A Day in Galway 

by  Justin Michitsch and Matt Paisely

July 7, 2011

Today marked our last day in the heart of western Ireland, Galway. We awoke to the rain lightly hitting the windows and by breakfast we had to break out our umbrellas and battle the elements. The journey to the cafeteria was wet and cold, but the warm croissants and hot coffee warmed us right back up. After breakfast it was time for the much-dreaded poetry unit test! Though most of the class had limited knowledge of poetic and literary devices before this trip, Mr. Geerts managed to explain them in an interesting way. With this new-found knowledge that we received, everyone had very few problems with the test and we moved on to the non-fiction unit. Before we started learning, however, Mr. Geerts led an energizer game outside called team tag, which is essentially freeze tag with a partner. Though it was drizzling while we were playing, it was still great fun! After the game was over we walked to the city center and began our non-fiction unit. We brainstormed what non-fiction was and offered examples of nonfiction writing.  Then we were split into groups of 3 or 4 for a scavenger hunt activity where our task was to collect as many different pieces nonfiction writing as possible. For example, a newspaper has many different forms of nonfiction and so do magazines, but we also assembled collections of tourism sheets, medical pamphlets, historical information plaques, and others.  We had time before lunch to gather these items and make a list with our groups to discuss in class.

For lunch Mr. Geerts had the idea to have an Irish picnic with local foods that were native to Galway.  Due to the weather we had to have our picnic in the university cafeteria, but it was still very good. The picnic consisted of cooked ham, fresh salmon, two different types of cheese, cucumber, and soda bread from a bakery in Galway. To drink we had lemonade squash that was a fantastic treat along with our Irish sandwiches. Overall, our last day in Galway was wet and soggy but it didn’t stop us from having a great time, learning about nonfiction, and experiencing more of the great Irish culture!

Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher 
by Naheeda Rajmohamed

July 6, 2011

Although splattered in pouring rain and captured by the chill of Irish air, the Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee caves were the most spectacular scene I have witnesses so far in Ireland.

With this knowledge we began to feel as though choosing to take us to the Ailwee Cave before our outing to the Cliffs of Mohr was only going to lead to disappointment, as we were certain nothing could top this. I am happy to report we were completely wrong. The view and experience can only be described as soaring through the sky with the taste of ocean pressing against your lips. Unimaginable and terrifically empowering the cliffs illustrated the swift power of Ireland and brought to life the beauty of which many looked upon for patriotic inspiration. We were also given the chance to roam the main building near the cliffs and learn about the sea creatures below them. One notable highlight was a video game in which we were assigned a creature and made to survive the ocean.

At first I admit things seemed bleak and doomed—as the weather looked that way –however this first impression was gladly washed away. When first entering the Ailwee Caves, located in the heart of the Burren County Clare, a feeling of mystery and amazement surrounded us as we were in the presence of a natural wonder. About one million years ago, the ice age began and formed the caves. Resembling the jaw of an alligator, stalagmites and stalactites reached towards us as we slowly crawled toward the heart of the cave.  The caves were discovered by a hunter who whilst hunting lost his dog only to find him in the cave. Now the caves stand as a testament to history and a home to crystalized mineral and the aged fossil of early man. We were also taken by the amount of information we gained from this experience, learning not only that the temperature within the cave is continuously ten degrees Celsius but we also began to realise the importance of  geographic history and what it can tell about a country.

All in all, this trip taught and brought to life many fantastic Irish cultural and historical references. We are very excited for our next trip!