"Loughlin...that's a strong Irish name"

I think it's safe to say that I finally feel comfortable in the Rebel City, as it's called. I remember two weeks ago (I can't believe it's been exactly two weeks since I got here!) when I didn't know a single street in my new home.

Now I know that Western Road turns into Washington Street and awkwardly turns into a one way street somewhere about half way into the city centre. I also know that St. Patrick's street and Oliver Plunkett st. are two of the busiest streets and I can find anything I possibly could want in and around those two. I know that my favorite hot chocolate shop O'Conaill's is located just off Castle Paul's street and is in the cutest little side street I've ever seen with a little toy shop at the entrance of it. My favorite is walking through the little side streets connecting the main streets together, you never know what kind of cute cafe's and shops you'll find down there (pictures don't do justice to these little places).

I know it's about a thirty minute walk to st. Patrick's street, though it seems to be getting shorter each time I make the journey. Every time I go into the centre I keep finding places I want to go into at a later time, and I do. It's so much fun to explore, I've even ventured down by myself just to explore at my own pace (although to be honest I didn't go into many shops for fear I'd spend too much and I got kind of lonely after a littler while). Each place has it's own unique character and when you walk by it the next time you know exactly what secrets it holds, and the city seems a little less daunting afterwards.

Cork is big, but Cork is small. Cork is the kind of city that will ask you to come in and stay for a cuppa.  And you do, and you never want to leave. I've learned so much about this city in only two weeks. I think I've learned more about this city than I did Burlington in my first two weeks. And I think that's part of the study abroad experience... it brings so many opportunities. It makes you jump out of your comfort zone and explore your surroundings or you'll forever be lost, it makes you try new things and realize how much you gain from that experience. However, I still have yet to make an Irish friend...

The people here are so nice though. Any where I go I'm still taken aback by their politeness and genuine sincerity. I went to the Garda station today for the immigration ID and I was anxiously waiting in line hoping that this office employee would not be rude to me, because I feel like back home they would by curt and not helpful at all really. But shockingly she was incredibly nice and was not at all annoyed by my questions, even though I'm sure she's heard them all about 1000 times over.

Not much of anything exciting has happened in the last few days... which is weird for me to be able to say that, but it's true. I think I'm beginning to work out a routine now and it's nice. Some of us went to the pubs last night and as I was handing my ID to the bouncer at the Bróg he looked at it and said "Loughlin... that's a strong Irish name" and it made me feel proud of my Irish past.

We are going to Dublin on Saturday with API and most of us are going to spend the night which should be incredibly exciting.

Two weeks status: I'm content and happy as a bumble bee in a flower. I love Cork and it's treating me well. At times I get a little homesick, wishing I could be with the people I miss and be in a familiar set of mind. But then I remember why it was I wanted to come to Ireland and I know everything back home will be there when I return, because for now I'm having the time of my life and I like this scary, exciting feeling of being on my own in a foreign country.

Found a poster to decorate my lonely walls... of course it's Doctor Who