Hi everyone. Since I have so much to catch everyone up on, I have decided to write a quick summary of what I have been up to during the last week.

Anyway, after I got off the plane, I meet up with the other people from the program, and was relieved to find that I did in fact have the right day, and hadn’t accidently arrived a week late. After we went through Heathrow and get to Belfast, we all drove with Mervyn to our home for the next few days at Ballycastle by the sea. We stayed at a retreat for a few days where we didn’t really get to contact the outside world very much, but that was kind of nice in its own way. While there, we had field trips to Derry, where we met the mayor, and to the Giants Causeway, as well as lessons and other orientation activities that ran the gambit of anything you could expect minus the zip-line. Anyway, after quite a few days of this, we finally packed our things and made our way to our host families in Derry.

The first night I was there, Saturday, I was immersed fairly thoroughly in the new culture as it was my host sister’s birthday. She turned 12 and we got cake and sang happy birthday. But more importantly, I got to spend time with the kids playing Mario-Cart, and even though I lost most of the races, I think they still enjoyed playing with me.

The next day I explored Derry, did some shopping, and mentally psyched myself up for a week of classes. We also celebrated Chez’s birthday, and went out for drinks and live music afterward, which is amazing in Derry. The next day, we had our first two classes, both of which we all (or at least I) really enjoyed. They are both about conflict resolution and Peace building theory. (I actually just had my third class, and, to be honest, I’m not really sure where one class ends and where another one begins.) The work isn’t to hard yet, but I’m worried about making the transition from the American system to the European system. The difference is that rather then assigning reading, you are given a list of books that you are to pick and chose from. Its a lot to look through, and I don’t want to judge a book by its cover, so what to read? Dinner with my family after that, which, as it turns out, is a really interesting thing to observe. (The food is also better then that crap I can cook.) On a more serious note, and something some others in my group seem to dismiss rather quickly, you can learn a surprising amount about a culture by observing families. Anyway…

The next day, yesterday, our first tin whistle lesson was cancelled, and so we had nothing to do but watch the inauguration. Most of us met in one of our host parent’s house and all watched in a living room together, and got to tell the parents about our thoughts on American politics. We were also served a excellent finger feast of chips and dip and somosas, (am I spelling that right?) which ended up being dinner for me. After that, I went home and to bed early. Not a terribly exciting day, besides the whole getting a new president thing. (I think I still need to watch last nights Daily Show and Colbert Report for it to sink in.)

And that brings us to today. Not to exciting so far. Just had the one class, and haven’t even gotten lunch yet. All in all, life is fairly straightforward so far. I still wouldn’t say that I know my way around Derry, and haven’t been exploring as much as I probably should. I’m hoping that will change come the weekend with some free time. On my ‘to do’ list is find some live traditional music and spend a day at a local primary or secondary school (no class on Tuesday until late Feb., so I will need to do that soon.) I would also like to spend more time directly with my family and observe them more closely. I will let every one know how that goes. I hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying life.

Finally, a belated happy birthday to my mum- Sorry I couldn’t be in the same place/ time zone. We will try for that in two years, yeah?

Until next time,
--Alex

P.S. I would also like to say hello to my friend who are enjoying New Zealand at this moment. It was really good to hear from Amy and Topher, the latter of whom I would like to wish luck as he is hiking the path to the top of Mount Doom. Keep me up to date, and tell Bill I say hi!