Bonjour

Yes, Annabelle is alive.
So... I'm in Castlebar, Ireland. Been hanging out here for the 'local' hospital (1.5hrs away). Second degree burns from a stupid flask exploding on me and a fabulous virus that attacked my nerve endings (kinda like shingles, but as I am my mother's daughter, I ignored the pain and the doctors don't know how I did it as it is a pretty nasty attack - oozing sores and everything!! woo hoo) typical Annie. nothing could have been prevented... just happens.

But work is fantastic. Hard as hell, but fantastic. I hike up mountains with no paths, canoe, build rafts, baby-sit disgruntled teenagers all night, play games, belay climbers in amazing locations through out connemara. It is wonderful, for now. (Note - to those who have written - your response letters are waiting to be sent, but before this, I had very limited access to stamps.) I work many hours a day, mostly outside. This weekend I got to play with American university students who were on an exchange program orientation. It was like my own little party where I was asked to entertain 200 people my age, and get paid. loved it loved it loved it. (and met some damn cool people, who you will hopefully hear about in the future.)

Come December 1st, I am moving to Scotland. Originally, I was moving to be a snowboarding instructor, but now I think I am not going to stress about getting certified and just get a job on the mountain in the restaurant, and snowboard during my time off. I am moving with 3 of my amazing friends here. Emmalyne, Kelly, and Emma. Emm and Emma are from this region of Scotland (near Perth) and Kelly is from England. We have all become so close and can't wait to just chill out and live together for the next few months.

It is amazing how I am putting up with roommates, and especially amazing that I am accepting living in a place with only 25 people around who I work and live with 24 hrs a day. Believe me, claustrophobia hits often, but it is forcing me to accept uncomfortable situations, and change is definitely good. so good, I actually kinda like it. (but somedays I would kill for the smell of a subway or the sound of the ever present marching band on a Saturday morning - so no fears that I am changing, just loosening my ever present need for privacy and things the way I like them.) (me? stubborn? never!)

After that: March I am taking the Trans-Siberian railway across Asia - focusing mainly on Mongolia. Probably will do that for a month. Then, I apply to film school. Most likely focusing on NYU. We'll see. Spent the weekend hanging out with this great guy, who, towards the end of the weekend, I found out, is the son of the Dean of UCD's film school.

I will be in NYC January 20th. Who knows how long I will be staying, but just remember that date for now.

Please feel free to write. I've loved the letters so far - Delphi Adventure Centre, Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland

hehehehe. I am so far away from anything else - there is no need for numbers in the address. Leenane has 7 buildings. :) and technically, we are not in Leenane. Leenane is in the next county. We are actually in Co. Mayo, but since Leenane is the closest "town" to get to, we cross the border to get our mail :) The border is actually this big stick surrounded by a mound of seaweed that I bring kids kayaking too. It is hilarious! Good ole stick island. that is the border. the more frightening thing is, everyone for the surrounding 150miles knows about stick island and have been there.

Ok - well, I desperately miss you all. (Home sickness hit about 2 weeks ago, and my poor parents got a weepy Annie phone call, but so is the life of an adventurer. and it passed, but I still miss you guys)

Ok, must more to say, but must leave. This place is closing.

I hope this finds you safe and well. Take care of each other.