First days in Bordeaux

So here I am, living in the dorms again. I am in a building with just about 80 people from california. I feel quite at home, it feels natural here so far. When I arrived I couch surfed with a man who lived in the northern part of bordeaux. He took me and another couchsurfer on a beautiful night walk and out for a glass of vine. The city is so historic and beautiful.

My first night out, I was walking around the town alone and happened to wander upon the beach volleyball courts. The next thing I knew I was playing a doubles game and learning all of the words for "set", "pass", "block"....
After the game a couple of us went out for a beer on the town. Surprisingly, I found myself surrounded by algerians and Italians, but not one bordelais (person from bordeaux). They say that the people here are quite reserved. And I confirm that I have yet to go out with a french person from the town, but I can say that I've been grateful to meet many people from africa.
I did go to one event called jeudi bordelais last thursday. I would describe it as a large group of musicians and circus people having a picnic in the park until nearly 2 in the morning. I played my harmonic with the music crowd and then joined the juggles for some tricks. A very fun party.
Today was the first day of class and it was a long day. A full 6 hours of just French.
Things are different here but I must say I have yet to be fully immersed in the culture. Living with 80 Americans I find that I have spoken french just about half of the time. I can't wait to move in with my french family! (just 10 more days in the dorms)

Trinity college The river that runs through the city

3 days in dublin

I understand why people say the Irish are so friendly. I was on my way to a lookout point (30 minute uphill walk) when a 70 year old gentlemen pulled over and offered to drive me up to the top. As soon as I had finished at the top a group of people offered me a ride home. I love the Irish people.
I stayed with 2 Irish fellows in my own bedroom, in a house located in the Northern part of Dublin.
On my first day on the town, I went wandering though downtown. Met a genuinely nice fellow on the bus and he guided me to the tourist center to ge a map of the area. I wandered through the very old yet still functioning Trinity College and guided myself through the lively shopping area and to the lovely park.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a grand Catholic church that marks the spot that St. Patrick baptized many of the Irish. But I know what your thinking…. Where’s the guinness? Well, I did spend one evening trying to keep up with an Irish buddy and his Spanish mate. We hit some of the local pubs which most surely have a pub feeling. But no Irish music… my friend says that “ thee Celtic music tis a show for da tourists.” (i'm trying to replicate the accent)I went to quite a nice beach town called Howth, about a 20 minute DART (Dublin area regional transit) ride from where I stayed. Fresh fish and chips never tasted so good. Took a brilliant walk around the area and met some nice Irish guys who drove me back home.
I felt at home on my stay. I thought it would be a bit more of a shock or change but really I felt quite comfortable. I adore the Irish! CHeers

The "plan"

So here I am with just two weeks to go before my journey. I feel excited but at the same time calm. I have learned that I like traveling better when I go with the flow and do NOT make extensive plans for my days abroad. With no expectations I find I don't have dissapoitment, only surprises. But, I do find myself daydreaming of eating croissants and du vin on occasion. I have been wanting to take this trip for a couple years now and the time is finally here. My first stop will be Dublin. I am arriving on the 21st of August and get to spend 4 days with the Irish. I have found someone to host me there through the program couchsurfing. AFter that I have one free day in Bordeaux France until my orientation begins on the 25th.
I have been reading through my program guide and finally recieved the calender of my school schedule. Aparently the school system is a bit more relaxed and dates are not established as early as they are here.
<---- My year long visa---

Anyhow my tenative calender for classes for University of Bordeaux III, Michel de Montaigne*:
Semester 1--- October 12, 2009
Xmasbreak---- December 19 2009-January 4 2010
Exams---- January 25-30 2010
If I decide to stay for a full year, my Semester II would look like this:
Semester 2--- February 1, 2010
Easter Break---- April 24- May 2
Exams---- May 3-14
Last day--- End of May
*I am attending University of Bordeaux, however it is broken up into numbers depending on the major. Since I am a linguistics major I will be in III.
My actual classes (which are all taught in French with French students!) dont start for nearly three weeks or so after my arrival, I will be taking a two week long language intensive course. During this time it will be back to dorm life living until I am placed into a homestay with a French family.
I suppose that is the "plan" for now.
A tout a l'heure (Until later)