We made it, and I couldn’t be happier to live so close to the ocean! It’s mind blowing how scenic the area we live in is. We’re located a little over a mile and a half from Spiddal Village and a 25 minute taxi/bus ride from Galway. I was under the impression that we’d be living in Spiddal and within walking distance of Galway, so we’re a little bit more remote than I was expecting.
One of my goals is to undertake some sort of adventure everyday. During our first free afternoon, we ventured in to Spiddal to see some local stores. Nicole, Kylee, and I immediately fell in love with the colorful craft village, and we’re hoping to do our community connection project with them. The jeweler we met, Eric, was ecstatic that the Nebraska students returned! He told us that some of the shops were still closed for the season but within the next couple of weeks everything will be in full swing. The locals also keep reassuring us that the weather will improve. We are currently hunkered down during storm Dennis, and all of our gas fireplaces unexpectedly turned off!
The weather here has been even more sporadic than what Nebraska is known for. In Nebraska, it seems one day will be snowing and the next could be up to 60 degrees! Here it’s even crazier, within 10 minutes we’ll experience sunshine, pouring rain, hail, and back to sunshine. Our literature professor put it best, “The only thing consistent about the weather in Ireland is that it never lasts.” Our cottages can get a little chilly, but normally we’re able to keep the gas fireplaces running to keep us warm, and they don’t use any of our electricity. We’re only allotted a certain amount of electricity a week, once we run out it’s on us to put euros in to keep the lights on! This has taught use to be mindful and keep all lights and outlets switched off whenever possible. We also keep all appliances unplugged unless in use. The hot water has been a bit of a hit or miss issue as we continue to figure out how to work with the timer setting on the water heaters.
Our second free afternoon we decided to take on the rock beach. The beautiful shoreline has been my favorite part of living here so far! We have access to the beach right across the street from the our accommodation at the Park Lodge Hotel. We might as well be on an adult playground, the way we run around and climb up rocks feeling like the explorers of a new frontier.
Today our daily adventure brought us into Galway to explore the aquarium and weekend market. Unfortunately, the market wasn’t happening, we’re assuming due to storm Dennis. However, the aquarium was lovely! The more I travel the more I learn what specifically appeals to me. Two of my favorite things are aquariums and hunting for local street art! I’m looking forward to what adventures are in store for week two and our first field trip to Dublin!
Traveling Rays 