Update 3!

Hi everybody!

The past week has been pretty busy, but I haven't really done anything all that exciting. I have finally started all but one of my classes, and the routine has kicked in almost full gear. Did you know that I am actually expected to do homework while I am here? Haha somehow I will have to fit that in to my busy schedule. So far almost all of my classes have definite potential. One in particular that I am really excited about is called Imagining Modern Ireland and it is a class specifically for visiting students about the culture of Ireland. It focuses on Irish lit in the Irish language, Irish lit in the English language, Irish music and dance, and then how they are all connected and how they have shaped the country. I feel like I have already learned more in the two hours I have had that class then in any other class. I am also taking a class about the politics of Northern Ireland and the division between the two states. It is interesting that's for sure, but I am already feeling a little lost because I don't have the Irish history background that the Irish students obviously do. Looks like I will just have to do a little bit more work on my own!

I also started my Irish language course, which I am taking just for fun. It is a language unlike any other, and I am really excited to know even the basics. When else am I ever going to have an opportunity to learn it?

Yesterday I had to sign up for one of my smaller English classes, and I was very worried I was not going to get it. This is a class that I needed to get into, otherwise I wasn't going to be able to student teach in the fall so I was a little nervous! The system was pretty crazy, what we had to do was come to a building and get a number then come back and stand in line in order of our numbers to choose our class. The registration was supposed to start at 9am, so Alexa and I were there at 8 thinking it would be early enough. When we got there we were number 124! The number one person got there at 2 AM!!! It was incredibly unorganized, but I am so happy that I got into the class I wanted even though I wasn't crazy enough to get up that early.

The inauguration was a huge deal here, and it was very interesting to see it from a different countries perspective. Almost all of the pubs were showing it on big screens Tuesday evening, and had drink specials and things to celebrate. Now most of you know my political views, but it was still something to see history being made at home from a different country! Sadly I had class during the actual ceremony, but it was still a very interesting day.

Almost all Irish students go home on the weekends, like literally my complex clears out and all of the cars and most of the students are gone for 3 straight days. So far my Irish friends have told me that they go home on the weekends to work so they can afford to go out so much during the week. It seems so backwards to me haha but I guess I will get used to it! All of my roommates leave on the weekends, which is generally ok with me because then it is quiet and I can clean while they are gone. They are all really sweet girls, they just have different living styles then I do. Alexa's roommates are fantastic, so I am there often and have become good friends with them.

Actually, this weekend Alexa and I are going to her roommates home in Connemara (about an hour from here) and spending time walking around there. I am really excited to get away from here for the weekend, and do free laundry! Next weekend a group of my American friends and I are going to Cork for a night to kiss the Blarney Stone and do other touristy things, and finally the first weekend in February I am planning a trip to Scotland. There is a possibility my friend Rachel who is studying in Rome is coming to visit that weekend instead, but I will let you know which it turns out to be, both would be fantastic!

I can feel all of your thoughts and prayers, and know that I think of all of you everyday. My homesickness is getting less and less, but it definitely has not gone away completely. I told my parents the other day that I blame them for being such good parents for me to miss being home this much. The hardest part is not being able to share all of these wonderful experiences with all of you!

Have a great day, I love you all!

Love from Ireland!