After my seven hour flight I have finally arrived in Dublin! I'm a little delirious right now from the jetlag, and I didn't sleep too well on the flight. I still made sure to pay attention during the landing so that I could enjoy the gorgeous green view. I overheard a few girls talking about EUSA, the internship program that my university is affiliated with, when I was waiting in line for customs. I introduced myself right away, and they were all really nice. After going through customs, I took a taxi that was about 20 minutes from the airport to Shanowen Square, the location of my apartment building. My taxi driver was extremely friendly, which didn't surprise me the least bit since I've been reading about the outgoing and personable personalities that many Irish people are known for. I felt comfortable right away in my new surroundings as I was talking with my driver about my hometown, my excitement at traveling abroad, and my academic interests.
When I arrived at the apartment building I received my apartment number and room assignment. I lugged my 49.5 pound bag (the limit is 50!), my carry on, and my backpack to my apartment block. Little did I know that my specific apartment was at the highest floor of the block, and four sets of stairs stood in my way. I searched aimlessly for an elevator and found that it didn't exist. So I panicked... how was I supposed to carry all of these bags up all of these flights of stairs when my hands already felt like they were going to fall off from dragging them around in the airport? Luckily, just as I was about to attempt to carry the bags on my own, two of my roommates showed up at the door. They brought up my carry-on so I could focus all my attention on the 49.5 pound beast of a bag. I finally got it up the stairs, but at one point I thought I was going to fall down with the bag in my hand. Hopefully that'll be the last time I have to carry that bag up those stairs, but I did feel a sense of accomplishment after I was able to make it out of that situation alive. I guess that's the price of over-packing, but two months is a long time!
There are four single rooms in the apartment and one living space with a kitchen. The rooms are really nice, I have my own closet and my own bathroom! My two roommates were really welcoming when I came in. Even though they already knew each other, I felt comfortable with them and excited to see if a fourth roommate would be joining us. After I unpack, I want to explore the city, and my roommates told me to join them with whatever they do. I set up my internet right away and looked over the packets that I was given upon my arrival. Tomorrow is orientation, which is exciting because I'll get to meet the rest of the students in the program. I'm also looking forward to the city and Guinness tours. It's been a long, exhausting day of traveling, but I'm excited for what is to come.
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