Hey everyone!
So I think I’ve figured out why I keep posting multiple posts at once. Apparently I’m just used to instant gratification and expect to see my post right away, but I guess I have to wait a few minutes before I try again. Sorry about the multiple posts! Hopefully this will help me. ☺
Wednesday, I had to wake up early to register for the seminar English class that I want to take here. They make all of the visiting students take a number and wait in line to register. We heard that most people get there early to make sure that they get into the class that they want (there are only about five places reserved in each class for visiting students.) So Melissa and I got to the line at 8 (an hour before registration was supposed to start) and I was the 135th person. There were people in line since two in the morning in order to get a good number. After a couple hours of waiting, I got into the class I wanted, so it wasn’t so bad, but there were people that had been waiting since five in the morning and got their third choice. I’m taking Contemporary Irish Writing and I’m really excited for it to start next week. I think it’s going to be really interesting. This was such a frustrating situation…I’m glad I don’t have to do that at home.
I had Imagining Modern Ireland this week and it was really interesting. My classes are so different from the ones at home not only in the way they go about teaching, but the topics are just so cool. I am so lucky to have the chance to learn about Irish history and writing in Ireland. I would never have the chance to do any of this at home, and it’s so cool.
Thursday, I had my appointment with Immigration to register. I had to walk to the office and give them my passport, proof of residence in Galway, a bank statement proving I had 2,000 Euro, and my acceptance letter to the school. They took my fingerprints and I got an Immigration ID card. I had to pay 150 Euro… ugh. I was so nervous for that appointment, so I’m happy it’s over with! Thursday night, I got together with American friends and we had a wine and pasta night. It’s so much fun to do potlucks with each other and have some comfort food.
Friday, we got together and planned some trips. Next Friday, I’m going with the International Student Society to Conamara for a day trip, then the American girls and I are going to Cork for Saturday through Sunday. The next weekend, we are going to Scotland. I’m so excited to have weekends planned and I’m sure they will make the time go by so fast. Friday night we ordered Chinese food and watched a Michael Flatley interview on television. We got to watch Superstars of dance afterward. It ‘s so funny how much American television we get to watch here.
Yesterday, I went with a few American friends to Limerick for the day. We got on the bus at 9 and got to Limerick at about 11. We went to the Hunt Museum that has artifacts that the Hunt family collected from past centuries and donated to the city of Limerick. It was really interesting to see all of the items. They had a lot of jewelry, tools, clothes, and things but my favorite section was the religious artifact section. They had rosaries, crucifixes, chalices, and paintings from so many different time periods. It was so cool! After the Hunt Museum, we went to O’Donnell’s restaurant for traditional fish and chips. It was so delicious, but I felt like I ate my body weight in grease ☺ Then we walked around and looked at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Church. Next, we went to King John’s Castle. We walked through the museum part and learned about the history of the castle and its importance to the history of Limerick and Ireland. We got to walk through the castle and go up in the towers and into the basement. They even had recreations of what the yard of the castle would have looked like. It was so beautiful. We climbed to the top of the tower and got to see a great view of the city with the Irish countryside in the background. I’m going to put a link to my pictures so you can see them all.
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=254420281/a=157881010_157881010/t_=157881010
I miss you all so much! Thank you for all of the e-mails! Keep them coming! Also, if any of you plan on sending a package, could you just let me know when you send it? Letters come straight to our apartment, but if we get a package, it goes to the front desk of our complex and we have to go pick it up. They don’t call us to let us know that it’s here though, so if you can let me know, that would be great! No pressure ☺ I love you all and I’ll update again later this week!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New News
Hello everyone!
This weekend was very relaxing. The Irish students go home on the weekends so it was very quiet without them here. I got to hang out with some American friends that I’ve made and it was nice to relax after a crazy week. On Sunday, we went to mass at the Cathedral. This week was much better than last week’s mass. There was a lot of music so I felt like I really got to experience the beautiful Cathedral. Mass is pretty much the same here as it is back home, but they say the Our Father in Irish Gaelic. It’s so cool. We attempted to do laundry here on Sunday afternoon. Everything is pretty much the same as we have back home, but the detergent was a strange consistency. We had to scoop it out with our hands! I guess that’s what we get for buying it at the two euro store. Sunday night, I got to talk to Tami, David, and Grandpa Houlihan on SKYPE for the first time. It was so great to see them! SKYPE has definitely been a saving grace for me here.
This week has gotten off to a pretty good start. I’ve had a few more classes this week in addition to the ones I started last week. I started my Irish Language class this week. I’m not taking it for credit, but I figured I will never get another opportunity to learn the Irish language in Ireland, so I may as well go for it. It’s very hard to learn because I can’t rely on sounding the words out. In some words “bhf” is pronounced with the “w” sound. It’s going to be hard, but I’m excited to learn. Medieval literature will be really interesting I think, but it’s just different to get used to having a lecture for an English class. At home, I’m so used to having English classes discussion based, so this will be interesting. I had Northern Ireland: Politics of a Divided Society today. I think it is going to be really interesting. I never realized how hard it is to learn about history in another country. I feel so behind because I don’t understand some of the terms and specific details that have happened here. I have more new classes this week, so I’ll keep you updated.
I’m getting used to the slang words that they use here. They say “savage” and “class” to mean cool. My roommates like faking American accents so it’s fun to switch accents with them. They still make fun of me for saying things like garbage (they call it “bin”) and a lot of other ones I can’t think of right now. We all get along really well. I’m so lucky to have such great roommates!
Today I went to the College Bar (yes, they have a bar on campus where students go for drinks in between classes) to watch the Inauguration of Obama. It was so cool to watch it with a bunch of American and Irish students. The Irish students are so interested and care so much about what’s going on in our country. It made me feel guilty for not taking more of an interest in my country’s politics. The entire place was packed and everyone was cheering. It was such a cool experience. I know I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.
I’ve still been getting homesick on and off. My roommates are really good about making me feel better and watching Friends with me to make me feel better ☺ I know this is an amazing experience, but that doesn’t make me miss you all any less. I love you all and I will update again later this week.
This weekend was very relaxing. The Irish students go home on the weekends so it was very quiet without them here. I got to hang out with some American friends that I’ve made and it was nice to relax after a crazy week. On Sunday, we went to mass at the Cathedral. This week was much better than last week’s mass. There was a lot of music so I felt like I really got to experience the beautiful Cathedral. Mass is pretty much the same here as it is back home, but they say the Our Father in Irish Gaelic. It’s so cool. We attempted to do laundry here on Sunday afternoon. Everything is pretty much the same as we have back home, but the detergent was a strange consistency. We had to scoop it out with our hands! I guess that’s what we get for buying it at the two euro store. Sunday night, I got to talk to Tami, David, and Grandpa Houlihan on SKYPE for the first time. It was so great to see them! SKYPE has definitely been a saving grace for me here.
This week has gotten off to a pretty good start. I’ve had a few more classes this week in addition to the ones I started last week. I started my Irish Language class this week. I’m not taking it for credit, but I figured I will never get another opportunity to learn the Irish language in Ireland, so I may as well go for it. It’s very hard to learn because I can’t rely on sounding the words out. In some words “bhf” is pronounced with the “w” sound. It’s going to be hard, but I’m excited to learn. Medieval literature will be really interesting I think, but it’s just different to get used to having a lecture for an English class. At home, I’m so used to having English classes discussion based, so this will be interesting. I had Northern Ireland: Politics of a Divided Society today. I think it is going to be really interesting. I never realized how hard it is to learn about history in another country. I feel so behind because I don’t understand some of the terms and specific details that have happened here. I have more new classes this week, so I’ll keep you updated.
I’m getting used to the slang words that they use here. They say “savage” and “class” to mean cool. My roommates like faking American accents so it’s fun to switch accents with them. They still make fun of me for saying things like garbage (they call it “bin”) and a lot of other ones I can’t think of right now. We all get along really well. I’m so lucky to have such great roommates!
Today I went to the College Bar (yes, they have a bar on campus where students go for drinks in between classes) to watch the Inauguration of Obama. It was so cool to watch it with a bunch of American and Irish students. The Irish students are so interested and care so much about what’s going on in our country. It made me feel guilty for not taking more of an interest in my country’s politics. The entire place was packed and everyone was cheering. It was such a cool experience. I know I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.
I’ve still been getting homesick on and off. My roommates are really good about making me feel better and watching Friends with me to make me feel better ☺ I know this is an amazing experience, but that doesn’t make me miss you all any less. I love you all and I will update again later this week.
New News
Hello everyone!
This weekend was very relaxing. The Irish students go home on the weekends so it was very quiet without them here. I got to hang out with some American friends that I’ve made and it was nice to relax after a crazy week. On Sunday, we went to mass at the Cathedral. This week was much better than last week’s mass. There was a lot of music so I felt like I really got to experience the beautiful Cathedral. Mass is pretty much the same here as it is back home, but they say the Our Father in Irish Gaelic. It’s so cool. We attempted to do laundry here on Sunday afternoon. Everything is pretty much the same as we have back home, but the detergent was a strange consistency. We had to scoop it out with our hands! I guess that’s what we get for buying it at the two euro store. Sunday night, I got to talk to Tami, David, and Grandpa Houlihan on SKYPE for the first time. It was so great to see them! SKYPE has definitely been a saving grace for me here.
This week has gotten off to a pretty good start. I’ve had a few more classes this week in addition to the ones I started last week. I started my Irish Language class this week. I’m not taking it for credit, but I figured I will never get another opportunity to learn the Irish language in Ireland, so I may as well go for it. It’s very hard to learn because I can’t rely on sounding the words out. In some words “bhf” is pronounced with the “w” sound. It’s going to be hard, but I’m excited to learn. Medieval literature will be really interesting I think, but it’s just different to get used to having a lecture for an English class. At home, I’m so used to having English classes discussion based, so this will be interesting. I had Northern Ireland: Politics of a Divided Society today. I think it is going to be really interesting. I never realized how hard it is to learn about history in another country. I feel so behind because I don’t understand some of the terms and specific details that have happened here. I have more new classes this week, so I’ll keep you updated.
I’m getting used to the slang words that they use here. They say “savage” and “class” to mean cool. My roommates like faking American accents so it’s fun to switch accents with them. They still make fun of me for saying things like garbage (they call it “bin”) and a lot of other ones I can’t think of right now. We all get along really well. I’m so lucky to have such great roommates!
Today I went to the College Bar (yes, they have a bar on campus where students go for drinks in between classes) to watch the Inauguration of Obama. It was so cool to watch it with a bunch of American and Irish students. The Irish students are so interested and care so much about what’s going on in our country. It made me feel guilty for not taking more of an interest in my country’s politics. The entire place was packed and everyone was cheering. It was such a cool experience. I know I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.
I’ve still been getting homesick on and off. My roommates are really good about making me feel better and watching Friends with me to make me feel better ☺ I know this is an amazing experience, but that doesn’t make me miss you all any less. I love you all and I will update again later this week.
This weekend was very relaxing. The Irish students go home on the weekends so it was very quiet without them here. I got to hang out with some American friends that I’ve made and it was nice to relax after a crazy week. On Sunday, we went to mass at the Cathedral. This week was much better than last week’s mass. There was a lot of music so I felt like I really got to experience the beautiful Cathedral. Mass is pretty much the same here as it is back home, but they say the Our Father in Irish Gaelic. It’s so cool. We attempted to do laundry here on Sunday afternoon. Everything is pretty much the same as we have back home, but the detergent was a strange consistency. We had to scoop it out with our hands! I guess that’s what we get for buying it at the two euro store. Sunday night, I got to talk to Tami, David, and Grandpa Houlihan on SKYPE for the first time. It was so great to see them! SKYPE has definitely been a saving grace for me here.
This week has gotten off to a pretty good start. I’ve had a few more classes this week in addition to the ones I started last week. I started my Irish Language class this week. I’m not taking it for credit, but I figured I will never get another opportunity to learn the Irish language in Ireland, so I may as well go for it. It’s very hard to learn because I can’t rely on sounding the words out. In some words “bhf” is pronounced with the “w” sound. It’s going to be hard, but I’m excited to learn. Medieval literature will be really interesting I think, but it’s just different to get used to having a lecture for an English class. At home, I’m so used to having English classes discussion based, so this will be interesting. I had Northern Ireland: Politics of a Divided Society today. I think it is going to be really interesting. I never realized how hard it is to learn about history in another country. I feel so behind because I don’t understand some of the terms and specific details that have happened here. I have more new classes this week, so I’ll keep you updated.
I’m getting used to the slang words that they use here. They say “savage” and “class” to mean cool. My roommates like faking American accents so it’s fun to switch accents with them. They still make fun of me for saying things like garbage (they call it “bin”) and a lot of other ones I can’t think of right now. We all get along really well. I’m so lucky to have such great roommates!
Today I went to the College Bar (yes, they have a bar on campus where students go for drinks in between classes) to watch the Inauguration of Obama. It was so cool to watch it with a bunch of American and Irish students. The Irish students are so interested and care so much about what’s going on in our country. It made me feel guilty for not taking more of an interest in my country’s politics. The entire place was packed and everyone was cheering. It was such a cool experience. I know I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.
I’ve still been getting homesick on and off. My roommates are really good about making me feel better and watching Friends with me to make me feel better ☺ I know this is an amazing experience, but that doesn’t make me miss you all any less. I love you all and I will update again later this week.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Address
This is the last one, I promise. I figured out my address and I would love to get mail from you!
Alexa Hollnagel
524 Corrib Village
New Castle Road
Galway, Ireland
Alexa Hollnagel
524 Corrib Village
New Castle Road
Galway, Ireland
Blog problems
Sorry there are like 5 new posts. I've been having a problem with the site all day and now a bunch of them showed up. Just read the one with the title, the other ones are just drafts without as much info. Sorry if this is confusing. I can't figure out how to delete the old ones. I guess I need to work on my technological skills... :)
Classes and Roommates
Hello there!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them! Every time I introduce myself and say that I'm from Wisconsin, they ask me if I like That 70's Show. Apparently, that's all they know of Wisconsin...
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and saw that my last name is Hollnagel and she assumed that I was German. When I told her that I was from Wisconsin, she seemed relieved that there would be no language barrier.
I had a class today that had another class booked for the same time. It was confusing walking around and trying to figure it out. They figured it out and canceled it for today and now they're going to reschedule. So hopefully this all comes together well.
These last couple days have been really good, but tonight I'm feeling really homesick. These feelings come and go and I know it's all a part of the experience, but it's the hardest thing to deal with. This whole experience has made me appreciate all of you at home. Thank you so much for everything you do for me. I still appreciate the messages and I will try to respond as frequently as I can. I love you all and I miss you more than you know!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them! Every time I introduce myself and say that I'm from Wisconsin, they ask me if I like That 70's Show. Apparently, that's all they know of Wisconsin...
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and saw that my last name is Hollnagel and she assumed that I was German. When I told her that I was from Wisconsin, she seemed relieved that there would be no language barrier.
I had a class today that had another class booked for the same time. It was confusing walking around and trying to figure it out. They figured it out and canceled it for today and now they're going to reschedule. So hopefully this all comes together well.
These last couple days have been really good, but tonight I'm feeling really homesick. These feelings come and go and I know it's all a part of the experience, but it's the hardest thing to deal with. This whole experience has made me appreciate all of you at home. Thank you so much for everything you do for me. I still appreciate the messages and I will try to respond as frequently as I can. I love you all and I miss you more than you know!
Hello there!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them! Every time I introduce myself to someone and tell them I'm from Wisconsin, they ask me if I like That 70's Show. Apparently, that's all they know about Wisconsin...
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. It starts at 9 in the morning and because of where Ireland is, I watch the sun rise in this class. (The sun rises at like 8:45 and sets at like 4) There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and she saw my last name and assumed that I was German. I told her I was from Wisconsin and my family was German and she seemed relieved that there wouldn't be a language barrier.
I had another class today that I went to, but apparently, they double booked the lecture hall. After wandering around for a while, I finally understood that they are relocating it. Things are kind of confusing here, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
The days are getting easier, but I still have my moments where I wonder what I'm doing here and if I can really do this. All of your messages and encouragement help me so much. This whole experience has helped me learn so much about myself already. I appreciate everyone from home so much more and I know I will live my life differently when I get home. Thanks again for everything! I love you all and miss you more than you know!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them! Every time I introduce myself to someone and tell them I'm from Wisconsin, they ask me if I like That 70's Show. Apparently, that's all they know about Wisconsin...
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. It starts at 9 in the morning and because of where Ireland is, I watch the sun rise in this class. (The sun rises at like 8:45 and sets at like 4) There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and she saw my last name and assumed that I was German. I told her I was from Wisconsin and my family was German and she seemed relieved that there wouldn't be a language barrier.
I had another class today that I went to, but apparently, they double booked the lecture hall. After wandering around for a while, I finally understood that they are relocating it. Things are kind of confusing here, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
The days are getting easier, but I still have my moments where I wonder what I'm doing here and if I can really do this. All of your messages and encouragement help me so much. This whole experience has helped me learn so much about myself already. I appreciate everyone from home so much more and I know I will live my life differently when I get home. Thanks again for everything! I love you all and miss you more than you know!
Hello there!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them!
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and saw my last name was Hollnagel and she assumed that I was German. We talked and I explained that I'm from Wisconsin, but very German. She seemed relieved
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them!
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and saw my last name was Hollnagel and she assumed that I was German. We talked and I explained that I'm from Wisconsin, but very German. She seemed relieved
Hello there!
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them!
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and saw my last name was Hollnagel and she assumed that I was German.
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I will try to update more frequently, but try to bear with me through this long post :)
Things have been so much better these past few days! We had some more orientation meetings at the end of last week, then this weekend, we walked around some more and went to a few pubs. On Saturday night, we went to mass at the Galway Cathedral (there's pictures on my snapfish account). It's absolutely beautiful inside! We went to mass at 6 and it was over by 6:30. There was no singing at all and they speak very fast. It was a little disappointing because it's such a beautiful church, but we think maybe if we go on Sunday morning, it will be more extravagant.
Sunday night, my roommates arrived! They are so cool, I love them all! Cara has been here all week, she's my American roommate from Pennsylvania. Then Niamh (pronounced Nieve) arrived. She's from London, but attends school here in Galway. Then my roommate that shares my room arrived. Her name is Carol and she's so sweet. She's a nursing major so she spends a lot of time in the hospitals following nurses around. She wants to go into Labor and Delivery so I'm sure she'll love meeting mom and talking to her. Lastly, Maive arrived. She's from Ireland as well and she's very loud and outgoing. They are all so nice and helpful. it's nice to have people around the apartment so that it feels more homey. Since I live in a first year dorm, all of my roommates are 18, so that's interesting. I feel so much older than them!
I had my first class yesterday. It's and archeology class focusing on castles in medieval Europe. There are 115 students in the class, so that's something that I definitely have to get used to. It's going to be really interesting and it only goes until February 20th. We are even taking a field trip throughout Galway to see castles that we are studying! Our professor informed us that the date of our field trip depends on who is in the Rugby championship that weekend. There are definitely similarities in athletic loyalties between these countries!
Today, I had my Approaches to Women's History. There are only 15 people in this class and I'm the only American. It's definitely interesting to talk to these Irish women and see how they view history. My professor knew that I was a visiting student and saw my last name was Hollnagel and she assumed that I was German.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Pictures!
I can't get the pictures onto my blog, so I put them up on snapfish. Hopefully this link will work and you guys can see a few of my pictures. There will be many more to come. I love you all!
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=254337132/a=157881010_157881010/t_=157881010
Things are still a little shaky here. I'm trying my best to adjust, but I miss home a lot. Everything is new and exciting here, but I wish I could share it with all of you right now! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=254337132/a=157881010_157881010/t_=157881010
Things are still a little shaky here. I'm trying my best to adjust, but I miss home a lot. Everything is new and exciting here, but I wish I could share it with all of you right now! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I'm here!
I arrived in Galway on Monday, January 5th after a loooong two days of traveling. The flights went well and surprisingly, Melissa and I found our way to our apartment without any glitches. Our apartments are very dirty and moldy (contrary to the pictures on the website), but we are making the best of it. I live in an apartment building next to Melissa which is helpful these first days when we're still making new friends. I share a room with an Irish student who has not arrived yet, because classes don't start until Monday. I can't wait to meet her. From the pictures in the room, she looks like she'll be nice.
The first couple days were a little rough. It's been a lot to adjust to, and that combined with the jet-lag made for a hard couple of days, but it's getting better. Our first day here, we walked around the city centre of Galway. It's about a 30 minute walk from our apartment, but it is so worth it. The main streets are filled with pubs, little shops, and restaurants. We walked to the edge of the city and stood right next to Galway Bay. It was absolutely beautiful! That night we made our way to the pubs, but apparently we didn't get the memo that most people don't go out until later because 8:00 was too early to see the main scene. We sat in a couple pubs and listened to some Irish music and chatted. Some moments here are just exactly how I imagined them to be :)
Yesterday we had a tour of the campus, which helped a little, but the tour guide wasn't too specific. We also had a tour of the library which was very helpful. Last night, Melissa and I attempted to make our first meal in our kitchen which proved to have its obstacles, but we successfully made chicken and pasta! Today we had an orientation for international students. The information was helpful, but very overwhelming. There is so much to think about... my mind is spinning! Tonight we're planning on going to karaoke on campus and then out to the pubs and hopefully meet up with some of the other international students.
That's all for now! I will be putting pictures up soon so you'll know a little bit more about what I'm talking about. Also, if you have some time, send me an e-mail or a message. It's amazing how much hearing from home helps the homesickness! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers... they are very much needed and appreciated. Love you all!
The first couple days were a little rough. It's been a lot to adjust to, and that combined with the jet-lag made for a hard couple of days, but it's getting better. Our first day here, we walked around the city centre of Galway. It's about a 30 minute walk from our apartment, but it is so worth it. The main streets are filled with pubs, little shops, and restaurants. We walked to the edge of the city and stood right next to Galway Bay. It was absolutely beautiful! That night we made our way to the pubs, but apparently we didn't get the memo that most people don't go out until later because 8:00 was too early to see the main scene. We sat in a couple pubs and listened to some Irish music and chatted. Some moments here are just exactly how I imagined them to be :)
Yesterday we had a tour of the campus, which helped a little, but the tour guide wasn't too specific. We also had a tour of the library which was very helpful. Last night, Melissa and I attempted to make our first meal in our kitchen which proved to have its obstacles, but we successfully made chicken and pasta! Today we had an orientation for international students. The information was helpful, but very overwhelming. There is so much to think about... my mind is spinning! Tonight we're planning on going to karaoke on campus and then out to the pubs and hopefully meet up with some of the other international students.
That's all for now! I will be putting pictures up soon so you'll know a little bit more about what I'm talking about. Also, if you have some time, send me an e-mail or a message. It's amazing how much hearing from home helps the homesickness! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers... they are very much needed and appreciated. Love you all!
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