One of the best ways to get to know a new place is by simply walking around, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the new environment. I try to visit a different part of Dublin, or a different county in Ireland, at least once a week. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Galway, a harbor city on the West Coast of Ireland. Galway is known for its huge arts scene, meaning that there are a lot of artists and craftspeople who live and make artwork here. There are a lot of traditional pubs and restaurants where you can hear live music and the Irish language being sung and spoken. Ed Sheeran shot his video for his song "Galway Girl" there!
As for Dublin, during the days I do not have class I try to find new shops and cafes to visit. Finding these places and going to them makes me feel like I am a part of the community. These mini day trips are a way for me to take my mind off of stress caused by my school work. Sometimes, when I get bored with the library, I even find a new quiet spot to do my assignments. Often when I am walking around the city center, I try to find new paths to get to things if I am not in a hurry. For example, this week while trying to find the bus stop, I took a detour through St.
