Windy Walk

Right after this, the wind took the umbrella and turned it inside out. We laughed so hard we had to stop walking so we could crack up and right the umbrellas. 

I have to work on my agenda today. First, I stopped off at the accommodations office to drop off the apartment inventory sheet to let them know I don't have a dresser in the living room and am very happy not to have one because we prefer having the space. 

This apartment is really the perfect size. Thinking about my house, I realize how much extra space there is and that it's really nice having just what we need, no more. The house isn't much bigger, but this apartment is reminding me how much I enjoy small space living. I'm a big believer in small spaces partially because it's lovely being together and not separating to our own burrows. Communal family living leads to talks we may not have had, like when Vivi asks me what I'm reading or vice versa. 

Oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts and today I had my first bowl since arrival.  Mmmmmmm.  Warm. Delicious. Mmmmmm.  

Now I have some reading to do!

Start date

Today is the official start date of my program! Let the research begin in earnest!

After picking up Viv's swim goggles and cap, I emailed some contacts and set up lunch with my mentor Friday. It's exciting to be able to dig in!

Next thing I knew, it was time to get Viv so I walked over to Victoria Prep and tried to log into the BT wifi. No luck. I since emailed again with the company to figure out a solution. 

There were some cool things I saw today that I thought would interest you, like this sink:

 

And this construction equipment:

 

 

And Extra gum looks different!

 

Vivian's homework was to read part of a book; she read the whole thing because we couldn't wait to hear what happened next. She'll tell you about it in a video. She continues to tell me each day what question to ask so she can tell you all what's on her mind. 

Here's the girl:

"They're a little bit contrary." 

She also taught her classmates Miss Mary Mack-Mack-Mack.

Just another manic Wednesday

 

Directionless. No inner compass. I've know this about myself since I was ... well, born. Back in 1991, though, on a waaaay back road of RURAL Colorado, I was looking for a reservoir some locals said I could swim in. Of course I got lost. I rolled down the window and asked a nice man on the tractor for directions and he said, "don't matter if you get lost if you got money and a car."  Wise words I live by. Now I look at getting lost as an opportunity because I look more closely at details and signs and try to remember landmarks - like the cool computer science building. 

 

After dropping Viv off, I excitedly looked at the directions I noted and scampered off to find the sports store. Yay! Tra-la-la! Oh, wait. Chlorine Gardens? Google maps has no wifi. Well, I'll go to the corner of Malone and Stranmillis and hang a right because I remember Ulster Museum from Sunday with Chris. 

The sports shop is closed. 

But a coffee shop is open!

Win!

I wouldn't have stopped for coffee if the sports store was open. 

I've never heard of a Bap, so that's what I'm having. Ready for first bite? Here goes...

Mmmmmmmm.  A soft roll with bacon. 

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. 

And an Americano coffee. 

 

Is this Heaven? No, it's Belfast. (Shout out to Field of Dreams)

I'll wait for the sports store to open and sit here in paradise.