"What's the craic?"

Wow. I made it to Ireland and I am having the time of my life!  My full day of flights were pretty uneventful (in a good way), but I did have a few highlights.  The first one was on my flight to Seattle where I happened to be seated in front of a large man with the hugest ginger beard I have ever seen.  He provided much amusement for myself and the other passengers by being the most sassy to the poor stewardess---he refused to put his IPod away and grumbled for half of the flight.  Oh ginger beard man :)  My second moment of excitement was when I arrived in Seattle and I was so busy talking on the phone to mom that I didn't notice I walked myself right out of the airport! So I had to go ALL the way back through security, which was mobbed with people leaving their cruise ports, and the margin of time was so close that I almost had a panic attack though....

But I obviously made it, so all is well!

Once I arrived in Newark, I finally had a moment to rest in the boarding area.  The my extreme delight, I was already surrounded by Irishmen! Three couples (who had just met each other) were drinking beers (who knows where they even got them...lol), laughing hysterically, and most importantly speaking with thick accents! It worried me a touch that I could hardly understand them :)  Upon arrival at the Belfast, Northern Ireland airport and a breeze through customs, I met the contact person and students going to the Uni. Ulster campuses.  We quickly connected and it was comforting to make some friends right away.

After a wild cabby ride through Northern Ireland's gorgeous countryside and driving on the LEFT SIDE of the road, I was dropped off at my quaint dorm "The Cranagh Village".  My room is simple but perfect because I get my own full bathroom, closet, desk and share a spacious living and kitchen area with my four flatmates.  I unpacked a few things and then rushed by myself off to an informal gathering for international students in a student bar/lounge.  I got horribly lost, but thank my lucky stars that a kind sophomore 'Marty' helped me locate it.  He also was a chatter, but all I could do is nod my head because I couldn't understand him at all!

God also provided some friends right before I entered the overwhelming meeting in the likes of Ellie (Seattle!), Shamos (Athens, Greece) and Emily (Toronto, Canada)---and I have hung out with this wonderful trio since.  After my first sip of Guinness, I like it!, and lots of talking, I was exhausted.  The next day was filled with international student orientation and many, many introductions.  The most common places students are from are: GERMANY, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Hong Kong, US.  Meeting everyone has already been such an interesting cultural experience and I feel like my perspective about the world has broadened.

That night we went out for the first time, to the Anchor Bar in the coastal town of Portstewart. Quite the experience, let's just say ;) It was a beautiful, old authentic pub with lots 'o jolly folks.  Lots of Guinness, alcohol in general, karaoke and locals as well.  And a dance club upstairs that was packed to the brim with dancing people---they listen to the same music we do! Transportation from the club and everywhere actually, is very easy: cheap cabs, walking and buses are the modes of choice here.  Some of my best conversations with locals have been with cabby drivers, they sure love to talk!

Overall, I absolutely LOVE Ireland. Gregarious people, beautiful nature and green rolling hills, the best accents, history, shopping, and international friends.  It has been literally non-stop, but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world!!!