With this weekend, I have successfully began my adventures of exploring the world beyond Limerick! I promised my Dad before I left that I would travel every weekend, so as this weekend approached, I tried to brainstorm up a daytrip for Saturday that wouldn't be too expensive or too troublesome for a solo traveler. Thus, I woke up yesterday morning, donned one of the few outfits I had room to pack, and headed on a bus trip to Ennis, which is about a 45-minute bus ride from here. Ennis is a mid-sized town almost centered between Limerick and Galway. I enjoyed my day there, exploring the quaint shops and winding streets. It was quite busy because there was a hurling game yesterday at a pitch (playing field) nearby. Everyone was decked out in their team's colors, ... read more

I can't write much (the computer lab's about to close), but I found a place to stay and free access to computers! Yay! And they have USB ports, so I can upload some of my pics soon! Anyway, the house is nice, just about a 10 minute walk from the main buildings of the University. I have three roomies-- Oscar from Spain, Istaban from Hungary, and Cliona from Galway, Ireland. I've met the first two, and they're very nice, but the Irish girl isn't supposed to come back until classes start. I had orientation today and got shown all around the University with a bunch of other wide-eyed students. Fortunately, I wasn't as bad off as some of them-- I'd gotten rid of my jet lag, unlike a number of others there. Tonight we're having a ... read more

No, I'm not gone yet. I'm packed and almost ready to go, but I'm starting to get nervous. One big problem is I don't have semester-long housing quite squared away yet, and won't until a few days after I arrive in Ireland. The plan is to stay at a Bed and Breakfast (called Cregan's-- sounds cozy, right?) for a few nights until I can check out some houses and apartments around Univ. of Limerick and find a suitable one. Being the (generally) organized person I am (not counting my room), this last-minute stuff is sometimes hard to swallow. But, the UL international student guide says to find housing in this way, so I just pray it all works out when I get over there. I fly out of RDU on Sunday afternoon, hit the airport in ... read more

Well, I just created this blog because I'm getting set and ready to head to Limerick, Ireland for a semester. Generally, I hate blogs because I think journalling is a means for inner peace and understanding oneself, for getting feelings and ideas out that you can't express to others, or to record important things that will delight oneself and jog one's memory years down the line. However, at the request of several friends, I'm beginning a TravelBlog specifically for keeping in touch and keeping them updated while I'm away. Hopefully, it will help. Packing continues, and I continue to grow both excited and nervous before my departure. I suppose when I write next, I will be in Ireland! Wish me luck!... read more