Norbertines and Packers

26th October, 2011

Today Sarah had to go to Green Bay. This worked out perfectly because I was hoping to visit Jake in St. Norbert's College in nearby De Pere. Strangely enough, Jake was actually leading a common prayer based on the study abroad experience that morning at 10am (exactly the time that I would be there). Students who studied abroad shared their experiences. It was really nice and coincidental. Jake talked about his experience in Cork and embarrassingly but kindly mentioned me. I got to meet the study abroad coordinator and some Norbertine priests in the college. The church on campus in quite nice. It is mostly wooden and they have nice stained-glass windows (even one of St. Patrick). Jake and the others involved in the prayer wore t-shirts that said "Please go Away" on the front, which I thought was quite rude at first but it wasn't directed at me but students who should go away to study. Jake is a good ambassador for UCC as 9 students are going next semester (usually there has only been one each semester).

Afterwards I went with Jake and his girlfriend Connie for a coffee to catch up.  It was great to chat and hear what he has been up to and his future plans. After a good chat, I added to my hat collection with a Russian-style hat that they were selling in the cafe. The photo above is myself and Jake in historic De Pere.

Afterwards me and Sarah went to Green Bay (home of the Packers - who I now know after winning an Aaron Rodgers jersey at last year's Superbowl). They are set up a little like Barcelona in that they are owned by the fans. And their fans are really dedicated. Apparently there are 80,000 people on the waiting list for season tickets (people leave tickets in their will). A lot of the town is painted green and gold. Sarah's parents have a Green Bay mailbox, green and gold lights outside, a GB welcome mat and many other pieces of merchandise. We visited the stadium, though we didn't take the tour.