Beginning

Whoa. It’s been a while and I apologize. There have been lots to do and lots to get used to, but here I am ready to share my experience so far with you all!

Once in Galway we were immediately taken to our apartments and what a delightful surprise that was! The apartment community is called Gort na Coiribe and it’s only 15 minutes away from campus and the city center (that’s what they call downtown). My apartment is #19 and it is lovely. I have never stayed in accommodations so nice! Just to give you an idea of how nice it is, the floors are tiled, the rooms are carpeted, there is a granite fire place in the living room which is connected to a balcony. Everything looks practically new. There is a GRANITE FIRE PLACE! We also don’t have keys, we have key cards. I actually don’t like that so much because I feel like I’ll lose the card easier than a key, but that doesn’t make much sense. It’s just an irrational fear. Also, it’s another card to add to my wallet which is FULL of cards that I have received since coming to Ireland. So far these are the cards I have to keep on me at all times: certificate of registration, NUI Galway student ID, International Student Identity Card (ISIC), student travel card, emergency numbers with my study abroad university, emergency numbers for my university, student health card and all the other cards I keep from before such as credit, debit, driver’s license (yes, I still need it), blood type (it’s a smart thing to have!) and other insurance cards I don’t feel like taking out. The reason why I need my driver’s license is because some stores ask specifically for that when you use an international credit card such as VISA. That’s enough about cards. Oh, I also empty my wallet of all receipts at night because there’s a chance I’ll be refunded a percentage when I leave the country. It’s because I shouldn’t have to pay taxes here or something like that.

Alright, so the apartment is awesome and my room is great! There are actually not enough clothes in my baggage to fill my closet and dresser at least half way. It’s pathetic and really appeals to my shopping urges. No worries, I’ve already added a few articles of clothing to my collection. They were practical! You know good rain coat, rain boots, etc. There’s another reason for shopping. Irish girls know how to dress and they do it often! I feel so outclassed sometimes. It’s all about the tall heeled boots here and funky tights under a skirt of some sort AND they have really trendy coats that obviously do not repel rain but look SO CUTE! God, I wish the US economy was doing better now so the dollar wouldn’t be so pathetic compared to the euro. It’s gonna kill me in the end, but right now I’m enjoying myself!

My Irish roommates are just as awesome as the apartment. There are three Irish girls here in #19 in addition to my roommate Caitlin (from Illinois) and me. Their names are Maryclaire, Clairemarie, and Emer. I know and yes, that’s how you spell their names. It’s nice that Maryclaire has auburn hair and Clairemarie is blonde. Emer’s a brunette. They all have known each other since grade school and grew up together. It’s their last year at NUI Galway and they’re all 19 years old. The reason for that is Ireland universities work on a three year system and I think the cut-off dates for little kids to start school is different. No matter, these girls are TONS of fun. The very first night they came back from winter break they insisted I come out dancing with them. It was a blast and they took really good care of me concerning drinks and taxi fare. Most nights I go out it’s with them and a few of my American friends from the study abroad program. Okay side note: I’m going to start referring to my study abroad program as Arcadia just because it’s shorter and that’s really what it’s called.

The only down side to the Irish roommates is that they often come home drunk and make a mess in the kitchen and living room. They always apologize the next morning and clean up before the day is over, but it’s just a little scary walking into a big mess before you go off to school.

The girl I share a room with is Caitlin. She’s really nice and we get along as roommates just fine. We mostly hang out with different people so we don’t see each other much unless we’re in our room at the same time.

Well friends, there’s tons more to tell you, but I won’t overwhelm you like I did last time. More on Galway coming soon!

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Oh, I’m gonna start leaving random things at the bottom of my blogs like songs I’m listening to while I write or shout outs or whatever. It’ll add a little flava!

Currently listening to: Of Angels and Angles – The Decemberists