Far and Away

Well everyone, I am home for the holidays--stateside again!

It has been an INCREDIBLE semester--and I absolutely can't wait to get back in January (although, I am glad to be home for now.) 

ISA: 

To all my ISA friends: I will be making a few last videos for all of you that went on this crazy ISA semester-long journey. I still have London, Rome/Florence and Lucerne, and I may perhaps do a thrown-together video of everything we've done this semester--depending on my motivation (I am only human after all.) 

Also, here's a message to all of you (in the form of many many gifs, because...obviously): 

This semester has truly been a HUGE 

And 

So 

And...yup...

It was fantastic getting to know all of you--we had such a great group and such great times, so thanks a million for everything! Have a wonderful next semester, I'll miss you all!!

Keep in touch--goodbye, and goodluck!

Ok, now that that's out of the way...Below I am posting our thank you video to our ISA director, Dermott, who helped us make the most of our semester in Galway. 

Remember, all the videos I have made are available on my youtube, and on their respective blog posts--so you can watch them whenever you like!

Thanks again for everything, everyone--and wishing you the happiest of holidays! I'll see you soon! 

Much Love,

Meghan 

Hello, Ciao, Hallo, Hi

Hello, Ciao, Hallo, Hi Everyone!

Cause, boy, have I missed you! 

If you hadn't gathered, I have been gone for quite some time....and once again, I didn't post anything in that time-between-times because--well, to be honest it was because I was too busy and didn't feel I had anything of consequence to post. 

As you may have also gathered, I don't like to write too many long-winded posts, especially as the bulk of my time on these posts is spent creating the videos and finding gifs (heh....) But this time around I am actually going to write a few paragraphs for you to pour over while having your morning coffee, or afternoon tea, or nightcap...whatever you prefer! 

I am doing this because 1: I have time, and 2: This semester is quickly drawing to a close, and I feel there is a lot left unsaid. So, I guess I'll start talking. 

First: ANNOUNCEMENT! I have been cast in a one act for next semester! YAY! I'm very excited about it, it was a part I really really wanted, and I can't wait to start working on it. Man, how I have missed being in theater.  

Second: I'VE BEEN ABROAD! Not sure why I put that in all caps. But, it is true! In the past few weeks I have visited 3 other countries! First was London, England (with 4 other ISA friends), then for study week (not much studying was done, if I'm being honest) three of us went to Rome, Italy for 5 days, and I took of on my own for the first time and headed to Florence, Italy, and then Lucerne, Switzerland. It has been a fantastic month of travel, and I know I am incredibly lucky to be having all of these experiences while here. Not taking anything for granted, don't you worry. 

I will have full, long, descriptions (and pictures) up on the Adventure is Out There tab soon, I promise, and will make videos for each trip ASAP! 

Third: SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR MY BROTHER! This may seem a bit odd to put on my study abroad blog, but it is just too exciting not to announce: My little brother has been accepted to Flagler College!!! HOORAY

I'm pretty excited. We're gonna have an apartment with the dog and the cats, and I'll be such a ba-- great--great influence on him. Adventures await. Can't wait. Congrats, bro. 

Fourth: EXAMS! That word should never be in all caps. Might cause someone anxiety. Anyway, these two weeks here in December are infact exam weeks at NUIG! I have had one already (the day after I returned from Switzerland, no less) and have two more coming up on the last two days before I leave (boo.) 

For anyone curious about the format of the classes/ exams here, know this: They are completely different than my school in America. And slightly intimidating. They put you in a huge room full of desks and people from various classes (think the exams halls in Harry Potter), with a big table at the front of the room where examiners sit. Then other examiners walk up and down the aisles as you work...the entire time...looking at what you're doing, being scary and stressing you out. They make you leave your belongings outside, and you are not allowed to leave the room or go to the bathroom apart from during certain times during the exam, (and even then you are accompanied.) I'm not a fan to say the least.  

Fifth: CHRISTMAS! The Holidays are coming up, and I am PSYCHED to go home! There's so much Christmas cheer everywhere, and I am ready to be done with school and be merry with friends and family! 

However, I would be a lot less psyched if I weren't coming back next semester...and I am also not psyched that my ISA friends are not coming back... but none of that now--we'll talk of these sad things later. 

Sixth: TIPS! No, this isn't me asking for money (although, tips about life from people are always welcome.) I have a few little tips about travelling, I figured I'd write them down here (at least the ones I can think of right now.) 

Tip 1: Travel. This one is simple--if you have the opportunities, seize them. I can't make it any clearer than that. Money is usually the biggest issue, but if it is not too much of a problem for you--spend on travelling. It is the gift that will give so much back--so explore as much and as often and as far as you can, whenever you can. 

Tip 2: It's not always easy. Travelling can be frustrating at times and it can be very daunting and scary as well. People can be mean, weather can be bad, things can be expensive and hard to find, internet may be impossible to find...But don't let a few bad moments put you off of a place or off of travelling.

Tip 3: Try and learn some of the language. This applies to all places you visit--even if everyone seems to speak English (or whatever your native tongue may be.) I learned my lesson on this. I knew quite a few words in Italian and felt comfortable using them--which made Italy easier to enjoy, especially when I was by myself. However, in Switzerland, there were a lot of places without translations for things, and I don't have a lick of German (or a translator app that works without internet)--it made me more self-conscious when speaking to people, and made my interactions more difficult and less enjoyable over all (even when everyone could speak English.) Even just learning a few basic phrases (like hello/ good morning/ evening, yes, thank you, please, no, you're welcome, how are you, I don't speak__ very well, sorry, good, etc.) will make things go smoother, I think (plus it's fun to know things in multiple languages.)  

Tip 4: Do your research. Get in the habit of researching places before visiting them. Get your maps, know your attractions, know what's around you and just be aware of where you are. Knowing some history is a big plus, and makes the things you see seem a lot more interesting.

Tip 5: Planning is good, but not always needed. While I am a very laid back person, I am also typically a planner--I like to have an idea of what I'm doing and when, so I can fit it all in. But sometimes, when travelling, you just have to go with the flow. Accept that you may not be able to see every single thing on the list, or that the weather may not cooperate, or that other people in your group may want to do something different, etc. And that's ok! It's not the end of the world if everything doesn't fit the plan. You are still in a new, exciting place, and it will be great regardless of whether you follow the perfect plan or not.   

Tip 6: Stop complaining. I think most of us are guilty of complaining about things a bit, but when you are travelling, do yourself--and any travelling companions with you--a favor, and try and forgo the bellyaching as much as possible. Just enjoy what you've got, where you are, let out a curse from time to time, and move on--and just try and find the silver linings to the rough stuff. Mistakes will likely be made, some bad stuff may ensue, but you just gotta let it go and learn to laugh it off and keep on keepin on. And remember how luck you are to get to travel in the first place.

Tip 7: Remember that you are not in your home country. So don't expect everything to be the same. It won't be, I assure you. The people will be different, the food will be different, the style, the transportation, the culture, so many things will likely be very different. That's part of travelling: You adjust. *The winds blows differently on different oceans--and it is up to you to adjust your sails, or end up on the rocks.  

Tip 8: Own it, or not--you are where you're from. People in that country may not like your country, and may have many preconceived ideas on what you are all like, and may treat you different because of that. Is it cool? No. Will they do it anyway? Absolutely. Do you change your identity and lie about where you're from, fake an accent, maybe throw on some shades and a mustache so they might like you better? That's completely up to you. 

I ran a little experiment when I was on my own (because, why not?) In each of my interactions with strangers, I told some people I was from America, and some that I was from Ireland (yea, I put on a bit of an accent, just for the craic.) The reactions I got from telling people I was Irish were typically a lot more positive than when I said I was American. This won't be true everywhere, but it was interesting to observe that in the short time I had to test it out. And it's just something to keep in mind when you're travelling. You can own where you're from--and try and prove that not everyone is the same there, or you can try out a new identity; it's entirely up to you. That's the thing about going to a new place where no one knows you: you can create a whole new self.

Tip 9: Be cautious, follow your gut. I'm sure many of you have seen the movie Taken--my mother and a few friends told me to watch it another few times before I ventured out on my own. Hopefully nothing that extreme ever happens, and--I think--if you are careful and aware and don't do anything stupid like give your hotel key to a stranger, or announce to the world that you are by yourself, you should be alright on that front. However, there are other, less extreme things to watch for. Remember a few things: Don't indulge pushy vendors or any people on the street. If they make you uncomfortable, there's probably something to that feeling. Follow your instincts, and walk away. If people are crowding you--trying to get you to sign something, or watch a performance, or buy something, keep your bag right in front of you, hands on it. Pickpockets are common in many places--and they have many distraction tactics to try and get to your belongings easier. Don't fall for anything, stay vigilant at all times. 

Tip 10: Have fun! I know it may sound cheesy, and it's been said a thousand times in a thousand ways, but sometimes it really is the key. Remember that travelling is about the experience as a whole--the journey, the destination--everything. Learning new things, seeing amazing sights, eating good food, meeting new people, speaking new languages, trying new transportations systems: it's all very exciting, and can be so incredible if you let it be! Just remember to be awesome, stay positive, keep calm, and allow yourself to enjoy every little moment.

That's all the tips I have for now--I know there's a lot more to be had, but I'll just have to think em up later! Hope you enjoyed this little session! Moving on now...

Seventh (and last): MORE POSTS! I will be posting at least three more times in the next few days (exams, what exams?), because this is nearing the end of the semester and of my ISA program, so I'm gonna stuff as much in as I can. As I mentioned, I've a lot to say, and--more importantly--many many video clips to put together! Stay tuned this weekend, kids. It's gonna be good (I hope). 

And that brings us to the conclusion of this post! Sorry, no videos yet! But there will hopefully be one tomorrow...and the next day....and perhaps the next day... who knows! It's all quite exciting. Hope to see you all then! 

Slán go foill, 

Meghan

Last Excursion Video and Some Exciting News

Hello, hello, hello everyone!

Do I seem happier than usual? Well, perhaps that is because I am, as I have recently gotten some VERY exciting news!

Want to know what it was?? (That was rhetorical, of course you do.)

As much as I would like to prolong the suspense, let the drums roll and--oh, sod it:

I am proud to announce that...

I AM OFFICIALLY STAYING IN IRELAND ANOTHER SEMESTER!

Yes, all of the above gifs explain how completely overjoyed I am! Thanks so much to everyone for all the advice and support, I am extremely excited and quite happy with my decision. Can't wait to extend this incredible adventure and keep the good times rollin!


Alright, now that that is over with--let's move on to the blog post of the week (Oh, did I miss a week again..? Awkward...) I do have another video for y'all this week! If you want, you can go ahead and skip on down to the bottom where the video and its description await you. If, however, you are also interested in just what I've generally been up to, keep on reading (there's not much to read this time, really.)

So, this past week (or so) has been...well, a bit less exciting than the two weeks previous. However, I have not been idle. I went to a wonderful Dramsoc play (Bouncers, with its sister play Shakers on this week), did some Improv, hung out with some people, had a relaxing weekend in Galway--enjoying the Farmer's market and a delicious breakfast at Griffin's, and spending a lot of time in Apartment 99 cooking, listening to Christmas music, and doing assignments with my ISA friends (and our lovely adoptive family, who I am sitting with as I write this--shoutout to James and Jenny. Yup, I actually did it. You're welcome.) I also booked tickets to London for a long weekend trip (including tickets to see Phantom of the Opera--SQUEEE), and a one-way ticket to Rome for study week! All very exciting.

So, that's been my life recently--nicely summed up, I think!

Now, on to what you're likely here for: Video number 6! 

This video is focused around our over-night, last, excursion to Cork and Blarney Castle. It was a great last ISA trip, and the weather even cleared up for us on Sunday! For more info on the trip--check out my Adventure is Out There Tab.

Otherwise, the video is just below! It is set to the music "Sky Full of Stars" (Coldplay) done by the group Lurgan in Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge). They are the same group that performed the song I used in my second video--and if you want to check them out there is a link to their pages on that post (post number 3).

Sidenote: Just because our ISA excursions are ending does NOT mean the videos will end just yet--there's still much to be done and much fun to be had in our last month here (well, last month before Christmas break), so keep a look out!

As always, thank you so much for watching and for your feedback--I really enjoy doing these and am so glad you are enjoying them as well!

Another, completely unrelated, sidenote: HAPPY VETERANS DAY. Thanks to all who have served, are serving, or plan on serving in the defense of their countries. Your sacrifices deserve the greatest honors and praise--so thank you for all you do.

Thanks a million everyone!

Here it is:





Grá i bhfad,
Meghan

I'M BACK

Well hello everyone!

Before anything, let me just say:

I know it has been an obnoxiously long time...with no note, or video, or anything, and I am so sorry!

Alright, alright, Thor. Listen, I know It's been a while, but I'm back now, and with very good reasons behind my extended absence (and a video as well!)

So, that good reason I have for being gone: I HAVE BEEN SO BUSY. It's been truly an unbelievable few weeks full of a lot of fantastic stuff that I cannot even begin to scratch the surface on here. But I will try--just for you!

So, as I mentioned in my last post--a couple of weeks ago was the week the play that I was in ("Time Stands Still") went up! Plus, we went to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on the Saturday before production week...So all that had me quite busy, and I enjoyed many (very fun) late nights out after each show. They all went wonderfully by the way, and I adore everyone that worked on it and came to see it. I had a fantastic overall experience and am so glad I could be a part of it while here!

I was going to work on a video then, buuut the next week (last week) was Halloween week! So, of course, I was doing many things (partying. I was partying. And I went to the Macnas parade. That's really it.) --Sidenote: I know I've probably said it before, but I really do love the people here and always have a fantastic time going out and just enjoying their company in whatever setting.--  

So then I had the video done earlier but no time to complete a blog post before we went on our Excursion to Cork this weekend, and I figured I wanted to give it my all as opposed to doing it at 4 in the morning on Halloween...so here we are! Sunday night--2 AM--with a complete post (hooray!)

Anyway! Regardless of my terribly busy schedule, I did do this video and post to the best of my ability, and hope you enjoy it! It is missing stuff from Halloween (mostly because I didn't take many videos--and finished the editing process before actual Halloween night) but it includes our excursion to the Cliffs and the Burren, the Macnas parade, and (as always) other fun in between!

This one is set to the song "Beautiful Day" by (you know it) the flawless Irish band (can you tell they are my favorite?) U2.

I hope you all enjoy, and thank you so much for putting up with my lateness and for watching and reading! I will see you again soon, I promise!





Slán go fóill,
Meghan

New Video!

Hello everyone!

I'm back after a short (one week) hiatus!

Oh, thanks Frank, good to be back (even though I never actually left...nor do I ever intend to...) Anyway, gonna keep it short and sweet this time--seeing as it is late and I have class in the morning!

Before I put the video on, though, I want to use this space to quickly and shamelessly plug the play I'm in that is on NEXT WEEK! Here's the poster:

It's a fantastic piece that I am so proud to be a part of, and it has been such a wonderful whirlwind experience to have while here. If you are around this area--please come see and support it! Thanks!

Now that we're through with that, let's get to the video, shall we? 

So, this week's video covers two weekend trips (and the shenanigans that took place between them) to Killarney and the Aran Islands! It was really gorgeous in both places, and I am kicking myself for not getting enough good videos (at least in my eyes) but here is the completed works and hopefully you enjoy it! 

It is set to the song "Hail Rain or Sunshine" by The Script, as I'm sticking to Irish artists (and it did in fact hail last week, rain on us on both trips, and get very sunny on both trips!) Always a good time. 

Anyway, enjoy, and thanks so so much for watching! You're the BEST!

Grá i bhfad (Much Love),

Meghan

A Post To Tell You That There is No Post (Even if it's not Sunday)

Hello lovelies!

Yes, you read that title right--because I do not have the right amount of time, footage, or energy (ha) to create a new video this week, I will not have an actual post/ video this week (Cue the "Awww"s)

Oh c'mon, don't give me that look, Cap. I assure everyone I will be back come next week, and to keep you captivated (ha) I will work on some short writings on my other pages, as well as a quick summation of my week, which can be found below: 

(Ok, so this is dangerously similar to an actual short post, minus the video--which I think is what most people come for... Rule #1: Never trust anything--namely things on the internet.) 

My week, for those of you still interested, was essentially the same as the others have been. I went to class, I rehearsed, I did improv, myself and the other ISA kids watched "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" (I've seen it before, watched it again, highly recommend), and I hung out with people and enjoyed some good craic. 

Then on the weekend, we had off from our ISA excursions, so a group of 6 of us ISA girls decided to head out to Killarney for an adventure of our own! And boy was it a magical adventure--I had a grand old time. We saw a lot, walked a lot, I climbed some trees (as per usual), pet some horses, ate some ice cream--It was lovely. For the details on that trip, see the Adventure is Out There tab! 

Annnnd that is about all I've got for you for now! Tune in next week for the video which will cover two weeks of stuff and which you will hopefully all enjoy, and don't forget about all those handy dandy tabs leading to all the other pages I've got up for y'all! 

Thanks a million everyone!

Grá i bhfad (Much Love),

Meghan

Rocky Road

Welcome back (or just plain welcome if this is your first time visiting) everyone! 

Long time no see, am I right? (That was, in fact, sarcasm. Maybe I should just do a ton of posts all in one week...people won't know what to think!) 

First off, it is coming up on the one month anniversary of my arriving in Ireland--I cannot believe where the time has gone and it needs to slow down immediately! 

This also means that you (if you aren't new here) have stuck with this blog and my story for about a month as well! 

So here's to y'all, and to my one month study abroad anniversary (it's only sappy if you make it sappy)

Anyway--I've been getting a lot of fantastic, lovely support for the videos I've been putting up on here, which means that I am (of course) going to keep doing videos for y'all! 

However, I should pause for a moment as there are some people out there (hi family and friends that I haven't been skyping!) that may still be interested in what I've been up to these past few days. So, here is my review: 

• Class (not as in "that is so class," I mean going to my lectures, because I still have to do that...) 
• 1st rehearsals for Time Stands Still (YAY)!
• Fun times at friends' houses (including introducing our Irish friends to beer pong, playing True American, going to parties, devouring whole pizzas together, and watching movies on laptops.) 
• Going out (Guinness Amplify was going on in Galway this weekend, so that's cool.)
• Excursion to Dublin (It's a fair city--See my Adventure is Out There tab for more.)

And I think that about covers it! For further, deeper, conversations about life and all things in it: well that's not what this blog is really about so....I would recommend skyping or facebooking me! 

Moving on, here is the video primarily of our weekend in Dublin (with a few of our fun times in between as well) set to the song "Rocky Road to Dublin" (hence the title of this post) by The High Kings (I can't help it, they are my favorite.) 

*Sidenote: For those of you that know me and know that I do not usually drink--I do appear drinking multiple times in this video. Ireland is a drinking culture, you are legal at 18, and I have learned and adapted to drink on occasion. I still have never had more than one full drink of my own, or been anywhere close to drunk. I just wanted to throw this disclaimer in, so you know and don't start questioning me about it. Drinking is in fact a great way to relax and enjoy yourself, especially if you drink responsibly and within reason. Fact of the day, kids!*

I hope you all enjoy and keep sharing, commenting, liking, etc, because it just fuels my motivation to keep doing this!

As always, thanks a million!

Slainte,
Meghan 

(Insert creative title here)!

Hello, people (and others)!

Yes, Frodo, I know this post is a little (very) late. My reasoning is that videos take a while and I am 1: Very busy, and 2: Fairly Lazy.

But have no fear, I am back, and with another video for y'all!

I want to pause for a moment, though, and (for those that are interested) talk about what I've been up to!

Essentially I've been going to class (good thing to do since technically this is a STUDY abroad program) and going out (not too much, mind you) and doing additional fun things as well (too vague?)

Well, on Tuesday we had an ISA traditional Irish music/ dance night at Monroe's--great craic.

We went on our first ISA excursion to the lovely Connemara on Saturday (See the "Adventure is Out There" tab for more on that.)

Then Sunday was the Gaelic Football Final between Kerry and Donegal! It was a very exciting, very close match--great fun to watch--but Kerry won out in the end! Congrats to them!

I also went to Salthill on Monday with Nina where we proceeded to jump off the Blackrock Diving Tower (the top diving board/ the one we chose to go on is about 25 feet above the water) and where I proceeded to obtain bruises/welts all over my back and arm because I landed wrong the second time (ha--go me! That's why you--or I--never need to try and show-boat, kids.)

In other news: I got a part in a play being put on by NUI Galway's Dramsoc, which is fantastically exciting! I also went to an improv workshop on Wednesday, and took my first climbing lesson Tuesday. I'm meeting so many great people, and pretty much all of them have been so friendly and lovely, I already can't imagine leaving.

Not to get too dramatic or sentimental, but this experience thus far has, essentially, been what I always hoped college would be like. Suddenly my last two years (at a college I do love, by the way) seem very far away, and I am constantly just so grateful to be here now.

Anyway, it's been a great and packed week, and the proof is in the video below! I put the clips to a cover of the Avicii song "Wake Me Up" that is performed in Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) by a group called Lurgan. Their stuff is great, so check out the original music video, subscribe, whatever, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A6__HssHW8

Thanks again for checking out the blog, everyone! While you're here, do explore the other tabs as I have a lot of fun writing them as well!

Thanks a million!





Grá i bhfad (Much Love),
Meghan

Time for a video!

Hi everyone and welcome back to my Irish Adventure blog (if you've been away, that is...)

Like I mentioned before, my posts will not always be a rundown of what I've been doing--that was more a one time/ first week thing.
So this is all I'll say about my second week: This week essentially involved the start of classes at NUIG, signing up for societies and sports clubs, and going out most nights as well (see the places I've been on Guide to Galway). Classes are enjoyable, the routine (for me) is nice, easy and laid back, and I'm already getting used to the walk to campus/to the city centre. I also visited Salt Hill yesterday and got to walk by the ocean and see many (very nice, expensive) cars in a charity race. Sadly it seems I am getting/ have a mild cold right now, so tea and rest are my best friends this weekend.

Sidenote: U2 (my favorite band) just released a new album on itunes called "Songs of Innocence", for free download, because they are wonderful human beings. The album is fantastic, and you should check it out and support them (but no pressure...) Here is a link to their website in case you are interested: http://www.u2.com/ 
Also, U2 is in fact an Irish band, so it does relate!

Anyway, back to my post of the week! So today's post is not much writing (because I've taken care of that in the other pages) instead, I'm putting together a compilation of the videos I've taken since arriving in Galway! The background song is "Galway Girl" (of course) performed by one of my favorite Irish folk bands-The High Kings (a link to their website: http://www.thehighkings.com/)

The video is posted below, I hope you enjoy it! And, as always, thanks a million for stopping by!

Grá i bhfad (Much Love),
Meghan

Start of Something New

My first week living abroad and first blog post (yay)! 

Well hello everyone!

I said I would do it, and here I am--blogging! Quite exciting. Really.



Before I say anything, let me just say: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT HERE (so far)!

Just wanted to put that out there, and now we can move on!

So, a quick run-down before we/I start: I am not completely positive how this is all going to work, but I think I am going to try and post a main post about once a week (maybe more, maybe less, don't hold me to any specific standard--no one likes peer pressure) and do various sections for you to check out in addition to the main blog posts (to be honest, the sections will probably be more interesting.)

Among those aforementioned sections will be:

Pictures (I will post them all if I can)

Tidbits (brief stories of specific experiences)

Busting Ireland (where I discuss Irish culture, things I learn, possibly discuss some myths, etc.)

Guide to Galway (Pubs, restaurants, clubs--whatever I discover or try out I will try and put on here)

Adventure is Out There (the section on where I travel to, both in and out of Ireland! I will likely travel more outside of the country starting in November, but there will be many trips around the island before then.)

And each of those will have subsections to help you navigate, of course.

So, without further ado...

So, this week has been a complete whirlwind, lemme give you the basics as quick as I can and you can just read what you want, or skip it and read the interesting sections I listed, it's up to you:

Day one (Tues):

1. Arrived at the airport in the morning, and started meeting the people in my ISA group (made up of 13 other American girls, and our guide--Dermott.)

2. Got to our apartments, and had about 30 minutes before we walked over to the shopping center.

3. A group of us walked into town to a coffee shop, then back, and then we met up for dinner with the whole group at 7--still severely jet lagged at this point.

4. We walked around town a bit, Dermott pointed out some of what we passed (shop street, spanish arch, the river, popular places, etc).

5. Despite our jet lag, a group of us went out to the Kings Head and listened to music.

Day two (Wed):

1. Woke up early and Dermott led us on a tour of the NUI Galway campus as well as giving us our ISA student orientation.

2. Walked all around town again, and visited a few of the churches and other sites along the way.

3. All of us went out to a dinner of our own and split into groups depending on what people wanted to do afterwards. I went with two others to a popular club and we hung out there until late.

Day three (Thurs):

1. Early morning again. All of us met up and walked over to campus for our International student orientation.

2. Went shopping for groceries, etc.

3. I met up with my roommates and we (with one of my American friends) went out to dinner.

4. Stopped by a surfing documentary being hosted for Intl. students, then headed back to our apartments to get ready for the night.

5. Went to the Ceili (hosted by Tradsoc) and learned some Irish dances before heading to the College bar to listen to some karaoke.

6. Left the college bar to head into town (led by some kind young men because we were slightly lost.)

Day 3 (Fri):

1. Up early for the Academic orientation for international students. Involved an intro and then 30 minute sessions for each section of study (one for psych, one for history, one for law, etc.)

2. (insert more shopping here, because we can only carry so much in one go)

3. Planned on going pub hopping with a group of Americans and my roommates, but we started late and ended up just going to the Quay's and listening to the band there.

Day 4 (Sat):

1. Dermott took us to the Farmer's Market in town and we all got amazing food and explored the vendors there for an hour.

2. Went over to the museum by Spanish Arch and explored inside there.

3. Dermott led us back to an incredible second hand bookshop called Charlie Byrne's.

4. Hung out with a group in Nina's apartment and played charades/ head's up for a while and chatting before Nina and I left to go out.

5. The plan was clubbing or pubbing, but we ended up just hanging out in one pub for a while and then wandering before meeting a guy outside Eire Square and talking with him for a long time.

6. Went home around 5 AM--latest night so far.

Day 5 (Sun): REST DAY! (Or so I had planned)

1. Slept in until 1:30...

2. Did basically nothing productive except plan out my schedule for school.

3. Got with a group to go watch the Hurling finals in a pub--(The match was a tie, so they will play again in two weeks).

4. Went over to Nina's and hung out with she and her roommates watching X-factor, etc, for a few hours before heading to someone else's to watch PS I Love you.

Day 6 (Monday): Technically the start of classes

1. I had no classes! So basically just was lazy the entire day.

2. Organized my room and watched Outlander.

3. Went to Nina's to hang out, met tons of people, and then we all took cabs to head into town to go to a club.

4. Nina, Sam, and I ended up heading to the Quay's again and listing the band for a little before heading home.

And now it's Tuesday!

From now on I promise I won't give specifics like this, I'll just do general information about what I've been up to--but I figure it's the first week and people may want to know, so here it is!

I'll be posting about the places I've been so far, what I've already learned, and pictures today as well, which may be (much) more interesting than my itinerary...

Anyway, thanks for visiting and keep a look out for more, if you are so inclined!

Thanks a million!

Grá i bhfad (Much Love),
Meghan