Saint Patrick's Day in Belfast.

Not the most exciting day of my life, but seeing as how I've been acting like a bump on a log the past week or so, I think we had a relatively good time.

Last night we went out for a beer with Stefan and his housemate Tom. They were pretty fun, and we had a good time laughing and joking around. It's funny to be a group of foreigners. At least we could blame stupidity, like Stefan trying to open an un-openable door, on the fact that they're German and we're American. ha. They probably just thought we were all really drunk-- which wasn't even close to the case.

We then essentially walked the boys home and got directions back to Malone road. Well, Stefan didn't give very good directions and we ended up stranded in Stranmillis next to the river. We knew the general direction we wanted to go, but nothing looked very pedestrian friendly. I guess we looked really confused because a taxi driver that had a fare stopped to ask if he could help us. They probably thought we were really drunk, too, because they said that the area we were in wasn't a good place to be for two young women. Figures. You come to Belfast and you get yourself into bad neighborhoods thanks to a couple of Germans with bad English language skills and directional awareness. I think both Ariel and I came home not knowing what to think, except for the fact that we were really grateful to the guys that took us home and didn't charge us for the fare. Grateful is the one feeling we could identify.

I mean, I don't think we were in any particular danger at any time, but just the fact that they thought it was important enough to pick us up and take us home was a little scary. I don't know. I don't think we're going to do that again.

This morning I was awoken by my annoyingly early rising neighbors and their slamming doors yet again. They are so kind, and of a different background, so I really don't think they'd understand if I explained to them that they were being rude. So I never know what to do. I got up, got a cup of coffee and toast, and opened the window. It's an unbelievably beautiful day today so I was thankful for that. When Ariel woke up we got ready and left for the city centre to watch the parade. It was very short but nice, and I wanted to get a tricolour lei (haha) but we couldn't find them.

At the end of the parade we miraculously saw Kevin and all of the international buddies from Coleraine! It was so funny, because honestly, what the hell are the chances of that. I mean, 5000 people and we see the 5 we know? So crazy. We then went to a pub to grab a beer and hang out for a while. They went to the concert and we went to get food and after that came back home.

I'm tired, I'm in a shitty mood for some reason, and I feel bad for being such a shit to hang out with. I just feel like I have so much to do and it's stressing me out. I think travel and travel plans are really what are getting to me, and the realization that from April 21-May 21 I won't be able to talk to Mike or family as I have been here. The internet situation is going to be like it was at Coleraine (at best), and I've come to rely on the internet here to keep in close contact with Mike in particular. I don't know. I suppose it's just going to have to happen, it's just going to get to me and I know it. I'm glad that Mike's on Spring Break this week, so he and I can probably talk whenever I have time.

I hope things continue to be at least okay. I'm not happy here, but I'm not particularly sad either. The warm weather is a blessing and keeps me from getting depressed. I'll be going to church for Maundy Thursday and Easter and to Galway for three days during Spring Break. At least I hope. I haven't really bought tickets or booked the hostel yet. I hope to feel good enough to do that tonight. Seeing Kevin and Timbeau was really nice, and i don't know if they'll want to hang out tonight. I know that there is no heavy drinking in my near future, so this Saint Patty's Day is already a world apart from last. Considering I don't have a roommate, I probably won't be walking in on her having sex on the floor. That's a positive. HA!