IM HERE!

Michael and I on the way to the airport!

My bed. 

My desk.

My bathroom which I will NEVER enter without proper footwear. 




Finally I am here and it still seems so surreal. Ireland is beautiful and i am so excited about seeing everything it has to offer but I am actually a little worried that this is going to be a lot harder than I expected. Before I go into that I will tell you about my trip. 

We left last night at 10:10 pm and it was the worst flight I have ever been on in my life. I took a tylenol pm hoping it would put me right to sleep but that did not happen by any means. I fell asleep for maybe two hours and woke up because my (excuse me Caleb if Erin is reading this to you) butt hurt so bad from sitting on it. From then on I could not get back to sleep no matter what I did. 

But luckily we arrived in Ireland and were out of the airport in less than 30 minutes. I met with my group leader, Eileen, and one other girl from my group, Jessica, and headed on my way. Well after a few tears from my mom and a couple hugs goodbye. Jessica and I headed to UL in a taxi and I sat in the passenger seat which was a bad decision. I could have sworn we were going to crash atleast ten times. But it was so pretty to see Ireland, even though we weren't even in the countryside where all the real beauty is. I then went to my room and began setting up my room. To mom and Michael's surprise this was a perfect time for them to come and see my room.

After setting up my room our group left for the market to go get groceries. I would say besides two of my bags busting and my groceries spilling everywhere smooshing my bread I did pretty good for my first time shopping for myself. Oh and also it costs to put your groceries in bags and you cant take the buggies out of the store. 

When I got back I was able to meet one of my five roommates. Here name is Ana, she is irish, and a very sweet girl. Which she explained to me the sport of Trampolining which I am definetly interested in! ha

Our group finally went to eat and now I am back in my room and thinking about going to sleep early. 

Also the weather here has been incredible. I have worn a long sleeve shirt, jeans, and close toed shoes, and have gotten neither hot or cold. It has been wonderful! And we only got a few sprinkles today!

My living area.

Campus

Only four days till I leave! Even though I am so busy and rushed trying to get everything done I couldn't be more excited about attending UL for the semester. Thanks to the group I am on on facebook I was able to get some pictures of the campus for everyone to see.

This is the quad.

This is Dromroe Village, where I will actually be staying.


This is the front of the athletic's building.

Here is the pool along with athletic facility where I am hoping to spend a lot of time so I can stay in shape.


This is the front of the student union.

This is an overview of UL's campus.

This is the New Living Bridge on campus.

This is Limerick City right beside the Shannon River.

This is a picture of King John's Castle, where I will actually be visiting my first week in Limerick.

Work!

My sister informed me that my profile was boring so far so I thought I would add some  things on here from my summer. The summer I worked at the YMCA on the membership development team, which was probably the best job I could have asked for. I got paid pretty good money and I got to hang out with some of the coolest people ever every day.  

Here is a picture at everyone at Rebekah Hunt's pool for our work party. We are missing a few people though.

Here is a really funny video of me and my boss, Seth. Ha If you have ever been on youtube and have seen the video Can I Have Your Number? You will understand! 

Packing!

I have just started packing and I am definitely going to have a hard time. I got two rolling duffel's from LL Bean, one extra large and one large. I did a mock pack with some of my stuff not even all of it and I am not sure if I am going to have enough room! I guess I am going to have to cut back on what I am bringing ha. Not to mention that there is a weight issue too which I do not want to go over. Also in Limerick I was told that the dorms do not have elevators and that Europeans build up not out so I will have to carry all my luggage up who knows how many flights of stairs! This might be a problem! So if anyone has any packing suggestions that would be appreciated Ha.

Itinerary

Today I received my final packet from API including my itinerary and some other information.

I thought I would let everyone know what my my schedule is going to look like.

Sunday August 31

Collection at Shannon Airport

Shopping for essentials

Orientation safety

API Welcome meal

Monday Sept. 1

API Orientation

Walking tour of Limerick City

Visit King Johns Castle

Visit St. Mary's Cathedral

Visit Hunt Museum

Lunch & Shopping

Tuesday Sept. 2

Bowling and Food

Wed. Sept. 3

Free Day

Thursday Sept. 4

Orientation Day at the University of Limerick

Dinner

Friday Sept. 5

Orientation Day

Sat. Sept. 6

Visit Limerick Market & Breakfast

Sunday Sept. 7 

Free Day

Monday Sept. 8

Classes Start

Also along with that I have a list of upcoming excursions

Saturday Sept. 13- Excursion to Bunratty Folk Park

TBA- Lahinch Excursion or UL Activity Center

Fri, Sat, Sun Oct. 17-19- London Excursion

Sat & Sun Nov. 1 & 2- Dublin Excursion

Sat Nov. 29- Blarney/Cork Excursion

3 WEEKS LEFT!

Hey everyone. Just letting you all know I only have three weeks left till I leave for Ireland. My mom and I went shopping Saturday for things for the trip but I still have several things left to get. I also was able to order my free phone today! Things seem to be going smoothly and I am very excited about studying abroad. Not too long till I am there!