And So It Begins...

My study abroad experience has begun!

We arrived in Ireland early Tuesday morning, around 7 a.m. But let me back up to Monday morning.

My parents and I arrived at the airport in Grand Rapids and after successfully checking in my one bag at 48 pounds, I said my goodbyes and also successful

ly made it through security with no problems…until I realized I left my Debit Card at home. I quick called my parents who were driving back and asked them to mail it to Ireland ASAP. It still hasn’t arrived, but hopefully soon. I only have about 60 Euro left…whoops.

We landed in Cleveland and somehow there was a mixup with my carryon luggage that had to go underneath with the rest of the luggage (It couldn’t fit…I mean it did weigh 40 pounds.) So I had to go to baggage claim and get my carryon, go back through security in Cleveland which was a mess, have them ask me dumb questions about my carryon, and finally I made it back through. Needless to say, the first 4 hours of my trip were not off to the best start.

From there the rest of the flights were fine. Once we got to Shannon, Ireland Drs. Dawson and Duncan were awaiting our arrival. We got on the bus, stopped in Galway to get acquainted with the city, which I’ll definitely be making visits to in the near future. It’s a lot like downtown GR, a kind of big city with some good shops and a lot to do at night; it’s only about a two hour bus ride.

Anyway…we got into Tully Cross and got settled in the cottages. I have a room to myself with the biggest bed. SCORE. The roommates are a lot of fun, it’s me, Mike, Jake, and Ken. It’s going to be a good semester.

The first night we went out to the pub, Salmons. Right across the street. There’s two pubs, a hotel that’s closed right now, a church and a small shop that’s closing soon. Another town, Tully is down the road and Lettergesh is three miles the other way. Salmons was a lot of fun. Had a Guinness right to start. So much better over here than in America. Everyone was out and we got to meet Patrick, the pub owner. All of the locals are extremely welcoming.

The second day we went into Clifden and bought groceries. Clifden is about half and hour away and the biggest town nearby. I spent WAY too much money there; but I’m hoping I won’t have to make a stop back in too soon. That night was another night at Salmons where we got to meet more locals and attempt to get more immersed in Irish Culture.

Today is just getting started. The roommates and I went for a walk down past Tully to the ocean. We are basically two miles from the shore. It was awesome. Classes “start” today. I say “start” because it’s a syllabus day so I’m not really counting it, but I could see Duncan and Dawson pulling some fast ones.

Overall it has been great. The weather hasn’t been too terrible yet. We’ve seen sun, rain, and wind, but it’s been fairly warm at night. We’re not turning the heat on in our cottage. I’m sitting here in my coat and a hat, with my wool socks and slippers on. Nice and cozy.

Here are some pictures from the first few days. I’ll have more on Facebook when I have more time to post them.

Translation - Welcome to Tully Cross

In front of a mountain on the bus ride in. The reflection on the lake in the background was awesome.

My three roommates from left to right: Ken, Mike, and Jake.

We're going into Clifden next week sometime for a concert I've been told. The end of the month we go up to the Inch House which I'm extremely excited for. I'll have more updates soon!

Peace, Love, Ireland.

-Rob