the first and most dangerous difference has been getting used to people driving on the other side of the road. i can't tell you how many times i have looked the "american" way before almost stepping right in front of a car that is coming from the other direction! doesn't help that we are surrounded by several major "motorways" and have to cross them to get to food, school and downtown... so it would probably be beneficial for all of you to send up a little prayer that we grasp this change asap! thankfully most crosswalks have buttons to push for a red light (except they actually work) and that has been a lifesaver!
on a less alarming note, we had orientation for how to register for classes today and i have never been so confused in my life! apparently we go to class for two weeks to decide if we like classes and then we register on sept. 17... which means that we might not even get into the class that we'll go to for two weeks. all of the american kids in the room were asking dozens of questions trying to figure out the system. it's causing me a lot of stress so hopefully we'll be able to talk to someone about it :)
finally, we've been absolutely delighted with all of the new phrases and words that the irish people use in their incredible "brogues." firstly, the professors today who presented kept saying "you're very welcome" in their introductions... no one said thank you, they just felt the need to say that. adorable. these people are so kind it's unbelievable, always saying "thanks very much" and "thanks a million." it kills me. another phrase of the day was "can we please have a little hush" when the international students were getting a little rowdy at orientation.
overall i love it here and i'm having such an amazing time so far :) i'll share a few pics from today...
the quadrangle aka something right out of harry potter:
right next to school:
love and miss you all!!!
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