The first few days..

So much has happened in my first few days in Belfast that I don't even know where to begin.. Maybe I will write about certain areas of my new "home" so that everyone back in the states can get a little taste of what my life has been like the last few days.

First, I will start with the people I have met. I feel like I can be completely open with the friends that I have made here. We are all experiencing something new and are all self-conscious about something, so no one is judgmental. It is such a nice feeling knowing that no matter what you say and no matter what you wear, you will be accepted. There is no barbie doll norm here, everyone gets to be who they want to be. And I feel that in our society, even in our circle of friends that sometimes that is a rare novelty. Of course there are stereotypes, and I am supposedly fulfilling all the American ones my international friends have. However, they reassure me that is a good thing, otherwise they wouldn't be spending so much time with me.

Second, the weather. Contrary to my hopes is not much warmer than it is back in Iowa. I just looked up the weather and it is 15 degrees warmer in Belfast than it is in Iowa. Even though I am sure you are all thinking I still have it much better than you. I challenge you to walk an hour in this weather and then tell me how "warm" it feels in comparison. The walk to classes takes anywhere between 10-20 minutes so it is no 2 minute walk like Coe. Also, Iowa is known for its rapid change in weather however I experienced all 4 seasons in one day in Ireland. It snowed, misted, rained hailed, and was sunny all within about 4 hours! And did I mention this was all under a crystal clear blue sky?

Third, the differences I am experiencing as an international student. I thought I would be able to get along easy in another country which speaks English. That was a naive misconception. Even though I know it is an easier transition for me than some, it is not easy. Many things have little differences that make them confusing. Take registering for classes as an example. The website was so confusing that a guy literally had to walk me through it and basically did the whole thing for me. It could have been in Arabic as far as I was concerned. And even though the Irish accent is quite nice to listen to, it is also quite hard to understand at times. A few times non-native English speakers will turn to me and ask what the Irish person said, and even though we speak the same language I have no clue what they said either.

Well, that is all for now. I hope you continue to read my blog and don't forget to keep in touch.

All my love,
Amanda