Speed Cameras

Ireland was just blessed with the introduction of speed cameras. The Irish are obviously and understandably not happy about it.

These inventions are the vain of my existence in the States (ok maybe a little dramatic but I very much dislike them). This past weekend we were driven a total of 400 miles around the country so we had many interactions with these horrible contraptions. But every time we came near a camera we knew it because the drivers who had just passed one alerted each other with their headlights. Can we please adapt this practice in the States?!?!

We must unite against the cameras!

Another picture just for kicks. This atop a cliff in Buncrana.

Donegal County and Northern Ireland

For my first weekend trip my friend and roommate Erin went north to visit a family friend in Buncrana. We traveled all around the Inishowen Peninsula.
The four hour bus ride was along the coast so the views were magnificent. Noteworthy towns we passed through included Donegal and Sligo. The bus dropped up at Letterkenny where Cathal picked us up and we got some lunch. Then we went to Grianan Ailligh, a large stonewalled fort. As you can see the views were breathtaking. The amount of times I said WOW HOW BEAUTIFUL on this trip in total couldn’t be counted on one hand.
Then we met his family in Buncrana who so kindly offered us tea and sandwiches. We felt so welcomed!
After being spoiled with refreshments we went to the Mamore Gap. Again with the beauty. The pictures don’t even begin to capture how breathtaking it was.
On Saturday we went to the Giant’s Causeway a coastal area that has been created by ancient volcanic activity from 60 million years ago. But there is also a fable of the Giant Finn MacCool who created this area to challenge a Scottish rival. It is an incredibly unique area because of the hexagon shaped rocks.
After the Giant’s Causeway we went to Derry. If Cathal hadn’t told us we wouldn’t have known we were crossing the border. I loved Derry. I want to go back and read up on my history about it. The murals in the photos are all over the city. There is a strong connection to the past imbedded in the structure of the city.
SUCH A GREAT 3 DAYS! The pictures are in chronological order with the post.

My Backyard

Has a seal! One of my friends called me down to the dock (below our balcony) and lo and behold there was this little guy. Just a another day in the life.

Welcome to the Real World

Experiencing all the gorgeous architecture, new shops, new accents, new people makes everyday exciting. I'm learning so much about Ireland and the culture. That most definitely is wonderful. But in addition to embracing my new surroundings I've had to learn how to live on my own in an

apartment without a cafeteria downstairs. Marquette and dorm living has spoiled me. Being able to walk downstairs and have a huge meal for free is such a luxury! So a huge part of the adjustment in being here has been having to be responsible for feeding myself. HA. It's much easier than being responsible for 30 freshman girls but will still require a lot of learning.

So when I'm not eating I'm exploring! Today we went to Salthill which is a town just north of Galway. We walked along the coast. It was so breath taking!

My Accommodations

So as I said I live with 6 other girls in the Niland House. We live in the city center which is an ideal location for exploring the city and the vibrant night life. But it is a 15 minute walk to campus so I won't be able to roll out of bed anymore. But the walk to class is along the river. It's beautiful! Here are some pictures of the Niland House.

Let the Adventure begin...

Hey all,
Reporting from:
Apartment 206
Niland House
Merchants Road
Galway Ireland

So incredibly exciting. Everything is so new. I feel/am a freshman again – getting to know a new city, learning how classes are structured, finding friends.
Our house is absolutely amazing. 7 girls live in the house. I share a bathroom with 2 other girls. The key is that I have my own room!! I got here last and people had already taken the upstairs rooms (which are better but hellloooo I get my own room!) The ultimate best part is the balcony and view out the window. We look out onto the harbor. And we all know Nora’s favorite thing in life is views! 
I haven’t explored a lot yet but I know I’ll love the town. For now I’m going to explore campus so I don’t look like a chicken with its head cut off on the first day of classes. The campus is beautiful with lots of greenery versus the urban feel of MU.
So far I’ve made one Irish friend. The bus driver from Dublin to Galway. He was so excited to introduce me to his country. It was just a great chat.
Classes start Monday. But for 2 weeks we attend a bunch of classes and then decide after what we want to take. So I’ll update you once I know for sure.
Enjoy the pictures. One is some of my roommates on campus at NUI Galway. And the other is me on the balcony out the apartment.