The first real day of our program really went well. I am starting to meet a lot of people, and there are some very sweet, friendly, down to earth people to hang out with. My own roommate is really nice, and we seem to have gotten a group together that is just laid back and ready to do whatever comes up.
We haven't really gotten a schedule or anything, because classes don't officially start until next week, so we are just going with the flow most of the time. The food is the one thing that I wish we could get on some sort of schedule with. We just eat when we get somewhere that everyone agrees on, and when we have time. Last night, we had chinese takeout, and it was strange. I mean, when you do stuff like that, it doesn't feel like you are really in Ireland.
We will get it figured out, though. Figuring out the way home, though, might be another story.
We went to a pub for a pint after the orange chicken feast, and on the way home, we missed a turn and wound up walking really really really far out of the way, because none of the side streets went through to the main road anymore, which is where our apartments are. Needless to say, it was after 1 am, we had known each other for less than 48 hours, and we were wandering the streets of Galway and REALLY had to pee.
We made it though, and we knew we would hit a big roundabout eventually, and be able to get through, but it was quite exhausting. That is what happens when you wander around foreign countries, or even unfamiliar neighborhoods, and it was ok. I mean, we will probably get lost a million more times, but I am hoping I start to develop some sort of sense of direction soon.
Going to Dublin on Saturday, and the Aran Islands on Sunday, so more Galway exploration will have to wait until next week. Maybe by then we will be eating normally, and trying actual Irish food! We shall see.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Ireland
Well, I made it. It was a LONG trip, tiring, but relatively smooth. I have all of my luggage, found our apartments and the university, and met my roommates, who are all very nice.
It is different. Of course it is, but I guess I just had no preconcieved idea of what to expect, so I am just letting everything happen. But I think getting used to things here is not going to be really difficult, and I have a feeling that dealing with my fellow American students might be the biggest challenge out of everything. That and getting a perspective of the cost of things, so I don't go broke really quickly. €1 and €2 are in coin form, so it seems easier to spend them, without realizing that it is really $1.28 and $2.56-ish, and everything just costs more anyway (definitely spent €9 on a BLT and Coke last night). I've gotta say real quick, too, that the euro key is on the 4 on the keyboard, but the $ sign still gets first priority, and you have to Alt-Shift to get to the €. Even in Europe, the Dollar comes first. Strange.
My brain is still fuzzy from lack of sleep and a day and a half of travelling, so even though I already have a lot to say, I am going to keep this short.
Internet access is available for sure M-Th, but beyond that, it might be sketchy. And I did post my countdown for coming home, but don't think I am hating it here. I love it already, and don't feel homesick, but rather I miss the people of course, but I am thrilled to have this experience and to be able to participate in a fantastic program. This is the only Irish Studies program in all of Ireland, and it is in it's 22cd year. It is going to be great, and I plan on taking every class, seminar, and language course possible. I am lucky to be here, but I know when I get home, I will be happy to be back with my family and friends.
I will write more later...probably going to Dublin on Saturday, the Aran Islands (bike tour!) on Sunday, and then real classes start first thing Monday.
Sl`an Libh!
(I don't really know any Irish yet...but thanks google, that means goodbye!)
It is different. Of course it is, but I guess I just had no preconcieved idea of what to expect, so I am just letting everything happen. But I think getting used to things here is not going to be really difficult, and I have a feeling that dealing with my fellow American students might be the biggest challenge out of everything. That and getting a perspective of the cost of things, so I don't go broke really quickly. €1 and €2 are in coin form, so it seems easier to spend them, without realizing that it is really $1.28 and $2.56-ish, and everything just costs more anyway (definitely spent €9 on a BLT and Coke last night). I've gotta say real quick, too, that the euro key is on the 4 on the keyboard, but the $ sign still gets first priority, and you have to Alt-Shift to get to the €. Even in Europe, the Dollar comes first. Strange.
My brain is still fuzzy from lack of sleep and a day and a half of travelling, so even though I already have a lot to say, I am going to keep this short.
Internet access is available for sure M-Th, but beyond that, it might be sketchy. And I did post my countdown for coming home, but don't think I am hating it here. I love it already, and don't feel homesick, but rather I miss the people of course, but I am thrilled to have this experience and to be able to participate in a fantastic program. This is the only Irish Studies program in all of Ireland, and it is in it's 22cd year. It is going to be great, and I plan on taking every class, seminar, and language course possible. I am lucky to be here, but I know when I get home, I will be happy to be back with my family and friends.
I will write more later...probably going to Dublin on Saturday, the Aran Islands (bike tour!) on Sunday, and then real classes start first thing Monday.
Sl`an Libh!
(I don't really know any Irish yet...but thanks google, that means goodbye!)
Monday, June 26, 2006
Not ready
Just started packing last night. I leave tomorrow morning, work today, go to the baseball game tonight (if it's not rained out). Not sure when I am going to get everything on my list checked off. Normally, I am super prepared about trips. Weeks before I have a comprehensive packing list made, and start filling up my bags at least a week before leaving. This time it's different. My packing list consists of a few notes scribbled on different peices of scrap paper that are scattered about my apartment. I made piles of junk I think I need, and last night just started piling clothes in my suitcase, after just opening my drawers and choosing the items at more or less random. I have never had to pack for this long of a trip, to a place so unknown. I have never had this sense of dread, excitement, and sadness all at once. I am the best procrastinator ever when something just doesn't excite me, and this is a prime example of that.
12:45pm is going to come really early tomorrow.
I can say with utmost certainty that physically, emotionally: I am not ready.
12:45pm is going to come really early tomorrow.
I can say with utmost certainty that physically, emotionally: I am not ready.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Seriously, people.
So, I have to say that people just aren't taking global warming seriously. And that is getting on my nerves. I am tired of people not thinking that it is a big deal, and that they alone couldn't possibly have any impact on the well-being of our environment. To me, that is the most lazy and downright bullshit excuse/point of view ever.
I just saw "An Inconvenient Truth", the documentary by Al Gore which lays out the facts on global warming in an amazingly straightforward way. It makes you scared and pissed off even though the facts are presented in a calm and non-alarmist/psychotic (aka Michael Moore) style of cinematography. It is easy to relate to, and even though there are moments when it seems they dwell on Gore's 2000 loss at the presidency just a tad much, you do realize that HAD he won, our planet just might have been in a bit more stable situation, rather than the crisis of today.
Also, this article at cnn.com backs up much of what Gore discussed in the film...
I am worried, though, that people still can't and won't take this seriously. I am just not sure what to say, except will people just stop being so goddamn stupid and start considering the consequences of their own, and the companies they support, actions. If you don't know where to begin, and it feels overwhelming, just focus on yourself. It is easy to change your own habits, don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Recycle. Stop throwing things away just because it's easier than sorting your bottles and paper. Turn off lights when you aren't home, and turn up your AC, even a few degrees can help. Think about your driving habits, and plan your errands by the most efficient route, and walk or ride a bike whenever possible. There are more easy tips at the movie's website, but all I have to say is that we don't have a choice anymore. This is not something that only the hippies should be doing. If you all want the world to be safe and in good health for YOUR kids (we aren't talking generations anymore, the threats are imminent), then you will do something. Don't be lazy. We can't afford it anymore.
I just saw "An Inconvenient Truth", the documentary by Al Gore which lays out the facts on global warming in an amazingly straightforward way. It makes you scared and pissed off even though the facts are presented in a calm and non-alarmist/psychotic (aka Michael Moore) style of cinematography. It is easy to relate to, and even though there are moments when it seems they dwell on Gore's 2000 loss at the presidency just a tad much, you do realize that HAD he won, our planet just might have been in a bit more stable situation, rather than the crisis of today.
Also, this article at cnn.com backs up much of what Gore discussed in the film...
I am worried, though, that people still can't and won't take this seriously. I am just not sure what to say, except will people just stop being so goddamn stupid and start considering the consequences of their own, and the companies they support, actions. If you don't know where to begin, and it feels overwhelming, just focus on yourself. It is easy to change your own habits, don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Recycle. Stop throwing things away just because it's easier than sorting your bottles and paper. Turn off lights when you aren't home, and turn up your AC, even a few degrees can help. Think about your driving habits, and plan your errands by the most efficient route, and walk or ride a bike whenever possible. There are more easy tips at the movie's website, but all I have to say is that we don't have a choice anymore. This is not something that only the hippies should be doing. If you all want the world to be safe and in good health for YOUR kids (we aren't talking generations anymore, the threats are imminent), then you will do something. Don't be lazy. We can't afford it anymore.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Good to know.
Apparently that cup of coffee that helps you recover from a hangover is doing a bit more than just easing your headache and fatigue.
I'll drink to that!
I'll drink to that!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Does that thing really say 16 days?
I am so not even close to being ready to leave for Ireland. Well, I take that back, I am really ready to leave work, but that's about it, and that goes without saying.
Honestly, I have barely begun to think about packing and buying stuff I need (which is probably more than I realize, and of course I love to procrastinate), and I am really not ready to leave my apartment (it's a mess), my family (I leave the day before my mom's birthday, and come home 5 days after the twin's), my friends (I am missing one major wedding, seeing the BFF over July 4th, as well as whatever random summer fun times everyone will be having), and Andrew (um, 31 days without seeing my boyfriend? NOT a happy thought).
So.......I guess I am in denial. And I need to get it together real soon, because I work 10 of the 16 days I have left, and there is another wedding on one of the days off, and I pretty much pissed away my afternoon today after getting home around 3. I could have gone shopping, been cleaning, doing laundry, or scanning all of my paperwork to get ready, but instead I messed around online, did a little bit of paperwork, and watched a moving Dateline (yeah, for real) about a mission in Afghanistan and cried.
I wish I could be more excited for this trip, but to be honest, I am scared to death of flying that far, and it feels like I will be gone forever. I am afraid I won't take enough pictures or do well in my classes (my self-confidence is pretty much shot after a shitty performance this past semester), and that I will get sick from the food or drinking and just be miserable.
I know it's a good experience. Hell, that's why I signed up in the first place (however, the person who signed up was a bit more defiant-and single, than the girl I am today). But it's really really really expensive, and I am just stressed. I suppose I should try and get some more stuff done before heading out to the airport to pick up Andrew...first thing I need to do is probably balance my checkbook. The last thing I want is to be completely overdrawn in a foreign country. And knowing me, well, it could happen.
Honestly, I have barely begun to think about packing and buying stuff I need (which is probably more than I realize, and of course I love to procrastinate), and I am really not ready to leave my apartment (it's a mess), my family (I leave the day before my mom's birthday, and come home 5 days after the twin's), my friends (I am missing one major wedding, seeing the BFF over July 4th, as well as whatever random summer fun times everyone will be having), and Andrew (um, 31 days without seeing my boyfriend? NOT a happy thought).
So.......I guess I am in denial. And I need to get it together real soon, because I work 10 of the 16 days I have left, and there is another wedding on one of the days off, and I pretty much pissed away my afternoon today after getting home around 3. I could have gone shopping, been cleaning, doing laundry, or scanning all of my paperwork to get ready, but instead I messed around online, did a little bit of paperwork, and watched a moving Dateline (yeah, for real) about a mission in Afghanistan and cried.
I wish I could be more excited for this trip, but to be honest, I am scared to death of flying that far, and it feels like I will be gone forever. I am afraid I won't take enough pictures or do well in my classes (my self-confidence is pretty much shot after a shitty performance this past semester), and that I will get sick from the food or drinking and just be miserable.
I know it's a good experience. Hell, that's why I signed up in the first place (however, the person who signed up was a bit more defiant-and single, than the girl I am today). But it's really really really expensive, and I am just stressed. I suppose I should try and get some more stuff done before heading out to the airport to pick up Andrew...first thing I need to do is probably balance my checkbook. The last thing I want is to be completely overdrawn in a foreign country. And knowing me, well, it could happen.
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