Monday, September 24, 2012
Sept. 24th
I start school today. My schedule is like this: Management of Change from 5:30-8:30pm Monday nights, Business improvement from 5:30-8:30pm Tuesday nights and Marketing Management from 9:15am-12:15am Thursdays and that's it!! Some of you were asking about the weather. The weather is in the low 50's and it rains on and off every single day. I don't really mind it because i'm in IRELAND! haha. I have four other flatmates that I have briefly touched upon. Aoifa (pronounced Eifa) is 24 and a nursing student. She is from the Republic of Ireland. She is very sweet and kind and smart. Rebekah is 29 and a social work student. She is a very big christian and very sweet as well. She is from Belfast here in Northern Ireland. Lisa is from Bavaria, Germany. She is very sweet as well and she is about my age I think. Her major is computer science. Laura, is about 24. She is from Northern Ireland as well and she is getting her phD in psychology. I love all my flatmates and we get along very well! I was very lucky! I have decided to show all of the pictures of my room, our bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Its all very large and nice. In the bathroom, there are two shower stalls and two toilet stalls. Not very glamorous but many of you wanted to see so here it is! :)
Sept. 24th 2012
Over this past weekend, I had Irish stew with Lexie and Stephen Mcfeeters. It was delicious and they added this sugar and salt brown sauce on top of it, which was very good. Then we all had tea in their living room and soon after drove up to Portstewart. Portstewart is a little town that sits right on the coast. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Lydia and I stayed at the Mcfeeters extra home in Portstewart, which was very nice and only a few blocks away from the coast. Outside our back window of the home was a field of cows! The first night we got there, it was very late so we just went to sleep soon and woke up in the morning. We got up at ten and left at noon and didn't get home till about 7pm! We walked all over Portstewart. We walked along the rocky coast, the town with all the cute little shops, the playground on the coast, and then the 2 mile long beach and back through high grass fields. When we walked along the rocky coast (which was right next to a golf course), there were so many full beautiful sea shells. I've never seen so many in perfect condition in my life. I collected quite a few. I wasn't afraid at all to walk through the high grass because here in Ireland, they have no harmful beasts! That means no snakes, wolves, or bears! Absolutely none! Lydia and I stopped in town to have our very first fish and chips, which i will show here. When walking towards the beach, we passed a very large church/school on the cliffs. There was a wall along the cliffs that we walked with the ocean below us. It was so beautiful. We saw these beautiful snail shells that were red, black, and yellow and they live in these tall grasses among the sand. Lydia and I were so tired after walking everywhere so when we went home, we just had a frozen pizza and watched funny british sitcoms in bed. The next day we debated going to Portrush but we didn't have as much time before Lexie's firefighter friends picked us up to return us back to Derry, so we decided against it. We spent most of the day in their extra home just relaxing and cleaning the home. Well, the pictures say it all, so enjoy!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Sept. 20th 2012
Two nights ago, I went to a pub called Paedar O'donnoels (pronounced Patter), and listened to some traditional Irish music while drinking Guinness beer. The music was great, with the irish flute, a guitarist and vocalist. Many of the locals there sang along to some of the songs. Some were slow and sad, while others were upbeat. The Guinness was good and strong. Many people in this pub were very relaxed and very talkative to any strangers. My german friend Lydia and I sat down next to a few locals and eventually we started a conversation with them. We met Ronan and Jenna. Two very kind people who we chatted with for the rest of the night. We stayed in the pub until they closed at 2am and then Jenna and Ronan insisted that we go to the restaurant next door to get a 'chicken box.' It was about four pounds and filled with peppers, onions, chicken and fries and some sweet mayo based sauce. It was delicious! Afterwards, Lydia and I took a taxi home. Taxi's around Derry are very cheap. They are about 3 pounds. Yesterday, I met the last girl who moved into my flat. Her name is Laura and she is getting her phD in psychology. She is from Northern Ireland. She is very fashionable and a party animal! She insisted that we all go out to a club called Sugar. So, Laura, Aoifa, Lydia and I met with some of Aoifa's nursing friends and all attempted to take a taxi to Sugar. As we approached Duncreggan's student gates, there was a huge crowd of students all trying to get a taxi! We were waiting for a taxi for quite a while. Sugar was exactly what I would expect of a club. Lots of pretty lights, and loud music. They played a lot of American music. An Irish boy came up to Lydia and randomly tried to kiss her. That was awkward and funny. No one wore jeans at this club! All the girls were in dresses and very dressed up in heels or boots. They all had on some pretty slutty dresses. Lydia and I left early to go home because I had to get up early for my international student orientation on campus that has been going on from tues-tomorrow. Today, I toured the library on campus and learned about all the different resources they have to offer. The library was three floors and giant. It is sooo modern compared to my library on campus back home. Later, Lydia and I took a taxi to the town center to go shopping! I found this 3 story store called Primark. Primark is like a forever 21 and has really pretty clothes for very cheap. I bought a cute sweater there. Also there was a one pound shop where I bought a gallon of milk for one pound!! I was also able to 'top up' my phone. A 'top up' is when you add money to your account for your phone. I paid ten pounds and now I have internet, 3000 texts, and 100 min for the next month! It was so cheap. Tomorrow I am going on a tour of the city walls with the international students, as well as registering for business classes! I've already met with my business advisor here and they think that two classes in one day is a very busy day.... At 5:30 tomorrow, Lydia and I are going over to the Mcfeeters home to have some Irish stew. Then we are driving up to port stewart where they have a home on the coast. We will stay there for a few days. I'm so excited!!
Two nights ago, I went to a pub called Paedar O'donnoels (pronounced Patter), and listened to some traditional Irish music while drinking Guinness beer. The music was great, with the irish flute, a guitarist and vocalist. Many of the locals there sang along to some of the songs. Some were slow and sad, while others were upbeat. The Guinness was good and strong. Many people in this pub were very relaxed and very talkative to any strangers. My german friend Lydia and I sat down next to a few locals and eventually we started a conversation with them. We met Ronan and Jenna. Two very kind people who we chatted with for the rest of the night. We stayed in the pub until they closed at 2am and then Jenna and Ronan insisted that we go to the restaurant next door to get a 'chicken box.' It was about four pounds and filled with peppers, onions, chicken and fries and some sweet mayo based sauce. It was delicious! Afterwards, Lydia and I took a taxi home. Taxi's around Derry are very cheap. They are about 3 pounds. Yesterday, I met the last girl who moved into my flat. Her name is Laura and she is getting her phD in psychology. She is from Northern Ireland. She is very fashionable and a party animal! She insisted that we all go out to a club called Sugar. So, Laura, Aoifa, Lydia and I met with some of Aoifa's nursing friends and all attempted to take a taxi to Sugar. As we approached Duncreggan's student gates, there was a huge crowd of students all trying to get a taxi! We were waiting for a taxi for quite a while. Sugar was exactly what I would expect of a club. Lots of pretty lights, and loud music. They played a lot of American music. An Irish boy came up to Lydia and randomly tried to kiss her. That was awkward and funny. No one wore jeans at this club! All the girls were in dresses and very dressed up in heels or boots. They all had on some pretty slutty dresses. Lydia and I left early to go home because I had to get up early for my international student orientation on campus that has been going on from tues-tomorrow. Today, I toured the library on campus and learned about all the different resources they have to offer. The library was three floors and giant. It is sooo modern compared to my library on campus back home. Later, Lydia and I took a taxi to the town center to go shopping! I found this 3 story store called Primark. Primark is like a forever 21 and has really pretty clothes for very cheap. I bought a cute sweater there. Also there was a one pound shop where I bought a gallon of milk for one pound!! I was also able to 'top up' my phone. A 'top up' is when you add money to your account for your phone. I paid ten pounds and now I have internet, 3000 texts, and 100 min for the next month! It was so cheap. Tomorrow I am going on a tour of the city walls with the international students, as well as registering for business classes! I've already met with my business advisor here and they think that two classes in one day is a very busy day.... At 5:30 tomorrow, Lydia and I are going over to the Mcfeeters home to have some Irish stew. Then we are driving up to port stewart where they have a home on the coast. We will stay there for a few days. I'm so excited!!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Day 3
Sept. 16th 2012
Today I woke up, got ready and went to go meet the Mcfeeters at the front gate. We all rode to church, which was in the most fantastic building I've ever seen. I will get pictures soon, I promise. Church was very similar to a presbyterian service in my hometown in Ohio. I sat next to Lexlie and Bernie and Lexie's brother and sister. The only thing that I thought strange was when we sang hymns, there were no notes on the pages, only lyrics. So how are you supposed to keep a tune? Guess? The choir gets notes and lyrics and we get no notes. haha. oh well. It was fun anyway. After church, I went to the Reverend's home for lunch with his wife. Their home is very fancy. All stained glass windows and oriental rugs and fireplaces. The Reverend told me that home belongs to the church and they can stay there as long as he is the minister. When we first arrived, they already had irish stew in the oven. A few minutes after we arrived it was almost finished. We also had turnips, carrots, and brussel sprouts. For dessert we had a small cup with irish cream, chocolate sprinkles, and mandarin oranges. It was so good. After we finished eating we went into the living room, sat by the fire and had tea and 'biscuits.' We chatted about everything and I showed the Reverend my home on the map. Then he showed me a book that includes all the places I must go see while I am in Ireland. Later on, the Reverend took me home and I tried to add minutes to the phone that the Mcfeeters gave me. It was difficult but I think I got it sorted. I've just been organizing ever since then and Aoife and I walked to the little gas station to buy a few things. Aoife told me that nursing students here in the north get all of their college paid for! Also, today we got TV in our common area. There are a lot less commercials than in the U.S.
When I was spending time with the Reverend today, I commented on how all of the cars look brand new. He told me that they have strict inspections here for their cars once a year and if you don't pass, you have to get a new car. Every 5-10 years, you have to buy a new car due to these inspections. People take more pride in their cars here because the average car is about $45,000 dollars! But, these cars are more fuel efficient. About 45 miles to the gallon here and their gallons are a little bit larger than ours in the U.S. Can you imagine spending $45,000 dollars every 5 years on cars? $45,000 is the average salary for a Northern Irish worker here. Crazy! I still want to live here though.
Sept. 16th 2012
Today I woke up, got ready and went to go meet the Mcfeeters at the front gate. We all rode to church, which was in the most fantastic building I've ever seen. I will get pictures soon, I promise. Church was very similar to a presbyterian service in my hometown in Ohio. I sat next to Lexlie and Bernie and Lexie's brother and sister. The only thing that I thought strange was when we sang hymns, there were no notes on the pages, only lyrics. So how are you supposed to keep a tune? Guess? The choir gets notes and lyrics and we get no notes. haha. oh well. It was fun anyway. After church, I went to the Reverend's home for lunch with his wife. Their home is very fancy. All stained glass windows and oriental rugs and fireplaces. The Reverend told me that home belongs to the church and they can stay there as long as he is the minister. When we first arrived, they already had irish stew in the oven. A few minutes after we arrived it was almost finished. We also had turnips, carrots, and brussel sprouts. For dessert we had a small cup with irish cream, chocolate sprinkles, and mandarin oranges. It was so good. After we finished eating we went into the living room, sat by the fire and had tea and 'biscuits.' We chatted about everything and I showed the Reverend my home on the map. Then he showed me a book that includes all the places I must go see while I am in Ireland. Later on, the Reverend took me home and I tried to add minutes to the phone that the Mcfeeters gave me. It was difficult but I think I got it sorted. I've just been organizing ever since then and Aoife and I walked to the little gas station to buy a few things. Aoife told me that nursing students here in the north get all of their college paid for! Also, today we got TV in our common area. There are a lot less commercials than in the U.S.
When I was spending time with the Reverend today, I commented on how all of the cars look brand new. He told me that they have strict inspections here for their cars once a year and if you don't pass, you have to get a new car. Every 5-10 years, you have to buy a new car due to these inspections. People take more pride in their cars here because the average car is about $45,000 dollars! But, these cars are more fuel efficient. About 45 miles to the gallon here and their gallons are a little bit larger than ours in the U.S. Can you imagine spending $45,000 dollars every 5 years on cars? $45,000 is the average salary for a Northern Irish worker here. Crazy! I still want to live here though.
Day 1
Sept. 14th, 2012
My
first greatest experience, while on my way to Ireland occurred when we were
flying over the ocean and I saw the aurora borealis (northern lights)!! It was
my first time to see them and the last place I would look for them (while on a
plane). I am currently at the
international airport waiting for my bus to Londonderry. It is 7:10am for me and I haven’t been able
to sleep a wink. The time here is
12:10pm. The people here are extremely
kind and will go out of their way to help you.
I love it here already. I’ve
noticed different trees and flowers that I want to identify as soon as
possible. Its 52 degrees here and very
windy. Its not normally windy like
this. I asked the taxi driver. I thought I had to go check in at the
international office in Belfast today so I took a taxi into town, learned that
I didn’t have to check in there, and called the taxi driver to pick me back
up. We chatted the whole way and I asked
him plenty of questions to keep him busy.
His name was John and he has a 16 year old daughter. Very kind guy and when he learned that I made
a mistake by driving to the University of Ulster Belfast campus, he didn’t
charge me full price for the ride. It
was so strange watching him drive on the left side of the car and left side of
the road! The hills are wide and vast and green and beautiful here! At least I
didn’t go into Belfast for nothing.
Also, the girl at the coffee shop washed my apple for me when I
purchased it. So kind! I must look like
a stupid American though because some Irish guy in the coffee shop said
something to me and I couldn’t quite understand and his wife said “oh its just
an American.” Also, I sat next to a
young man from Belfast on the plane. I
don’t think he liked me at first because I accidentally sat on his pillow and
when he saw me he said “great.” In a sarcastic tone. Haha. But I really wanted to talk to him and ask
him questions so when I finally did, he was very talkative. I got my first 100 lbs out of the atm
today. The money here is so large and
pretty and the coins are thick and heavy! I can’t wait to look out the bus
window on my travels to Londonderry now.
But I am desperately needing sleep. Hopefully I won’t fall asleep until
I can get to the Mcfeeters’ home
As soon as I arrived at the Mcfeeters' home, I was offered a cup of tea by Stephen Mcfeeters, a 17 year old college (high school) student. We entered their very modern yet boxy living room with a well lit fire place and sat and chatted while sipping tea. It was a dream. Lexie and Bernie soon came home and welcomed me graciously. Lexie is a good looking red headed Irish man from Derry and a retired firefighter. Bernie is a nurse and they have a daughter who has two children and is living in England. After talking for a while, I went to bed in my spare room in their home. Two hours later I was awake and proceeded to use the shower. The shower was more complicated than I was prepared for. There was a pull down switch when you first enter the bathroom to turn the shower machine on. Then there are two shower heads in the shower and a box with many buttons. I was highly confused. Also, the toilet had two buttons for flushing. Which one do I push?
After asking Stephen for help I figured it out. After I was all cleaned up, the Mcfeeters called me for tea, which was actually dinner. We had ham, peas and homegrown potatoes. Also, a creamy gravy to pour over everything. It was delicious. Then the Reverend Robert Buick, a friend of mine who picked me up from the bus stop and I've been emailing with for a while, came to pick me up along with his daughter Ally for a tour of the town. I saw "free derry" with many political and sometimes disturbing murals all over the homes. I saw the peace walking bridge and the giant and beautiful presbyterian church. We also did a walking tour of the Magee campus. When we toured the sports center of the campus, I learned that surfing is a very popular sport here! Oh, by the way, it is about 55 degrees F here everyday and rainy all the time!
After all that, I went back to stay the night at the Mcfeeters' home but not before sitting in their living room and chatting more about politics, the olympics, etc. It was a wonderful conversation. We each had a cup of tea and then two sam miguel beers. Yum!
Day 2
Sept. 15th, 2012
I woke up at 10am and got ready for the day. Then Bernie called me up for some breakfast. It was huge! Poached egg and muffin, cereal, orange juice, tea, yogurt and fruit salad! Then the Reverend picked me up and drove me to my campus. It was time to pick up my key for staying in the Duncreggan student village. I'm staying with four other girls in a flat. I get my own room with a sink in it. The bathrooms are rather large and so is the kitchen and common room that only 5 girls share. I love it! Two of my flatmates haven't moved in yet. The girls that I have met are Aoife (pronounced like Eifa) who is from southern Ireland and 24 and a nursing student getting her second degree. She is very kind! Also there is Rebecca who is 29 and a social care student. She is from Belfast and also getting her second degree here. When she heard that I was a christian she suddenly gave me a big hug. haha. I love people here. Around 2pm I went to the church BBQ at the YMCA. I had my first Irish burger with cheese, onions, and a sweet red relish. It was delicious! Also, there was tea. I met many people of the church who were all very kind. I met the Reverend's wife who took me under her wing and introduced me to everyone. She is a traditional looking Irish lady. I met a woman whose name was Kay. She was born and raised in Londonderry and especially pleasant to talk with. After the BBQ, I went grocery shopping with Bernie and Stephen. Bernie had offered to help me earlier. I would have been so lost in the grocery without her. We went to a place called Tesco's in a shopping center. Bernie pointed out all the good brands for me and suggested what foods I should get for meals. This was essentially my very first time grocery shopping and it was in a different country. haha. After grocery shopping, the McFeeters invited me to their home for dinner. We had curry. It was delicious. They gave me such a huge portion, I couldn't eat it all. They also let me borrow their kettle, a few dishes and cookware, a cell phone they weren't using and a pillow for my apartment! They are the kindest people in the world! After dinner, the whole family helped me with my groceries and brought them into my flat. It took us the longest time to realize that you didn't have to swipe your card but only put it up to the chip to get in. The family stayed for a few minutes and gave me hugs and left. Soon afterwards, I went to bed.
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