Getting Settled!

Hello everyone! I am just getting internet for the first time since arriving in Cork so I wanted to give you an update on things so far. Cork is absolutely beautiful. It is so much different than any city I have ever experienced, like New York or Boston. There are absolutely no skyscrapers or other types of large buildings. Everything is very colorful, and it reminds me more of a town than Ireland's second largest city. The past couple of days have been packed with getting situated and making our apartments as homey as possible. There is no meal plan at UCC, so we are responsible for making food for ourselves. It is definitely different, but so far I am enjoying the freedom of eating what I want, when I want, and in the comfort of my own fully-fitted kitchen. I have become skilled at making cereal and ham and cheese sandwiches!

For the next few weeks during the Early Start Program, I will be living by myself waiting for my roommates to arrive. I was told I am living with 2 Chinese girls and 2 Irish students. After a whole summer in cramped living quarters up at camp, it is nice to have a little bit of space and quiet time, but I am certainly anxiously awaiting the arrival of my roommates.

We start our class on Monday, and it sounds great. I am taking an Archaeology class with a few of the other Holy Cross girls and it sounds very interesting. We take lots of day trips and then 2 overnight trips to see different sites around the country. I think it will be a great way to meet some other American visiting students, and see some great parts of Ireland! So far, I have really only seen the inside of the mall where we did most of our food shopping and got our bedding.

I can't believe I have only been here four days. So much has happened, and although it is going to take some getting used to, I am becoming more and more comfortable in my surroundings every day. As the weeks go by, I hope to feel some semblance of the connection I feel towards Holy Cross. Orientation yesterday, while a little long and overwhelming, got me very excited about all of the different ways it is possible to get involved at UCC. They discussed different types of internships that are available to students, including one which sounded very interesting in their Alumni and Development office. I also can't wait to sign up for our "modules" and get into the swing of the semester. Whatever happens within the next year, I know it is going to be an experience of a lifetime, and I can't wait to keep you all up-to-date on everything!

Slan! (Best Wishes!)