The Streets of Dublin.

 The first week and a half here in Dublin has been absolutely amazing and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. I've loved taking in the new sights and sounds of this busy city though don't think I'll ever get used to cars driving on the opposite side of the road! The international students and I enjoy going to City Centre, the heart of Downtown Dublin, which is about a 30 minute walk from our campus. This area is constantly bustling with people traveling to the various restaurants, pubs, and shops (oh the damage I could do in some of those stores!) We've covered quite a bit of territory but there is still so much of the city to see. Here are a few pictures from our walks through the streets of Dublin.

I'm very much in love with all the colorful doors!

Tesco is the tiny grocery store we shop at across the street from school. 

 
   

Crosswalk reminders so we don't look the wrong way!

Destination Dublin.

Travel Day! 

The Flight Schedule- Leave DIA at 10:45am  Arrive in Newark at 4:00pm

                                Leave Newark at 7:15pm  Arrive in Dublin at 7:00am

Our first flight was smooth sailing all the way to Newark. Our second flight boarded on schedule but we sat on the runway for 21/2 before actually leaving. By the time our time took off I was already a little sick of the being on the plane and wasn't looking forward to another 51/2 hours in my compact middle seat. During the flight I watched a few movies and attempted to sleep but wasn't to successful. I don't understand how I can easily fall asleep sitting up in class but not so much when I actually want to on an airplane?! Overall  though it was a good flight and I'm very thankful for making it here safely and with all of my luggage. 

After arriving in Dublin and making it through customs we took a taxi directly over to St. Patrick's College. On the ride there I was fascinated by everything but it felt more like i had just traveled to a new state rather than an entirely different country.

Myself and the other UNC students were the first to arrive at our international dorm but throughout the weekend a whole slew of people from around the world trickled in. I'm currently living with students from California, Boston, Belgium, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Finland. Everyone bonded quickly and we spend most of our time talking about where we want to travel while we're here. 

The last few days have been jam packed with a whirlwind new sights, culture, and people. So far I’ve loved every minute of this experience! It is truly is a dream to be in Dublin and I can’t believe that I’ll be here for four months. Right now it feels like I’m on a vacation but I think after starting classes and establishing more of a routine that will change. I can't wait to start classes tomorrow and meet more of the Irish students. 

I'm just skimming the surface so I'll have pictures and more posts soon!