Classes & A Trip to Derry

A week has flown by since I last updated this---sorry, it all went by so fast!

As you all know, this week was the start of my regular classes.  And the jury's still out on my seminars (small groups aka Whitworth's "discussion groups"), but I each of my 3 classes! Each individual prof is hilarious in his own unique way. Let's start with my "Rise of the Novel" professor, Jan Jedrzejewski (I had to cut and paste his last name from an email, that explains the awkwardly large font lol).  He is a very effusive and expressive Polish man who talks a million miles a minute and is the authority on Victorian literature. Hard to understand, but definitely interesting when I can understand him ;) Next is my quirky "Irish Author Studies" prof, Bruce Stewart: A short British man who wears a murse (man-purse) and is obviously passionate about the history and literature of Ireland. And finally, Kevin De Ornellas, the lead tutor in the huge "Shakespeare & Renaissance" lecture. Although his name sounds rather Spanish or Latino, he is what I consider, a stereotypical Irishmen. He has a fiery red beard, thick accent and is sassy.

Sidenote (this might be inappropriate): But I have seen 2 profs & the Catholic priest of my first mass in the gym---all wearing extremely short shorts, of a 70s ish style. This should not be allowed. It's awkward.

I have much reading to do for these classes, however; a similar amount to Whitworth. So I will cope. I also was able to score a Northern Ireland library card, so I can check out my textbooks/novels, rather than buying them :) Yay more money!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention Kelly's---the most legit dance club ever. Imagine 5 floors of different music/dancing with its own DJ. It was so big and Wednesdays are 2 pound cover fees for students, so it was PACKED! Great times though.

My fake hitchhiking

A third highlight of this week was a day trip to Derry, which is located on the most Northwesternly corner of N. Ireland, almost in the Republic of Ireland. The beautiful 45 minute train ride to the city held 2 interesting conversations for me and my fellow travellers (8-10 friends).  I had a most pleasant conversation with a local elderly couple who had just gotten back from Florida and a squeal-fest in front of this 19 year-old guy 'Ross' who was proposing to his girlfriend of 5 years that evening!!! He was so excited and nervous, and it was the cutest thing I've ever seen. Way to go for watcha want Ross ;)

The Walled City of Derry

We took a wonderful walking tour of the city walls of Derry, led by a fabulous guide John McNulty. ***Fun Fact Alert---Derry is the only completely walled city left in the world...who would have guessed!*** The history of Derry (or Londonderry) is full of troubles. The "Troubles", in fact. The clash between Unionist/Protestants and Nationalists/Catholics has been major news throughout the second half of the 20th century, and has only very recently calmed mostly down. John gave us a full history lesson and it was fascinating to get to know an insider's take on all the fighting and resentment.

Magee Campus in Derry

After the tour we got our free coffee and headed to Uni. Ulster's Magee campus, where we met up with a couple friends I had made from the airport. Carolyn, Courtney, Jasmyn and Steve. We had a scrumptious but stressful dinner (we ALMOST missed our train because the food took soooo long), and I will add that I am exhausted now. So I wish you a good night and I would love to hear from you all!

PS- Even though I am having a good time, I definitely miss family and friends and any updates/hellos are always appreciated :)