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Here I am! Safe, smiling and all brand new in my life-to-be!
Arrived in Belfast last Thursday and spent the night checking out some local pubs and getting the feel for the Irish. I asked a man at a local pizzeria what Belfast was known for and he said 'the people' and couldn't have been more accurate. I'd extend that to all of Ireland. The people here are so generous, welcoming, and hospitable it would be hard not to feel an immediate warmth. Stayed in a hostel for the night and left early in the morning to ride up to Derry to search for my new home.
Quick facts I've learned along the way: The Titanic was built in Belfast
We shared a cab with Joe (stay tuned for a detailed photo story) and got a ride with full commentary from Terry (also picture to come) a local from the area who gave details along the way.
Quick facts I've learned along the way: The car from Back to the Future was built in Belfast
Arrived at the University (see pic) and our friend Joe accompanied us on the quickest house find to ever happen. Jason and I weren't able to find a place together but we are both extremely happy with what we've found. The landlords treated us as distant cousins and gave us tea and cookies, all the time in the world to pay rent, fully-furnished bedrooms with blankets and all and a good feeling of security.
Quick facts I've learned along the way: There is no solid deodorant in the UK (only spray and liquid) - Please send aluminum free stick for me!!
Saturday afternoon Jason's roommates came by and dropped off the sweetest welcoming bag of treats! Just reaffirming how amazing and friendly the people are here! Later that after I got another knock on the door to find Heather (a KKG sister who is living in London). What a beautiful surprise!!!
Quick facts I've learned along the way:For every 1 person in Ireland there are 400 sheep
Heather spent the weekend and we toured the city, enjoyed the wet snow and friendly locals. It was great to have a piece of home here with me to get settled. This morning we went on a walking tour of the city walls and did some local shopping. Although vegan seems to be a foreign word to most I was able to find two health food stores that brought a vegan tear to my eye.
Quick facts I've learned along the way:Ireland has the highest rate of dairy consumption in the world - and the highest rate of heartattacks
Just returned from seeing Heather off at the bus station and am sitting in the living room enjoying the beautiful view of falling snow and multi-coloured doors and window sills with a hot cup of tea and thinking of all those I love back home.
Hopefully heading to Portugal this weekend! Will know once my class schedule is settled.
Miss you all and lots of love always!
Jenna
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