to come, and thankfully it was not. We saw the play "Wicked" which was incredible, and Monica, I actually did stay awake for the whole play this time! (Last time I was in London, visiting Monica, she thought I fell asleep during Les Miserables...twice. Actually, I was just so moved by the actors' performances I needed to hold back the tears by closing my eyes.) It was great trip that consisted of a lot sightseeing and tube-riding, but I was really excited to be back in Ireland in my cozy cottage in the country.

Finally, I'm thankful for this trip, which is now winding down. I have just 17 days left, and I'm going to make the most of them. We have our Thanksgiving day dinner and celebration tonight, and although it won't be like either of my Grandmas' meals, I hope it will try to compare. Well, I'm off to play some traditional Thanksgiving day American football down at the Gaelic football field.

Thanks to all of you who continue to read this, and I hope your holiday is full of food, fun, fellowship and family.

God bless,

Joe E.