an irish summer: Ballyvaughan, Ireland

why hello there!

i'm sorry i haven't written sooner, but since i haven't this will be a super long post! so much has happened in these 3 days; nothing but wonderful times.

The first thing i'd like to mention is how incredibly amazing the people on this trip are. in no time at all we have become the closest little family. as much as i questioned if i was in the right field, or doing what's right with me with art; i feel completely at home and at peace here, surrounded by amazingly talented, good hearted and loving people. I could go on for hours about them. i've gotten incredibly close to each one in so little time that i know this is the right thing to do with my life.

street spray artist

but back to a few days ago:

the morning of the day we were to depart for the school, we decided to tour Galway one last time. The entire time i had Celtic Thunder's "Galway Girl" stuck in my head but it added stunning background music to the beautiful scenery. We stopped to see a few street artists which were beyond incredible. one artist does spray paint landscapes that you honestly wouldn't believe unless you saw the process with your own eyes; however, i did see it and i still can't fathom the beauty he captures with such a difficult medium. SO INSPIRING!!

Anyways. after that lovely journey, we started our travels to Ballyvaughn, Ireland where the Burren College of Art is. on our way we saw plenty of cows, one of which i named Bubba. also, we discovered that traffic jams in Ireland involved 100 cows travelling down the road. cows are not swift. don't believe any lies you've been told. however, we did learn, that you do not mess with the bulls. they do not enjoy jokes :)

BUBBA!

As we arrived to our house, "The Orchard House" we were absolutely in awe. it is beyond beautiful. and i was lucky enough to get my own room! its so nice and the views are beautiful. Our neighbors have plenty of chickens that like to visit as well as lots of cows that come to say hello. After we arrived i was beyond blessed to see a van roll down the driveway with MY LUGGAGE! i have never been more excited to see my clothes and toiletries. best shower i've had in a while. funny thing about ireland, the toilet flushes backwards and the handle is on the opposite side. so confusing. im quickly realizing how habitual life is back home. i love being out of my comfort zone. it's like no other place here. the people are more excited to see us than we ever expected. they truly are some of the sweetest people i have ever met. The night we got in town we went to L'Arco, a beautiful Italian restaurant where we all bonded and shared a bottle of pinot grigio. (don't worry mom, i'm of age here ;])

The Orchard House aka Home

outside the Italian Restaurant

the following day, however, i decided to catch up on some much needed sleep so nothing entirely too amazing happened. being here is amazing in itself.

Our college/castle <3

Today we woke up extra early and ate a lovely family breakfast before anxiously awaiting the arrival of our van like giddy kindergardeners. OUR SCHOOL IS BEAUTIFUL. it is around this beautiful little castle right down the road from our house. the view is fantastic and so peaceful. before lunch, a few of us went to frolic in the fields while sketching and talking and it was absolutely incredible. the most exciting part is patrick and i are studio buddies! yes, we have a whole studio to ourselves. i can tell this trip will be one i never want to end. I wish i could write more but class-time calls! :)