The last few days

I know, I've been MIA - but I've been busy! Where to start? Friday the weather was beautiful as it has been, and while my Society class was a continuation of the previous session, our two Lit & Film classes were quite distinct. In the morning, we discussed a couple of poems by W. B. Yeats (beautiful, even to me who is not big into poetry), and in the afternoon we had our first session on Irish theater. This session was especially entertaining as well as interesting, as the professor is incredibly theatrical. We discussed the short play Cathleen Ni Houlihan by Yeats and Lady Gregory, which is a nationalistic play in its subtleties. Did I mention the professor is dynamic? I am truly getting into the literature we are studying, and literature in general! It's amazing to see how the writings connect to the historical times, and I'm wondering if it would help me study American History if I took a class in American Literature!

After class, Kate and I had dinner and met Berit for the English play "She Stoops to Conquer." Due to the drunken college students in the audience and some flaws in the cast/direction, it was not the greatest production -- but we still enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday's trip was amazing, specifically due to the natural beauty of the places we went. We began at the castle of W. B. Yeats, Thoor Ballylee. This was an acre of land he leased from his friend and fellow writer Lady Gregory because of the area's inspiring landscape. It truly was inspiring -- the vegetation was just like out of a movie set. I can't imagine anyone living there not being inspired! We continued to the area where Lady Gregory lived, called Coole Park. We visited her Autograph Tree, where Lady Gregory had many famous writers and artists carve their initials. (I got a postcard of the carvings -- they were too hard to see in my pictures) The whole garden area was SO BEAUTIFUL! We sat out on the lawn for a picnic in the sun, and then walked the grounds. Our final stop was to Kilmacduagh, the ruins of a monastery. The tall (leaning) tower is the main draw, and there is speculation as to what is was built as a part of the monastery (I won't take you through the theories). The graveyard itself was interesting and beautiful under the cloudy sky.

Saturday night we decided to hit the city streets. We first walked down to the Spanish Arch, a beautiful area right by the River Corrib. The walk itself was great as we came across ducklings and their families as well as several swans. We then walked to where several bars along a pedestrian area, and the streets were filled with people. We made our way into The King's Head, and were fortunate enough to grab a table. It got more and more crowded as the night went on, and a live band began to play a variety of popular music (not Irish, but very fun). After awhile we decided to head out, and I was surprised to find that there was a table of plastic cups by the door, encouraging you to take your drink with you! When we got outside, the streets even more filled with people and their drinks -- it was a really cool atmosphere. It was also fun to see the hen parties, known to us as bachlorette parties -- they go all out here! We finished our night by stopping for fish and chips before we headed home.

Today was fairly uneventful -- just catching up on some sleep and homework. It was a good day to stay in; it was a rainy afternoon. I still have a play to read for tomorrow, but I'm currently watching the US play Brazil in the Confederation Cup (soccer)! This week looks to be busy, but we are determined to fit some city sites in as well -- I'm determined to make the most of it; I can't believe a week has already gone by.

Enjoy the pics below!
To my students, enjoy your summer!