Ireland meets a "Dedeaux!"

My last day at the school :(

2010-03-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

We had three full days to observe and take part in a lot of activities before I leave to go back to the states. My experiences was unbelievable!! Going back to what Mr. Ryan said, "Being the lowest poverty school in Dublin, we have to really flexible and try different teaching strategies to reach to these kids." Mr. Ryan also said, "no matter where we are located, we have to make this environment warm, safe, and let them (students) know that we CARE!" Once he said that, I knew my present will make a significant different with the limited time here.

William and I tried our hardest to do as much as we can to make an impact by......playing "little sally walker" performing "magic tricks", participating in the Irish dancing, answering question from the wondering minds of the students, actually teaching a couple of lesson while we were there and hanging out in the teacher's lounge.

In those three full days, William and I build a type of repertoire with all the teachers, students and Mr. Ryan (principal) that will leave a good impression with them for this Study Abroad experiences. I believe we represented ISU!!!

How to students get their school textbooks?!

2010-03-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

Coming from the Factory, our next stop was to the book store, Eason. The store consisted of plethora of books from newspaper articles to chapter books.

Down stairs, the store also consist of school textbooks/children books to order and/or purchase for school purposes. . As you can see, this is the Primary Level Section.

The Ireland schools do receive funding for their books through government expenses. If not, you will come here to Eason to take care of textbooks purchasing. Coming out the book store, I decided to take a picture of a crowded area that was appropriate for the viewers to show a comparison of the people in our Downtown area. Can you compete with that.

Guinness Storehouse!!!

2010-03-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know, but Ireland is known for their great brewing techniques for the drink, Guinness!! So I had to stop at the Guinness Factory!! The picture to your right shows a image of what the factory looks like....

If you can't tell what the picture look like, I will inform you. The factory is base on 7 different levels of touring the Guinness Factory. The neat thing about the factory is that the building is shape like a PINT of GUINNESS.

O' Look! During my tour, I found another Irishman with Dread Locks! How neat is this?!

On one of the levels I had a chance to take part of a Guinness taste tester group. In this picture, there are five steps for us taste testers has to do in order to prove this pint of Guinness is ready for the public. As you can see, I think its "A-OKAY."

At the end of the tour, being a fan of Guinness, other fans of Guinness and I enjoy our free PINT at the level 7, the brewery bar/gravity bar looking below at Downtown Dublin City! Can't get no better than this!!

First day teaching @ Monk Town Farm School

2010-03-09T15:01:00.001-08:00

Today, William and I attended our Primary School, Monk Town Farm School here in Monk Town, Ireland.

A little about our school: The school consist about 110 students. The classes start from Junior Infants (3-4 yrs of age), Senior Infants (4-5 yrs of age). Then level grades 1-6 are consider what we know as elementary grade levels.

Monk School is consider the "Lowest Poverty" school in Dublin. Which we call "At-Risk." In the picture with the guy, you can kind of see images of Graffiti on the pillars. Shock! I see. But can you imagine Graffiti all around the entire school? Hey, wake up-it is. The teachers and students don't mind; they believe its a work of art! ;)

The picture to your left shows what a Irish classroom looks like. The only difference I seen differently from our American classrooms are the sizes of the class. Visual this! Take 15 regular steps on a straight line and that is how big the classroom is. The one aspect the principal and teacher stress on that I stress in my teaching philosophy is a sense of CARING and WELCOMING.

Oh yeah, the dry erase board you see, I actually taught a different way to multiply (The lattice method) for those who have trouble with regrouping and lining up numbers. "Rubbers" are the erasers they use to clean off the board.

The picture below is another view of Mrs. Wartz's class. I really love the visuals in her class; she has the months of the year, different views of countries, math, reading...everything you see in an effective teacher's classroom in the States-- she has it! Again, Mrs. Warzts is an effective teacher.

Most of the day, I was in the "Hot Seat" where the students and teacher ask a plethora of questions about my family, my country, my likes and dislikes and lastly, my DREADS. By the way, they LOVE my hair. I also did my famous Magic tricks, did a little bit of joggling with some balls, slide of hand coin tricks and playing cards, and perform the Dedeaux levitation skills. ;)

This picture here is their playground. And yes its right in the center of the school. Almost like a court yard. But who cares! These kids love playing on the playground and that is what count.

Overall, this is my type of school! The relationship the teachers/ teaching aide have with the principal is outstanding. The socioeconomic environment is a place I see myself making a difference by my present and building a repertoire with the students. The kids in Ireland are no different from the kids i see in America. All they need is support and knowing that the school is a safe environment to be in.

First day in Dublin and meeting my host family

2010-03-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Bloggers! Its a little late, but i needed to upload a few pictures from today to give you all a taste of down town Dublin. Prior to Dublin, we took a quick intermission at the Belvedere House and Gardens near Mullingar.

I want to apologize about not taking a picture of the Belvedere House. I will get an image from one of my colleagues ASAP.
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The picture on the right is called, "The Jealous Wall." I will try to make this short and sweet.

The Bevedere House was built for a fellow man name Robert Rochfort Lord Belfield in 1740. Robert had a younger brother name George and they both like a particular girl name Mary Molesworth (16 yrs old). Back in those days the women usually picks the oldest son because their usually the next in line to be king. And so she did- she marry Robert and left Geroge hanging :(.

In 1743 when Robert was informed of an alleged affair between his wife and younger brother George, he at once remove Mary from the family and lock her up in his newly Bevedere House. So the house wasn't use for a villa, it was basically use to confined her for the next 31 years.

So when both brothers get into an verbal fight, instead of using physical force, they out build one another. And so George did. He constructed a way bigger house to "Piss" his older brother off.

This is when the Jealous Wall was introduce. Robert made this wall was made so he wouldn't have to look at his younger brother's house.

After we left the Bevedere House we travel to downtown Dublin to meet our host families. Here is a picture of our room here. You can actually see William head peeking out. Our host family is cool! Neil and Ena Cadogan are my host parents.

They have three children: 2 sons that are studying to be a doctor and a pharmacist and one daughter in high school. Beside William and I, they have 3 more exchange students. One is from our Country (Orengon), one is from Russia and the last student is from Italy. I have a rich and culturally family!

They enjoy reading, music & discos, walking and tennis.

Good night! As we get ready to teach tomorrow @ Monk Farm School in Dun Laoghaire

Goodnite Blogger

2010-03-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Tommorow, we will leave Dooling and travel 5 hours to meet our host family! I'll let you know in a few!! Goodnight to you Lad!! Come again. Alight!!

Our dance lesson @ Vaughan's Barn in Kilfenora.....

2010-03-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

This is the Irish form of R' Kelly's Step in the name of Love!!! Don't talk to talk....walk to walk....
Watch and enjoy!!!

Here is a picture of my first Guinness beer! HMMMM....Tasty!!!

Our round table discussion!

2010-03-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

Here is our final round table discussion about our feelings about Ireland!

One thing we talk about the most is how SPOILED we are in our country. And we need to appreciate and be thankful for the things we do have like usable technology. Here in Doolin, we were about to kill our selves because we couldn't use our cell phones or maybe our computers weren't connecting to the nearby internet! Another issue we take for granted is the use of cars. To be honest, i drive to school and i'm about half a mile north. Just being lazy person. Here, you WALK long narrow routes, up and down hill and etc. We need to walk more, its good for our overall health.

Playing Golf in the gusty winds!

2010-03-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

William and I takes the challenge from Mother Nature as we try to play some Chip and Putt here at this par 3 course!

Here is a little clip of me chipping the ball on the green!!

Another picture of me approaching the ball.

2010-03-07T09:57:00.001-08:00

OMG! An Irish man with Dreads

2010-03-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Mind the picture!
How neat is this!

My first time at a Beach!!

2010-03-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

This was my first time actually being on a real beach!!

The sand texture is a little different than the sand in Florida (oh yeah, never been there). But initially, the sand is like a solid holding you up. Then minutes after, your feet starts to sink!! How awesome is that!!

I also want to thank the those people who help make this a dream come true! Again, Thanks!! Before I left, i had to take a picture of this brave girl (9 yrs of age) as she takes on the waves of the Atlantic!! Lets go back to the Lodge, get something to eat and getting ready for tomorrow's adventure.

A small town in Doolin!

2010-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hey!
We are in the town, a really small town which i think its there outside mall or something. But here are a few pics.

Look at this sign!! Oh Lord!!

Here is a Casino William and I check out!
My son, Josiah would really love this store!!

A little taste of the town....lets head back home. But we have to stop at the beach first.....

A few pictures taken as we travel to town

2010-03-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of the traffic signs! Yeah, I know, really rugged.

Some sheep.

A guy with capri's on!? Don't ask me why!

Here is a picture of a bill board that tells us about the "famous" matchmaker here in Ireland. This festival is once a year in the month of September. The guy; i do not remember his name, but he's makes millions (i mean Euros) of dollars over and over and over.

More pictures of the guy's hotel where he has the matchmaker get all smoochie!!

Lets explore the town......

My Rocky Moment!

2010-03-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

As I struggle to reach the top...the tower is still my motivation to real the top!! Lets go Rocky!

Almost there!!

I'm finally here!! Yes!! Go Rocky (russell), you're the best!!!

This is my place! I own it!!

That is check off....lets head into town!!

The Cliffs of Moher!!

2010-03-07T08:12:00.001-08:00

Look! This is no Google image, this is actually a shot that i personally took at the Cliffs of Moher! Go ahead, right click and save as a Desktop! I'm serious!!

The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland's most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year. We were told that this picture is one of the few that are taken on a beatuiful day without the spontaneous rains. Bless for that!

The picture up in the top right corner is the North platform, view of O' Brien's Tower. Again, one of many towers here in Ireland.

As I stretch for the journey up the plethora of stairs, i get mentally focus to reach the tower.

Poulnabrone Portal Tomb

2010-03-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here is picture of a tomb many...many...many..years ago!

Oh yeah...there were a lady from Australia who had a "Flat Stanley" person. This was a book I have to this day that talks about Flat Stanley's adventure. And guess what? It made it to Ireland.Educators know what I'm talking about! How awesome that education revolves around me.

The Burren!

2010-03-07T05:37:00.000-08:00

The Burren, which means "Great Rock" is a karst-landscape region in northwest County Clare, in Ireland.

The region measures approximately 250 square kilometres and is enclosed roughly within the circle made by the villages Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corofin, Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna.

It is bounded by the Atlantic and Galway Bay on the west and north, respectively.

Here is a picture of me hanging off the cliff, which i believe will be a good desktop pic!

2010-03-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of a car in Ireland. Besides the steering wheel being on the opposite side (they drive on the opposite side of the route), their license plate is different! The "89" means the year they bought the car. The "WW" is what town they bought the car in. Last, the "4188" is the license number.

Note: They don't have to renew their "Tags" That plate is good forever. Unless they buy another car, which the year would be "10" and the number would be different. By the way, My tags expire in April. Damn! lol

Here is a video that shows you how narrow these routes are. Our tour, Steve call it, "Might is Right" which means...you have the right-a-way if your car/van is bigger. You can also see the stone walls to keep the car intact on the route. Steve said, these skill stones men could make these in a week or so!

If you look at the picture in the top right corner. There is a car that didn't make it!

In the other corner, there is a picture of a beginning driver. And what they do..if you can see closly in the car back wind screen. There is a Paper that has the Letter "L" for learner....and then once he master it....the driver will have a letter "P" for Pass. That lets us know what to expect.

Some site seeing and going to the CLIFFS MOHER

2010-03-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

After taking a shower with the famous "Irish Spring" soap, I went ahead and took a picture from the inside-out! As you take a look, just imagen the fresh Irish air rushing through my nostrils and being bless to have this experience.

As we get ready to head for the Cliffs of Moher, we stop at the Burren and took many pictures of the towns, routes, and the stone fence.

Dooling Activity Lodge

2010-03-07T04:57:00.001-08:00

This is our Lodge! Which is located West of Ireland. In a little town called, "Doolin." Bed and Breakfast is also incorporated so we got a chance to try the traditional style breakfast the Irish people eat.

Bacon, eggs, sausage links, tomato slices and some BLOOD PUDDING. Don't ask what it is....I just ate it. lol

Clonmacnoise!

2010-03-07T03:38:00.000-08:00

Our next stop was the Clonmacnoise! This site was a medieval Monastery founded by St. Ciaran. This ecclesiastical site was founded about 548 by St. Ciaran, the son of a wright or mater craftsman.

The cross you see is one of the finest surviving High Crosses (one of four; North, East, South and West). The reason the crosses are in this postion to to guard the church Spiritually/Safety. One particular Cross (West) has the figure scene of The Crucifixion, the Last Judgment. In fact, Christ was put on the cross with ropes, and in the U.S Christ was nailed on the cross, i thought that was interesting.

The picture above is the Round Tower. As you see the tower is missing a large part of its top (due to lightning in 1135). So what they did with the missing top half is that they made another tower; quite smaller to be exact. They didn't want to waste the stones. ;) The first semicircular arch, is well above ground level is because Irish people had to hide their valuable things from the angry and violent Vikings. They use a ladder like structure to get the things and their selves up inside the round tower to keep safe.

Tea and Scones!

2010-03-07T03:28:00.000-08:00

Inside the Malahide Castle, we had our first "Irish traditional meet and greet gather" with a hot cup of tea and their famous Scones!

Scones are a type of rich, slightly savory pastry which is often served at breakfast or tea, especially in Britain. Traditional English scones slightly resemble American biscuits, as both use a flaky, dense pastry, but scones tend to be a bit sweeter, and also incorporate ingredients like dried fruit (rasin). Delicious when eaten warm, scones are also served cold with a variety of toppings including clotted cream, marmalade, jams, honey, and butters. Again, to show them how much I like them....i ate about 5 of them! oops!! :)

First Stop, Malahide Castle!

2010-03-07T02:42:00.001-08:00

Again, this was Saturday morning. Or "top of the morning" for those who are interested in the Irish talk. And remember Americans, our time schedule is 5 hours ahead.

The Malahide Castle is a wonderful preserved Norman castle dating from the 14th century. This is William and I again, while there fixing something?!

Up in the top corner here is a picture of one of the old churches that were built out of pure stone and man power. There is a little history about these churches with no roofs. With research and listening to our tour person, the church's roofs were attach by straw, reeds or heather is a tradition that has existed in Ireland for 9,000 years.

The correct term, Irish Thatched roofs. Irishmen showed their skills of thatching on cottages and churches. To this day some of those roofs are being preserved for future generations.

2010-03-07T02:31:00.001-08:00

As we walk the halls of the Terminal, I had to take this picture for those men who loves this Body Wash (Dove for men), but hates that it doesn't have the deodorant with it! Hey, Ireland has it, so U.S.A-- be anticipating the deodorant combo! Because I'm getting it. The other picture shows us pulling our luggage looking for our tour guide, Steve!

On the Air Plane!!

2010-03-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

The 7-8 hour flight to Dublin, Ireland was amazing. No delays, one-way trip across the Atlantic Ocean was absolutely a breath-taking experience!

All the praying and gum-chewing did pay off! The one thing I was excited about was the technology on the plane! We had our own personal 12' LCD screen!

It was like have Time Warner Cable thousand and thousand of feet in the air! I was movies, play games and even listen to music while we flew across country. WOW!

The picture shows you my own personal remote control and on the flip side was my game controller as well.

International Airport!

2010-03-07T02:01:00.001-08:00

After a long 4 1/2 - 5 hour drive to Chi-Town, we finally made to the International Airport. This is my first real fight (prior was during collegiate football). The first thing that came to my mind and visually seeing was these different "airlines" going to different parts of the world.

I did not have any trouble finding our airline because it was bright green with clovers everywhere! Prior to this picture to your right, William and I went along for a walk to check out the different nationalities we've seen.

In fact, I seen a Muslim that had a VERY long beard and I had to ask him how long he has been growing it. He told me, "23 years." What caught me off guard was that he ask me how long I was growing my hair (dreads), I said, "hmmm....only 10 years." He said cool!

My thing is, if your curious, go ask to find out. Maybe you'll break that Culture Barrier with another people. And vice versa.

Mid-way stop at State and Shake!

2010-03-07T01:55:00.001-08:00

I had to throw this in. I need to let everyone be aware of the New, " Chicago Style Frank Hotdog" Don't get me wrong, it was a good hotdog, but you may get confuse of what is on the Frank! This picture doesn't express it, but during my massive bites in my Dog, I mistake eating a sweet pickle and ate an entire pepper looking thing! My mouth was on FIRE!!

So examine first then eat :)

Packing up for Chicago!

2010-03-07T01:47:00.000-08:00

Our trip consist of 10 future educators and two lovely/knowledgeable professors in the EESE Department ( Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education). This is our group for the Study Abroad during the 2010 Spring Break.

We are in the newly structure Bayl College of Education Building (University Hall) getting situated before we hit the road!

My trip to Chicago then Ireland!

2010-03-07T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Blogger followers! My name is Russell Dedeaux and I am going to try my hardest to express all my experience here in "Ireland!" You can tell that I am a little late (Today is Sunday), but I'm going to rewind to our initial departure from ISU (Indiana State Unviersity, Terre Haute).

So sit back and relax and explore "Ireland meets a Dedeaux!"

2010-03-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!