So, I left Dublin on Monday, and made it Galway in a couple of hours. It's crazy that an entire country can be crossed so quickly by bus!

Galway is completely different than Dublin, and it's apparent as soon as you arrive. The buildings aren't as large, or as imposing. As soon as I stepped out of the coach station, I was struck by how many people were out walking around. Not that they didn't in Dublin, but here everyone seems less frantic.

I found my way to the Claddagh hostel, where I've been staying the last few days. It's an independent hostel, and has a really laid back vibe to it. However, the bathroom doors lock, and the kitchen is actually looks like a kitchen, so its been good staying here.

The first day I mostly walked around the city, getting to know my way around. I'd get lost, then try to find my way back. Fortunately, Galway is not very large, and signs are everywhere pointing to the city center, so getting back is not so hard. The city center, to the pedestrian, is Shop St., and the the streets that connect to it, as well as Eyre Square. Most of these streets are off limits to vehicles, except at certain times, so the road is free to walk on. There's a ton of unique, and often, useful shops and pubs all down the road. There's even a mall set up in a building on Eyre Square.

The buildings tend to be painted bright colours. I imagine that since the pavement usually goes right up the buildings, and the buildings are made of brick, the city would be an unpleasant, bland gray, if the shops weren't painted.

The second day, I went to the Tigh Choili pub, around 9pm. I asked the bartender if there was a session, and she said there was one just setting up in the corner. I went and introduced myself to the fiddler, who introduced herself as "Liz." She was there with a box player, Johnny. I said that I played flute, and they said, "sure, sit down." They are both great musicians, giving each tune as much as they could. It was really fun playing with them. A little later we were joined by a guitarist, Declan, (who had a great style of accompanyment) and a couple American musicians.
It was a good night.

Over the next few days, I started applying at different places for jobs. Some places aren't even taking CVs, but I'll follow up on the places that did. I'm also looking for somewhere more permanent to live, as staying in hostels can get expensive over time, not to mentioned cramped. Currently I'm looking at moving into a house just off the Joyce roundabout, about a kilometer out of the city center. There's three Canadian girls that just moved in, and they're renting out a single room upstairs. I took a look at it last night, and it seems decent, and the rent is pretty good too.

Anyhow, I've had to change hostels this morning, as my booking is up, and I need to be out in about ten minutes, so I'll sign off for now. However, I got in at Barnacles hostel on Quay St., so I'll be there over the weekend.

Pictures to follow!