I Am Not In Wisconsin Any More...

My introduction to Northern Irish Culture did not happen without a couple of funny situations along the way and interesting difference...

After I finally made it through immigration in Northern Ireland I was so excited to get my bags and finally get to Niamh. I was trying to figure out how to get to the baggage claim when I saw a flight of stairs heading down. Do I go down the stairs? I don't see a sign saying that this is the correct direction? I caught I sign saying "lift to baggage claims". Oh, okay! Their international terminal must be in a different building. That is nice that they give us a lift. As I walk down this long hall I start to have second thoughts. Then I arrive at the end and I find an elevator. It hits me...a lift is an elevator!!! I realized that the stairs were the right way to go! I walked back down the long hallway and found the stairs. Niamh and my bags were waiting for me!

I learned that at a bar and restaurant you do not have to tip! It is included in the taxes.

The tax on anything purchased is included in the price listed, so no annoying calculations on how much stuff will cost!

Potatoes are really eaten a lot!!! Our french fries are their chips and our chips are their crisps. They have MANY different flavors of crisps...I'll make a list of them and post it a little later. I had some knock your socks off chips the other day! Yummy!

Their cider, except at Christmas time, is alchohal. It is really good.

Toilets are shaped and flush very differently. They are smaller and gush with water. I think this system makes clogged toilets a less of an issue, but I am not sure.

That's it for now...

Have done's and Will do's

This last week and the week to come have been and will be full things completed, worked on and untouched.

Completed:
I bought my return ticket. I went through a student travel company (STA) and got the flight for $250 cheaper than any flight I could find!

Bought a backpacking backpack.

Changed my addresses with all those people who send me their monthly love notes of wanting money.

Planned out the days until I leave. And made the lists of things to do.


Worked On:
I have packed 1 1/2 bags and will pack the rest of my 2nd bag with daily products that I will need before I leave.

My correct visa letter and housing information should be arriving my midweek this week.

My application for spring classes at the UW LaX is in the works.

Haven't Touched:
Moving out and cleaning my apartment. Don't really want to think about it, honestly.

Say many goodbyes. Say a couple of wonderful hellos!