Day 1

Today officially began around 6:00 am (GMT) when I was awakened by a flight attendant offering me a croissant and fruit salad.

After slowly awakening my senses, attempting to "stretch" within the confines of my airline seat and scarfing down some delicious melon and grapes, I heard the pilot begin to speak over the intercom.

I think this is when it started to sink in.

Finally, after almost an entire year of waiting, planning, wondering, packing and imagining (ie, looking up pictures of Ireland on "Google Images") I was in the country I had wondered about for so long!

The minute I stepped off the plane, I met up with a number of girls from our study abroad program and we waited in the line to get our passports checked. Next, around 9:30, we retrieved our bags, lugged all our belongings through the Dublin airport and found Ms. Elizabeth, one of the coordinators of our program.

We were then told the current shuttle to our residence hall was full, so our group would have to stay and wait for the next shuttle at 11:30. Luckily, as soon as we were ushered into a small corner of the Dublin airport, the nervous/excited chatter began and we all took turns making small talk and getting to know one another.

As we were shuttled across Dublin, Elizabeth gave us a miniature bus tour (a preview of what is to come tomorrow!). We got to see the Ha'Penny Bridge, U2's hotel, the River Liffey and much more. Finally, I got to see it in person!

Next, we arrived at our residence hall (Blackhall place) and were able to unload our things and take the day to shop for basic necessitites. Luckily, my roommate, Meg, and I needed to shop for similar items so we (along with about five other girls) made our way to Penney's to buy Duvet covers, shower curtains, towels, etc. We also looked at boots (I'm in the market for a nice pair of leather boots from Ireland!) but no such luck for me. All too small :/

Anyhow, we then went grocery shopping at Fresh Market, where we purchased necessities such as carrots, peanut butter and bread, and where we learned that in Ireland, one must pay 22 cents to purchase a plastic grocery bag (a free luxury in America). I also learned that one must weigh his or her product and print out the price sticker before presenting it to the cashier. Oops! haha.

We then retired back to our rooms to set up our purchases until we met for dinner at 6:00.

We decided on a pizza place/deli across the street from two Irish pubs (since the pubs weren't serving dinner). I had some delicious minestrone soup and we all got a chance to talk about what we want to do before we leave the country. I said travel to London, but we will see how that plays out...

We then crossed the street to a pub (the name starts with a "C", I can't quite remember) where I purchased my first alcoholic beverage. A delicious cider that tasted like green grapes. :) I felt very grown up, and even a little nervous while ordering, but I knew this day would come eventually! haha...

We then returned to our residence hall, and Meg and I put up our new shower curtain. In short, it was a successful, long, adventurous day. And now I really need to get some sleep.

Cheers!