Night of the living dead...

What was I thinking? Yes, change is good, but I must have been out of my mind. Just beginning to acclimatise myself to everything and now, Bam! I'm off to Ireland for 5 days. Crazy... Hence, my living dead night - anxiety strikes when one is at her most vulnerable, around midnight. So, rather than lying rigidly in bed, I was up scanning the internet for hostels, B & B's, and maps of Ireland. It helped a little, but honestly, not much. Ever notice how middle-of-the-night craziness is always so much more crazy that daytime? Then, I wrote a list (always a useful standby) and called my sister, my wonderful always-there-no-matter-what go-to-gal. Ah, why isn't the US as advanced with phone plans? Thank you, Gil, for having a cheap international plan. Still, I wasn't completely out of my schiziness. My book definitely did not help, all about a gruesome murder with way too many details. Finally, out of sheer exhaustion, I fell asleep and did manage to sleep until 9.
Sunshine always saves the day. Made phone calls, lined things up. Voila! I'm almost human...
Made it into Cardiff proper today, to the harbour, as it's spelled here. That large golden building is the Millennium Center, the arts, theatre, etc. space. They call it the "armadillo". We had lunch at the Norwegian Church, no longer a church, but a combination lunch cafe and little tourist spot for Roald Dahl, who was born in Wales and used to attend the church. It was an absolutely beautiful day, which really helped to finally bring me back to earth. That and the incredible kindness and graciousness of all of the women I've met here from work so far.
To top it all off, another teacher from my new school, Liz, came by, helped me with mapping out my next intrepid voyage to downtown, the auto insurance agency. I even drove her over to her house in "The Roc" for further mapping assistance from her husband, so more driving practice!
He is amazing! David gave me precise directions to Pembroke Dock, where I'll catch my ferry to Rosslare, Ireland, on Wednesday - including which specific exits from all of the roundabouts that I'll do battle with on the journey.
I am currently sane, drinking a glass of that chianti and trying out a Brit reality show, if one considers tv sane.
Good night...