This is great craic, isn't it?

Here's a video of the trail ride we went on in Gorey during our homestay. I meant to take a picture and didn't realize my camera was recording. haha So sorry about the laughing in the beginning. Hopefully, despite my poor videotaping skills on horseback, you can see the beautiful scenery that we were surrounded by. You can also hear the accent of the girl who is talking to me (she is saying that to her, that is just another green hill and the Irish often forget how beautiful the country is) and, of course, the clip-clops of the horse's hooves. = )
I've very sorry for the long break in my writing. I got really sick and was just trying to make it through the last day of orientation and getting everything ready for school. I am glad to announce that I am feeling much better and I can actually hear out of my left ear!
The orientation for international students at the University of Ulster was, in my opinion, rather uneventful. Probably the only worthwhile experience was that we went to the Guildhall (where we were supposed to meet the mayor, but he was sick - as was I haha) then we had a tour of "The Walled City" (aka Derry).

Here's a photo of the Guildhall

This is a video looking out over the walls at the city. If you look closely (mostly on the bottom buildings near the street) you can see the famous Bogside Murals. I am hopefully going to get a tour of those murals this coming Sunday.
Me and two other American students are also planning a trip to Belfast this Saturday. It's a great city, and a must see since it also has holds a lot of history.
I have made it through my first week of school. I think I will really enjoy all of my classes this semester. My lecturers are all very friendly and are excited to have an American in the class. Needless to say, the dynamics of the classes are very different than America. I think sometimes the lack of response or participation from the students here would come as an insult in America, but here, it is very normal and not taken as offensive. I am taking a first year Business class, a second year Psychology class, and a third year Choreography class. I also joined the Dance Society club where we will get 2 classes free each week and will get guest choreographers and teachers to come teach us different styles of dance. I'm very excited for the club and can't wait to rehearse and perform!
I suppose I should explain the title of this post then? Well, there are loads of words that the Irish use that we Americans either don't have in our vocabulary or we use them differently. For example, "craic" (pronounced "crack) means "fun" or "news". The locals here use it ALL THE TIME. It is very funny being an American and hearing that in every other sentence. Another word I just learned from my flatmates is that "fringe" in Irish means "bangs" in American. I also find that the lingo here in Northern Ireland is completely different than in Dublin and in Gorey. My host mother would ALWAYS say "yer man", which means "what's his face", but no one says that here. There are so many other words and phrases, the list could go on and on. If you would like me to keep posting differences in the Irish and American dialogues, let me know.
I feel that I am getting much better at understanding the Irish when they speak. Not only are their accents much thinker in Northern Ireland, but they mumble and speak VERY quickly. However, all of my thoughts are now with an Irish accent...
All right then, more pictures to come. Hopefully I'll go out on a sunny day and take some pictures of my school (which is absolutely beautiful).
Cheers

I miss Trixie!! She is my host family's dog. She would always come in my room and sunbathe in the mornings. = )