Reflections

So, it's been about 4 weeks since my arrival in Dublin. Once in a while when I'm walking down the street to class or to do some grocery shopping, I reflect on everything that's happened so far. So much has happened in only 4 weeks that I feel like I've been living here forever. Not in a bad way, of course. I mean, my roommates and I have a sort of routine going, chores list, etc. We have a certain route we take to and from school everyday, we've got some coffee shops we enjoy, this great crepe place, and a local pub to go to for a pint on evenings. Sometimes I'm really happy I'm here in Dublin, experiencing a new culture and lifestyle. And, other times, I get really homesick and crave the security and familiarity that is not only home and Mount Holyoke, but also the United States in general. Life here is a lot slower, less tense. Living in a city is something that bothers me often. It's loud and crowded, the apartment is small. Coffee shops are always packed. The library is never quick, you can't find a place to study. There's no where to really hang out. Dublin is quite international. It's not the quintessential Ireland at all. The college system at Trinity is extremely different than anything I've ever experienced. I mean, just going from a school from 2,000 to 17,000 is a shock. 

Shopping, cooking, cleaning, locking the apartment--these simple things seem so foreign. It's fun and exciting sometimes, but then I realize how much work it is to live on your own. 

It's only been 4 weeks but already I've learned so much. Things I already know about myself have been confirmed-that fact that I don't like cities or big schools. It's expensive, I've learned and it's tempting everyday to stop and get a coffee and croissant. I think that being here is great. Difficult, but great. It make me realize how much I take for granted all that I have back home and at Mount Holyoke. 

Well, roommates are getting ready to go out clubbing-music is blasting and people are dancing. I've decided to stay in, drink some tea, eat some and watch tv. My kind of night. 2 classes in the morning. Sigh