Week One: Exploring Galway
It has been quite a week for this Minnesota girl. It seems like much longer than 7 days since I last sat in Lola’s with snow falling out the window. In that time I have been on three planes, had my passport stamped two times, and moved into a house. There are endless things to adjust to; the almost constant rain, a much larger campus, a fifteen-minute walk to get anywhere, and new people everywhere I turn. But the changes aren’t bad. The city center is absolutely beautiful and incredibly Irish. Below is a picture of Shop Street in the evening. This iconic Galway street stretches on for blocks and has countless pubs, coffee shops, and stores on each side. Christmas decorations are still lighting up the streets and alleyways, and performers on the street give the most wonderful Irish feeling.
After a walk down Shop Street, a right turn will bring you to where the Corrib River meets Galway Bay. My ISA (International Studies Abroad) group and I visited the Galway museum next to the water to catch up on the rich history and enjoy the cafe before we went to campus. Below is a picture of Galway Bay.
I had attended many orientation presentations in the past few days. Ireland does college a little differently than America. Classes start on Monday, and registration for those classes also begin on Monday. In a couple weeks I will find out if the lessons I’ve been attending are actually the ones I will have the rest of the semester. It seems stressful to my American friends and me, but the Irish are certain that this is an easy and relaxed process. I am excited for school and soccer to start so that I can meet more people and get into a nice routine. Next week’s blog should have more information and pictures! Have a great week and God’s blessings!
