"Face First"

In Dublin...so much stuff went down today, it's still settling in.

First off sleeping on the plane did not happen, the seats were tiny and super close together. As of right now I have not had any sleep for the last 28 hours, holy jet lag. 

After arriving at the airport, with my traveling companions Callan and Katie, we split a cab to get to UCD. We all met at orientation a few months ago and have since planned our flights and housing arrangements together. Three Musketeers style.

University College of Dublin (UCD)

Much to our dismay Roebuck Castle (the dorm I'm staying in) is in fact not a castle, however it is called a castle due to amenities it includes such as single rooms with individual bathrooms, catered meal plan, tv rooms, kitchen, study space, and the gym. Needless to say I am very comfortable. Pictures soon to come of my room once I'm unpacked. 

The biggest surprise was Callan's room....which is extra large and built with handicap accessibility. The bathroom is just ridiculous.

Callan and her handicap bathroom...

Exhausted as we were, we showered, put on some fresh clothes, and headed out to open bank accounts, find cell phones, and do some necessity shopping. At first this was a very daunting task. There are no bus schedules posted anywhere and the UCD campus is huge (bigger than 'Cuse). Luckily, we stumbled upon the UCD international student global lounge and we were pointed in the right direction.

We took a double decker bus to Grafton Street where we were able to find a Vodafone store and Dunnes Store which is like a JC Penney with a Price Chopper on the bottom floor. While on Grafton Street we stopped to take a picture with the historical "Molly Malone". A little old irish man playing music took the picture for us. He introduced himself as "Connor" and made sure to kiss each of us not the cheek before pointing us in the direction of O'Connell Street where we continued shopping.

Callan (left) and Katie/Katherine (right) on the top of the bus

Personally, we were impressed with our accomplishments having only been here for one day.

After being completely exhausted we returned to UCD to have dinner and turn in to our rooms for some peace and quiet at 7pm.   

The next few days will consist mostly of orientation and academic information sessions but we are signed up for a hike in Glendalough on Saturday.

All in all an exciting beginning! I'll post more pictures throughout this week!                                        

The Bus!

Chilling with Molly Malone on Grafton Street.