The First Week of an Irish Insomniac

I've been staying up much later a lot more easily than I do at home. Okay, so it's only twenty til 1:00 and I am a college student, so I guess technically it's not that late but for me it is. I've always had the sleeping habits of a grandmother-- a late night for me being midnight or so. For the past week I haven't been tired by midnight. I've been staying up until one or two, or even later. It's not because I have lots of homework or because I've been out with people really late. I have gone out a few times but mostly its just been me, sitting in my bedroom, on skype or watching a movie or reading or something, just very awake. I guess my body clock is still set for American time. I'm sure I'll get used to it and it's not a problem or anything, but it's just kinda weird for now.

Anyway, I've been meaning to write a blog for a few days now but I keep forgetting/getting busy. The past few days have been pretty wonderful overall. I'm still getting accustomed and unfortunately part of getting accustomed meant getting sick for us American students. Our bodies are just adjusting to the stress, time change, and weather change I guess but we've all caught a pretty icky cold. We'll be alright, but it kind of sucks only having been here for about a week and already falling ill. But oh well. To focus on the positive...

The city is beautiful. Meg and I explored a neighborhood we hadn't been to before today and it was really nice. We had to walk over the river and up a huge hill into this narrow residential neighborhood. We walked into a church parking lot and from there we could see practically the whole city from the pointed steeples of St. Finnbarr's Cathedral that seem to almost graze the clouds to all of the colorful buildings and houses that fill the city and make it what it is. It was really cool to get that view. I took some pictures and plan on putting them up a little later. Though I've only been here a week and haven't explored this place half as far as I intend to, I have enjoyed thoroughly uncovering this quaint city's little secrets and treasures from coffee shops to pubs to residential neighborhoods. I already feel myself falling in love with this place and I can tell you that even if I'm not all the way there yet since it's only been a week, by the time I have to go back home I don't think I'll want to leave.

Speaking of discovering places I love, I think that I have found a potential home away from home on UCC's campus-- the UCC Chaplaincy. It's essentially campus ministry, but they focus not only on spirituality but also strongly on social and cultural inclusion and interaction. On Friday mornings they have a coffee social and even though I was nervous to go by myself and put myself out there, I went and I am so glad I did. I met several people who were so nice and welcoming. I heard about a lot of different events that they put on that I want to get involved in as well, such as a new students retreat, a book club, and cultural events. I hope to get closer to some of the people I met there as well because a lot of the people I talked to seemed so nice and like the kind of friends I would like to have here. I really hope they come to like me as much as I think I like them! Only time will tell, I suppose.

Anyway, as you can probably tell, I am enjoying myself here thoroughly so far. I am learning a lot about this country and about myself as well. I've been wanting to write a blog lately with some fun facts about Ireland that you all probably don't know, and I didn't until I got here, and I promise it's coming but I think it will have to wait a day or two.

Now, I am going to attempt to conquer insomnia. Wish me luck? Will write later.

Love and Potatoes,
Cathryn