A weekend to remember...

I am here in Northern Ireland, at the University of Ulster in Coleraine to be exact. We arrived on schedule, despite various delays centering around New Jersey. A lot has happened in the last few days...

We boarded the plane at the MSP airport only to find that there were three seats in every row, two on one side and one on the other. It was definitely the smallest plane I have ever seen. I was almost unable to stand up in the aisle, and that's saying something. Also, there was very limited space to stow carry-on luggage, so I had to hold some of mine in my lap for the majority of the flight. Then, when we finally started taxiing to the runway, the pilot came on over the intercom and reported that, due to the amount of traffic at Newark, we would be unable to take off for about another hour and 20 minutes. That meant sitting in the plane, cramped and uncomfortable, and not even in the air. Luckily, we were actually able to take off after only about 40 minutes of waiting. Thus, we arrived at Newark only slightly behind schedule and we had no trouble grabbing something to eat and making our connection to Belfast. We all made it, with only two very close calls coming in from other flights. The flight over the Atlantic was smooth and comfortable. Customs went fairly smoothly and all our luggage arrived safely.

After meeting Nigel, the program director, at the airport we headed to the grocery store to buy food needed for the weekend. We were utterly lost. Without knowing what the cooking conditions were like, most of us settled for cereal, PB and J, and any other mostly processed meals we could find.

A note about the food so far. The peanut butter is WAY different. It's almost grainy and doesn't really have a peanut taste. It's more like a simple paste you put on your bread for a texture and flavor reminiscent of peanuts. Needless to say, it's not my favorite. Also, oddly enough, though the Frosted Flakes (called Frosties here) are made by Kelloggs, they are not the same as back home. They have a different flavor, almost like honey, but they're still pretty good.

After grocery shopping we settled into our rooms, which are pretty nice. Each of the girls' rooms has its own private bathroom and we all share cooking and living room facilities. It's been great so far, though a little bit on the cold side. We cannot figure out how their radiators work. Or the showers. I stood in the shower for about ten minutes trying to turn and twist all sorts of things before I finally got the water running. I'm still not sure about the temperature. The TV here is spectacular. It's pretty much old American reruns, weather, news, or rugby. I love the rugby, and today we watched a quaint little soap opera that is apparently all the rage, called the East Enders. Enthralling, let me tell you.

After a few logistics things like stipend checks, registration, and tea and scones (DELICIOUS) with the faculty of UNESCO, we have pretty much had the rest of the weekend off to explore. Nigel told us to take advantage of this opportunity, as it should be a weekend to remember...and indeed it has been.

On Friday we walked into Coleraine to purchase cell phones and cash our checks at the bank. It is a pretty adorable little town, with a big central square that is free of traffic. I bought my cell phone, hairdryer, and some shoes before deciding I should not let myself go shopping anymore for awhile or I will run out of money fast. We ate lunch at a little cafe and I had Irish stew. When I ordered it I was surprised to see the woman pull out a plate to put it on. However, it was for good reason. It was quite thick, but it was pretty good. That was my first taste of "Irish" food I guess. That night we all took the train into a town on the coast called Portrush. We went to a pub right across from the harbor (which looked pretty, though it was difficult to tell in the dark). It was very nice and pretty quiet. We were by far the youngest ones there. I ordered my first Guiness. I figured I had to try it. I actually liked it. Contrary to what many think, they do serve their beer cold here and it was quite refreshing.

Saturday morning, or rather afternoon, a bunch of us decided to make the 4 mile or so walk up to the north coast in Portstewart. The walk through the countryside to get there was rather long and cold, but it was beautiful and green. I took many pictures, though they will never do it justice. The ocean was beautiful and the town was very picturesque, though COLD. That wind really makes a difference. Later that night we took at cab back to Portstewart and went to the Anchor Pub, which is supposed to be one of THE spots in Portstewart. It was very crowded and we stood around in a clump like awkward Americans who had no idea what they were doing. Later in the evening we went upstairs to the night club. We had a great time. Catching a cab home was not the easiest thing in the world, but we all made it safe and sound.

Today we are going back to Portstewart to a gorgeous convent on a cliff overlooking the ocean for a service. We saw it yesterday on our walk and it was highly recommended at the pub last night (yes, I know, a pub is the perfect place to get religious direction). Tomorrow we are supposed to be heading into the mountains for a three day retreat. This is weather permitting. We have had a bit of snow here. And by a bit I mean some flurries, that rarely stick to the ground. Supposedly this is the worst weather they have had in years. It is nothing like back home. Regardless, a little bit of snow and they begin to worry. I guess the world pretty much stops. It's rather funny actually, and we have offered to drive the bus for Nigel just so we don't have to miss the retreat.

I'm so sorry for this INCREDIBLY long post. I will try not to let things get so longwinded again. If you stuck with it, thank you for listening to my ramblings, I'll work on reigning them in.