Ghost tour – Lazarovici Andrei
(*in a hair-rising husky voice*)
On the chilly night of 24th February... 12 unprepared teenagers and 2, also unprepared, teachers await. Gathered in front of Cork’s Opera House, chatting quietly amongst themselves about what’s to come. How far can we push the boundary between the living and the not so...
The tall-dark figure approaching took them by surprise. Suddenly, a mysterious white-haired man started talking to them. Everyone realised that he was the tour guide. With an aged wooden walking stick that clicked and clacked sharply, echoing through the twisty convoluted alleyways of Cork.
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At anything more than a cursory glance, we noticed his extravagant clothes – the top hat sticking out over the crowd of heads, the red satin shirt hiding under the unruly majestic cape draping behind his feet as he paced swiftly. His mannerisms, the way he talked, walked, and flung that stick through the cold Irish air sent shivers down your spine.
Then, as he was telling a horrific story about a young lady – she came to life – haunting us. Everybody screamed, and I mean everybody... Then, further along the tour, she jumped at us once again. This time our screams pierced the night sky even louder – but now we were prepared. All of us were waiting to see the ghost, on edge, and exactly when we’d relax, she’d do it once more, and so went our night.
Stories of local freakish incidents, murders, and ghost sightings haunted us. Some may say that it was the adrenaline rush – but I think we can all agree on one thing; that evening was the most fun we had had in a long time, and an experience to take with us back home. We even got to meet the actor that made our hearts jump!
University Studies in Cork – Lazarovici Andrei
Of course, as prospective university students, we couldn’t visit Cork without seeing the university. On the fifth day of our trip, we were toured around the UCC (University College Cork) campus by one of the faculty alumni.
On our way there, we noticed the ideal location of the university in relation to the city life. The neighbourhood was on of the liveliest in Cork, brightly painted shops, pubs, and homes lining the boulevard towards UCC. It’s the perfect place to live as a student, due to the charming and bustling area.
Upon arriving, the guide welcomed us and showed us to the Aula Maximus – one of the most interesting halls of the university. We learned about its importance from the establishment of the institution. Some may recognize it, as it is now used by the Harry Potter Society for the Yule Ball and the Sorting Hat Ceremony. Not only is its unique aspect provided by the paintings of the school presidents, but also by the stained glass windows.
Now, some history facts about the place – construction originally began in 1847, but the opening was in 1849. What started off as a Medical, Arts, and Law College, now, teaches various courses, namely: accounting, archaeology, neuroscience, music, philosophy, microbiology, civil engineering, and many more. It holds the title of Ireland’s first 5-star university and first university in the world to get a green flag for climate change.
What we found interesting about the place are myths students there follow:
- Touching the nose of Mr. Boole on the campus gives you good grades in your exams
- Stepping on the grass or the crest at the entrance brings bad luck
