Without Further Ado...

I have now been back in Ireland for 3 days and am completely exhausted. My arrival in Dublin was a very complicated, hectic, and exhausting one which I was not overly-excited to blog about. However, things have begun to look up as my room is (pretty much) settled and I am learning my way around. Now if the weather would let up a bit, that would be perfect!

Here's a recap:

I began my travels to Dublin on Sunday, January 11th, in Kansas City. It was cold outside but not too bad and after checking my luggage and getting some coffee I boarded my flight and all was well. This trip would total two flights and after my first was complete I settled in for a 5-hour layover before my next. When I boarded the plane the flight attendants quickly rushed everyone on without regard for the lack of overhead storage. This resulted in about 30 people standing in the aisle with rolling carryons and another twenty minutes rectifying the situation. The flight was fairly turbulent but not nearly as turbulent as the flight attendant's attitudes which were not as sunny and positive as I am accustomed to.

We landed in Dublin an hour earlier than scheduled (how does that even happen?) and the officer that handled my immigration proceedings said I had the wrong documentation. I told him that I had already successfully and legally studied in the country but he insisted that I was wrong as I tried to just keep smiling (because what else are you supposed to do?). Eventually the man took my picture (and I may be on a list now or something) but begrudgingly let me through. 

After I settled back down I collected my things at baggage claim, casually talked to other students waiting for the bus, and we all proceeded to UCD. When we arrived I followed the others to the check-in area. Everyone quickly went through check-in receiving their keys and such until it was my turn. I was told that there was a problem with my account and that I needed to go sit in the corner and wait for a while. I was issued a red student card (all other students have green ones) and I proceeded to my accommodation. 

Then I got locked out of my accommodation. With my suitcase. And my duffels. And without any sleep. Or patience. A nice guy let me into my building where I found my door, plopped down my belongings, and shed a tear or two. After gathering my passport and my composure I then returned to the housing office and got the card situation sorted and handled. I made it back to my room, luckily the key worked, and began unpacking my things. 

The rest of this day was (fairly, sort of) uneventful and I went with some new acquaintances into the city for dinner and a drink at the famous Temple Bar. 

The next morning (1/13/15) I began all of the international office activities. One of these included a trip to IKEA and after 45 minutes of pleasant shopping I, of course, got lost. About an hour later I eventually found the group and ate some Swedish meatballs. That evening we went to a club and after accidentally staying there until 3:30am we made our way back.

Yesterday (1/14/15) I went on a shopping tour and had more orientation events. I then decided to take the night off and go to bed at a decent hour.

After further introductions and orientations this morning, here I am.

I apologize for the lack of blogging over winter break and earlier this week but I am officially back! Thanks for those of you reading my blog at home and around the world, I am excited to share my adventures with you this semester!

Please check out my YouTube channel and my Facebook page for more information and feel free to comment below!

Yours,

The Opinionated Lassie