My first attempt...

I finally have broadband and so I can post with ease... Nothing yet has been done with ease. I knew that this would be the case when I left, but it is still amazing me how long simple things take when you are a foreigner. I have pretty much taken care of everything now, except my bank account, which hopefully will be arranged on Monday... it may have to wait until Wednesday simply because everything closes at 4:00. I think that is where the term bankers hours came from... I can't get over it. I am so used to at least an early morning Saturday to accomplish things, but government and banks -- closed. I asked someone how anyone gets these things done, and they said lunchtime... the lines must be insane, and they must know where they are gong! Oh, and they probably are confident drivers... both are lacking in me at the moment. I swear everything looks the same here. And there are not clear road signs to tell you where you are going. And the roundabout... ugh... I did practice the other night with my new friend Sonia... actually she is a good friend of Grainne's who has kindly adopted me as a friend as well. Thank goodness that she did... she has been fantastic. I really think that I would be in quite a state without the people that are taking care of me. Grainne's mom and sister Joanne, and Eimher that has become the teacher at school I can ask for help (especially help getting to and from school-- she's picked me up everyday!) So all in all I am adjusting. Everyone keeps asking me if I miss home, and I do, but not like I thought I would... and it has only been a week! I think when I don't have to think so much about daily stuff, then I'll have more time to miss all of you... as it is, I am a little overwhelmed with the dailies... but I do think of you, and I am especially missing Sunday night poker. I may have to start inviting people over and teaching them how to play. Although I think that Sonia and I are going to take Salsa dancing on Sundays... we'll see. I will post pictures soon. I need to get an adapter for my camera. Pass the word that my blog is up, in case I missed someone on the list.