Quick note: I’m not going to read through these and do some spell and grammar check…there’s just no point with me hah. Enjoy.

All right so I have been pretty MIA this last week, but I swear I have good reasons. Last Monday the rest of the BCA kids flew in. There is nine of them and most are from Etown. There is Felicia who is from JC, Sara who goes to some school in Virginia that I can’t remember the name of, and then there is Chris, Gabe, Brian (Buddy), Matt, Molly, Caitlin, and Rachel (Rachel is part Croatian whoooo!). Then there is Melissa from JC who is not a BCA member because JC screwed her over, so Dr. Skelly decided that we could adopt her.

So first day with these guys was a bit hectic. Dr. Skelly took us all out to dinner at a pretty nice restaurant. The food was good, the beer was even better. It is a bad idea to mix no sleep and jetlag with a couple pints of beer. After this we went to a pub, it is called Amber AND the bar tenders name is ALAN! Everyone bought drinks and the night was going ok, until Sara decided to buy everyone a shot of Whisky. Well the next thing I know some of us end up going back to the Village to hang out with some Irish kids and the rest stayed at the pub.

Tuesday was the first day of orientation, which I don’t remember, but I know I was there.

Wednesday was yet another day of orientation so it was pretty boring. I can’t really remember Wednesday…

Thursday was orientation again and well that went the same as Wednesday.

Friday was the big registration day. So half of our group got registered for classes and the other half apparently doesn’t exist in the system. Can you guess which half I’m in? YUP. If you know Liz from the Oller Center than you can understand my frustration with people who don’t have the answer to all of your questions, or in fact any of your questions.  Anyway the day got even worse in terms of registration but I would rather not get into that again. Let’s talk about some good things. We met the mayor.  Brian and I tried to touch his gold thing (I’ll post a picture so you understand). Derry is the UK Culture City of 2013 so there was a huge celebration in town, which we attempted to attend, but we couldn’t coordinate anything since people here are on what’s known as “Derry Time”. When they say 3 they really mean 4. Oh well for those of you who are interested about my classes that I am hoping to be registered for eventually here is some info. The University of Ulster only lets students take 3 courses; Dr. Skelly wants everyone to take either 4 or 5. I’m taking 5. Apparently the Uni believes that students spend about 200 hours outside of each course doing work…nope, all they do is drink. Anyway, on Monday I have “Self Identity and Conflict” at 3:15, which is one of my unofficial courses.  Tuesday I have “Genocide and International Politics” at 9:15 and “Globalization and the New Wars” at 1:15. Plus I have “Global Conversation” which I am going to take online since it conflicts with the other two. Wednesday I have off. Thursday I have “International Conflict”. Friday I have off. So pretty much I have class three days a week and yes it is ok to be jealous. PLUS I’m super stoked for this schedule. If you know me you will understand why.

I will post about our Saturday travels later because it is soooo much, and honestly I can’t find the words for that day. All I have to say is that I have never felt more at peace with my self. I don’t know what it was but there was something about taking in this beautiful view in such a divided society that made me feel like everything will be ok. And I never feel like that….you guys know how much of a pessimist I am. I’ll put up a few pics and a video but check out my FB page for the full set of photos. Really do enjoy them.