Already two weeks.

The first two weeks really have gone by pretty quick. There were definitely some moments, more than once, when I wanted to get on a plane and fly home immediately. And, I am sure there will be more to come. But, for now, I am happy to say I have made it through. Also, glad to report I finally have a set schedule! I am taking, drum roll please:

Anglo-Irish Lit
ROO - Resources for Ongoing Orientation (mandatory, but supposed to be interesting)
Crime and the Media
Communication Skills
Intercultural Communication Competency
Irish Culture and History (Core Course with my abroad group)

So far I have liked all my classes and the professors seem pretty interesting and compelling. The classes aren't exactly academically challenging, but there isn't too much I can do about that.

This weekend I went downtown on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I explored the city with two of my roommates AnnCatherine and Fal. We had a great time just wondering around, exploring the city. We happened upon this amazing Food Festival that they have every Saturday in the Temple Bar Area. When you walk in you are surrounded by carts with vendors selling everything from meat and poultry to crepes and home made bread. They had a Chinese food cart where you could get fried noodle bowls, a raw oyster bar, cheese mongers, bakers, a Mediterranean cart, even a smoothie maker. The highlight for me was the olive cart, selling the best olives I have ever eaten in my entire life, as well as homemade humus, tabouli and olive tapendade.

While I was at the market I bought a container of their homemade hummus, which is absolutely amazing. By far the best hummus I have ever had, and we all know hummus is one of my main food sources. I also bought a ball of fresh mozzarella and sundried tomatoes in an olive oil and herbs that are out of this world. At another stand I bought a loaf of sundried tomato bread that barely lasted until Sunday it was so good. Here are some of the other carts and tables in the food market:

Amazing desserts and pies and sausage rolls.

Just look at those brownies. Mouth watering.

This little girl knows more about cheese then I think I will ever know in my entire life.

Since unfortunately it cannot always be about food, even though most times I wish it could be, we did engage in some cultural activities as well. In the heart of the city is the Dublin Castle. It dates back to around the 1600s and is a massive, awe inspiring structure. We mainly explored the outskirts of the Chapel Royal and the Norman Tower, which used to be a prison, but now houses the Garda Museum.

This is the Norman Tower and the part to the left is the side of the Chapel Royal.

The entrance!

This is the coach house where traditionally the Viceroy's coach and horses were housed, but now it has been turned into an event and conference space. It is positively breath taking with the Dubhlinn Gardens in front of it.

All around Grafton street there are flower vendors who sell beautiful flowers. Every time I walk past one I am struck by their color and vibrancy in the heart of the city.

I get envious every time I see someone walking around with a bundle of sunflowers under the arm. It is just so civilized in its simplicity.

Since no trip to Dublin is complete with a pint here I am outside Temple Bar:



Here is Fal, me and AnnCatherine gallivanting around Dublin for the day.