Holidays are coming <3

Dear ones, as promised earlier, here comes the next entry. I want to start with the Christmas Lights Switch On in Cork. I accidentally found out about it and went there with my friend Julie. She asked me beforehand, 'Do you think there will be many people?' - 'I have no idea, I don't know.' When we arrived at the beginning of Patrick Street, the main street in Cork City, we saw how many people were there. The police had blocked the street; it would also be impractical if cars were driving through between about 8000 (!!) people. It was absolute madness. The official 'switch on' happened at 7:15 pm, but the celebration had already started at 6:30 pm with songs by a totally cool, talented choir, where the solo voices were certainly not older than 16, 17. At 7:15, the mayor, together with the Irish Olympic silver medal winners in rowing, the O'Donovan brothers, turned on the lights (HA! That's the translation! :D). Including countdown and everything, it felt like New Year's Eve.

Many people behind, in front of and next to us. So many people. And children. Because Santa Claus was there too.

It was a really nice evening. The same theme continued yesterday (24th November). Yesterday, it was the Christmas Tree Light Switch On at the UCC Campus. The whole day, so many students had already been running around with Christmas hats and those typical Christmas jumpers, I didn't expect that so many would be in the Christmas mood already. The actual celebration happened there at 4:30 pm (by now it's already dark for us at around 4:15 pm). The UCC choir sang, the orchestra played, and the president turned on the Christmas lights. Again with countdown, again with lots of applause and cheers.

So beautiful :)

After that, it continued straight away - to the actual feast of yesterday - Thanksgiving. Yes, I know, as an Austrian you don't normally celebrate that (which is a shame, we all have so much to be thankful for!) but if you have an American roommate, you also get to enjoy it. A society from UCC organized a Thanksgiving dinner, and what can I say, my first Thanksgiving was a wonderful evening. Apart from the first-class food, it was a great evening; to hear what others are thankful for and to spend time with people you like - it was great. Thank you UCC for my first Thanksgiving!

<3 <3 <3

Pumkin Pie and ice cream. WOW <3

After the meal, I had to take a walk, I think I've never been so full before as I was yesterday. Now I understand too why it is always said that Americans lie motionless on the couch after the Thanksgiving dinner. I did that yesterday too :D

Anyway, on my walk yesterday, I started thinking about the last few weeks and the time here in Ireland. I sat down at my favorite spot and thought about how much I actually have to be grateful for. I get to spend 4 months in a foreign country and study 'for free', while Irish students pay very high tuition fees. I get to experience so much here and I am grateful for everything and everyone who/that has made it possible for me. But you know what I'm most grateful for? I have mentioned it several times, I love my life here. BUT: to know that you are missed at home, and that there are people waiting for you and counting the days until you come back home - I am most grateful for that, because that is the best feeling in the world.

You can really think and be grateful here

Even if not so many people read this entry, those who do know now how grateful I am for my life. Robbie Williams has released a great song about it, 'I love my life'. That describes my life best.

Lots of love from me to you, and be grateful for everything you have

xxxx Danni