First Weekend: Someone Stop Me From Shopping

First weekend in Ireland: check.

Friday morning we decided to go to St. George's Market, which was very similar to a flea market in the States. There were local food vendors and vintage clothing, jewelry, bags, and so much more. I wanted to buy everything in sight but had to restrain myself. I did end up leaving with a new small across the body purse. It was just so cute I couldn't say no. Then the housemates and I walked to the City Centre of Belfast, which is where all the big building and stores were. We went to Primark, some souvenir shops, and other places. Of course walked away with a few more things for myself and others! We saw the Clock Tower, the Big Fish, and a few other landmarks of Belfast. The whole city, whether urban or countryside is just unbelievably beautiful. Even in the middle of the most urban part of Belfast, it is still covered in cobblestone roads and traditional Irish buildings. 

We walked back from the City Centre to get ready for the night out. (By the way, I've done more walking in Ireland than what seems my entire life. It's great because we can literally go anywhere just by walking but bad because I get so wore out by the end of the day. We walk about 30 minutes to the City Centre, hours walking around while there, and another 30 minutes back. Not counting if we go anywhere else that day, such as when we go out at night).

We got back to our flat, ate dinner, and made plans for the evening with the other Erasmus students. We were planning to meet at one of the others' flats and then all go to a pub but we were all having such a good time there that we just decided to stay. There were about 25 of us all in one living room, playing cards, drinking, and just having a great time.

Originally we were going to go to Dublin on Saturday but we found out the hurling finals were happening and literally every hostel, hotel, and B&B were all booked. So we decided to check out the Botanic Gardens and Queens University instead and they were both absolutely beautiful. We had a picnic in the Gardens and it was an amazing way to spend out Saturday afternoon.

That night we made sure to actually make it out to the pubs, so we met at the pub instead. There were so many of us that it was actually quite hard to find a pub to fit us all. Apparently traditional Irish pubs are actually quite small. After walking aimlessly around town some more we finally found one, The Elms. So we stayed there for awhile and drank and met some new people. Around 12am, some Erasmus students wanted to head back but about 6 of us decided to go dancing after. It was actually very interesting because one male Erasmus student came with us and when he went to the door of the club and asked the bouncer if we could go in/if there was a cover charge, the bouncer said they were closed even though there was clearly people everywhere. And at the next club the same thing happen, so one of us had the idea that a girl should ask instead and lo and behold, we got right in for free. 

I had been wondering why a lot of the Irish girls dressed so... let's say provocative, and I think I figured out why now. 

That is something else I've noticed is a big difference between Ireland and the States. Of course we have out fair share of provocatively girls but there seems to be so many more here. And at such a younger age. Girls 9, 10, 11 dressed with booty shorts and cropped tops. It was honestly shocking that their parents let them go out even in the middle of the day dressing almost like a street walker. We even saw on our way walking home one time, two girls, who couldn't of been more than 12, straight up fighting in the street. As in throwing jacket to the ground, shoving, and punching each other. We didn't even know what to do. Of course dressed like a 23 year old going to the club. 

I will admit that most people in Ireland have much much much better style than back home. Men, women, parents, even the elderly. It is very refreshing to be around people who actually care if they're presentable to be in public but more than that, have actual style. Not sorority t-shirts and norts or polos and sperrys or t-shirt and jeans. Most people in Ireland, men, women of all ages wouldn't be caught dead looking like they just rolled out of bed in public. But there are those that cross the line from fashionable to absolutely trashy. But for the most part, I love feeling like I don't stand out for wearing more "fashion-forward" things. 

Sunday we walked to the City Centre again to visit an Irish festival for Belfast Day. It was a little but more for families and kids but we still had a nice time. Then we had planned to to to Bangor, a city on the sea side, but missed our bus, so ended up just doing some more shopping again. We were all so tired by that point anyway, it was probably best we didn't go because we all just needed some rest. Plus it was much colder than we were expecting, so the sea side would of most likely been even colder with the winds.

Overall I am 100% in love with Ireland and haven't even been here a week yet. Classes start on Tuesday, so I'm looking forward to seeing how those go. Hopefully next weekend we make it to Dublin and I can stop spending money on shopping!

Each Day Falling More And More In Love

I could say it a million times how wonderful Ireland is. I've only been here a few days and I'm already sad to leave in a few short months.

Yesterday my housemates and I woke up, got ready, and walked to the nearest shopping area called City Centre. We bought mostly food and a few other items for the apartment. We came back and made dinner and our last housemate arrived baring gifts! She brought us each a jar of traditional Slovenian honey and a bottle of Slovenian alcohol to share! Not long after she arrived we began getting ready for the pub crawl. We were of course running late so after we got to the first bar (I got my first Guinness!) we were told the bus was coming in like five minutes. So let's just say it was the fastest I've ever drank a beer until then at least. We headed for the second pub and my housemates and I decided to buy in rounds for each other. So I bought a pitcher of Sex On The Beach (which was my favorite of the night) and Jenny bought a pitcher of Party Girl. The third pub may have been my favorite because my housemates and I were in a drinking game against four St. Mary's freshers students (Irish might I add). We were in a game called the beer race and had to drink the beer as fast as possible and put it over our head upside down to show it was empty. I was up first and thinking I had finished it I put it over my head and the foam left in the bottle got all over my hair! Luckily it did everyone else's too and was worth it because we won! They called it a tie to be nice but even the other competitors admitted that we won. Therefore, that was now the fastest I've drank a beer and I can say we beat some Irish girls at their own game! The night continued on from pub to pub drinking, dancing, laughing, and having all sorts of fun. When the night finally came to an end and we took a taxi home and stayed up a little longer just laughing about the events of the night.

The next day we slept in pretty late (me at least) and stayed around the apartment. The best part I would say was making our first dinner all together. We made rice with green, red, and yellow peppers, carrots, and homemade salad (croutons, dressing, and everything). It was delicious. We also made plans for the weekend which we decided to go to Dublin! So we spent the rest of the night snacking and watching an equally horrible version of UK's Big Brother or The Real World. It was great just relaxing and getting to know my wonderful housemates even more. Although I'm definitely excited for what we have in store for this weekend!

The fun just never ends and I can easily say I've fallen in love with a country by the name of Ireland.

The First Day

Well as my first day in Ireland comes to an end I think about the incredible time I've had already. It started off with my flight from Louisville, KY to Newark, NJ where I had a layover. Then boarded my plane for Belfast, Northern Ireland at 9:30pm and arrived at 9am. When we landed in Ireland I literally had to hold back tears because I was so overwhelmed with happiness. I couldn't believe I had finally made it.

To my surprise when I attempted to go through security apparently I did not have my Letter of Acceptance from St. Mary's and I was detained. Interestingly enough as I waited for about an hour to get my information verified I met a man who knew much about Kentucky and Centre College. We talked about the debate and other known things about Centre. It was so refreshing to see even across the globe people still recognize my school for our achievements. After being released I had to wait about another hour for my ride to pick me up. We went from place to place picking up other Erasmus (international) students, their luggage, keys, and even the bank before I finally made it to my apartment. 

When I finally did make it after being worn out and jet lagged, I walked in to a sign my housemates had made saying "Welcome Elizabeth." It was the sweetest thing I could've had happen after such a long day. They also said they had been expecting me in the morning (as I did) and had made me toast for breakfast but it didn't keep all day. I was still shocked and overjoyed by their kindness. I then picked my room, got settled in, met a few other Erasmus students, and relaxed around the apartment with
my housemates for a while. Realizing even more how kind and sweet they all truly are. Plus they figured out how to get us free wifi and how couldn't you love someone for that? Later that evening we explored St. Mary's University and then picked up some beer and went over to another Erasmus students' apartments. One of the highlights of my night was introducing all my international friends to the infamous penis cards. It was a huge success. So as other students stopped by the tiny living room began to fill with people. Before I knew it, everyone was laughing and talking like we've known each other for months already. I knew then that this was going to be an incredible semester getting to know some very wonderful people. So we laughed and played drinking games all night. I taught them American ones and I learned some new Polish ones. It was truly a great night.

Even better I get to do it all again tomorrow at the Pub Crawl but on a larger scale with more amazing people for FREE. I can't believe how quickly we've all been getting along and getting to know each other. I honestly think this is one amazing group of students that I cannot wait to spend the next three months learning and growing with. 

Today has just solidified my excited for the whole semester and I couldn't of asked for a better first day. 

For now it's 1:38am in Belfast and this girl needs a lot of sleep for what tomorrow holds.

Before The Take Off

Welcome friends and family!
As you probably know if you're reading this I will be studying abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland this semester as well as doing some other traveling throughout Europe. I wanted to keep my loved ones updated as well keep a record for myself, so volia the blog was born. I have still yet to leave for that magical flight but will do so on Monday the 23rd and arrive in Belfast Tuesday the 24th. While Centre started back and my friends are all back in their routines, I have not-so-patiently been waiting for the great day to come. While I send some final emails and make sure everything is in order, I am overjoyed with excitement for my adventure to begin. The questions start culminating in my head 'what if I get lost?' 'what if I can't figure out the phones to call someone' and 'what if I run out of money' but even with all my worries, I am ready to start the experience of my life. Trying not to get caught up in expectations but rather let the experiences come as they may is my mindset for going forward.

I don't have much more for now but I will update when I arrive and tell of my first impressions of the beautiful mother land. Until then, I should get to packing!