We joined Irish Dance last week and it was nuts. She didn't even teach us the steps. She went straigh to routine and told us we have a recital next week. We looked like a bunch of bouncing idiots. So Kat and I are hysterical the whole time, and I realize I end the number, center stage, by myself as the point of a triangle. Even though we will be laughed at, I find something hilarious in the fact that I, a girl with no dance training or skill, am ending the show front and center. So pretty much we're going to do it and revel in the embarassment. When else am I going to be in a dance recital in Ireland???
I also signed up for the radio expecting some sort of orientation or training, but nope, the station manager put me on the schedule for this week right away. I'm doing news headlines, which is fantastic because that's what I do at FUV. I'm still really nervous though, even though not nearly as many people will be listening to FlirtFM as do FUV. I'm more scared of the equipment to be honest - I've never been good at running my own board or anything like that.
I considered choir, but eh...I'll miss Bsides at Fordham but it's such a commitment. I'd really love love to find some place or band where I could sing Irish music just once at least. And I want to play the harp and the bodhrain once! Okay maybe that's a lot, but a girl can dream!
Monday, January 29, 2007
JoCo Comes to Town
This weekend was pretty great. Our friend JoCo from Fordham came for a visit and we took him to some great pubs. It was actually a lot of fun - we went to a pub that has dancing, called Hole in the Wall. For those of you from FU it was a lot like Gorman's in the good old days when it was dominated by North kids. We also walked to Salthill and explore more of Galway Bay and found a fantastic little cafe - Roscoe's. But first on Thursday our friends came over to our place and we went to the bar next door. We ran into the kid we met the first night and well, or course craziness!
The kid Martin and his cousin Martin with some friends awkwardly joined us, after I hear them go, "I thought you liked that one? Well pick one!" referring to us girls. So after some small talk Martin1 asks me to kiss Martin2, which I laugh politely and say No, I don't think so. I turn towards Kat to say something, and suddenly I get this WHACK! to my leg and I swing around to look at Martin2, and he goes, "So are you gonna kiss me, or what?" I laughed again and said No much more firmly this time, but neither of them can let it go. I tried to tell them that American girls don't really like getting hit and then asked for a kiss, he said it was the Irish way, but I said I don't think Irish girls like it either. I realized they had put money on whether on I'd kiss him or not, so I ask this older guy, "Do you think all American girls are easy?" He honestly answers yes and we go hysterical. This other guy hits on our friend Meg so we're all givin each other a hard time being like "Just go for it!" and Kat finally got me to the point where I was like, thanks traitor, so I made her switch with me so Martin1 could hit on her. Which was not so great cuz he licked her ear creepily. Martin1 kept begging me, so I finally was just like, "Look, your cousin (Martin2) didn't stand a chance because I don't kiss complete strangers [while sober], but most importantly, he's 18 and I'm 21. It's never gonna happen." I then told him he needs to learn how to talk to girls. He got a little annoying, okay a lot annoying, so I had to be firm. Our friend Chris told me he was really impressed by how I handled those Irish boys. I credit my Irish-American mom and aunts - and my sister warned me not to trust a word out of any Irish man's mouth.
The next night we went out again and I made a "friend" from London who followed me forever - he had to be like 34. He said I had a "nice hiney" and I told him "Nice meeting you. Night." Aka go home. Then at SuperMac's some old guy started yelling at me and my friend Pat for no reason except he was drunk, crazy, and old, so I told him to mind his business, he gets up in my face, but I just stood my ground, looked him in the eye and told him he'd better get out of my face and sit down that second. After a few more heated words he backed down. Ooooh yea. Again Chris was quite impressed. All I'm lookin for is some nice Irish boy to talk to, and instead I get creepy 18 year olds or people who should be home with their wives. However, it's all been great craic and I kinda get a kick out of it.
And yea some people have expressed confusion over the names I use in here to refer to people we all know...they're just like code names to somewhat shield people's identity. I'm just being respectful so stop being complete and utter amadans and eejits.
The kid Martin and his cousin Martin with some friends awkwardly joined us, after I hear them go, "I thought you liked that one? Well pick one!" referring to us girls. So after some small talk Martin1 asks me to kiss Martin2, which I laugh politely and say No, I don't think so. I turn towards Kat to say something, and suddenly I get this WHACK! to my leg and I swing around to look at Martin2, and he goes, "So are you gonna kiss me, or what?" I laughed again and said No much more firmly this time, but neither of them can let it go. I tried to tell them that American girls don't really like getting hit and then asked for a kiss, he said it was the Irish way, but I said I don't think Irish girls like it either. I realized they had put money on whether on I'd kiss him or not, so I ask this older guy, "Do you think all American girls are easy?" He honestly answers yes and we go hysterical. This other guy hits on our friend Meg so we're all givin each other a hard time being like "Just go for it!" and Kat finally got me to the point where I was like, thanks traitor, so I made her switch with me so Martin1 could hit on her. Which was not so great cuz he licked her ear creepily. Martin1 kept begging me, so I finally was just like, "Look, your cousin (Martin2) didn't stand a chance because I don't kiss complete strangers [while sober], but most importantly, he's 18 and I'm 21. It's never gonna happen." I then told him he needs to learn how to talk to girls. He got a little annoying, okay a lot annoying, so I had to be firm. Our friend Chris told me he was really impressed by how I handled those Irish boys. I credit my Irish-American mom and aunts - and my sister warned me not to trust a word out of any Irish man's mouth.
The next night we went out again and I made a "friend" from London who followed me forever - he had to be like 34. He said I had a "nice hiney" and I told him "Nice meeting you. Night." Aka go home. Then at SuperMac's some old guy started yelling at me and my friend Pat for no reason except he was drunk, crazy, and old, so I told him to mind his business, he gets up in my face, but I just stood my ground, looked him in the eye and told him he'd better get out of my face and sit down that second. After a few more heated words he backed down. Ooooh yea. Again Chris was quite impressed. All I'm lookin for is some nice Irish boy to talk to, and instead I get creepy 18 year olds or people who should be home with their wives. However, it's all been great craic and I kinda get a kick out of it.
And yea some people have expressed confusion over the names I use in here to refer to people we all know...they're just like code names to somewhat shield people's identity. I'm just being respectful so stop being complete and utter amadans and eejits.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Trad Music and Killer Blow Dryers
Last night we finally got to hear traditional Irish music!! A few of us got drinks at a pub in Eyre Square and just hung out - it was fun and the music was great. Of course - "Oh, so you're American?" The locals just love that American accent. It's RAG week at a nearby school so the kids line up at 10am at pubs and drink all day - you could tell by the lovely "presents" left on all the streets. Irish people are nuts. The girls dress like skanks, the guys were in shorts and flip-flops, and I dunno - the rest of us had classes!
We also officially registered with NUIG at 9am, and I bought a blow dryer - FINALLY! I was all excited to use it and actually have pretty, non-frizzy hair but nope! Instead it shorted, made a scary scary noise and started smoking. I thought I was going to get electrocuted - Kat and our friend even came running to the room to make sure I wasn't dead. So today I took it back and got a new one - we'll see. It might not sound scary reading - even slightly dramatic - but trust me - terrifying.
Sunday night we went to Garvey's to watch the Patriots game. It's really funny because they stay open so us Americans can watch the game, but apparently they aren't supposed to, so they dim the lights, shut the blinds, and tell us to keep it down. You'd think they were going to kill us all. They booted us out after half time, which is too bad because apparently the second half was amazing - and the Pats lost :( But it was a fun night, and regardless we'll head over for the Superbowl - Go Bears! So I was exhausted yesterday - the first sunny day in about 2 weeks, and I slept through it taking a "kip." Alright more later!
We also officially registered with NUIG at 9am, and I bought a blow dryer - FINALLY! I was all excited to use it and actually have pretty, non-frizzy hair but nope! Instead it shorted, made a scary scary noise and started smoking. I thought I was going to get electrocuted - Kat and our friend even came running to the room to make sure I wasn't dead. So today I took it back and got a new one - we'll see. It might not sound scary reading - even slightly dramatic - but trust me - terrifying.
Sunday night we went to Garvey's to watch the Patriots game. It's really funny because they stay open so us Americans can watch the game, but apparently they aren't supposed to, so they dim the lights, shut the blinds, and tell us to keep it down. You'd think they were going to kill us all. They booted us out after half time, which is too bad because apparently the second half was amazing - and the Pats lost :( But it was a fun night, and regardless we'll head over for the Superbowl - Go Bears! So I was exhausted yesterday - the first sunny day in about 2 weeks, and I slept through it taking a "kip." Alright more later!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Tim Finn
This weekend Kat and I went to Cork and the Blarney Castle and had one of our usual adventures. She and I cannot go anywhere without encountering some form of trouble (usually good) or bizarre occurances. The night before we went to our friend's place for a wine and cheese party which turned out to be a lot of fun, but we were out late and had to get up at 7am. Before we knew the alarm clocks were going off and we had to head over to Eyre Square to catch an 8:05 bus. Of course I was running late - but you try getting ready in the pitch dark with a roomate making noises signafying she's clearly annoyed at you. But we made it after hauling butt down there and got on just in time.
The ride was 4 hours and we experienced every weather pattern known to mankind. It started out gloomy, then sunny, then a hurricane, then sun on one side of the bus, rain on the other, fog, clear blue skies, hail, sleet, etc. I was actually awake for most of the trip because Southern Ireland is so gorgeous to look at, but when I did sleep and wake up - it was a new form of weather. It made the journey feel like days. By the time we reached Cork we'd picked up a bunch of obnoxious guys singing in Spanish and making donkey noises - over and over. I had to work to suppress my inner Mom from telling them to shut it.
Cork is a really cute town - we explored for a bit. I got a sandwich - no mustard because apparently they don't do condiments in this country. We hopped on a bus to Blarney at around 1:30 and off we went. Luckily most of the day was lovely weather. KitKat was really excited to see a castle, and I'm proud of her for leading the way to the top because she's very claustraphobic and those stairs get tinnyy. We kissed the stone - because either of us really needed the gift of gab - and headed back down. We checked out the wishing stairs and the rock close - so so gorgeous and bumped into someone from NUI Galway there oddly enough. We then headed back to Cork, found a hostel for the night and hit the town.
Here's a note to Cork: you are Ireland, not Manhattan. Stick to green grass, rainbows, and leprachauns. It was raining raining and girls were in super high heeled pumps and boots, short short skirts, tube tobs, dresses etc - basically vegas showgirls in person. We got rejected from a club because I was in boots and Kat was wearing wellies. We pretty much laughed at the doorman. We found a local pub which was pretty fun because of course, we met some characters. A guy and I both made a move for a stool, and I beat him so we started talking and his friend swings around and says "Is that an American accent you got there?" That's a signal that this is going to be interesting and fun.
So we chatted with the guys who were probably 34 and Tim Finn - the drunk one in love with our accents asked me to say "Something American, like - 'oh my god!'" So I did, and I didn't disappoint. Tim fell in love - hard - with Kat and begged her to kiss him. He also offered me two-thousand dollars to strip for his friend's stag party in Galway sometime in the next 4 weeks. I don't know if it's just the accent - but he wasn't creepy. The poor dear was just drunk and hilarious. His friend was mortified. So his lads left but he stayed and bought me a beer - a pear cider - kopper something. It was de-licious. He left eventually we he got the point that Kat was not going to kiss him, and I started to get kinda mean because I was no longer amused, he had worn out his welcome. We were going to stay at the pub - called The Bodhrain, but some 47 year old men started hitting on Kat mostly, so we had to go. Sorry Dads, 21 year olds don't like when you hit on their friends. We walked around for a bit, but it was cold and rainy and Cork is a bit too wanna-be posh for my tastes. So we headed back to the hostel, talked to our Spanish roomates for a bit, and hit the hay. I slept with my purse in my bed and my phone under my pillow - I wasn't taking any chances even though the hostel seemed nice enough.
So then we were up at 7am to head back to Galway. Ireland is dead every morning until at least 10am. We were walking the streets at 8am - you would've thought it was 5:30 for how quiet everything was. Even on a weekday I never see life until 9amish. So people better not ever refer to American's as lazy in my presence because we work all day!! NYC is hopping before the sun is up!
Alright it's time for a kip! Cheers!
The ride was 4 hours and we experienced every weather pattern known to mankind. It started out gloomy, then sunny, then a hurricane, then sun on one side of the bus, rain on the other, fog, clear blue skies, hail, sleet, etc. I was actually awake for most of the trip because Southern Ireland is so gorgeous to look at, but when I did sleep and wake up - it was a new form of weather. It made the journey feel like days. By the time we reached Cork we'd picked up a bunch of obnoxious guys singing in Spanish and making donkey noises - over and over. I had to work to suppress my inner Mom from telling them to shut it.
Cork is a really cute town - we explored for a bit. I got a sandwich - no mustard because apparently they don't do condiments in this country. We hopped on a bus to Blarney at around 1:30 and off we went. Luckily most of the day was lovely weather. KitKat was really excited to see a castle, and I'm proud of her for leading the way to the top because she's very claustraphobic and those stairs get tinnyy. We kissed the stone - because either of us really needed the gift of gab - and headed back down. We checked out the wishing stairs and the rock close - so so gorgeous and bumped into someone from NUI Galway there oddly enough. We then headed back to Cork, found a hostel for the night and hit the town.
Here's a note to Cork: you are Ireland, not Manhattan. Stick to green grass, rainbows, and leprachauns. It was raining raining and girls were in super high heeled pumps and boots, short short skirts, tube tobs, dresses etc - basically vegas showgirls in person. We got rejected from a club because I was in boots and Kat was wearing wellies. We pretty much laughed at the doorman. We found a local pub which was pretty fun because of course, we met some characters. A guy and I both made a move for a stool, and I beat him so we started talking and his friend swings around and says "Is that an American accent you got there?" That's a signal that this is going to be interesting and fun.
So we chatted with the guys who were probably 34 and Tim Finn - the drunk one in love with our accents asked me to say "Something American, like - 'oh my god!'" So I did, and I didn't disappoint. Tim fell in love - hard - with Kat and begged her to kiss him. He also offered me two-thousand dollars to strip for his friend's stag party in Galway sometime in the next 4 weeks. I don't know if it's just the accent - but he wasn't creepy. The poor dear was just drunk and hilarious. His friend was mortified. So his lads left but he stayed and bought me a beer - a pear cider - kopper something. It was de-licious. He left eventually we he got the point that Kat was not going to kiss him, and I started to get kinda mean because I was no longer amused, he had worn out his welcome. We were going to stay at the pub - called The Bodhrain, but some 47 year old men started hitting on Kat mostly, so we had to go. Sorry Dads, 21 year olds don't like when you hit on their friends. We walked around for a bit, but it was cold and rainy and Cork is a bit too wanna-be posh for my tastes. So we headed back to the hostel, talked to our Spanish roomates for a bit, and hit the hay. I slept with my purse in my bed and my phone under my pillow - I wasn't taking any chances even though the hostel seemed nice enough.
So then we were up at 7am to head back to Galway. Ireland is dead every morning until at least 10am. We were walking the streets at 8am - you would've thought it was 5:30 for how quiet everything was. Even on a weekday I never see life until 9amish. So people better not ever refer to American's as lazy in my presence because we work all day!! NYC is hopping before the sun is up!
Alright it's time for a kip! Cheers!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Wellies in Action
Today Kat and I woke up at 4:30am and headed over to campus at 5 because we had to register for the English seminars. Registration doesn't start till 9am, but it's so competitive that people line up early. When we arrived - there was already at line - the first people got there at 1:30am. It was unreal. We sat on the cold, cold concrete for two hours and even though we had shelter overhead, the wind and rain still pelted us, not to mention the air was about 2 degrees. It was one of the most miserable experiences of my life. Finally we were let inside and given numbers - I was number 49 - can you believe that?? After a quick breakfast we headed back over to register - and I was closed out of my class - Cinema/Media Studies of John Ford. I'm a Communications and Media studies major....I had to get the class. Instead I picked up Film and Shakespeare - but it's at 9am on Fridays, and Fridays was supposed to be a travel day so now I'm freaking out. I was under the impression that coming as an international student I would get my classes - not get shut out of a class that only reserved spots for 3 international students. NUI is the most backwards place I have been in my life. Three separate registrations is unheard of - and it's 2007- REGISTER ONLINE LIKE AMERICAN SCHOOLS. It's efficient and almost fair. Almost.
However things looked up (after getting hailed on mind you) when I went to my first archery club meeting. Turns out I might have a knack for bows and arrows. My first go-around wasn't too shabby, but my second was pretty impressive. Call it beginners luck, but I hit the bullseye - the 10 point marker on my first shot. My second was just as close - 9 points. But my third was thrown off by a crazy soccer player who ran into our section to fetch his ball. Had he burst in 2 seconds earlier, I probably could've killed him. But I didn't, so let's move on. So far - I love love archery. Even if I wasn't good, I'd still love it, it's just fun feeling like Robin Hood or Legolas. I"ll say it - putting on the arm guard and pulling the bow string - I felt pretty bad ass. Next week I'll head to Irish dance class right after archery practice, which I'm sure will be equally awesome. I Irish danced when I was little, and I miss it. I also signed up for the campus radio station, they seemed impressed I had worked as a reporter for a station back home - WFUV (www.wfuv.org). One note though - even though I paid to join these clubs, I have to pay 1.50 euro every time I enter the gym. I dont think so.
Anyways, the London trip is planned for February, Dublin is possible end of January, and Blarney should be this weekend! It's fun pretending like I have money. Oh and a cutie invited me to the pub tonight, hooweever I hit the wall at about 7pm after being up all day, so I had to pass. Damn you NUI registration!! That's about all the news for this insane rainy cold place!!
However things looked up (after getting hailed on mind you) when I went to my first archery club meeting. Turns out I might have a knack for bows and arrows. My first go-around wasn't too shabby, but my second was pretty impressive. Call it beginners luck, but I hit the bullseye - the 10 point marker on my first shot. My second was just as close - 9 points. But my third was thrown off by a crazy soccer player who ran into our section to fetch his ball. Had he burst in 2 seconds earlier, I probably could've killed him. But I didn't, so let's move on. So far - I love love archery. Even if I wasn't good, I'd still love it, it's just fun feeling like Robin Hood or Legolas. I"ll say it - putting on the arm guard and pulling the bow string - I felt pretty bad ass. Next week I'll head to Irish dance class right after archery practice, which I'm sure will be equally awesome. I Irish danced when I was little, and I miss it. I also signed up for the campus radio station, they seemed impressed I had worked as a reporter for a station back home - WFUV (www.wfuv.org). One note though - even though I paid to join these clubs, I have to pay 1.50 euro every time I enter the gym. I dont think so.
Anyways, the London trip is planned for February, Dublin is possible end of January, and Blarney should be this weekend! It's fun pretending like I have money. Oh and a cutie invited me to the pub tonight, hooweever I hit the wall at about 7pm after being up all day, so I had to pass. Damn you NUI registration!! That's about all the news for this insane rainy cold place!!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Two weeks almost
Wow I can't believe it's been two weeks! We've been so busy I didn't catch the time flying!! Clases started - they are huuge lecture halls - 100 to 400 kids. We've hit Kings Head, the Quays, Monroe's, Roisin Dubh, Hanley Oaks, and College Bar. I love them because they are nothing like the bars back in NYC. They are clean, not packed, and the Irish guys are great. An Irish drummer told KitKat she had an "arse like Beyonce's." It took us awhile to recover from that one. The second a guy learns you are American it's all over from that point - he's in love. And not gonna lie - I basically am too!
However, this weather has got to go! Pouring rains, blustery winds - gray, gloomy - no thanks. They keep telling us it's just going to get nicer from here, but it's not soon enough! You need good weather to check out a lot of the stuff we want to see! Alright well, no juicy stories yet, but give me time!
However, this weather has got to go! Pouring rains, blustery winds - gray, gloomy - no thanks. They keep telling us it's just going to get nicer from here, but it's not soon enough! You need good weather to check out a lot of the stuff we want to see! Alright well, no juicy stories yet, but give me time!
Monday, January 8, 2007
Week One
It's been very very interesting. Lots of walking and exploring - today we found the tourism office and got info on public transportation. Found another grocery store. However it POURED. We were soaked to the bone and my umbrella is officially dead. And my jeans will never dry in this weather, nor will my coat.
Tonight we hit the restaurant and pub next door w/some kids in our apartment. It was "brilliant." A 31 year old man started hitting on me then asked me to be nice and talk to his nephew - who turned out to be gorgeous so no problem by us! So we've got our first local friend - who happens to be a cage fighter and ultimate fighter. My old internship (www.lx.tv) was doing a documentary on ultimate fighting and I have some friends back home who fight - so I know it's a big thing. My friends at school make fun of me for talking about it - but thank you Martin for giving credibility to my claims! A crazy old drunk man wouldn't leave us alone - neither could a few others. It's amazing - they all have the wrong idea about American girls, but I can't blame them. The American shows they get here are terrible - "My Super Sweet Sixteen: watch America's richest kids throw the biggest most expensive parties!" and plenty of other gems. Alright well tomorrow is registration so bed time for me!
Tonight we hit the restaurant and pub next door w/some kids in our apartment. It was "brilliant." A 31 year old man started hitting on me then asked me to be nice and talk to his nephew - who turned out to be gorgeous so no problem by us! So we've got our first local friend - who happens to be a cage fighter and ultimate fighter. My old internship (www.lx.tv) was doing a documentary on ultimate fighting and I have some friends back home who fight - so I know it's a big thing. My friends at school make fun of me for talking about it - but thank you Martin for giving credibility to my claims! A crazy old drunk man wouldn't leave us alone - neither could a few others. It's amazing - they all have the wrong idea about American girls, but I can't blame them. The American shows they get here are terrible - "My Super Sweet Sixteen: watch America's richest kids throw the biggest most expensive parties!" and plenty of other gems. Alright well tomorrow is registration so bed time for me!
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Tours and Shifty Weather
Listened to a talk on Galway's history today then went on a walking tour. Pretty interesting - it helped me get a little bit more oriented. Had lunch in a little pub - finally got the brown bread and tried a half pint of Bolmer's beer - delicious!!! It's sweet but quite good - dangerously good. Did some more shopping - bought a pair of rainboots - kids, bright orange. Should be interesting walking around in them. On the walk back home it went from being 45 degrees, clear, and sunny to dark and ominous. The wind was wet - it wasn't exactly raining - the air was just wet. It got heavier and mistier by the time we got home. So we curled up and walked some OC Dvds, planned to go out, but man I'm telling you - all this walking is sucking the energy right out of me!! Not to mention my sleep is all off - I woke up at 7:20am and have been up since - it's now 9:40pm. And both my roomates have zero desire to go out - which doesn't bode well for a girl who's always up for a good time. Oh well!!
Friday, January 5, 2007
Boys Boys Boys
I'm never going to survive all these cute Irish boys. I've encountered way too many gorgeous Gaels - sorry mom I might have to break my promise and fall in love with quite a few of them.
Today we had advisory sessions for all the classes we want to take. Basically as boring as it sounds, but I suppose important. KitKat and I took a tour of campus together with one of the student gov V-P's and let's just say I'm never going to get to my classes. The campus is huuuge and all the buildings look alike. I'm sure I'll get adjusted and figure it out no problem, but the first few weeks are going to be hell.
Then it was lunch time - I got the delicious Irish vegetable soup - I just need to get my hands on their brown bread. Oh and crazy - they charge for their ketchup, mayo, and jam packs - 15 cents. I was insulted!
Afterwards - we hit town again and found an amazing mall - very similar to the Chelsea Mall in NYC. We hit Penney's - a store that could be likened to Kohls I guess - and it's going to be dangerous. Great stuff on the cheap. Of course like eejits we bought too much stuff and had to walk the three miles or so home. And we stopped in a grocery store - Dunne's. Two broken bags and very very sore feet later, we made it home alive. I feel like a bum because we haven't hit the pub scene yet - but honestly you try walking at least ten miles everyday carrying heavy packs and try to walk the two + miles back into town for drinks. I'd never make it back! Tomorrow night though - it's a done deal!! That's all for now. Sorry no excitement!!
Today we had advisory sessions for all the classes we want to take. Basically as boring as it sounds, but I suppose important. KitKat and I took a tour of campus together with one of the student gov V-P's and let's just say I'm never going to get to my classes. The campus is huuuge and all the buildings look alike. I'm sure I'll get adjusted and figure it out no problem, but the first few weeks are going to be hell.
Then it was lunch time - I got the delicious Irish vegetable soup - I just need to get my hands on their brown bread. Oh and crazy - they charge for their ketchup, mayo, and jam packs - 15 cents. I was insulted!
Afterwards - we hit town again and found an amazing mall - very similar to the Chelsea Mall in NYC. We hit Penney's - a store that could be likened to Kohls I guess - and it's going to be dangerous. Great stuff on the cheap. Of course like eejits we bought too much stuff and had to walk the three miles or so home. And we stopped in a grocery store - Dunne's. Two broken bags and very very sore feet later, we made it home alive. I feel like a bum because we haven't hit the pub scene yet - but honestly you try walking at least ten miles everyday carrying heavy packs and try to walk the two + miles back into town for drinks. I'd never make it back! Tomorrow night though - it's a done deal!! That's all for now. Sorry no excitement!!
Thursday, January 4, 2007
The Ex-patriot Days Begin
I'm in Ireland, safe and sound!!!
So far, so good - it's really great. The flight was long and I didn't sleep, but it wasn't too bad. At Shannon I found my roomie KitKat (we'll refer to her as that) and another friend and we met a bunch of other NUI kids and all took the bus to Galway together. K and I got to our apartment around 9-amish and explored a little bit. We found behind a wall on our complex a Gaelic football field - where very cute men play.
All day I had been joking that I wanted a roomate from Wisconsin because I love their accents, and I just really didn't want a girl from Jersey, and I kept referring to her as (codename) Swissmiss. When our roomie finally showed up she's like "Hi, I'm Swissmiss." and I asked her where she's from, and she said "Wisconsin." How weird is that?? It poourred all day so we just unpacked, napped, and hung out - we watched American TV and ate American pizza. Ridiculous. However we did find some great Irish, Australian, and UK soap operas/teen dramas.
Today was orienation for international students, there were 400 of us, mostly American with some EU kids. I met a girl from the Netherlands with a fabulous accent and talked to a boy from France named Maxime for awhile. He spoke very little English and I offered to speak in French - but he only wanted to speak English to improve it. Thank Jasus - my French would've made him cry. After hours of orientation and a scary lecture from the intimidating immigration officer, K, S and I explored downtown Galway. We found a 2Euro store - the equivalent to our dollar store and went to town. We walked all over Eyre Square - very cute but also touristy. We made quite a spectacle when we walked into a bar that advertised food. You know how when you walk in a door everyone looks at you - well everyone looked at us, but they didn't stop. We must've looked like quintessential American girls. Kitkat was in a BRIGHT pink coat and the three of us were carrying the bath caddies we'd just bought. It was extremely awkward because we just stood there until we finally just seated ourselves. Turns out they stopped selling food, so we had to leave - and walk past all those people. So awkward.
So overall it's great, and I've met a ton of friendly American kids - the Irish still aren't back from break yet. I have a month until classes start - the next few weeks will be advisory meetings and figuring out schedules - it is very very confusing how their clases and exam schedules work. My room is like a mini condo, very nice furniture and it came with a comforter (trust me - a huge concern while packing). Only a few complaints - the Irish avoid using heaters like the plague, too many Irish people engage in public displays of affection, and they don't quite understand water pressure or the concept of combining hot and cold water into one faucet. Seriously I can deal with the rain and the cold coastal wind - but honestly - don't makeout next to me on a plane or in the middle of a public square.
So far, so good - it's really great. The flight was long and I didn't sleep, but it wasn't too bad. At Shannon I found my roomie KitKat (we'll refer to her as that) and another friend and we met a bunch of other NUI kids and all took the bus to Galway together. K and I got to our apartment around 9-amish and explored a little bit. We found behind a wall on our complex a Gaelic football field - where very cute men play.
All day I had been joking that I wanted a roomate from Wisconsin because I love their accents, and I just really didn't want a girl from Jersey, and I kept referring to her as (codename) Swissmiss. When our roomie finally showed up she's like "Hi, I'm Swissmiss." and I asked her where she's from, and she said "Wisconsin." How weird is that?? It poourred all day so we just unpacked, napped, and hung out - we watched American TV and ate American pizza. Ridiculous. However we did find some great Irish, Australian, and UK soap operas/teen dramas.
Today was orienation for international students, there were 400 of us, mostly American with some EU kids. I met a girl from the Netherlands with a fabulous accent and talked to a boy from France named Maxime for awhile. He spoke very little English and I offered to speak in French - but he only wanted to speak English to improve it. Thank Jasus - my French would've made him cry. After hours of orientation and a scary lecture from the intimidating immigration officer, K, S and I explored downtown Galway. We found a 2Euro store - the equivalent to our dollar store and went to town. We walked all over Eyre Square - very cute but also touristy. We made quite a spectacle when we walked into a bar that advertised food. You know how when you walk in a door everyone looks at you - well everyone looked at us, but they didn't stop. We must've looked like quintessential American girls. Kitkat was in a BRIGHT pink coat and the three of us were carrying the bath caddies we'd just bought. It was extremely awkward because we just stood there until we finally just seated ourselves. Turns out they stopped selling food, so we had to leave - and walk past all those people. So awkward.
So overall it's great, and I've met a ton of friendly American kids - the Irish still aren't back from break yet. I have a month until classes start - the next few weeks will be advisory meetings and figuring out schedules - it is very very confusing how their clases and exam schedules work. My room is like a mini condo, very nice furniture and it came with a comforter (trust me - a huge concern while packing). Only a few complaints - the Irish avoid using heaters like the plague, too many Irish people engage in public displays of affection, and they don't quite understand water pressure or the concept of combining hot and cold water into one faucet. Seriously I can deal with the rain and the cold coastal wind - but honestly - don't makeout next to me on a plane or in the middle of a public square.
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