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!