Day 3: Orientation Part 2

So today, when we walked out for breakfast, the sun was shining and the sky was blue! We were so excited that we (my roommates and I) decided to not wear boots or raincoats. Ah, but we were thwarted! Only five minutes before we were due to meet the bus, we looked out the window and it was not raining, but hailing. Needless to say, most of us (at least I) decided to bring out the raincoat and boots for yet another Dublin day. The morning was spent in another orientation session and then a delicious lunch at a hotel restaurant, followed by a Q&A session that controlled the beginning of the afternoon. But then we were free (and we continue to be free until 4pm tomorrow)! Luckily, the weather was once again cooperating (i.e. no rain and a bit of sun), so a bunch of us decided to explore! We walked along the River Liffey toward the "ocean" and saw a brilliant bridge (picture soon) and took tons of pictures on the walk back to the hostel. This took us a bit, and after quickly stopping at the hostel, we went to O'Connell and Henry streets to look at mobile phones. Sadly, it is New Year's Eve (well, only a teeny bit sadly) and stores closed early!! So no new mobile phone for me, but as soon as I get to Cork, that is the first item on the agenda. I'm going almost crazy without a phone... although it is strangely freeing. :) So after our mostly failed shopping excursion, we headed to the pub next door for dinner, where I was very pleased with my salad . Now, I'm back in my room, and soon, we all will be getting ready to go out for New Year's Eve, which is supposed to be really big in Dublin! I can't wait. More updates soon.