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!
I think it's funny that you're considered an "international student" because we have a ton of them at SMU, but they're all from like Asia. There was one that was talking to a coworker of mine (in his broken English) about how he went to Florida for break, and my coworker said "Oh, I'm jealous!" Due to the language barrier, he responded "Hi! I'm Pa Vang!" and shook her hand thinking her name was really "Jealous" and that she was introducing herself to him. So hey, at least you don't have that to worry about! ha ha Love and miss you! :)
ReplyDeleteSweet...now you are the crazy foreigner that eats odd smelling food at weird hours of the day.
ReplyDeleteHey ...just got off from chatting with you so not so much to say...we are so proud of you and so glad that you have this wonderful opportunity. Dad says we are all living vicariously through you!
ReplyDeleteHi Lex! Just saw your pics on Snapfish - wow! What a place! I am soooo jealous! I've been to Scotland before in my travels and Ireland looks just as cool.
ReplyDeleteHave you made a plan to see the Aran Islands yet? I think you can catch a ferry right from Galway. The island is less than 10 miles long and full of history. Early Christians and all that... Might be a fun day if you get bored.
Please keep the blogs coming, we'll comment when we can. Take care and good luck!
Just like Dave said...the Aran Islands are supposed to be gorgeous and I really want to buy a sweater there...so if you guys could get over there to scope it out that would be great!
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