5 Days In

I wanted to give another update on what I have been up to since my last post.  Everyday is packed with fun events and it is quite hard to find time to write in a blog, let alone find time to sleep ;)

On Wednesday, there was an optional welcome party at Coleraine's Mayor's "City Hall" type place, and of course I took advantage of that opportunity. They had a beautiful luncheon and tea set for us with fine china when we arrived and we all got to file past the Mayor and his wife and shake his hand. I was so excited that I took a picture of him from very close and I think it made him feel pretty awkward (Oh well---it was worth the picture!). I was ever so lucky to become engrossed in conversation with him and a Counselor, who was the mayor in the last term of office. They love their country so much and they shared some interesting Irish history and folklore and lots of laughter of course!  Then we got to walk outside, in a pleasant and rare break from rain, and feast our eyes upon the River Bann. Simply gorgeous.

The landscape here is breathtaking! It's greener than Portland (if you can imagine) and everything is separated by 'wee' hedges. I've only seen the coast at night, but I am going to go back into Portstewart and Portrush today to see in the sights in the daytime. I also have to agree with the common conception that the Irish are friendly---it is most fortunately true! People here love to chat and have a good time, especially with a pint 'o Guinness in hand.  The international group here is also great, I think we have about 150 students! And although I've mostly spent time with other internationals, I've heard classes help connect people to more local students. Can't wait!

Last night I went to a very cute pub called Spring Hill with a big group of friends.  Right away I knew it was mostly locals because it was so small and relaxed.  The best part was the traditional Irish folk music! I loved it! And all the musicians were old Irishmen who looked like Santa Clause. What more can you ask for?  The drinks were cheap, the atmosphere cozy, and the locals friendly. Those three elements and the fact that I walked on the beach for the first time here made it a most excellent evening!

Today was rather hectic because it was registration.  Rather unorganized and confusing, but eventually I got signed up for all the classes I wanted.  I am taking: Shakespeare and Renaissance, The Rise of the Novel, and Irish Authors...all English literature courses.  They should be fun, and the best part is---the lectures are only on TUESDAY-THURSDAY! Ahhhhhhhh! So that means I have four day weekends to travel! And I will not lie to you, I worked hard to make sure that happened :).