So Thursday I didn't have classes since soc/pol and Irish don't start til next week. I was lazy... I went to school and read at the library for a bit and checked out the clubs day event. I'm definitely thinking about the mountaineering club, but I need to find boots... hopefully some cheaper than the seventy euro ones I saw today (Why is Europe so damn expensive? Isn't it enough that the euro trumps the dollar?).
I then registered for Irish, hopefully I can get into the only group session that works with my schedule. Then I returned home to change, then back to school (see, I will get my exercise in) for an info meeting about the volunteer group called Alive. I didn't realize it was going to be so "you must do this every week" I thought it'd be more of a volunteer as you go... so I may or may not be doing that. I know, tsk on me.
After the meeting, Mandy and I met up with Caitlyn for dinner before the pub crawl. We wound up at Fat Freddy's and I got a delicious veggie pizza. Since I couldn't just walk around the pub crawl with a pizza (although I highly considered it), I ate the whole pizza... but I'd already asked for a box, before thinking all of this through, so I ate the pizza out of the box on the way to the pub... quite the late entrance. I'm so classy. Caitlyn and I met up with the pub crawl group 1.
We went to five or so different pubs. All very cool atmospheres and new to me. I met some really cool people, hurt my throat trying to yell over the music, and had a lovely time! And no, I didn't drink... it's too expensive to drink something I don't like the taste of... I then went with a new friend to a pub called the Western Hotel and Bar. A very chill and quite atmosphere, nice! When her and her friends left I met up with Mandy at GPO for 90s night!
Let's just say GPO was more fun with Mandy! She has already made some irish friends and her group was a mix of mostly American girls and Irish guys... to put it lightly, those guys were awesome guys who were brilliant cockblockers. Any time we girls were dancing and creepy drunk guys came around, one of us would just go grab one of the Irish friends and they'd be the perfect protector. It was awesome to finally meet some nice (and useful!) Irish guys and some other fun girls!
The worst part of the night was paying for the taxi... 5 per person, bull shit. Anyways, I'm going out tonight with a girl I can walk home with so that will be better. I'm about to leave so I'll share about today briefly:
No classes. Went to library and did readings. Hung out with the other Caitlin. Irene was sweet and cooked dinner and invited me to join: yummy veggies and rice! I cleaned up and will get next meal. I'm typing this and am about to go with Caitlin to the square and meet up with some to find a pub with live trad music at 9:30.
I know.. I just realized that I could sum down those novels into one measly little paragraph... but, that just wouldn't be as much fun now, would it?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Nothing terribly special
Ok, let's see if we can condense this:
I didn' t wake up til 10 today.. eek! Kind of lovely, kind of weird. I feel so lazy! I lounged around a bit and eventually cleaned up and made my way to class. Before class I detoured by the society's day event, signed up for a few then went to the library and did some class reading.
My Developmental Geography class looks like it will be cool. My teacher volunteered for 5 years in Malawi, I want to do something like that!
After class I returned to the library and finished my readings... no worries I didn't have much more than 60-70 pages in total, I'm just slow getting back into the swing of things... can you say day dreaming/just blanking out?
Way home I made a pit stop at Tesco's bought some necessities and then came across my roommate and an Italian friend who also lives at Centrepoint. Back at home, yeah didn't really do anything really productive. Rachel, Irene and I all made dinner around the same time and had some fun convo. There's a party next week called "Dress as your country" in which you take a stereotype of your country and blow it out of proportion. This led to a discussion on stereotypes of each of our countries, it was funny and interesting. Rachel, actually getting to talk to her (before she was either gone or asleep) seems like she'll be a fun flatmate, even if a little much at times ;).
Since then I have been looking online, trying to see what I'll do my econ assignment on: the ivory trade or forest policy in a country of my choice? Ivory trade is much more limited, which is good, but I'm having issues finding stuff through nuig library. Forest policy... no idea what country to even pick (Indonesia or Brasil?) and from then there is a lot to meddle through, but I might be able to find more resources... we'll see, I've got all day tomorrow since those classes don't start til next week.
I just finished a Skype joy! Kevin called me on Skype and by the end of the conversation I'd gotten to talk to Jen, Glessie and Justin! I don't know if they heard it, but I'm pretty sure I didn't stop smiling the whole time : D I love that I heard their ridiculousness, laughter (Kevin's muaha laugh and almost titi sounding laugh...) and antics... it made me really happy. Best part, my thirty plus convo didn't bother Irene... she's great, can't believe I was as worried about the roomie situation.
I didn' t wake up til 10 today.. eek! Kind of lovely, kind of weird. I feel so lazy! I lounged around a bit and eventually cleaned up and made my way to class. Before class I detoured by the society's day event, signed up for a few then went to the library and did some class reading.
My Developmental Geography class looks like it will be cool. My teacher volunteered for 5 years in Malawi, I want to do something like that!
After class I returned to the library and finished my readings... no worries I didn't have much more than 60-70 pages in total, I'm just slow getting back into the swing of things... can you say day dreaming/just blanking out?
Way home I made a pit stop at Tesco's bought some necessities and then came across my roommate and an Italian friend who also lives at Centrepoint. Back at home, yeah didn't really do anything really productive. Rachel, Irene and I all made dinner around the same time and had some fun convo. There's a party next week called "Dress as your country" in which you take a stereotype of your country and blow it out of proportion. This led to a discussion on stereotypes of each of our countries, it was funny and interesting. Rachel, actually getting to talk to her (before she was either gone or asleep) seems like she'll be a fun flatmate, even if a little much at times ;).
Since then I have been looking online, trying to see what I'll do my econ assignment on: the ivory trade or forest policy in a country of my choice? Ivory trade is much more limited, which is good, but I'm having issues finding stuff through nuig library. Forest policy... no idea what country to even pick (Indonesia or Brasil?) and from then there is a lot to meddle through, but I might be able to find more resources... we'll see, I've got all day tomorrow since those classes don't start til next week.
I just finished a Skype joy! Kevin called me on Skype and by the end of the conversation I'd gotten to talk to Jen, Glessie and Justin! I don't know if they heard it, but I'm pretty sure I didn't stop smiling the whole time : D I love that I heard their ridiculousness, laughter (Kevin's muaha laugh and almost titi sounding laugh...) and antics... it made me really happy. Best part, my thirty plus convo didn't bother Irene... she's great, can't believe I was as worried about the roomie situation.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Welcome Party
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I got to talk to my boo boo yesterday! Yesterday was Kayla's 19th birthday and, thanks to Skype, I got to call her and wish her a happy birthday! It's my first time ever not being there on her bday, but I think she understands.
Today I slept in, geeze I sleep so much here! I met my flatmate Rachel this morning. She seems like she's nice, definitely the partyer. I went to my econ class (soc/pol doesn't start til next week so no cooperation and conflict today). I met an american in the first half and when she left another american filled the spot the second half... I'm like a target for americans. After a very interesting class, by my teacher who I learned today is from Botswana (I was guessing brit by the accent but Botswana is way cooler!) I went to the library to work on some readings for the class I may or may not take (glob'n and democracy). First day doing real hw again... I didn't last long. I detoured by Aldis on my way home and, let's just say I love that cheap place!
Then I came home and messed around with chatting with Rachel and looking online at the ivory trade, a possible topic for my econ assignment. When I started making dinner Rachel and six friends, including four drunk guys (at 6:30 mind you) came into the kitchen. After I finished my pb and j I swiftly exited the kitchen. Irene says this happens a lot and that it is kind of annoying. Today, anyways, I agree with the annoying bit, especially when they started smoking inside after we'd agreed on not so much that, oh well.
I left with Caitlin and walked to The Skeffington (aka the skeff) on Eyre Square (city center) for the International Students' Society's welcome back party. First fifty people got free drinks. Caitlin and I were numbers one and two, go figure. Anywho, it was really fun! I dismissed the beer offer but we could get free cocktails, and in honor of some lovely days in Cozumel and my Mom, Rachel and Sarah, I got their sex on the beach. Not quite as nice as when in the vip lounge or on an actual beach, but it was in a fun place so all was well. I really like the Skeff itself. It's gorgeous, Dad would oo and aah I'm sure: stained glass on the ceilings, neat stairs, pretty wood carvings, quite lovely.
I met a girl who I had come across on facebook a couple of months ago as we were both looking for housing in Galway, fun girl! I also met some fun guys and some other international students (France and Germany anybody?) who are in my economics class. Yay, more friends in my class and more friends to go out with! Chelsea, the girl I met through facebook, is totally into the idea of going to Morroco, I've a travel buddy... basically I'm there.
Anyways, it was a really good time. They also had free chips, I actually liked it, I could taste the potato.... except, I thought I grabbed one chip, took a bite and it was sausage! Holy crap, first time I've had possibly cafo meat since may! We'll just argue it's Ireland, it is highly likely that it isn't cafo since it was not a chain restaurant (meaning subway or McD's). I left kind of early b/c Caitlin was sort of crashing and she's the only one I know who lives where I do and it's much cheaper, and safer, to split a taxi, so I did.
So, there we go, I finally went out, had a really good time and am ready to see what the pub crawl thursday might bring, more friends I'm hoping ; ). But I've got a class and registration tomorrow so first thing is first.
Today I slept in, geeze I sleep so much here! I met my flatmate Rachel this morning. She seems like she's nice, definitely the partyer. I went to my econ class (soc/pol doesn't start til next week so no cooperation and conflict today). I met an american in the first half and when she left another american filled the spot the second half... I'm like a target for americans. After a very interesting class, by my teacher who I learned today is from Botswana (I was guessing brit by the accent but Botswana is way cooler!) I went to the library to work on some readings for the class I may or may not take (glob'n and democracy). First day doing real hw again... I didn't last long. I detoured by Aldis on my way home and, let's just say I love that cheap place!
Then I came home and messed around with chatting with Rachel and looking online at the ivory trade, a possible topic for my econ assignment. When I started making dinner Rachel and six friends, including four drunk guys (at 6:30 mind you) came into the kitchen. After I finished my pb and j I swiftly exited the kitchen. Irene says this happens a lot and that it is kind of annoying. Today, anyways, I agree with the annoying bit, especially when they started smoking inside after we'd agreed on not so much that, oh well.
I left with Caitlin and walked to The Skeffington (aka the skeff) on Eyre Square (city center) for the International Students' Society's welcome back party. First fifty people got free drinks. Caitlin and I were numbers one and two, go figure. Anywho, it was really fun! I dismissed the beer offer but we could get free cocktails, and in honor of some lovely days in Cozumel and my Mom, Rachel and Sarah, I got their sex on the beach. Not quite as nice as when in the vip lounge or on an actual beach, but it was in a fun place so all was well. I really like the Skeff itself. It's gorgeous, Dad would oo and aah I'm sure: stained glass on the ceilings, neat stairs, pretty wood carvings, quite lovely.
I met a girl who I had come across on facebook a couple of months ago as we were both looking for housing in Galway, fun girl! I also met some fun guys and some other international students (France and Germany anybody?) who are in my economics class. Yay, more friends in my class and more friends to go out with! Chelsea, the girl I met through facebook, is totally into the idea of going to Morroco, I've a travel buddy... basically I'm there.
Anyways, it was a really good time. They also had free chips, I actually liked it, I could taste the potato.... except, I thought I grabbed one chip, took a bite and it was sausage! Holy crap, first time I've had possibly cafo meat since may! We'll just argue it's Ireland, it is highly likely that it isn't cafo since it was not a chain restaurant (meaning subway or McD's). I left kind of early b/c Caitlin was sort of crashing and she's the only one I know who lives where I do and it's much cheaper, and safer, to split a taxi, so I did.
So, there we go, I finally went out, had a really good time and am ready to see what the pub crawl thursday might bring, more friends I'm hoping ; ). But I've got a class and registration tomorrow so first thing is first.
Monday, January 12, 2009
First day of classes
Did I really not post yesterday? Sorry!
Hmm, Sunday... Well, I woke and my roommate wasn't here, I actually didn't see her until the evening. The winds roaring against the window made me want to huddle in bed all day long but I actually got up and meandered about for a bit. I braved the winds and the rain with Caitlin as we made our way to the stores. I bought some cleaning supplies and got soaked. I tried to look in their cheap clothing store for a good sweater or some leggings (forgot my long underwear) but no luck. However, should I need to spruce up the wardrobe, they have plenty of stuff for that.... Mom,I definitely shouldn't have packed so many bright colors. Dark colors are definitely "in" here... thus, I am not. I feel like I stick out like such a sore thumb, but oh well... can't do much about it now other than maybe buy a black shirt or two, but even that might wait a bit.
Coming home I passed time somehow, obviously nothing very important. I joined the other Caitlyn for dinner and watched my first ever episode of MTV's "The Hills." I could have lived my whole life with never having seen that tv show. A bunch of rich 20 yr olds and their dramatic lives... but it was time spent in the company of another, and she really enjoyed it so all was fine. Then, what should happen, but Caitlyn's flatmate returned! I can't recall her name but she is quite a pleasant girl. She is a first year and even as a first year she made me feel lame... really, what am I doing in such a party city? Scratch that, I fail partying everywhere, even at home... but especially here! Anywho, we got to know her a bit, asked tons of questions about going out and such here. She informed us that people dress up when going to school... boy did I ever find that to be the truth today!
So after I left Caitlyn's around 10 or 11 I returned home and my roommate, Irene was home(the Italians must pronounce it slightly different b/c I think it's pronounced "Irena" but she spelled it for me today "Irene"). She was actually cleaning. I think our clean personalities are going to quite get along. Here I had gone all day freaking out about not having seen her or having pissed her off and really she is nice and very willing to work out this smoking thing. Windows are open a lot but the smoky smell is much less awful now! and I can breathe (better). So we talked a bit and then I crashed.
Today I woke and made my way to my first class "Globalisation and Democracy." I wonder if I'm going to have to spell words like they do when I write essays or if they'll count it off if I write "globalization"? Random, I know. I write like I think so good luck following this blog. Anywho, it was sort of awkward. You know, that first day, don't know anybody but it seems like everyone knows someone else kind of feeling? Yeah, that was it. I had about two hours until my next class so I went to the library and tried to see if I could figure out how it is set up... no luck. I'll try that another day. I did, however, find the Spanish novels ( I was just looking for the casual reading section, something to pick up to pass the time). Instead I picked up an Isabel Allende book, Casa de los espiritus, and read for an hour or so.
On my way to my econ class "Environment and Natural Resource economics" I asked a girl for directions and come to find out she was headed to the same class. I made a friend, or at least classmate! One success, yay! That class, as well as the other, looks like they are going to be fascinating! I didn't originally intend to take the Globalization and Democracy, but I am going to check it out for these first two weeks and see what I think. If I do decide to take it, I'm on six classes total, including Irish, which is a full load here. But I'd still have Fridays off. I'm just going to see what I think the workload might be like... but I think I'd learn a ton from them and they seem perfect for my IDS major!
After the econ class, which, like the first, was just an intro, I made my way to a 1.5 hr line to do sociology/political science registration. During the wait I met an American who has already been here one semester who was kind enough to impart some very useful info and he and another American girl were fun company on the walk home. All three of us have tattoos, it's like I've joined a new club with mine ; ) Tattoos are lovely ways to start up a convo...
Back at home, Irene was here and she did some shopping but I haven't really been up to much. I have mostly been looking online at facebook, flight tickets and the news. I heard from my CR family that the quake didn't directly affect them, thank God. I remembered that I need to work on my scholarship essay and then proceeded to see what I want to do with my life so I can answer the prompt: within the first five years of beginning your professional career, what three things do you hope to achieve?
I've no idea what my professional career is going to be.
That just led me to open a million tabs off of Google's search "what to do with a global development major?" ... ridiculous I know, but I was bored and it worked... ish.
On Facebook, Melanie provided me her parent's address in Nantes, France. For kicks I decided to look it up and see how much a ticket from here to there is... I found one that is zero euro with only a tax fee of 10.50 euro round trip! Oh my goodness! For only 10.50 and free lodging and meeting Melanie's family I think I might be going back to France even though I can't speak it worth a darn! Let's just say I got excited!
And then I started making a list of where I want to go... damn, the list in Spain is forever long! As is the one within Ireland... geeze, way to go and encourage the travel gene Mom and Dad and Rachel... not sure how you work in my genes but we share a brain so there!
And, like I said before, Irene is proving to be quite a fun roommate! She makes me think of Kevin and Wendy a ton because of the Italian. I need to learn some from her!
anyways, that's it for tonight. I promise I will try to make these shorter. You all try to get skype!
Buenas noches!
Hmm, Sunday... Well, I woke and my roommate wasn't here, I actually didn't see her until the evening. The winds roaring against the window made me want to huddle in bed all day long but I actually got up and meandered about for a bit. I braved the winds and the rain with Caitlin as we made our way to the stores. I bought some cleaning supplies and got soaked. I tried to look in their cheap clothing store for a good sweater or some leggings (forgot my long underwear) but no luck. However, should I need to spruce up the wardrobe, they have plenty of stuff for that.... Mom,I definitely shouldn't have packed so many bright colors. Dark colors are definitely "in" here... thus, I am not. I feel like I stick out like such a sore thumb, but oh well... can't do much about it now other than maybe buy a black shirt or two, but even that might wait a bit.
Coming home I passed time somehow, obviously nothing very important. I joined the other Caitlyn for dinner and watched my first ever episode of MTV's "The Hills." I could have lived my whole life with never having seen that tv show. A bunch of rich 20 yr olds and their dramatic lives... but it was time spent in the company of another, and she really enjoyed it so all was fine. Then, what should happen, but Caitlyn's flatmate returned! I can't recall her name but she is quite a pleasant girl. She is a first year and even as a first year she made me feel lame... really, what am I doing in such a party city? Scratch that, I fail partying everywhere, even at home... but especially here! Anywho, we got to know her a bit, asked tons of questions about going out and such here. She informed us that people dress up when going to school... boy did I ever find that to be the truth today!
So after I left Caitlyn's around 10 or 11 I returned home and my roommate, Irene was home(the Italians must pronounce it slightly different b/c I think it's pronounced "Irena" but she spelled it for me today "Irene"). She was actually cleaning. I think our clean personalities are going to quite get along. Here I had gone all day freaking out about not having seen her or having pissed her off and really she is nice and very willing to work out this smoking thing. Windows are open a lot but the smoky smell is much less awful now! and I can breathe (better). So we talked a bit and then I crashed.
Today I woke and made my way to my first class "Globalisation and Democracy." I wonder if I'm going to have to spell words like they do when I write essays or if they'll count it off if I write "globalization"? Random, I know. I write like I think so good luck following this blog. Anywho, it was sort of awkward. You know, that first day, don't know anybody but it seems like everyone knows someone else kind of feeling? Yeah, that was it. I had about two hours until my next class so I went to the library and tried to see if I could figure out how it is set up... no luck. I'll try that another day. I did, however, find the Spanish novels ( I was just looking for the casual reading section, something to pick up to pass the time). Instead I picked up an Isabel Allende book, Casa de los espiritus, and read for an hour or so.
On my way to my econ class "Environment and Natural Resource economics" I asked a girl for directions and come to find out she was headed to the same class. I made a friend, or at least classmate! One success, yay! That class, as well as the other, looks like they are going to be fascinating! I didn't originally intend to take the Globalization and Democracy, but I am going to check it out for these first two weeks and see what I think. If I do decide to take it, I'm on six classes total, including Irish, which is a full load here. But I'd still have Fridays off. I'm just going to see what I think the workload might be like... but I think I'd learn a ton from them and they seem perfect for my IDS major!
After the econ class, which, like the first, was just an intro, I made my way to a 1.5 hr line to do sociology/political science registration. During the wait I met an American who has already been here one semester who was kind enough to impart some very useful info and he and another American girl were fun company on the walk home. All three of us have tattoos, it's like I've joined a new club with mine ; ) Tattoos are lovely ways to start up a convo...
Back at home, Irene was here and she did some shopping but I haven't really been up to much. I have mostly been looking online at facebook, flight tickets and the news. I heard from my CR family that the quake didn't directly affect them, thank God. I remembered that I need to work on my scholarship essay and then proceeded to see what I want to do with my life so I can answer the prompt: within the first five years of beginning your professional career, what three things do you hope to achieve?
I've no idea what my professional career is going to be.
That just led me to open a million tabs off of Google's search "what to do with a global development major?" ... ridiculous I know, but I was bored and it worked... ish.
On Facebook, Melanie provided me her parent's address in Nantes, France. For kicks I decided to look it up and see how much a ticket from here to there is... I found one that is zero euro with only a tax fee of 10.50 euro round trip! Oh my goodness! For only 10.50 and free lodging and meeting Melanie's family I think I might be going back to France even though I can't speak it worth a darn! Let's just say I got excited!
And then I started making a list of where I want to go... damn, the list in Spain is forever long! As is the one within Ireland... geeze, way to go and encourage the travel gene Mom and Dad and Rachel... not sure how you work in my genes but we share a brain so there!
And, like I said before, Irene is proving to be quite a fun roommate! She makes me think of Kevin and Wendy a ton because of the Italian. I need to learn some from her!
anyways, that's it for tonight. I promise I will try to make these shorter. You all try to get skype!
Buenas noches!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
First Rain
So today was the first day I saw rain in Ireland... it was REALLY windy this morning, but then the wind died down and the rain kept on trickling.
I went to NUIG for a historical talk on Galway presented by a retired lecturer. It was really interesting. Whereas Kansas City only recently had its bicentennial, Ireland has a rich history dating back to the Mesolithic period and Galway has a pretty rich history itself. Plus, the lecturer was pretty b.a. because he himself had, in his younger years, been part of underwater excavations that proved Normans had come to Galway centuries ago.
The tour meant to happen after the talk was canceled by accidental communication. Instead, I joined a couple of people and we did our own exploration, beginning with lunch at a cute bakery. I had a delicious veggie wrap and the treats in the bakery made me think fondly of both Costa Rica and Paris (and warmer days). Then we wandered about the city center and somehow made our way to the Galway City museum and checked that out for a bit. An interesting and warm break from the chill. Then we did a bit of shopping for a combined dinner... I also bought warm fuzzy socks that look like they should be for little girls, but they keep my feet warm so I don't care. Oh, speaking of shopping, we found a couple of really neat fair trade stores. I think if I crack down and decide to buy a scarf (I have so many at home and yet I forgot to bring one!) that I will buy a fair trade one, yay! The fair trade store also made me happy and think of my Gittingers!
We came back to my apartment and a new friend cooked up dinner while I helped with clean up: veggie sausages and sweet potatoes with feta cheese, yummy! We hung around for a bit, enjoying some Will and Grace when my roommate came in. Slightly awkward, sad to say. Her name is Irena, she is from Italy and seems like she is nice. Sadly, her smoking habit and my lungs and allergy induced asthma don't really get along. I felt bad admitting this and even worse finding out that the other flatmate smokes as well... it'll be interesting to see what happens... I mean, I'm not as bad as I was when I was little, oh Lordy I'd be dead by now, but it still really bothers me and I could feel my throat tightening when she was smoking in the kitchen. The nice bit, though, is that they only smoke in the kitchen, not the bedroom. Bad thing is, I also go in the kitchen... maybe we can figure out an open window option... I'm not sure. All that I know is that their right to smoke and mine to breathe sort of conflict and I don't want to be rude/a pain/a bitch... what a great first impression I must've made.
To avoid awkwardness, my friends and I headed on back to the city center to go to a pub. There they got dessert and at another a drink. Didn't stay out long... oddly sleepy here in Galway. For now, I blame the cold and the rain, once I know more people and can get some dancing mates I'll be set to stay out longer.
Tomorrow is the first day in which I don't have anything planned for... except figuring out this smoking situation, oh joy...
I went to NUIG for a historical talk on Galway presented by a retired lecturer. It was really interesting. Whereas Kansas City only recently had its bicentennial, Ireland has a rich history dating back to the Mesolithic period and Galway has a pretty rich history itself. Plus, the lecturer was pretty b.a. because he himself had, in his younger years, been part of underwater excavations that proved Normans had come to Galway centuries ago.
The tour meant to happen after the talk was canceled by accidental communication. Instead, I joined a couple of people and we did our own exploration, beginning with lunch at a cute bakery. I had a delicious veggie wrap and the treats in the bakery made me think fondly of both Costa Rica and Paris (and warmer days). Then we wandered about the city center and somehow made our way to the Galway City museum and checked that out for a bit. An interesting and warm break from the chill. Then we did a bit of shopping for a combined dinner... I also bought warm fuzzy socks that look like they should be for little girls, but they keep my feet warm so I don't care. Oh, speaking of shopping, we found a couple of really neat fair trade stores. I think if I crack down and decide to buy a scarf (I have so many at home and yet I forgot to bring one!) that I will buy a fair trade one, yay! The fair trade store also made me happy and think of my Gittingers!
We came back to my apartment and a new friend cooked up dinner while I helped with clean up: veggie sausages and sweet potatoes with feta cheese, yummy! We hung around for a bit, enjoying some Will and Grace when my roommate came in. Slightly awkward, sad to say. Her name is Irena, she is from Italy and seems like she is nice. Sadly, her smoking habit and my lungs and allergy induced asthma don't really get along. I felt bad admitting this and even worse finding out that the other flatmate smokes as well... it'll be interesting to see what happens... I mean, I'm not as bad as I was when I was little, oh Lordy I'd be dead by now, but it still really bothers me and I could feel my throat tightening when she was smoking in the kitchen. The nice bit, though, is that they only smoke in the kitchen, not the bedroom. Bad thing is, I also go in the kitchen... maybe we can figure out an open window option... I'm not sure. All that I know is that their right to smoke and mine to breathe sort of conflict and I don't want to be rude/a pain/a bitch... what a great first impression I must've made.
To avoid awkwardness, my friends and I headed on back to the city center to go to a pub. There they got dessert and at another a drink. Didn't stay out long... oddly sleepy here in Galway. For now, I blame the cold and the rain, once I know more people and can get some dancing mates I'll be set to stay out longer.
Tomorrow is the first day in which I don't have anything planned for... except figuring out this smoking situation, oh joy...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Exploring Galway (a little)
Yesterday was orientation and it was actually helpful, go figure! I met Mandy there, the only other person from TSU, always nice to see a familiar face. I met a couple of people, including some very friendly German girls who already know Galway pretty well and offered help in getting to know town. Orientation was long but worth it b/c we were treated with a most delicious lunch at break. My first Irish potatoes. I think if I can learn how to prepare potatoes like that I might become a convert and learn to love those starchy roots!
After orientation I went with Mandy and we got me a cell phone. I was going to hold out, but by "topping off" at twenty euro, you get free text, so now I can talk to people and arrange hooking up before going out and so forth, quite useful. Then we did some shopping for her and I got my duvet... Alleluia!
I went out with Caitlyn, the girl I'd met the previous day who lives in my same complex, and upon leaving we ran into another girl entering the building, another Caitlin. Oh the fun of new friends and ease of learning new names ; ) Meeting up with another girl, we took a taxi (so expensive, ugh) to the City Centre and hit up a couple of pubs. Just a few sips of Guiness off of them tells me I'm not going to like it... I'll try it...later. We found a diverse assortment of pubs, my favorite being the one with live music.
On the famous Shop Street we were directed towards a club called GPO for 90s music fun. First time hearing Spice Girls so close to their homeland... and it wasn't just one song. Dancing was fun, but I wish my company had danced more. I'll have to find some good friends for dancing and loosen up the other ones enough to join me. Only complaint, I was way under dressed! I don't plan on wearing heels out, but I need some kind of clothing on me besides just leggings and a miniskirt! And they were very obviously American... I fail in fashion, but I can dance better than them... lol, ego has entered and is now leaving the building, sorry.
Called it an early night because there was more orientation stuff the next morning.
Today, I tricked the hot water system and got hot water before 8 am! I walked with Caitlin to school, yay, a speedy walker. And we attended different seminars from the various schools. Basically we got time tables for the courses offered to us. Sadly, many of the classes I want to take aren't available after all to visiting students. I will need to email Truman and figure some things out. Registration here is a bit complicated, but once it's all figured out it'll be fine.
Between seminars Caitlin showed me around the Eyre Square center. Between that and tomorrow's walking tour I should have a better hold of what's where.
Now I'm going to try to figure out what classes I'm going to take. So far, if TSU is ok with some of the substitutions I want to make, I wont have class on Fridays! And I'm highly thinking about taking Irish (the language). Hopefully it wont conflict in time!
After orientation I went with Mandy and we got me a cell phone. I was going to hold out, but by "topping off" at twenty euro, you get free text, so now I can talk to people and arrange hooking up before going out and so forth, quite useful. Then we did some shopping for her and I got my duvet... Alleluia!
I went out with Caitlyn, the girl I'd met the previous day who lives in my same complex, and upon leaving we ran into another girl entering the building, another Caitlin. Oh the fun of new friends and ease of learning new names ; ) Meeting up with another girl, we took a taxi (so expensive, ugh) to the City Centre and hit up a couple of pubs. Just a few sips of Guiness off of them tells me I'm not going to like it... I'll try it...later. We found a diverse assortment of pubs, my favorite being the one with live music.
On the famous Shop Street we were directed towards a club called GPO for 90s music fun. First time hearing Spice Girls so close to their homeland... and it wasn't just one song. Dancing was fun, but I wish my company had danced more. I'll have to find some good friends for dancing and loosen up the other ones enough to join me. Only complaint, I was way under dressed! I don't plan on wearing heels out, but I need some kind of clothing on me besides just leggings and a miniskirt! And they were very obviously American... I fail in fashion, but I can dance better than them... lol, ego has entered and is now leaving the building, sorry.
Called it an early night because there was more orientation stuff the next morning.
Today, I tricked the hot water system and got hot water before 8 am! I walked with Caitlin to school, yay, a speedy walker. And we attended different seminars from the various schools. Basically we got time tables for the courses offered to us. Sadly, many of the classes I want to take aren't available after all to visiting students. I will need to email Truman and figure some things out. Registration here is a bit complicated, but once it's all figured out it'll be fine.
Between seminars Caitlin showed me around the Eyre Square center. Between that and tomorrow's walking tour I should have a better hold of what's where.
Now I'm going to try to figure out what classes I'm going to take. So far, if TSU is ok with some of the substitutions I want to make, I wont have class on Fridays! And I'm highly thinking about taking Irish (the language). Hopefully it wont conflict in time!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Second Night in Galway
Recap:
First night in Dublin was a blast. I met up with Meghan after a lovely nap and we went out shopping for her souvenirs, came back, picked up her brother Sean and went out to eat. Like horrible Americans, we ate at Quiznos. Don't judge us, it was the cheapest we found. Then we went to two pubs. I didn't drink yet, but still had a fun time! I love live music and good company!
Next morning, I took a bus to the airport and then another to Galway. I tried to stay awake to enjoy the scenery, and just couldn't. However, I did catch the stereotypical rock fence and random sheep before totally passing out. A taxi from the bus station brought me to my apartment. Holy crap was it ever freezing! After two weeks of no one living there it got cold! Ew, and one or both of my roommates left a bit of a mess in the kitchen, and one smokes... hopefully it'll all work out once they return, which should be by sunday I'm thinking. I believe my actual roommate is Italian and the other girl is Irish. Can't wait for them to return: 1- less lonely when at home, 2- to show me around of course!
Yesterday was kind of Hell. I went on a walk to figure out how to get to the University, got a bit lost but lovely Irish people helped point me in the right direction. On my way back I bought a few groceries: bread for my pb and j that I brought, yogurt on sale and frozen veggies and oranges. I'd done cliff bars for lunch three times now, but I finally got some vegetables and fruit and dairy in my system!
Once home again, I was cold! For some reason my computer has issues with Centrepoint's wireless and so I was without computer access and had to call home to make sure Mom knew I wasn't dead or anything. From then on, I was cold and wrapped myself up in two throws i found in a closet. I watched some Friends and Will and Grace and felt a little less lonely (I sound so pathetic). That night, I froze my ass off! All I had was my sheets (which I should've brought flannel now that I think of it), a light sleeping bag liner and then the two throws I found. I kept myself with a hoodie huddled inside that pathetic excuse of a bed. Except, due to stores closing before I could get there, I'm doing the same again tonight b/c I've yet to buy a duvet/comforter, ugh! I am tempted to steal the one my roommate left on her bed, but that'd just be weird... so I wont. To top that off, around 3 in the morning I woke up to my fire alarm/heat alarm going off! I woke up, found the instruction sheet on what to do, called the number and had the guy walk me through turning off the alarm since it was only in my room. I turned off the heaters b/c I was afraid I'd done something wrong... thus adding to the cold and now worried there'd be a fire! Looking back, I hope it is just that dust accumulated during break and was burning, causing the alarm to go off... I hope! But isn't that a great first night?!
This morning, I found hope again! (not to be dramatic or anything). I walked to the reception office shortly after they opened and asked for help to figure out my shower. The lovely woman walked back with me and showed me that the water too is electric and we have to flip this switch near the ceiling to get it going. Hot shower=first time warm in Ireland!). then she helped me feel not so bad about leaving the heat on b/c I guess it's been colder in Galway than it normally is, just in time for my arrival, yay. So, heat went on! Then I started trying to do inventory, kind of hard when I can't tell what is the apartment's what is my flatmates?
Then I made my way, a new route, to the university for a tour. There I met some American students, one being a girl who also lives in my apartment complex. We went to a grocery store for her and looked aorund for a cat5 cable for me (no luck, but it's ok b/c it's just an ethernet cord and I have one!). by the time we finished, the other stores were closing and so I didn't get a duvet, dammit! But I think I'll just sleep with my coat on tonight. A new friend, internet access and a better day makes this a win to me.
One last weird thing. Speaking of internet >> computers, today, while charging my comp, I had it on the low wattage by mistake, well, let's just say this was the first time I saw an outlet smoke! Crap, did I not have enough troubles this first day around or what?! Anywho, I have it on the higher wattage now, but my ac adapter is still humming, making me nervous, but as soon as the charge reaches 100 percent I think I"m turning my baby off!
Wow, that was a lot, but a lot of shit happened. Despite (or because of ) the bad first night and morning experiences, I'm optimistic about what tomorrow (orientation and maybe pubs?) will bring. This is certainly already become an interesting semester. Let's pray I don't freeze to death in my sleep tonight before I get out and get a comforter... does Galway have a thrift store? No worries, I wont let my cheapness kill me, I will cave to the cold for sure!
Love!
First night in Dublin was a blast. I met up with Meghan after a lovely nap and we went out shopping for her souvenirs, came back, picked up her brother Sean and went out to eat. Like horrible Americans, we ate at Quiznos. Don't judge us, it was the cheapest we found. Then we went to two pubs. I didn't drink yet, but still had a fun time! I love live music and good company!
Next morning, I took a bus to the airport and then another to Galway. I tried to stay awake to enjoy the scenery, and just couldn't. However, I did catch the stereotypical rock fence and random sheep before totally passing out. A taxi from the bus station brought me to my apartment. Holy crap was it ever freezing! After two weeks of no one living there it got cold! Ew, and one or both of my roommates left a bit of a mess in the kitchen, and one smokes... hopefully it'll all work out once they return, which should be by sunday I'm thinking. I believe my actual roommate is Italian and the other girl is Irish. Can't wait for them to return: 1- less lonely when at home, 2- to show me around of course!
Yesterday was kind of Hell. I went on a walk to figure out how to get to the University, got a bit lost but lovely Irish people helped point me in the right direction. On my way back I bought a few groceries: bread for my pb and j that I brought, yogurt on sale and frozen veggies and oranges. I'd done cliff bars for lunch three times now, but I finally got some vegetables and fruit and dairy in my system!
Once home again, I was cold! For some reason my computer has issues with Centrepoint's wireless and so I was without computer access and had to call home to make sure Mom knew I wasn't dead or anything. From then on, I was cold and wrapped myself up in two throws i found in a closet. I watched some Friends and Will and Grace and felt a little less lonely (I sound so pathetic). That night, I froze my ass off! All I had was my sheets (which I should've brought flannel now that I think of it), a light sleeping bag liner and then the two throws I found. I kept myself with a hoodie huddled inside that pathetic excuse of a bed. Except, due to stores closing before I could get there, I'm doing the same again tonight b/c I've yet to buy a duvet/comforter, ugh! I am tempted to steal the one my roommate left on her bed, but that'd just be weird... so I wont. To top that off, around 3 in the morning I woke up to my fire alarm/heat alarm going off! I woke up, found the instruction sheet on what to do, called the number and had the guy walk me through turning off the alarm since it was only in my room. I turned off the heaters b/c I was afraid I'd done something wrong... thus adding to the cold and now worried there'd be a fire! Looking back, I hope it is just that dust accumulated during break and was burning, causing the alarm to go off... I hope! But isn't that a great first night?!
This morning, I found hope again! (not to be dramatic or anything). I walked to the reception office shortly after they opened and asked for help to figure out my shower. The lovely woman walked back with me and showed me that the water too is electric and we have to flip this switch near the ceiling to get it going. Hot shower=first time warm in Ireland!). then she helped me feel not so bad about leaving the heat on b/c I guess it's been colder in Galway than it normally is, just in time for my arrival, yay. So, heat went on! Then I started trying to do inventory, kind of hard when I can't tell what is the apartment's what is my flatmates?
Then I made my way, a new route, to the university for a tour. There I met some American students, one being a girl who also lives in my apartment complex. We went to a grocery store for her and looked aorund for a cat5 cable for me (no luck, but it's ok b/c it's just an ethernet cord and I have one!). by the time we finished, the other stores were closing and so I didn't get a duvet, dammit! But I think I'll just sleep with my coat on tonight. A new friend, internet access and a better day makes this a win to me.
One last weird thing. Speaking of internet >> computers, today, while charging my comp, I had it on the low wattage by mistake, well, let's just say this was the first time I saw an outlet smoke! Crap, did I not have enough troubles this first day around or what?! Anywho, I have it on the higher wattage now, but my ac adapter is still humming, making me nervous, but as soon as the charge reaches 100 percent I think I"m turning my baby off!
Wow, that was a lot, but a lot of shit happened. Despite (or because of ) the bad first night and morning experiences, I'm optimistic about what tomorrow (orientation and maybe pubs?) will bring. This is certainly already become an interesting semester. Let's pray I don't freeze to death in my sleep tonight before I get out and get a comforter... does Galway have a thrift store? No worries, I wont let my cheapness kill me, I will cave to the cold for sure!
Love!
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