... break from Finals Week. Instead, let's take a look at those on "endless vacation"... our study abroaders. Oh, they have their rigorous classes, but they also have their field trips and free weekends. Whether it's skiing in the Alps, sunning on a beach in Ibiza, or enjoying some herring in Lapland, our study abroaders really do make the most of their time while away from campus. And our very own Brendan Avey, Stedsman, Virginian, and Dublin study abroader, is no exception. When Brendan was in between classes and boarding a plane, I was able to ask him some questions about his time away from St. Ed's.
St. Ed: When you’re not in classes and studying, where have you been?
Avey: I’ve taken the several trips around Ireland and the continent. So far, I have been to...
• Bordeaux, France: Went on a wine tour
• Amsterdam, Netherlands: Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank house, canal cruise, Heineken tour, biking around the city
• Iceland: Swam in geothermal lagoons, took bus tours to see the Black Sand Beach, craters, geysers, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights
• Garmisch, Germany: Visited my dad who was playing in a military veterans hockey tournament. Skied the German Alps with my sister, hiked Patrnack Gorge. It also happens to be one of Dane Storch's favorite German cities, Shout out to him for the hiking and food recommendations
• Belfast, Northern Ireland: Historical tour of the Troubles, visited Giant's Causeway
• Copenhagen, Denmark: Lunch at Ammann 1921 (Michelin guide restaurant), canal tour, Rosenborg castle tour
• France (Normandy and Paris): Met up with mom, dad, and sister in Normandy. Full-day guided tour of Omaha and Utah beaches, American and German cemeteries, and more. Briefly visited Paris before my flight and saw the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe
• Rome, Italy, and Vatican City: Went to St. Peter's Basilica on Holy Saturday and sat in the 5th row for Easter mass with the Pope in St. Peter's Square. Visited the Colosseum, Roman Forum.
• Barcelona, Spain: Visited Montserrat monastery and winery, Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and did a Seafood Paella cooking class
St. Ed: Ghee whiz kid, are you studying abroad, or are you traveling and taking classes on the side?! But still, how is the Dublin program?
Avey: The Dublin program is amazing and has many required trips in Ireland throughout the semester that bond the program and teach students, myself included, about the history and culture of Ireland. Still, for each trip I take, I collect magnets from major cities and try to collect unique coasters from the *very few* bars and pubs I've visited abroad. On free weekends, I've been able to go to so many amazing places, and I plan to go to Lisbon, Madrid, Toledo, Florence, Edinburgh, and London in my last few weeks abroad. I've also been lucky enough to see my family twice in France and Germany, and I also got to give them a tour of Dublin for a few days. Yeah, classes are great!
St. Ed: Have you been able to meet up with your fellow Stedsmen studying abroad?
Avey: Of course! My favorite moment with my fellow Stedsmen was St. Patrick's Day when over 200 Notre Dame juniors from other abroad programs (and others who were on Spring Break from the US) came to Dublin to celebrate together. During that weekend, I got to connect with many old friends from classes, see many of the Stedsmen who are abroad, and meet a ton of new people too.
St. Ed: Of your extensive travels, which trip would you say was your favorite?
Avey: My favorite international trip was to Rome, where I was able to go to Easter Mass with the Pope and explore fascinating Roman history with the Dublin program and a few students from the Rome program, including Stedman Louis Rauch. The food was also amazing in Rome, including the pasta and lamb shank I had for Easter dinner. This definitely beats my usual Easter plans, which revolve around staying on Notre Dame's empty campus and eating at NDH.
St. Ed: Well, it sounds like you’re winning now Avey!
Avey: I’ll really be winning when I return to St. Ed’s and Notre Dame!
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... of his study abroad adventure!
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