Today was our first day of classes! We got to catch up on even more sleep since they didn’t even start until 1. But since we were all just so excited for school we decided to go out to breakfast beforehand. Our apartment building are set up as “blocks” with a courtyard in the middle, which has become our typical meeting place. I woke up at 9 after sleeping about 12 hours thinking I would be set for the day, but fell back asleep for another 50 minutes before waking up with a start and realizing everyone was meeting outside in 10 minutes. It was a rush but I was out there and still had a little time as we waited for a few stranglers. Once the group was together, we walked down the road a little bit to the Bagel Box for some breakfast bagels and drinks. We’ve learned very quickly that walking into places with 14 college kids can be a  little overwhelming for  everyone so we try our hardest to be on our best behavior (a little more than usual). Our group did lose a few people who chose sleep over food so it was not as big as a group it could’ve been but we were still too big for a small bagel shop. We moved our party outside to enjoy the nice weather while we could. After sitting and enjoying our last bites and sips of coffee (or water in my case) we made our way back, but not before deciding to take a group trip to the grocery store. We all seemed a bit unsure how this whole food allowance thing is working and how much we have to cook so we were all probably a bit a little more reserved with our pickings. I for one bought some apples, pepper, pasta, sauce, peanut butter, and crackers. (Mom, I promise I’m getting enough to eat). My plan was to see how the first few days went and go from there on how much I’d need to get.

My two classes were back to back and more of an introduction on how everyone is and where we go from here. They seem to be pretty open-ended on how I can do my work, which is really cool. The one thing my professor did stress was how important it is to keep writing. Pretty handy that I already happen to be writing these. After class we had a short break before meeting in the courtyard again. This second half of the day was definitely my favorite. Our professors took us on our own little adventure. We walked around a park near our apartments called Fitzgerald Park, which was beautiful. There was a huge playground in the middle and different paths and trails. We walked over a pond with fountains and statues and the next minute walking through a garden. I have tons of pictures of flowers that I keep adding onto. My grandma got me started on it a few years ago and now I have to stop to take them, so hopefully she’ll at least appreciate those. The paths led to all sorts of places. We ended up at Cork Museum, where we did a quick run through on our own looking at the different pictures, facts, artifacts, and a dress up station, which only had neon colored vests, a pair of black gloves, a couple bucket hats, a  helmet, some paint brushes, and a couple other tools for all your archaeological needs.

Our trail ended and we walked up to the UCC campus.It was cool to see because it had a Harry Potter feel, except covered in green. It was also kind of funny because it’s all these buildings that are pretty old then turn around to a completely modern library or art gallery. We didn’t go into any buildings, but the outside was beautiful. It reminded me of JMU a little bit. We walked to St. Fin Barre’s Church next. Unfortunately we couldn’t go in without paying, so we stayed out front. There was plenty to see just looking at the front of the church. There were these magnificent engravings in the side of the building that had the smallest details.

One of the professors, Tom, talked about this brewery that we should check out, so we

walked the long way around the city, seeing some really cool hole-in-the-wall sights on our way. Once we got there we discovered the brewery was closed. Closed is too generous of a word. It looked like it was abandoned decades ago. We were all kind of disappointed, but laughing at the irony. Without missing a step, he led us back on track to head into the city center. Laurie, the second professor, steered us into the tourist office to pick up brochures and pamphlets for the city and different events coming up with the Midsummer Festival starting soon. Our group decided to split in half for dinner tonight. The other group went to an Italian place, while my group chose Tony’s Bistro. We didn’t really know what to expect, but saw quickly they were mostly a breakfast place, although they did have some regular food too. Once I got breakfast in my head, I was set on it. I mean, what’s better than breakfast for dinner? I ordered pancakes with tea, which was served with sides of Nutella and whipped cream instead of syrup.

We made our long trek back to the apartments for a very short break to get ready before going back into the city to listen to some music at the Oliver Plunkett Pub. The atmosphere of this place from the time we had gone in for our early dinner a day before this and the night life here were completely different! It was packed! And for good reason! They had a band playing and finishing their last few songs as we walked in. We listened to the music for a couple songs before heading upstairs to see what it was all about. Walking upstairs revealed a whole new personality in and of itself. There was another band up there and another bar and different crowd. This area was a lot calmer than the lower level. Everyone was sitting at tables or standing around the bar listening to the music and talking amongst themselves. The band was playing traditional Irish music instead of the more popular or modern style we think of. We made our way back to the first level while the new band was setting up. This band was a group of three lads without a band name. How were they performing with no name? I have no idea, but fear not they earned themselves one by the end of the night when they asked for suggestions and someone from our group yelled out “Three Man Band.” They seemed to like the sound of it after repeating “Tree Man Band” in their Irish accents a few times. These guys were the stars of the night. They played covers of only the popular songs, like the songs you hear and immediately know all the lyrics to. For example, some of my favorites was Little Lion Man, Wagon Wheel, and Bear Necessities. I think we were all singing/screaming the lyrics the entire time. My voice was gone by the end of the night and would be hoarse for the entire next day too. It was so fun how they sang any kind of genre and everyone knew it no matter what.

The coolest part about the pub was the people. There were people of all ages there. There was an older couple that danced better than anyone else on that entire floor. There was a guy who came for some event in a dress and crocs. We even ran into other Americans who are studying abroad from Louisiana for English as well! It was such a fun night no one even thought to check their watch until the band was finishing up and we realized it was almost 2:30! And at that time the pub was still packed! It’s funny to see all the stores and some restaurants all closed by 7 pm and the streets mostly empty but then walk into a pub and it is still bumping even at ridiculous times. Just shows were all the Irishman go at night, especially on a Friday night. On the walk back home we all talked about the band, enjoyed some pizza, and tried not to think about how many hours of sleep we’d get before we would be waking up in the morning.