The Journey Begins

What a long day of travel! I was terrified of traveling on my own, in particular being a girl but I have survived so far! After a quick lunch with my parents and a nearly teary good-bye (none were shed on my part!) I hopped on a flight from Chicago to Newark. The flight was delayed, then we sat on the Tarmac for a while longer before finally taking off. Upon landing the woman sitting directly behind me promptly emptied her stomach in a loud manner which was not enjoyable, I think there were a lot of people glancing my direction to see if I would loose it too but little did they know I have a stomach that can handle that stuff. We taxied around the runway for a good half hour or more before a gate opened and we were allowed off the plane. I made my connecting flight successfully after buying a magazine for entertainment and did not sleep a wink on the flight, no matter how hard I tried. At least I got to see some good movies! I made a new friend on the flight; the girl sitting next to me was a recent college grad and native of Dublin and we exchanged info before parting ways. I made it through customs and on my bus without any troubles other than the realization of what I was doing actually setting in. I got to the train station just as the train to cork was leaving, and had to wait another hour for the next train. The train was a bit late due to technical problems but because of its lateness I made more new friends. I met an older man who was on his way to pick up his grand kids to spend the day in Dublin. I also met an American woman who was on a trip to UCC through Notre Dame, and we ended up sharing a taxi from the train station to UCC. There were a few bouts of rain here and there in true Irish fashion but I managed to stay dry. I got to my room and checked in, and met my first of three roommates, Chiaping who is also an international student for the semester from Maine. Because I had nothing to sleep on/shower with, we set out together to do some quick shopping. I was able to buy bedding and bathroom things for really cheap which was rather nice and I grabbed some fruit loops to help hold me out till I can get some real grocery shopping done. By the time I got back to my apartment, it was about 3pm (cork time, 9am US time). I quickly made my bed and passed out for three hours. I am a little more awake now but I am excited to go to bed at the proper Ireland time tonight! I have a bunch of things to do still so more about cork and my room later!
Cheers!