• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

A Morsel Of Galway

I spent the Fall 2008 semester abroad in the UK with twenty-five other students and two professors. We did our coursework on the road, traveling to various cities while studying the literature and drama of each region.

We only spent three days in Galway, and one was a daytrip to the Aran Islands. Our professors did not realize until they tried to book hotels that our trip was scheduled during the Oyster Festival. Nevertheless, we found accommodations in Sleepzone, one of the “top ten hostels in Ireland,” which had a comfortable, coffee shop vibe.

In only three days, we became regulars of Mustard, an upscale pizza and burger place. We became quick friends with our waitress the first night, who was Canadian and excited to chat with us. The food was simple and good, a taste of home.

Not one to pass up a farmers’ market, I found some great food at the one in Galway: a lunchbox of dim sum and a brownie that tasted like fudge.

In case you think the only thing I did in Galway was eat, we went to the Aran Islands. Most of our group rented bicycles for gallivanting around the island, but one girl and I decided to loiter by the beach. There were so many shells, and even the wave patterns in the sand were completely different from what I see at home in Southern California. It was so great having a whole afternoon to explore and experience whatever we wanted as slowly as we wanted.

My biggest regret about Galway is that I did not go to a pub for traditional Irish music. I set foot in one, but it had people packed in it tighter than my suitcase. I should have stayed; my friends who did had a great time dancing with the locals. I’ll know better for next time.