Before arriving in Dublin, I took a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, so I can officially say I was in another country, even if I didn't leave the airport. After finally landing in Dublin and poorly navigating the taxi stand, I arrived at the hotel for my pre-program orientation.
The next day was the first orientation. I met the staff members and had the night to explore the city of Dublin. After signing the bridge over the river that separates the north and the south, I went with a few of the other students to dinner at a local restaurant.
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The second day was full of meetings and at the end we went to Experience Gaelic Games where we learned the skills of hurling, Gaelic football, and wall ball. For any of those who really know me, yes I was truly horrible and it was hilarious to watch so I'm told. I highly recommend Experience Gaelic Games for anyone visiting Dublin and interested in the sports played in the country.
On the third and final day I finally got to move into my new apartment. Located in Rathmines, just outside of City Center, my apartment has a fifth story view of the whole town plus more. The town is beautiful and full of sights to see.
Although I didn't really get to see much of the city when we all first moved in, I did get to the following day. While exploring the city with some other students, we walked through the Church of Mary Immaculate which would have been plenty to see.
Following our visit to the church, we continued to walk all throughout the city of Rathmines. After narrowly escaping an attack from swans, we found the birthplace of Bernard Shaw. Unfortunately, like the Irish Jewish Museum, it was not open at the time for visitors.
The final stop on our walk was the beautiful St. Kevin's Church. It was hard for me to believe that people attend this church every week because of the intricacy of the stained glass windows and sculptures.
Although I still haven't been given my internship placement, don't know when my classes are, am a bit homesick (which I'm sure will get worse), and am stumbling through even simple things, I could not be happier. Dublin has been good to me so far and I can't wait to what it has in store.
