Franklin College Ireland Journal, January 11.
Departure on Friday, January 15! DRUMROLL!
Amanda Wray
Journal
11 January 2010
So far, the class has met my
expectations, even exceeded my expectations. I’ve already learned
more Irish history in four days of class than I’ve learned in an
entire career of schooling.
Not only have I learned more
about the history, but I’ve also learned more about the culture
through the various movies that we’ve watched.
I’ve found that
travelling becomes much more interesting when I have a basic
understanding of a country’s background and people; I can
appreciate landmarks and statues and museums so much more.
Now that I’ve learned a
lot more about Ireland, I’m even more excited to begin our
travels. I can’t believe that we leave at the end of this week.
I’ve waited so long to visit Ireland that it seems almost surreal
that I’m finally able to go.
Kate & Rachel
Amanda McIntosh
I cannot believe how much I am learning in this class. I had no idea
that the Irish went through a brutal civil war of their own. Certainly
gives me a completely different look on the Irish and their history.
All the information is a little overwhelming at times because I am
starting from scratch, but it is a wonderful challenge. It is
definitely making me think outside the box, that is for sure. I have
been watching the Irish step dancing instructional video so that I can
learn a few traditional steps, and it almost makes me want to take
actual lessons. I do hope at some point on our trip I will be able to
see some of that, whether it is at a festival or just a pub around the
corner.
What I am not excited about? The plane ride over the Atlantic Ocean. Only six hours... I can handle it!
Evan Hutchens
Only a few more days until I’m there. The excitement is
starting to build. I’m hoping I have everything
ready. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be
like. I’m ready to meet the people and the places. I
hoping that we kind of stand out since we are Americans there and get
attention so it might be easier for us to meet people and learn even
more. I’m probably the most excited to see what Hank has
set up for us. Also Hank makes things so much more fun too.
Ryan Austerman
Four days before the trip, most
of my thoughts are with making sure I am completely prepared for it.
I’m a person that is obsessed with details and after the numerous
trips I’ve taken around the States and Europe I’ve come to
the conclusion that I enjoy preparing and planning for trips almost as
much as the trip itself.
The book The Easter Rising: A
Guide to Dublin in 1916 has made me quite curious about the struggles
Ireland faced when fighting for its sovereignty from Great Britain. At
this time I think I’m going to focus my time in the museums and
historic city spots of Dublin on learning as much as possible about
Ireland’s fight for independence.
J.R. Fowler
Journal Entry
As our journey to Ireland gets
closer and I begin to realize that I have so much to do before we go,
the amount of knowledge I have learned about Ireland has grown
greatly. I have gone from being completely ignorant about the
happenings in Ireland to being greatly informed. Hopefully, this
will keep me from sticking out on the streets of Dublin too much.
I am growing anxious and cannot wait for out departure on Friday and
the great times that we all will have while in Ireland.
Molly Martin
Journal Entry 2
As our date of departure gets
closer and closer and we learn more about the country of Ireland and
its fascinating history I get more and more excited to finally visit
there. I am anxious to see all of the locations that we have been
discussing. I will be able to appreciate all of the sights so
much more now that I know the history behind them. I am also very
excited to meet some of the locals. It will be interesting to
learn about the people’s culture and opinions from the people
themselves. I can’t wait to get there!
Sarah, Aaron and JR read a radio play.
Lex Roach
I’m already packed, which
means this next week I’ll be looking like it’s summer with
my shorts and flip-flops. I’m hoping this week flies by.
I’m almost as excited about the plane ride as I am the trip,
because a book is coming out Wednesday that I’ll be able to read
on the flight.
Mrs. Connelly
I’m really excited about
going to Ireland. I appreciate Mr. Nuwer letting me join the
group and my daughter for asking Mr. Nuwer if I could go to Ireland and
my daughter wanting me to go. The history of Ireland is
fascinating. I really like Maude Gonne. She was beautiful
I’m and full of fire and determined to help her cause. I
want to see the caves and the giant causeway. I’m looking
forward to visiting the pubs to meet the people and hear what they have
to say and I’m sure I will be freezing, I’m very cold
natured, unlike my daughter, Robin.
Robin and her mum and grandmum
Katie Stephens
January 11, 2010
Many things have been going
through my mind as we prepare to leave for Ireland. I’m not
nervous in any way, except that I don’t want my luggage to be
lost on the way there. Other than that, my excitement level is
high and I’m ready to see what Ireland offers. The group of
us going will have tons of fun and I’m excited to plan free-time
activities too. It’s going to be a great trip.
Aaron Hommell
Countdown to
Ireland—T-minus four days. I walked into class a week ago and had
some understanding that this class was going to change me as a person.
I have pulled out my passport, packed my carry-on and figured out the
exchange rate. I’ve even looked at the weather of Dublin: rain,
rain and more rain. It’s like I’m not even leaving Franklin
weather wise.
However it doesn’t feel
like I’m going to be leaving so soon. I have chores and bills
that I have to take care of before I leave.
Here I come Ireland. Ready or not, I will be standing on foreign soil in some 100 hours. It’s hard to believe.
"It's not a class, it's an adventure, O yessir I got that!"
Rachel Friedman
January 11, 2010
With
only four days until we leave, I’m getting more and more excited
to be leaving. I have learned so much about Ireland.
I’m usually not a history buff but Ireland’s history is
really fascinating and maybe that’s because this is the first
time I’m learning about it.
Part
of me hopes that Ireland is much as I have pictured it and part of me
hopes to see the different side of Ireland that I have been learning
about. Like in any country, it’s not perfect.
All in all, I think that this will be an amazing trip and I’m
glad that I have learned so much.
Sarah Hawes
Journal 2
I am more excited for our trip
to Ireland. Before this class I was unaware of the events that have
taken place in the country or what to expect when we get there. Over
the weekend I saw the movie “Leap Year, “which took place
in Ireland. There were several landmarks that were intriguing to me,
and I hope that we might be able to visit them. I have learned
more about the country during this class and I am excited to see all of
the historical landmarks during our trip.
Amanda and Molly a-workin'
Robin Connelly
The more I learn about Ireland,
the more excited I’m becoming about this trip. It is my
dream country after all, and I’m looking forward to seeing the
sights I’ve already imagined myself being in, like Newgrange,
Trinity College and the like. I love history and am looking forward to
seeing some of the sights that were mentioned in “The
Easter Rising: 1916.” This trip will also give me more fodder for
my stories, which tend to have an Irish theme to them and hopefully
make them more realistic than just reading about a place or tradition
could provide me.
Hank Nuwer
A group has chemistry or it
doesn’t. Some of us in this group crave solitude but adjust
well in groups because of a sense of humor or sense of commitment to
the group. A few are true extroverts and feed off that group energy and
give it back threefold. Whatever the personality, each of us must care
about each member of the group and watch the backs of everyone for
safety sake. That done, each must throw himself or herself into this
trip with full abandon. What’s the use of the trip of a lifetime
if your heart and soul are back where you came from? Ireland, we are SO
willing, ready, locked and positioned.
Leaving our pals behind won't be easy, but we'll be back Jan. 27! Hank and Dogzilla