First Two Days in Dublin

Hello all!

I arrived safely into Dublin at 9:30 am on Saturday, the flight over was great I had a row to myself and actually slept, and customs was a breeze they only asked how long I would be in the country! After arriving, I met David from Global Experiences and he took me to a cab which drove me right to my host family's apartment. The place is great, it is right on the River Liffey, and I have a view from my room which is also great! I am living with Lorraine and Wally, both have been so welcoming and friendly, you all do not need to be worried, I am being very well taken care of and well fed, the Irish sure do love food...and beer, I feel very comfortable and safe here as well, it is not a big, crazy bustling city, everyone is very laid back, and want to be sure I have a good time. After unpacking, showering, and having a wonderful lunch, Lorraine and Wally took me across the river and walked me past the Clarion Hotel where I will be working for my internship, it is a 10 minute walk from the apartment and I can take a bus if I want also, another 5-10 minute walk and we are right at the city center, we had quick walk around the city and then headed back to the apartment, I took a nap as I was tired from the trip and the time difference. Later on we had dinner and headed out to a pub, we started out at one which was very comfortable and quaint with cushioned chairs, lamps, and wallpaper on the walls, what you'd think of as a typical Irish pub, it was all local and older folk in there, then we headed to a pub inside a hotel, which was a little more modern and was a good mix of locals and people vacationing at the hotel, we ended up at the last pub which was more in a hidden part of the city, it was also your more typical local irish pub but with karaoke! It was a blast, even after the music was done people would start up a song, its great how laidback and carefree the Irish, they definitely know how to have a good time! And yes they love their beer!! All in all I couldn't have asked for a better day!

Today I slept in and me and Lorraine headed to Grafton St. to pick up a few things and showed me around the St. Stephen's Green shopping center and a little bit of Trinity College and the entrance to St. Stephen's Green Park. After heading back I relaxed most the rest of the day, later on Lorainne's children and grandchild came over for dinner and it was great meeting them, and since dinner have just been hanging out and relaxing! Tomorrow I have my orientation with Global Experiences, just sort of an Introduction to Dublin and Irish Culture, and general information if something should happen, but good information to know. Like I said no need to worry I am well taken care of, I am enjoying myself and being safe! I am looking forward to a great three months!

Here is a link for my photos:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2650132&id=13747907&l=4ace24bb4c

T-Minus 7 Days

This is my first post for my blog site I will be updating during my stay in Ireland. A lot of you have asked to keep you updated and post pictures so this will be the best way to do it for everyone. As of today I will leave in 7 days, I can't believe it's so close, the time flew by as the departure date came closer. I will be home in a few days with my family and will officially begin packing for my trip! As I am wrapping things up before I leave it's starting to sink in that I will really be in Ireland in a week, I can not wait!