A Break from the Green

To do a little catch up, Ireland has been busy.  From spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin to weekend trips sight seeing, things have been hectic and exciting to say the least.  Immersing myself in the university’s curriculum has also been an experience.  Professors (whom you call solely by their first names) treat students as adults and expect your complete effort plus some.  Since learning is more in the student’s hands, it makes for a more relaxed learning environment and one is able to pull more information out and let it sink in; if they are willing that is.

As the study abroad experience is all about learning new things and getting out there, I decided what better way to spend my Spring break than a little trip around Europe.  In just a short amount of time, I have recently visited London, Amsterdam, Munich, Athens & Barcelona.  All of which were completely beautiful in their own way.  Throughout the travels very few sites were left unseen.  It was absolutely amazing to simply walk down the street and hear the different native language and experience the lively cultures.  Although most of the places I visited spoke a different primary language than English, the challenge simply emphasized the experience and gave me more of a realization of the opportunities studying abroad has enabled me.  With classes starting back up again for the last few weeks, I can only hope that the end of the semester brings more adventures and some slightly warmer weather!

Cheers!

The Lessons of Coleraine

As I continue my adventures and travels not only on campus but throughout Northern Ireland as a whole, I can’t help but realize the significant amount of lessons I have begun to learn.  While studying here, I thought that I would have an advantage of already knowing the language, thus less stress to overcome.  On the contrary, being unaware of the culture, habits, and geography of Ireland itself, has proven me wrong on many occasions.  As I notice these little differences and learn from them, I have started to compose a list.  I thought it may be beneficial to provide some insight on my experiences in order for future travelers to prepare and past travelers to relate.  With that said, here is a list of a few  lessons I have learned so far:

Lesson 1.  Don’t let the weather ruin your day.  As long as you pack your bag for any and all weather conditions, no matter what occurs you’ll be ready.  Plus, its a great bonding experience to reminisce on the weather you withstood with your friends that day.  Also a single day of some sun, instantly puts everyone in a great mood!

Lesson 2.  5 people traveling by cab requires a bus/van cab and when ordering said cab, this must specifically be stated.  If not, your group is split up, you pay more, and people get left to wait in the cold.  Also, it is a good idea to book cabs in advance for weekends, otherwise expect to get home at least 2 hours after you initially planned.  A payment system may also be a helpful establishment amongst the passengers, as everyone is not guaranteed to always have the change necessary.

Lesson 3.  The paper currency is very logical; the higher the amount, the larger the size.  The coins are a different story.  1 pound is a medium sized coin. 2 pounds is silver and gold and just a tiny bit bigger.  50p is similar to 20p but, 20p is a hexagon and the size of 1 pound. 1p is copper colored and significantly larger than 10p and 10p is the size of a penny.  Practice makes perfect.

Lesson 4.  Food ingredient may seem strange but if you don’t know, just ask. For example, rocket is a pepper herb, champ is mashed potatoes with chives,  smash is boxed potatoes, and goujons are chicken tenders.

Lesson 5.  If a train timetable is read incorrectly, your idea of being early for the train may turn into you just missing it by a few minutes.

  Lesson 6.  Not only are you supposed to drive on the opposite side of the road, but when walking on a sidewalk the same is expected.  To avoid the awkward dance/shuffle with the approaching person, just do yourself a favor and choose the opposite side that you would normally walk on.

Lesson 7.  If the flyers or posters for an event tell you a time to arrive, don’t believe it.  The event or departure really occurs within that hour to hour and a half time frame.

Lesson 8.  Holidays are easy to celebrate here, as card stores are just as easily found on the streets as pubs.  Variety and theme included.

Lesson 9.  Expect your mind to be turned on full spend while in stores or having a conversation.  This is due to the fact that you will be constantly doing money (euros, pounds, dollars), temperature (Celsius, Fahrenheit),  length (Kilometers, meters, feet), and time conversions.

Lesson 10.  No matter what country you come from, a welcoming smile can warm your heart and lead to a friendly or familiar conversation and that sense of feeling at home.

Lesson 11.  When asked where you’re from, the correct responds neither involves listing your heritage nor simply saying ‘America’ as everyone can tell instantly.  Skip the embarrassment and just say the state!  Everyone in Europe is taught the 50 states and have a general idea of their locations.

Lesson 12.  As an American you have a slight disadvantage.  We lack knowledge of geography, history of countries (sometimes even our own), and language skills ( many people know at least 2 languages fluently).  Thus, striving to learn is necessary.

Lesson 13.  It is not uncommon to hear all American musical artists playing everywhere!  Much to my disappointment the stereotype of hearing traditional Irish music constantly does not exist.  The same goes for television and movies.

Lesson 14.  Change is not a bad thing, its simply just gaining a different perspective.

Lesson 15.  Ireland is very laid back and rushing is nonexistent.  There are no early morning classes, unless you consider 9:15am early  and businesses close at 5pm, so no nights of working late.  Also, environmentalism and conservation of products and energy is a top priority, thus the tiny cars and excessive use of public transportation and recycled products.

These are just a few of the lessons I have come to learn and embrace and I expect there to be a few more to come as explorations continue!

Cheers!

The Emerald Isle

Hi my name is Tanya Cheeseman and I’m currently studying at the University of Ulster, Coleraine campus.  Not being Irish myself, my expectations were based mostly off of stereotypes, stories and movies.  In preparation for my departure from the States, I was constantly asked “are you nervous?” “are you ready?” “are you excited?”  Honestly, in answering the questions, I was never fully confident in my reply, “a little” “almost” or “yeah”.  With no idea of what to expect, how could I not be nervous?  Scared to leave my familiars behind, no amount of preparation would truly allow me to be ‘ready’.

Upon descent from the clouds, fields of endless shades of green shown through and at the very second I could finally answer the final question with confidence: yes, I’m excited!  It was just how I had imagined it; possibly even better than the random internet pictures, as these imagines were finally my own.  Having done some exploring and traveling the excitement is slowly hitting me more and more.  Although the weather is unchanging and predictable: cloudy, slight chance of peaking sun, highs in the mid 40s & 100% chance of rain, the idea of a new adventure the next day give me motivation to continue to explore.  After visiting some sites already such as Port Stewart, Coleraine, Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway, I have found everything to amaze me.  I find myself taking pictures of grass and walls, which seem common enough, but in this new perspective is fascinating.  At some points I even find myself thinking that the surroundings, being so picturesque, resemble a green screen ready to snap me back to reality at any given second.

With classes just beginning this week, I continue to experience new things everyday which makes me wonder if the excitement will ever wear off.  Having had a few “ya live, ya learn” lessons, getting acquainted with the new culture is easier that I had anticipated.  Everyone is very approachable, which brings the comforts of home a little closer.

Off to make travel plans for the days and weeks to come.

Cheers from across the pond!