Ireland 2007: Day 6

Ireland 2007: Day 6 - Hotel

Alright, we've had some great times, activities, laughs and comforts - but the hotel in Galway is absolutely beautiful! The only drawback is that we are out of the city.... but we made the best of it by chatting in the hotel bar. All of us are looking forward to a great night's sleep in the VERY comfy beds.

But not so soon.... we had group dinner in the hotel. Preceded by an impromptu cocktail hour, we had dinner and were joined by some guests again. Six students currently studying in Galway took a cab out to see us and share their stories and Colleen Neeley '03 and her husband made the 3.5 hour drive from Cork. (Their months-old baby boy was upstairs in the hotel room with his aunt while they joined us.) Another good time had by all - many thanks to the students and alumni for joining us along the way!

We are all having a hard time believing we have just one more full day left. But it is sure to be memorable! Several of the students took a day trip to see the Burren today and think we'll love it tomorrow!

By the way, the fog lifted and we hit 20 degrees again today!

An overdue footnote: Katie and Kathy have had several close calls with motor vehicles and crossing streets but have certainly kept their senses of humor about it!

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Barcelona - Dos

Day two in Barcelona has been fantastic! Jose gave us lots of information on the artist Gaudi - not born here but arrived in 1852 to attend the university. His artistic style and influence can be seen across the city. We stopped at Park Guell which was an amazing outdoor area Gaudi designed near the home he lived in. Inspired by nature, fairy tales and classical legends the park is beautiful. With its kissing benches, 'candy house', salamander and plaza with the longest bench in the world it is a work of art in itself. Some of us made the walk up to the top where the three crosses are - and found even more breathtaking views of the city. From there we headed back downtown for a short walk to La Sagrada Familia cathedral. Design by Gaudi and still not yet finished, it is very unique and ornate. Just walking around the outside, Jose had enough informatiion to share about its intricacies that it took some time. The line for entrance was nearly wrapped around the ch

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