The wave of regret didn't last long, but it did last long enough to scare me. What was I doing? I knew no one in Ireland and was living with roommates from 4 different countries! I found myself wishing I had traveled with a college buddy or that my school had some sort of orientation/immersion program so that I could meet people. I was left completely on my own.
I spent those next hours alone in my cold, depressing flat figuring out how the hell I would survive the next 5 months. I tried my hardest to push the negative thoughts far far in the back of my mind. I focused on the positive. I was in Ireland. I knew no one, which only meant I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I was going to meet people and see things and have the time of my life. That was my dream and there was no reason for it not to come true.
Eager to start off on the right foot, I took my positive thoughts outside of the Corrib Village gates and took a rainy walk into town (I also needed food...). This was going to be my new home and I wanted to love it. Along the way I met some American girls who were moving into the flat above me. Desperate for any friends, I immediately latched on to these girls. Soon after I realized that they weren't exactly people I'd like to hang out with ALL the time. Would I have to settle for this? So-so friends in a crappy flat and rainy city?
I would not have to settle. Galway had other plans for me. And those plans resided in the College Bar on campus where I ran into my Shannon Airport buddy Will. Will had other friends to introduce me to, friends who also lived in Corrib Village. With a guinness in hand I was saved! I had friends! Friends that I liked and immediately had fun (a little too much fun...) with. Those friends that more and more new friends. Friends that are now some of my best friends and who I owe my entire abroad experience to.
Slainte! I was on the road to the best months of my life.
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