Ireland – visiting Galaway

Hello readers!

First of all, I’d like to apologize for taking so long to post about my trip, especially since I couldn’t wait to share it with you! It was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken, mostly due to my super wonderful host Anais. When I first got to Galaway in Ireland, I didn’t really know what to expect. The only real knowledge I had of Ireland was the St. Patrick’s day parties at Ann Arbor and the potato famine that I learned about in history class (which, as it turns out, is mostly due to the fault of the English–who would’ve thunk!) There were two things that particularly struck me when I visited Ireland:

1.) The friendliness of everyone that I met. Obviously my friend was nice to me, but so were all of her housemates (that were international students) and all of the Irish people I met as well. They were all so friendly, funny, and great to be around!

2.) The ridiculously cold weather. The night I landed in Galaway, it was pouring rain. I am not exaggerating when I say that it was the most freezing rain I’ve ever experienced. It was akin to having ice cubes rubbed all over my face in -10 celsius degree weather. Although, throughout the weekend, the rain did subside, and we got to experience some beautiful Irish sunshine!

It was my friend’s birthday when I visited, so the weekend was a double celebration! She and her housemates had small plates of food and snacks in addition to drinks for the party, which was phenomenal! It was great to meet so many international students; among the countries represented were: France, Spain, Finland, (Albania/America), & Ireland!

Afterwards, we went to an Irish pub, and I have to say (and English friends–place don’t be angry with me) Irish pubs are way more fun! It was like a mix between a sit-down bar and a nightclub, where everyone was standing up and speaking to each other. The atmosphere was very friendly and everyone seemed very approachable. Needless to say, we had a great time.

After my friend’s birthday celebration, we had plans to visit the countryside, but unfortunately we missed the last bus, so we spent the day exploring Galaway! (We decided to save that adventure for the next time I visit!) We walked around the cute shops and houses, and I got some beautiful celtic earrings and a cute bracelet to remember the trip by. And my friend and I took a photo in front of the most famous spot in the whole city!

We also had some super yummy tae (spelled the Irish way!) It was one of the cutest places I’ve ever seen. With the cutest china too. We had this wonderful lemony tea and I cannot stress enough how absolutely delicious the it was.

All in all–the trip was phenomenal! Even if Galaway was freezing cold, it was absolutely beautiful. It was great spending time and catching up with my friend, as well as making new friends! I think I can safely say it’s one of my favorite places, and I can’t wait to visit again!

Thanks as always for reading, and I promise to continue keeping you updated!

Best,
Eni

You Mean it’s Week 3? – Coventry & Sussex

Hello everyone!

I’ve been so busy the past couple of weeks I (almost) forgot to update you all! It’s been a whirlwind, it really has. I was in Coventry for a week, and we visited a chocolate factory (Cadbury’s) and it was DELICIOUS! We also went to Harry Potter World (life = complete), and Warwick Castle! It was phenomenal.

Adjusting to being in a new country was different than I thought it would be. I don’t feel out of place per se, but it does feel different. It’s as if someone went inside my room and moved all of the bedroom furniture by 6 inches. It’s a noticeable difference, and feels different, but it’s close enough to what you’re used to, so you don’t feel uncomfortable or out of place. I guess a big part of the reason why my adjustment has been more simple is the wonderful people I’ve met.

In Coventry, everyone was so excited to meet me. My friend and his mom were great (especially his mom) and I also got to meet a ton of people at the pubs and club, and they were all way more friendly than the “British reserve” I was expecting. When I meet new people, I like to get to know them and talk to them for extended periods of time, and it seemed like they were all on the same page as well. Honestly, they were great. We even had a onesie party (which was AMAZING) and made me feel more at home than ever (probably also because I was wearing a Michigan onesie, hehe!)

In Sussex, I’m living in a flat with 5 other people, and they’re great. They’re the friendliest and coolest people I could’ve ever wished to live with, and we’re already great friends. Brighton is beautiful (and I even had Fish & Chips by the seaside!) The biggest difference between Coventry and Brighton is the activity. In Coventry there seemed to be cars, but not a whole lot going on in the town beyond that, but in Brighton I’ve had a hard time slowing myself down and resting because there are SO many activities!

Their Welcome Week vs Our Welcome Week. Where do I begin? Welcome Weeks at Sussex are nonstop, events during the day and night (some school sponsored, and some not school sponsored.) The biggest difference is the drinking culture. Everyone here is over 18, which is the drinking age, and there’s a lot of casual conversations about alcohol. It’s a way more open dialogue than I could’ve ever imagined.

The accents–I LOVE THEM. And strangely enough, they like mine too! I’ve only met a few Americans so far, but I tend to stick with the locals. There’s a few words we always laugh at the differences between–aluminum (alumeeneum), tomatoe (tomaaato), pedophile (peeedophile), and some words that I’ve begun using that I never imagined I would. For example, we might ask, “Do you think?” and they say “Do you reckon?” or  we say “I feel very (or pretty),” and they say “I feel quite…” The language differences are subtle, but they’re there. And there’s some words that we just don’t ever say (as I’m sure you’re all aware.) Probably my favorite word that I’ve been introduced to is “SOUND!” in place of “Awesome” or “Cool” or “Sick.” The list of mannerisms goes on as well, but one thing I want to make abundantly clear: THEY ARE OBSESSED WITH TEA. Repeat: This is not a drill, a little white lie, or even an exaggeration. They drink tea every morning, and it’s so adorable. I love it. And they drink it with milk! When I come back, I don’t imagine I’ll have an accent, but I may use some of their words. And you are all welcome to make lots of fun of me.

I’ve learned that their courses are probably graded more harshly than ours, which is definitely a comfort to me…In the UK the first year doesn’t get factored in the final scores for the students. Isn’t that crazy?! They just have to pass, and it’s only their 2nd and 3rd year classes that matter. That being said, I have to take 2nd and third year courses so I’m a little nervous, but I only have THREE DAYS of class. I have Thursdays-Sundays off, so there’s really no reason for me not to do well as long as I live in the library. Also, we had the University of Michigan’s equivalent of “Festifall” called “Fresher’s Fair.” I signed up for a bunch of “societies” (clubs), including the Drama Society, the Musical Theatre Society, two different choirs, the Model UN, the Political Society, the Liberal Democrats, Sketch Comedy, the Horror Movie society, and the Girl’s Rugby society. (Ha–for the record, I didn’t sign up for the Rugby team because I lost a bet.)

Tomorrow is the Brighton Pier Party where we’ll get to go on the pier and go on all of the rides! Truly, I can’t wait. Tonight will be spent buried in books, so please wish me luck, as I will need it. Sorry this post is so lengthy! I will attempt to keep you updated better in the future. Thanks again for reading!

Happy living!

Eni