So clearly, I was so overjoyed and excited about being on the other side of the world that I totally forgot to write about my first impressions on the University, city of Maynooth, and the people. Luckily enough, my friend Morgan Snoap did a very good job at reminding me that I should be writing everything down! (Even if no one reads it, it is a perfect way for me to digest everything that has been happening, take some time off to write, and have a memento that I can look back at twenty years from now.) Without further ado, here is a tiny recap of my first three weeks and my impressions:
8-hour plane ride: The plane was rather comfortable, given that it was pretty much empty. I also got way too much free food for the amount of money the ticket costs. The only drawback from such a long flight is the fact that I did not get to sleep a lot. I think I blame the excitement as well as the plane ride itself. However, I got to binge watch some pretty good episodes of Doctor Who and see the sunrise through an airplane window for the first time.
The Irish people: you win. You are definitely the nicest people I have ever met. I was not even out of the airplane when a man asked me if I needed help taking my suitcase out of the top compartment (thank you stranger with a kind heart! That suitcase was really heavy, and I had no idea how I was going to take it out of there). Ever since then, I have had random people (coffee-shop baristas, Dunnes employers, people waiting at the stops signs with me) ask me where I am from, what I am doing here, and, most importantly, if I am liking the Irish experience. I have yet to meet a single Irish person who does not greet me with a warm smile.
Maynooth University: Wow! This university is truly surreal. In all honestly, I will probably dedicate an entire blog post of my adventures getting to know its nooks and crevices. But let’s just say that the contrast between the new campus and its innovative classrooms and the old campus and its beautiful architecture is truly breathtaking.
Maynooth University classes: The classes are wonderful! The teachers are really great at explaining concepts and using PowerPoints to explain visually. However, I have to point out the incredibly different teaching style here versus the one at Rollins College. Although the professors try to make their classes interesting at Maynooth, the class size is way too big for what I am used to (classes range from 40-100 students), and they are all forced to do lectures rather than discussions. I will not say that I hate it, because I am rather enjoying the classes and the subjects I am taking (especially my Irish classes), but I will say that this experience has taught me to value even more my little college back in Florida. Nothing will ever compare to the teaching style at Rollins, the class sizes, and the wonderful professors. Studying at Maynooth has already made me realize how blessed I am to call Rollins my home for four years, and to have professors who quickly become your friends. Shoutout to my Rollins professors! I miss you and cannot wait to have small class discussions again. In the meantime, I will stick to learning about Irish culture.
Drinking culture: The Irish will drink you under the table. Do not even try to keep up with them. These were the first few words of advice that everyone in Ireland will give you. And they are right. Honduras has a big drinking culture as well, but nothing compares to the Irish. The interesting thing, though, is the usage they give to beer. Granted, some Irish teenagers and young adults drink to get drunk, but most of them drink to warm up. For example, I have noticed that it is quite normal, and almost expected, to have a beer with lunch and dinner. It is a great way to quickly get the body temperature up in order to keep going throughout the rest of the day. So no, many of them will not get drunk with you, but if they do, know that they will be able to drink more than you.
I have a lot more things that I need/want to write about, but I decided to do this really quick recap, in case anyone wanted to know how my stay at Maynooth, Ireland was going. Also, here is what you were all waiting for: pictures of this beautiful country!
Like they say in Ireland,
Silvana