Merry Christmas!

Fall 2010 turned out to be a great semester (even though we didn't update the blog as much as we would have liked...)! Classes were challenging and finals not fun, but here we are on the other side, looking back at our time this semester.... We went to a lot of football games and rushed the field for our first time. We became attached to the Mediterranean food, but were disappointed that south dining hall only serves it once every 12 days. We played Settlers of Catan probably a few too many times. We hosted three Coffee, Cupcake, and Conversation parties in the 312, where people just dropped by for an open house to hang out and eat our baked goods. We have loved getting to know new friends and seeing old ones. All in all it's been a wonderful semester.

Now we look forward to next semester. Unfortunately some of our program members are only studying here a semester and will be leaving us soon. For you all, keep us posted about your semesters abroad! We are also so excited to see the people who are coming back and joining us for Spring semester! Although Lyons will be losing a few wonderful girls (especially Sarah, who will be missed!), it will also be gaining back a few wonderful ones, especially my roomie Shannon Chisholm, Mariel, Kelsey, and Shannon Kelly. We are so excited to have them back, and the last few days before break were spent cleaning and straightening up for their arrival! So Shannon, the room looks beautiful and we think you will love it when you see it! Until then, we hope you all have a beautiful and relaxing break. From the South Bend Program, Merry Christmas!

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bad Weather in the Bend

One of the more unexpected adventures of our program site has been the unpredictable weather. After the temperature dropped down to the 30s in mid-September, we had a couple beautiful 80-degree days in early October. And today South Bend has received a visit from a tornado! So here we sit, in the basement of South Dining Hall, unable to attend our classes as we are so dying to do! Sarah and I woke up this morning to some surprisingly warm and windy weather on our way to get some early morning breakfast. After beginning to enjoy a delicious chocolate chip muffin, we received an "imminent alert for a TORNADO." Although we were hoping to attend class, our escape attempts were foiled by persistent dining hall workers, and we were forced to take up position in the basement.

So here we sit, melancholy and missing class, just waiting for the all-clear sign. We are coming to enjoy these adventures however, and love the unpredictable nature of life in the Bend.

Since our last blog, much has happened! Classes go on, it's still football season (we should probably refrain from commenting on this topic), and we continue to build and find new friendships! In the past month, we celebrated Sarah's 21st birthday in style with a wine and cheese party, attended a few good (and a few not-so-good) games, hosted a cupcake and coffee open-house in our room, and even reached the halfway point in our semester with fall break!

One of the favorite events of our month was a visit to the home of John and Lila, the legendary and beloved cardswipers at South Dining Hall. After enjoying a delicious meal and some homemade apple cider, we learned to play some of their favorite card and board games. The evening was a great way to get to know them and we hope to get to know them even more as the semester goes on!

Good thing this tornado warning gives us plenty of time to reflect on the events of this month and plan some more fun ones for the future! Just keep your fingers crossed we don't get picked up by a funnel cloud on the way out!

Checking in from Bio Lab

Just thought I would comment on the current state of affairs here in the Bend, as I sit patiently watching my SDS-PAGE run for 35 min. here in bio lab. I am joined by the fearless Peter Kundert and a plethora of freshman as we attempt to decide do we have milk protein, or is it spinach protein? Oh the challenging questions of life! Otherwise everyone else associated with this blog has been extremely busy, hence the lack of posts, and I hope we can resume a regular schedule of South Bend commentary soon.

T. Mark says hi!

A Taste of the Bend

Perhaps one of the largest hurdles to overcome when assimilating to a new (and totally foreign) culture is its food. The South Bend Program excels in this area, however; the cafeterias provide dining options from all over the world. This hasn't stopped us from trying a few of the more "unusual" items in local cuisine:



This picture shows Laura braving an unusual dish--roasted red pepper hummus and cottage cheese (we are not sure if they technically go together)--on pita sections. She reported that the appetizer was surprisingly good.



In the right picture, Sarah is eating a so-called "sandwhich", variously referred to as a hoagie, sub, or grinder in other parts of the world. Apparently, South Benders prefer a high lettuce-to-meat ratio, even if they're not vegetarian.



Here is what I ate: pasta with pesto sauce, french fries, a banana, and "coconut" cream pie. The drink is either called pop or soda, depending on who you ask (IDK what this even means?). In the picture that follows, you will see me successfully opening my banana in the style of the South Bend locals.



Notice in the background the unusual sculpture on the wall. Various replicas appear around campus here. Apparently it's a big part of Bender culture... I'm not quite sure what it represents. :-)

More Gameday Pics!

The Lyons 3-1-2

Kevin snoozing

Ben Stepping Off!

1812 with a "K"

Yes, that IS T-Swift!

Wake Up the Echoes

Kevin, Laura, Cody, and Nick goof off before the game.

We South Bend programmers have just experienced our first football weekend of the semester. Nothing could match the energy that began to filter onto campus as early as Thursday afternoon when the private jets of wealthy alumni (which we someday aspire to be) flew overhead en route to the South Bend Airport. Emotions ran high as conversations centered on the new Kelly era of Notre Dame football.

On Friday evening, many students and fans gathered in front of Dillon Hall for the long-awaited Dillon pep rally. Following some cheesy (and occasionally un-funny) acts, we witnessed Brian Kelly's first pep rally speech (clearly more peppy than that of his predecessor, a certain Charles J Weis). The day culminated in rousing cheers in front of the golden dome, where the traditional drummers' circle takes place at midnight. The stage was officially set for VICTORY!

Sarah, Cody, and Laura lovin' life in ND Stadium.

Finally, the day of anticipation arrived (It was like Christmas in September, minus the gifts... and Santa.)! During brunch, we were serenaded with "God Bless the Saxophones" and other cheers and songs. After watching the band step-off, we followed them to the stadium and took our seats (at about the 20 yard-line I might add!). Despite a rough first drive, the Fighting Irish pulled ahead in the first half. Between exciting moments of cheers and plays, we took time for a little conversation with our bleacher neighbors. The highlight of these moments came when the girls behind us complimented Nicholas on his fantastic eyelashes. 

The ND band, including our very own BMall, "Soaks up the Sun."

 After a halftime show that included "Dynamite" (Nick was dancing) and a song from Sheryl Crow (Cody's all time fav!), the Irish continued to dominate, and we won the game 23-12! 
 
We cannot help but hope that candlelight dinners of the future, like the one that followed this game, will all  be celebratory!

Success!!

A Top Secret Project Hatching in "Verminworks"...

Be ready for the unveiling of something vital to Irish spirit this Friday. Hint: it contains around 200lbs of cotton, 5 gallons of paint, $340 worth of aluminum and will be visible on the far-side of Saint Mary's lake. The Vermin of Carroll Hall are constructing a monument to Irish pride that should be visible across the pond! Look our way this Friday as we take on Purdue!

Sunrise...Moonrise as viewed from 313 Carroll Hall

Over the past two days, I have had the good fortune of catching the elusive sunrise and moonrise over the Dome.

Home under the Dome

And so it begins... the 2010-2011 school year here in South Bend.  Many Notre Dame students study abroad during their junior year, so we have friends spending a semester - or more - in exotic places across the globe.  One of the most coveted sites is located in the stunning and glamorous city of South Bend, Indiana, USA.  We, the writers of this blog, have been fortunate enough to gain acceptance to this highly competitive program.

We dedicate this blog to sharing our experiences as we explore the surrounding areas and find adventure wherever it may be.  We have much to learn about the region, its geography, including expansive plains - more commonly known as cornfields - and its wildlife.  One species of particular interest will be the elusive Tamiasciurus hudsonicus.  Perhaps we will write more about this later...

 Right now, we are continuing to settle in and beginning to feel once again, "Home under the Dome."