Journal Entry, Last Day in Franklin College, January 14, 2010


Just finished Irish stew made by instructor




Hank Nuwer

This is my second trip to Ireland but first to Galway—so excited. The one detail not settled is whether I will use my one off day to visit the Isle of Man by ferry.  My one regret in going to Belgium was that I was one mile from the Netherlands border, but that I did not have permission to take the rental car there. In terms of my passport stamps, Ireland joins England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Dominican Republic, Luxembourg,  Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, Mexico, Canada on my “Been there, Done That” list.

Katie Stephens

Ireland is just hours away and I have to admit that I'm a whole mix of emotions. I've started to pack and have begun getting every thing in order for leaving. I can't believe it's finally here. As we watch the movies and finish our readings in class, I begin to really marinate on the type of place and people we will see. I hope I soak in all that Ireland has to offer. The culture and the history of the island are so similar to ours in the US and I really want to get to know what Irish folk think of their history and if they see the similarities too. I can't wait to see the monuments and memorials to their heroes, like Michael Collins, Paddy Pearse, and WB Yeats. My excitement is hardly contained. I just cannot wait. My anticipation level is through the roof for our adventure! I cannot wait!

Aaron Hommell

I have family from Ireland, and others from more ambiguous areas. I am trying to look at this trip as a returning to the motherland, however it is not my own. I am happy to finally be at a cross roads quite literally as I get ready to head to the Indianapolis International Airport to head across the pond. Get ready Ireland, here I come.

Alex Roach

My father’s side of the family is supposedly from Ireland. Our original name is Roche and was changed to Roach when a relative of ours came to America. His name was Thomas Roche/Roach and since then the first son has either been given the first or middle name as Thomas. This is where my original interest in Ireland came from.

Evan Hutchens

Tomorrow is the day.  The dream of a lifetime is almost here.  My family has a Scottish heritage so being in Ireland and meeting the Irish will be as close to my heritage as I’m going to get.  I can’t wait to get there.  My entire goal for the trip is to meet as many people as I can and just learn about the culture.  I want to visit as many places as I can.  I’m hoping that the entire experience will change me as a person.  

J.R. Fowler

    We leave for Ireland tomorrow, and I cannot wait!  I do not know, for certain, my heritage, but believe that part of my family does, in fact, date back to Ireland.  After my return, I plan on doing a lot of research as to my roots that I have waited a long time to begin.  Everyone venturing on the trip is great and I am looking forward to the time I get to spend with them and the time I get to spend with the people I meet.  

Amanda Wray
Journal 3


I’m fairly sure that I have some Irish in my lineage, but, unfortunately, I do not know a lot about that part of my background. So, instead of writing about my family, I’ll write about my thoughts on the presentations today.

This morning, each of us presented information about a certain historical figure that was involved in the movement for Irish freedom. I really enjoyed every presentation, especially because the figures came to life. It’s easy to read about a person and not entirely understand or think about whom they were. It’s easy to gloss over his personality without delving into his motivating factors or thoughts. Even though the presentations were fictional, I still think that I am leaving class today with a more realistic view of Irish history.

Sarah Hawes

Today is the day before the trip and I am getting more nervous than before. My sister left for Italy on Tuesday and she had a hard time packing light. My mom had to help her re-pack; three times. Hopefully no one on this trip will lose his or her luggage. I still have to finish packing before tomorrow! I am leaving my two dogs at home in the care of my best friend. Hopefully nothing will happen while I am away.

Molly Martin

I’m all packed and cannot wait to get in the air and be in Ireland.  I do not know of any specific family members that are Irish, but I have been doing my research and found that the name “Martin” originated in Galway.  This was very exciting for me and makes the trip even more meaningful for me.  I feel like I’m returning to my roots.  I cannot wait to get there!

Amanda McIntosh

So I am a little worried.

I am worried I am going to be too picky of an eater while in Ireland. I have always been a picky eater, and though I am all about trying new things, I know I may not like some of the food there. We tried some of Hank's Irish stew, and though it was a wonderful dish, it still did not fit my taste. That will be a challenge within itself.

However, I cannot believe that we fly out tomorrow. I am excited to travel from place to place. I have never been to New Jersey before so I am excited to simply see that. I love the excitement of airports, people going to place to place, and just the adrenaline rush you get when you are racing to catch your flight.

Robin Connelly

We leave for Ireland tomorrow. I’m excited and a bit stressed over the prospect. I spent most of last night figuring out how to pack everything up, because I’ll be carrying most of the bags mom and I bring to Ireland for some of the trip and I want to make that task easier on me. I still have a few things to figure out, but what to pack is not on the list. I don’t imagine I’ll be having much more trouble in that area though.
       
Today I’ll be making copies of a lot of things, for that horrific just in case scenario. So, I’ll be playing with the copier machine.  I also imagine I’ll be talking to my mother a lot, since we’re sharing supplies and we’re both bringing something different to the table. It’s one advantage of having your mother come with you.
        No matter what kind of mad dash I may end up running today, I doubt I’ll regret my decision to see Ireland.