Bonnie Gross

As many of you know…I freaking love cheese. So of course I headed out on Friday morning to the milk market in order to pick up some local favorites. By the time I got there the market was already closing down so I ducked into a local cheese shop to get my fix. (Kinda sounds like a drug addiction…I’m sorry)

The shop was adorable the owner was very helpful. I was indecisive as usual and I got coffee as I made up my mind. A middle-aged man came up to me and my two friends and asked where we were from. After some small talk, he invited us to come sit with his group. Every Friday this guy, Joe, and his friends meet up for cheese, coffee and practicing the Gaelic language.

Joe was extremely nice. He told us about traditional Irish greetings and also about places in Ireland that we needed to visit. Then the owner of the cheese shop came over with a little plate. It was filled with a myriad of cheese slices and fresh olives. She told me to try all of them and then decide what to get. (I am not kidding…a free plate of cheese and olives). Then Joe and his friends gave us a free packet with a couple Gaelic phrases to learn. Here are a few of my favorites:

Dia Duit! – Hello!
Cupan Tae – A cup of tea
Bainne – Milk
Pratai – Potatoes

Then after another night at Stables (the pub on campus) for International night, we were off bright and early to Galway. We started off the day with scones and tea on Salthill Beach in Galway. (Pics below)

After many photo ops at the beach we headed down to Galway for a short guided tour and then some free time to walk around. The tour started at The Galway Cathedral. The outside and inside were beautiful if you cannot tell by the photos below.

Then we headed down the scenic River Corrib and into the city. The streets were lined with beautiful colored buildings, castles and churches. (Not to mention all the old Irish pubs) We headed through a local arts festival and then onto another gorgeous church. Once the tour was over we headed to an old Irish pub called “The Kings Head.” The Kings Head dates back over 800 years with research showing the building in existence since the 13th century. (Sadly I have no food porn pics this time because I ate the food so fast) I got a tomato and basil soup with side dipping bread.

Then after going into the many shops, I finally decided on the perfect thing to buy. Galway is known for bringing in wool from the Aran Islands. I found a green (green because when in Ireland) wool hat. I am wearing it in the last photo above.

I hope to return to the Milk Market to that cheese shop for another Friday session soon. Also, I should maybe memorize some Gaelic before going back. Until then, keep being awesome!