Today was beautiful (Thursday). Opened the doors and windows of the living room and read in the sunlight and fresh air. It was t-shirt weather today. I wish I would’ve known in advance as I would’ve skipped and done a walking trip somewhere. Oh well, Sean got a vortex nerf football so we threw that around all afternoon.
I have had freaky freaky dreams lately. I think its because of all the drunk people I hear in the night. Their thoughts enter my brain and remind me of random stuff. They aren’t scary dreams, just thrilling and kind of exhausting like battling muppet monsters on my old front porch like.
One of the reasons I’ve been anxious got solved today. This Jewish girl I live with has just been fuming for like the last few weeks. I get scowled at all the time. She just despises me. Well, my other roommates, all of whom had been here with her for awhile before I got here hang out with her, so I thought they might be mad at me too, just more polite. Well, she freaked out today. She woke up at 7 and made the most vicious cleaning noises ever. Such a racket and when I got back at noon there was a note demanding a house meeting on Sunday and mandatory house clean. I laughed and got pissed because I’m tired of being threatened, but decided to nap. Well, she came back, and I could hear her calling her mother talking trash and saying she can’t live like this on the verge of tears. I just didn’t get it. The apartment is in the same state as when I got here, and it’s in a very clean state. So I was rudely awoken and went out to write a note. I was extra polite when she walked in and started talking to me. I asked to talk later because I was clearing my head about all this and I thought the conversation would be better when we were calm. She kept talking, and I kept more or less ignoring her. She storms out, says I’m the worst person she’s ever met, and calls me a jackass.
Well, Luke, another roommate walks by her coming back. He comes in and says that girl is crazy and some other stuff, and Luke is a super nice guy. So now I know Amanda is the odd one out, not me, and he and Paige aren’t upset with me, at all, and thinks she’s nuts. So I feel safer now.
Last night we went to the palace and it was sick. Red Bull sponsored party. Everyone was nuts. First truly solid dance experience. Walked for so long and this Aussie girl kept wanting a piggy back ride, so all us guys got turned into mules for a half mile.
Today (Friday) was Ireland’s National Election
So I kind of got into this discussion with Grandmum, but here’s an interesting article to the effect. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703803904576152422920009948.html/ Looks like it’s going to get worse too. I haven’t met a single person with optimism, not the happy people in Kenmare, not the family in Offaly, not the people downtown in Dublin. They still don’t seem bothered by the future. My Internation Political Econ teacher, who just seems like a mental stud and is real into it all and generally a cheerful guy, said he voted randomly because it didn’t matter and almost didn’t vote at all. I guess Ireland had a good run....hope it gets back on top. I asked the soccer guys what was up with the election and they said who knows, we’re screwed anyway, and at least 5 or 6 said they were seriously leaving the country.
Speaking of soccer, we had our first game today!!! Except I didn’t get to play and it hailed on us. But wait, the story has a very sunny ending. First we were down 2-0 and came back in the last 30min to win 3-2 on my US friend Matt’s assist (he got in in the last 10). So that was awesome, but I left disappointed especially since some friends came. But I guess I didn’t play because I’ve shown well enough to play for the Sunday team which is the higher level cup team. So, Sunday morning, woke up early for an away game in far south Dublin. The field was god awful, top 5 worst I’ve ever played on, just a muddy bumpy pit. I subbed in with 25 left at winger. Man, I was winded by the end. We did so well while I was in. I didn’t lose the ball, had some good throughs, and had a great nutmeg. The best part of Irish muddy soccer is the slide tackling. Man I missed that. We got up 2-1. But…in the last 4 minutes, they got a fluke goal, and then there was a completely bull hand ball call, so they won 3-2. Slipped right through our fingers. There is only one ref for these games, and apparently their second goal had a man offside. I couldn’t tell. This is some tough stuff and I heard this level is just two below the Irish premier league. It didn’t look it today because the positions were so bad, but it makes me feel cool.
Had even freakier dreams last night. I can only blame it on passin out to the MATRIX and having spicy food earlier, but I woke up in a sweat several times and kept getting deathly ill and having inescapable hallucinations INSIDE of the dreams. Messed up. Hopefully no repeat tonight.
Finally, cool biology. Sitting down, rotate your right foot clockwise and while continuing the motion, draw the number 6 with your right hand. And HOOOORAY for the Missouri State Bears!!!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
lil update
First soccer match this weekend at 2. Games are every weekend and I can choose when I'm available. So plans going forward.
OK going to Rugby matches on March 4th.
March 14th-ish Shelby, Dingleberry, Anna, and Katlyn come to visit
March 17th St. Pat's weekend begins
March 26th is Will's christening.
March 31st I leave for the canary islands with friends. When vacationing in Europe, vacation like the Europeans. Back April 5th.
April has caving trips..
Scotland with Shelby???
Morocco with ????? when?????
I wanted to also pass on a remark that Daniel made to me. The drunk driving laws in Ireland have killed rural pubs.
I have many day trips planned to historical sites that I will do whenever I want by myself. Good day tour of sites just north of Dublin including Monasterboice, Drogheda, New Grange, and Hill of Tara. Also probably hit Wicklow forests.
May holds out for biking around Phoenix park, St. Stephen's Green, and trips back out west to camp and see cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dingle, etc.
Cheers!
OK going to Rugby matches on March 4th.
March 14th-ish Shelby, Dingleberry, Anna, and Katlyn come to visit
March 17th St. Pat's weekend begins
March 26th is Will's christening.
March 31st I leave for the canary islands with friends. When vacationing in Europe, vacation like the Europeans. Back April 5th.
April has caving trips..
Scotland with Shelby???
Morocco with ????? when?????
I wanted to also pass on a remark that Daniel made to me. The drunk driving laws in Ireland have killed rural pubs.
I have many day trips planned to historical sites that I will do whenever I want by myself. Good day tour of sites just north of Dublin including Monasterboice, Drogheda, New Grange, and Hill of Tara. Also probably hit Wicklow forests.
May holds out for biking around Phoenix park, St. Stephen's Green, and trips back out west to camp and see cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dingle, etc.
Cheers!
Monday, February 21, 2011
You hunter or dancer? Trip to Kenmare, Ring of Kerry, and Kilarney National Park
The day after. Wow, haven’t slept that long in awhile. Skipping the 9am was essential. Today’s weather says showers, tomorrow’s says rain, and Wednesday’s weather is drizzle. Well, I just walked to get some food and it is sprinkling, but I don’t know how! There is not a cloud in the sky, the sun is blindingly bright, but sure enough there is precipitation. I like it. It makes me feel like I’m running through a sprinkler in the summer. This was one of the most amazing weekends of my life. The only bad part was that it was so good I became paranoid something terrible was going to happen.
Sean, Preston, and I all hooped on a bus Friday at noon bound for Waterford. We were picked up by Daniel, a classic Irish dude who walks with his arms out like he’s jacked and cannot be understood, though apparently what he says is hilarious.
Waterford was…full of Water. Pouring rain. Got a bite and went bowling to pass the time until Niamh could get off work. Daniel loves the Big Lebowski. Then we hit the road for Kenmare, which is about three hours from Waterford. The drive down was just a sign the trip would be great. Sometimes you just get riled up and jam out and each song is perfect. This was a great roadtrip the whole way. We got there and we could not believe where we were staying. Old school cottage, hot food waiting. Thatched roof and all, hot showers, and the Sheep Dog named Mason, who was loads of fun and looked just like the dog from Peter Pan.
After a rest in front of the fire we hit the bars for some live music. Tasty jams. Beer is much cheaper in Kenmare than in Dublin, so we said phewwww, but then Niamh just started buying us drinks. I bet she dropped €200 on us this weekend. Unbelievably generous. The night was great and late and so small town Ireland. Probably 150 people at the bars, everyone knew each other and was friendly. And they were diverse. Musicians, metalheads, gamers, William the old banker who lost his mind and is clearly nuts, 14year olds, 74 year olds, bachelorette party group in devil suits, and guys with jokes. I’m kidding, but seriously. Just a fun night at the Square Pint in Kenmare. And some guys drew a map for us of where in Dublin we’d be most likely to get held up with a hypodermic needle, so I feel safer now…I think… Finished the night by fighting through the whole town at Estes (the only chip bar open that late run by a nice Turkish dude who you can tell can’t wait to close). Amazing garlic and cheddar chips. Best way to finish the night.
My breakfast plate the next morning was an overwhelming spread of bacon, ham, 3 kinds of sausage. Lunch was venison sandwiches and salmon salad sandwiches. Dinner later was chicken and mushrooms. The salmon here is becoming world famous apparently and rightly so. Saturday’s weather was weather was absolutely beautiful. If you can think of the most amazing spring day in your memory, that was it, so we eagerly grabbed hit the road. The drive through the ring of Kerry was full of incredible views. The terrain reminded me of stuff from the Lord of the Rings. It was so rugged looking. We were dropped off at a bridge leading down to the Lakes of Kilarney and took off down the Old Kenmare road (a trail) through Kilarney National Park. The hike was great, though muddy at times. We saw some foxes playing and some menacing vultures, but mostly sheep. Mason came with us and was very photogenic and loved to scare the sheep.
Half way through we stopped in an old building well on its way to being reclaimed by the hillside and took time for a drink and some clementines. Ireland has the prettiest moss in the world I’d bet, and it’s so soft. And there’s such variety and color. I climbed up to the top of the hill we were on and the view was spectacular, you could see the whole valley all the way to the lakes, and you could appreciate the full distance we’d hiked. But it was the hike to come that offered the best views. Even getting out of the park, there was something amazing that all of us had been looking for walking along the old stone lined country roads as the sun set.
When we got back we were exhausted from a long day and we all passed out to Toy Story 2 in front of the fire. We woke for dinner and then we got a surprise offer to go hunting.
So we went hunting! Put on the camo and all. The gun was huge, a 300 Weatherby with a huge silencer on the end. Thing was a cannon, though according to Preston it had very little recoil compared to other guns that size. So basically, we all loaded into a van with Niamh, her dad, and Pat and went out “lamping.” Basically drive somewhere, and then start roaming the hills shining the spotlight looking for those reflecting eyes. They eat a lot of venison, so it gets used. So, I’d never really seen the gruesome practice of killing a deer. Pretty difficult to watch, though afterwards, I didn’t feel affected. I just kinda thought the animal would be dead when we got to it. And if it wasn’t I thought there would be some kindness shown the animal when they do kill it. Way wrong. Looks like a very agonizing death. Rip it up from the belly? Tear its stuff out? Then break the sternum? Then stab its heart? OMG. Watching the heart explode on Pat’s face and them laugh about it felt messed up, and this did nothing more than churn my stomach for an instant, so I feel strange now. I remember being very upset cutting up a live fish at Red’s. This just didn’t bother me much and I wish it did. I can say I felt like I had an epiphany of some kind carrying that deer through the hills. I feel different and I wish I could put it in words.
But the truly unique experience of running through the hills of this rugged landscape at night is something I’ll never forget. I never thought I’d be hopping fences, sneaking up on sheep, and grabbing mud out here. The full moon was in and out of the clouds and we were out there for hours with the wind howling. Truly incredible. Completely unexpected.
The night didn’t end there. We went back to the Square Pint and hit it hard. There was photographic evidence of the shenanigans or I wouldn’t have believed it all. Niamh was just so generous again, and the purple haze shots really did me in. One of the best moments was when her brother came back with no pants on. Apparently some girl had puked on him, and he was hammered so he thought he’d pissed himself, but he was in a fit and I’m not sure he knew his pants were off.
Sunday we woke up late and had to leave by 4:30 to catch the bus in Waterford, but before we left we went down into some very rural spot to a place called the Blackwater Tavern (famous as the place where Big Bertha-the world’s oldest cow-used to have a pint with her owner). Niamh’s dad was teaching some very complicated dance routines to a group of people. It was really cool to be around traditional Irish music and dance. Not everyone in Ireland is like this. Daniel tells me he doesn’t like it and used to sneak out of school when they taught it. But it looked like fun and I wish we could’ve got in and learned a bit. Maybe next time.
The ride back was great, good tunes, several rainbows, and I got two comfy seats on the bus back. And we just made the last bus so we didn’t have to get a taxi from downtown to DCU. Being back in Dublin kinda sucks, but we’re going back down there in a few weeks and have planned a camping trip to the Cliffs of Moher.
Thank you so much to Niamh, Daniel, and the rest of Kenmare!
Sean, Preston, and I all hooped on a bus Friday at noon bound for Waterford. We were picked up by Daniel, a classic Irish dude who walks with his arms out like he’s jacked and cannot be understood, though apparently what he says is hilarious.
Waterford was…full of Water. Pouring rain. Got a bite and went bowling to pass the time until Niamh could get off work. Daniel loves the Big Lebowski. Then we hit the road for Kenmare, which is about three hours from Waterford. The drive down was just a sign the trip would be great. Sometimes you just get riled up and jam out and each song is perfect. This was a great roadtrip the whole way. We got there and we could not believe where we were staying. Old school cottage, hot food waiting. Thatched roof and all, hot showers, and the Sheep Dog named Mason, who was loads of fun and looked just like the dog from Peter Pan.
After a rest in front of the fire we hit the bars for some live music. Tasty jams. Beer is much cheaper in Kenmare than in Dublin, so we said phewwww, but then Niamh just started buying us drinks. I bet she dropped €200 on us this weekend. Unbelievably generous. The night was great and late and so small town Ireland. Probably 150 people at the bars, everyone knew each other and was friendly. And they were diverse. Musicians, metalheads, gamers, William the old banker who lost his mind and is clearly nuts, 14year olds, 74 year olds, bachelorette party group in devil suits, and guys with jokes. I’m kidding, but seriously. Just a fun night at the Square Pint in Kenmare. And some guys drew a map for us of where in Dublin we’d be most likely to get held up with a hypodermic needle, so I feel safer now…I think… Finished the night by fighting through the whole town at Estes (the only chip bar open that late run by a nice Turkish dude who you can tell can’t wait to close). Amazing garlic and cheddar chips. Best way to finish the night.
My breakfast plate the next morning was an overwhelming spread of bacon, ham, 3 kinds of sausage. Lunch was venison sandwiches and salmon salad sandwiches. Dinner later was chicken and mushrooms. The salmon here is becoming world famous apparently and rightly so. Saturday’s weather was weather was absolutely beautiful. If you can think of the most amazing spring day in your memory, that was it, so we eagerly grabbed hit the road. The drive through the ring of Kerry was full of incredible views. The terrain reminded me of stuff from the Lord of the Rings. It was so rugged looking. We were dropped off at a bridge leading down to the Lakes of Kilarney and took off down the Old Kenmare road (a trail) through Kilarney National Park. The hike was great, though muddy at times. We saw some foxes playing and some menacing vultures, but mostly sheep. Mason came with us and was very photogenic and loved to scare the sheep.
Half way through we stopped in an old building well on its way to being reclaimed by the hillside and took time for a drink and some clementines. Ireland has the prettiest moss in the world I’d bet, and it’s so soft. And there’s such variety and color. I climbed up to the top of the hill we were on and the view was spectacular, you could see the whole valley all the way to the lakes, and you could appreciate the full distance we’d hiked. But it was the hike to come that offered the best views. Even getting out of the park, there was something amazing that all of us had been looking for walking along the old stone lined country roads as the sun set.
When we got back we were exhausted from a long day and we all passed out to Toy Story 2 in front of the fire. We woke for dinner and then we got a surprise offer to go hunting.
So we went hunting! Put on the camo and all. The gun was huge, a 300 Weatherby with a huge silencer on the end. Thing was a cannon, though according to Preston it had very little recoil compared to other guns that size. So basically, we all loaded into a van with Niamh, her dad, and Pat and went out “lamping.” Basically drive somewhere, and then start roaming the hills shining the spotlight looking for those reflecting eyes. They eat a lot of venison, so it gets used. So, I’d never really seen the gruesome practice of killing a deer. Pretty difficult to watch, though afterwards, I didn’t feel affected. I just kinda thought the animal would be dead when we got to it. And if it wasn’t I thought there would be some kindness shown the animal when they do kill it. Way wrong. Looks like a very agonizing death. Rip it up from the belly? Tear its stuff out? Then break the sternum? Then stab its heart? OMG. Watching the heart explode on Pat’s face and them laugh about it felt messed up, and this did nothing more than churn my stomach for an instant, so I feel strange now. I remember being very upset cutting up a live fish at Red’s. This just didn’t bother me much and I wish it did. I can say I felt like I had an epiphany of some kind carrying that deer through the hills. I feel different and I wish I could put it in words.
But the truly unique experience of running through the hills of this rugged landscape at night is something I’ll never forget. I never thought I’d be hopping fences, sneaking up on sheep, and grabbing mud out here. The full moon was in and out of the clouds and we were out there for hours with the wind howling. Truly incredible. Completely unexpected.
The night didn’t end there. We went back to the Square Pint and hit it hard. There was photographic evidence of the shenanigans or I wouldn’t have believed it all. Niamh was just so generous again, and the purple haze shots really did me in. One of the best moments was when her brother came back with no pants on. Apparently some girl had puked on him, and he was hammered so he thought he’d pissed himself, but he was in a fit and I’m not sure he knew his pants were off.
Sunday we woke up late and had to leave by 4:30 to catch the bus in Waterford, but before we left we went down into some very rural spot to a place called the Blackwater Tavern (famous as the place where Big Bertha-the world’s oldest cow-used to have a pint with her owner). Niamh’s dad was teaching some very complicated dance routines to a group of people. It was really cool to be around traditional Irish music and dance. Not everyone in Ireland is like this. Daniel tells me he doesn’t like it and used to sneak out of school when they taught it. But it looked like fun and I wish we could’ve got in and learned a bit. Maybe next time.
The ride back was great, good tunes, several rainbows, and I got two comfy seats on the bus back. And we just made the last bus so we didn’t have to get a taxi from downtown to DCU. Being back in Dublin kinda sucks, but we’re going back down there in a few weeks and have planned a camping trip to the Cliffs of Moher.
Thank you so much to Niamh, Daniel, and the rest of Kenmare!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
What's new? Not much...
So I started to go out tonight. I went and hung our for the pre-party, I was ready to go to Krash, which is a fun place, but you know? It's not that special. It's not that different from stuff I've done before, so no I'm not going to go drop an extra 15euro to do that. nuBar here is cheap, so I'll keep that up, but I have better plans. 1) save money for Kenmare this weekend. 2) save money for the canary islands at the end of March, 3) save money for the caving trips.
What are the caving trips? A just question. I joined the DCU Cavers Club. Why? Because it's only 2euro, the people are very odd and super interesting, I'm gettin professional caver training, rock climbing training etc, and I get to practice for free once a week and go on sweet cave diving trips in mid-March, early and late April. Yooo. Now i just need a pair of cheap nylon pants. Experiences on a budget and decent exercise.
I had been having trouble sleeping lately. All the partying I had been doing wasn't killing my budget, but was unsustainable and put a good enough dent that I just had to say stop to relieve stress. I don't know where everyone else gets their money, but I just don't have it. I've never felt so responsible and lame, but hey, I got other things I can do. Usually I can just put it on the credit card and work hard later, but not here.
Soccer on Tuesday was great for the most part. I don't think I've ever enjoyed or gotten so much out of fitness and playing. Good 9v9 games, 3 teams, team on sidelines does fitness for 11 minutes. So between that and playing winger I'm spent after a few games. First, i'm getting much more confident on the ball and just doing better things with it. A lot more "good Will!"s. Second, you beat the Irish by doing the dumbest thing you can think of with the ball. It's ballsy, I know, but they just aren't catching on. I remember this guy from Jewell who left just use to do these really casual 270degree turns and burn people because it looked so stupid. Well stuff like this works. Play a square ball right within three defenders reach, they'll go blind. Receive, turn around and then quickly finish the rotation. Maybe lazy thinking is a key ingredient in star powered spontaneous offense. Anyway...the thing I don't like is the fenced in fields. The fences hurt. I think my knee cap almost ripped off.
What else can I say of the Irish...? The kids here seem sooooo similar to American kids. Humor, dress. I'm really only noticing small things. One, for every modern song played here, there is a 90's remix of Venga Boys, or Bloodhound Gang, or a throw back to Summer of 69. Two, no one grinds here. Even the Australians think its weird and they're keen for everything! It's like they enforce the ruler rule here. It just makes for awkward eyes closed dancing if you ask me. They don't have style, and the guys aren't leading or anything. Lots of fist pumps from the guys and toe extension/hair flopping from the girls. Three, everyone has duffel bags...what's up with that?
Still excited for Kenmare. Might see Dingle, pops, but that's pretty touristy now too(it was featured in a recent romance movie call Love Actually). I guess the traditional Irish dance thing we're going to is like a hoedown, so ya....that should be interesting. Doing well in classes. Found a piano with a great touch. Planning on finding Nessie in Loch Ness with Shelby. Seeing when I can visit Fox in Spain. Not much else to say, just livin life in Dublin.
What are the caving trips? A just question. I joined the DCU Cavers Club. Why? Because it's only 2euro, the people are very odd and super interesting, I'm gettin professional caver training, rock climbing training etc, and I get to practice for free once a week and go on sweet cave diving trips in mid-March, early and late April. Yooo. Now i just need a pair of cheap nylon pants. Experiences on a budget and decent exercise.
I had been having trouble sleeping lately. All the partying I had been doing wasn't killing my budget, but was unsustainable and put a good enough dent that I just had to say stop to relieve stress. I don't know where everyone else gets their money, but I just don't have it. I've never felt so responsible and lame, but hey, I got other things I can do. Usually I can just put it on the credit card and work hard later, but not here.
Soccer on Tuesday was great for the most part. I don't think I've ever enjoyed or gotten so much out of fitness and playing. Good 9v9 games, 3 teams, team on sidelines does fitness for 11 minutes. So between that and playing winger I'm spent after a few games. First, i'm getting much more confident on the ball and just doing better things with it. A lot more "good Will!"s. Second, you beat the Irish by doing the dumbest thing you can think of with the ball. It's ballsy, I know, but they just aren't catching on. I remember this guy from Jewell who left just use to do these really casual 270degree turns and burn people because it looked so stupid. Well stuff like this works. Play a square ball right within three defenders reach, they'll go blind. Receive, turn around and then quickly finish the rotation. Maybe lazy thinking is a key ingredient in star powered spontaneous offense. Anyway...the thing I don't like is the fenced in fields. The fences hurt. I think my knee cap almost ripped off.
What else can I say of the Irish...? The kids here seem sooooo similar to American kids. Humor, dress. I'm really only noticing small things. One, for every modern song played here, there is a 90's remix of Venga Boys, or Bloodhound Gang, or a throw back to Summer of 69. Two, no one grinds here. Even the Australians think its weird and they're keen for everything! It's like they enforce the ruler rule here. It just makes for awkward eyes closed dancing if you ask me. They don't have style, and the guys aren't leading or anything. Lots of fist pumps from the guys and toe extension/hair flopping from the girls. Three, everyone has duffel bags...what's up with that?
Still excited for Kenmare. Might see Dingle, pops, but that's pretty touristy now too(it was featured in a recent romance movie call Love Actually). I guess the traditional Irish dance thing we're going to is like a hoedown, so ya....that should be interesting. Doing well in classes. Found a piano with a great touch. Planning on finding Nessie in Loch Ness with Shelby. Seeing when I can visit Fox in Spain. Not much else to say, just livin life in Dublin.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
fade into green
Today was so chill. I am very pleased to see that everyone is starting to get comfortable enough with one another to be honest and say, I never party this much, it’s getting old. I have done well so far. Not too much over budget, and of course, I have found enough ways to be thrifty now that it should only get easier from here. Tonight we had a big crew dinner with everyone contributing different dishes and it’s the first time in a while we’ve pigged out. Also we’ve got leftovers now. It was so awesome to just chill to John Mayer afterwards (though Sini, the Finnish soft spoken sweetheart disliked it because she is a devil metal head-of all the people). And this week should be a little less crazy because there is a big trip this weekend to Kenmare (SW coast of Ireland) for me, Preston, and Sean.
Before I forget, just a few notes to myself and others trying to be thrifty in Dublin….
One, you do not actually have to pay the full bus fee. Just throw some coins in there. I’ll let you know if you can do American coins.
Two, when you’re downtown, you are going to have to pee on the walk back to the buses. But to do that, you will have to purchase something from the store. Don’t be afraid to ask for a slice of cheese for €0.20. It’s going to save you a lot of money over your stay.
Three, talk to Irish people, because they want tp make friends with you, and they have so much to give. For example, the trip this weekend is to Waterford and the ring of Kerry. The girls hooked it up with cheaper bus tickets, free stay at the B&B one of their parents owns, and they’re going to drive us around. So Friday we go and explore on our own, Saturday is ring of Kerry and whatever they want to do, and Sunday is like some traditional Irish festival. THIS is what we came here for, and it’ll be on the cheap.
Fourth, pay as you go cell plan for sure. I suggest Meteor, but O2 is good too. And you don’t need to do the €20 a month top up. It sounds good because you get unlimited free text, but you can make it through a month for less because meteor is always giving away €5 bonuses for taking surveys and most of all, everyone is on facebook chat. Really the only time you’ll use your phone is when you’re drunk and on the town.
Finally, and I got this tip from Jordan Cole (thanks), make friends with the small grocers. It’s all about being personable because they WILL hook you up. It’s way cheaper than TESCO. So tonight we had our crew feast where everyone contributes some food. Well, we got some dank chicken wings, like 30 AND 4 big legs AND 4big breasts in a combo all for €5 because Patty the butcher was trying to get rid of it and has to compete with TESCO next door. So sweet, leftovers and it fed the whole group. And my little €2 shortcake, whipped cream that didn’t whip and canned peaches dessert was sweet too.
So these are good things. Now, what’s bothering me. There is a dog in the house 20 yards from my room that barks on and off 24/7. I’m going to kill him. And the gulls are annoying in the morning too. But most of all, the roommates wake up at 7 everyday and make obnoxiously loud breakfast.
Oh well, I’m so excited for Kenmare this weekend. First real trip. Horseback riding, biking, hiking, nature, beaches, sunset. Hyoooo!
Before I forget, just a few notes to myself and others trying to be thrifty in Dublin….
One, you do not actually have to pay the full bus fee. Just throw some coins in there. I’ll let you know if you can do American coins.
Two, when you’re downtown, you are going to have to pee on the walk back to the buses. But to do that, you will have to purchase something from the store. Don’t be afraid to ask for a slice of cheese for €0.20. It’s going to save you a lot of money over your stay.
Three, talk to Irish people, because they want tp make friends with you, and they have so much to give. For example, the trip this weekend is to Waterford and the ring of Kerry. The girls hooked it up with cheaper bus tickets, free stay at the B&B one of their parents owns, and they’re going to drive us around. So Friday we go and explore on our own, Saturday is ring of Kerry and whatever they want to do, and Sunday is like some traditional Irish festival. THIS is what we came here for, and it’ll be on the cheap.
Fourth, pay as you go cell plan for sure. I suggest Meteor, but O2 is good too. And you don’t need to do the €20 a month top up. It sounds good because you get unlimited free text, but you can make it through a month for less because meteor is always giving away €5 bonuses for taking surveys and most of all, everyone is on facebook chat. Really the only time you’ll use your phone is when you’re drunk and on the town.
Finally, and I got this tip from Jordan Cole (thanks), make friends with the small grocers. It’s all about being personable because they WILL hook you up. It’s way cheaper than TESCO. So tonight we had our crew feast where everyone contributes some food. Well, we got some dank chicken wings, like 30 AND 4 big legs AND 4big breasts in a combo all for €5 because Patty the butcher was trying to get rid of it and has to compete with TESCO next door. So sweet, leftovers and it fed the whole group. And my little €2 shortcake, whipped cream that didn’t whip and canned peaches dessert was sweet too.
So these are good things. Now, what’s bothering me. There is a dog in the house 20 yards from my room that barks on and off 24/7. I’m going to kill him. And the gulls are annoying in the morning too. But most of all, the roommates wake up at 7 everyday and make obnoxiously loud breakfast.
Oh well, I’m so excited for Kenmare this weekend. First real trip. Horseback riding, biking, hiking, nature, beaches, sunset. Hyoooo!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
This vegetable soup is sketch
Soccer on Thursday was outstanding. I just needed one good nutmeg and my confidence shot up, which had great timing because the coach came down to watch about then. I played right wing and that was exhausting, but looks like I can make a space for myself there. The speed of play is really great, and it is a great learning experience. What really saves me though, is my younger legs-I’m just a little quicker. Next weekend we’ll have our first matches. Also, if you didn’t see Rooney score against City, check that out. Most class act bike ever. So exciting!
I’ve explored the massive sports facilities here a bit more too. Good pool as I said, but also hot tubs, saunas, and a tepidarium which is awesome. All of these places are dark and also have little LED constellations on the ceiling. So relaxing.
We also ran across the archery club. This is the type of club I was looking for. You pay and you just walk in and start shooting and getting help, and they have all kinds of bows. I’m joining on Monday.
I just made my second big batch of casserole, and was definitely more efficient this time. Tastes better too. Yum.I got a little homesick yesterday and unfortunately it meant I went out and didn’t have a blast. I could tell I was in a mood, so I took it all easy. Unfortunate because the club would’ve been great, 5 floors, 4 bars, 3 DJs, 2 live bands, 1 good time as the signs said. One of the bands was awesome. Most people in the group seemed to be in a slightly depressed mood though, so maybe it was the moon or something, or maybe just a long week. I’m going with the last one because today I feel a little sick for the first time too. I guess there’s no big thing missing a weekend. There are many more, and the week is great too.
Since I am staying in I’m taking care of some business. I still need to refigure my classes, I’m going to plan a few trips, and cook and clean some more. I also want- not need- to study. One half of my chemistry course is quantum mechanics. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so excited. The professor is like an Irish James Bond too. Legit. It’s very cool stuff, and exciting to hear that I can move beyond all of the old physics that I didn’t like and hear it referenced from a more chemical perspective.
I’ve explored the massive sports facilities here a bit more too. Good pool as I said, but also hot tubs, saunas, and a tepidarium which is awesome. All of these places are dark and also have little LED constellations on the ceiling. So relaxing.
We also ran across the archery club. This is the type of club I was looking for. You pay and you just walk in and start shooting and getting help, and they have all kinds of bows. I’m joining on Monday.
I just made my second big batch of casserole, and was definitely more efficient this time. Tastes better too. Yum.I got a little homesick yesterday and unfortunately it meant I went out and didn’t have a blast. I could tell I was in a mood, so I took it all easy. Unfortunate because the club would’ve been great, 5 floors, 4 bars, 3 DJs, 2 live bands, 1 good time as the signs said. One of the bands was awesome. Most people in the group seemed to be in a slightly depressed mood though, so maybe it was the moon or something, or maybe just a long week. I’m going with the last one because today I feel a little sick for the first time too. I guess there’s no big thing missing a weekend. There are many more, and the week is great too.
Since I am staying in I’m taking care of some business. I still need to refigure my classes, I’m going to plan a few trips, and cook and clean some more. I also want- not need- to study. One half of my chemistry course is quantum mechanics. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so excited. The professor is like an Irish James Bond too. Legit. It’s very cool stuff, and exciting to hear that I can move beyond all of the old physics that I didn’t like and hear it referenced from a more chemical perspective.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
On the reg
Warning, a bit lengthy..
Wednesday I don’t have class so some friends and I went down to Trinity and just started walking around Dublin. Trinity is soooo beautiful and I love Dublin. We went ahead and saw the Book of Kells exhibit and that was fantastic as well. Look for some photos. You can never get lost in Dublin because the big pointy sphere thingamabob (Millennium Spire) can be seen from anywhere and really helps orient you. The river Liffey is growing on me, as are the bridges.
Matt (my friend from E. Connecticut, who looks and behaves very similarly to Master Gastineau strangely enough) and I made the Leinster League Senior Team and we will be playing for them on the weekends this Spring. It’s the equivalent of college club ball, but these guys are real good. This will be a great way to explore Ireland and hang out with the real guys. Check out the league here: http://www.lsl.ie/. And it will be a good reason to stay sober at least one night a week, since that has happened once since being on this island.
The party never stops here. Monday Big Tree, Toxic Tuesdays at nuBar, Wednesdays at Krash, Thursdays the roommates want to go out, Friday is Friday of course, Saturday is the day before Sunday so why not?, and Sunday is like the biggest night here which is a 180 from the US. I’m also getting a nice yellow glow to my skin which is encouraging me to go out (I’m kidding).
NuBar is a bar on campus, well, more like a small club, and this was like a school party. So everything was cheap, and this was a paint party, so everyone was running around throwing paint on each other. A real mess. Been there done that. Still fun, but not awesome. The pre/post games back at Shanowen are the real deal. The morning after looked ridiculous. Paint, trash, shopping carts, at least one guy passed out, all in the center lawn. Everyone opens their windows and yells. It’s a very cool site to walk up on, and very cool to be a part of.
I am meeting so many new people. Our crew is getting deep and is diverse covering Australia, America, Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and Italy. This place is so diverse, and I guess that’s something DCU prides itself on.
I actually started watching an Irish TV series at night on Ireland, a kind of identity show. Ireland as I’ve mentioned has some real tensions with immigrants and acceptance, which after chatting with many of my friends just seems to be such an important issue worldwide. It’s like everyone understands one another on this point. I really never took the time to look at immigration and bigotry so macroscopically, but it does change my perspective on it and some other economic issues and it’s nice to hear the personal anecdotes and homeland stories that really make our US problems less unique. But back to the main point, Ireland is clearly going about dealing with immigration differently than the US. There is a real national media, academic, etc effort to promote understanding and surprisingly, to redefine Ireland as a whole. Ireland it almost literally rewriting its own history, and it is certainly reinterpreting its identity. It’s almost in a conspiring way, like it’s not real because the direction they’re going is very globalization oriented, as if to make Ireland a diversity hub, and that seems trendy and convenient. And don’t even get me started on what’s real. I’ve heard the “well what is truth” joke here more than in my entire prior existence.
Last night, one of the coolest things was going down to the restrooms in the basement and the Nigerian bathroom attendants were just chillin and smiling and singing Bob Marley songs. So I just started singing with them and soon the whole restroom was singing or trying to sing. I tipped him, which felt cool, so every time I came back down he started up again with something fresh. Awesome detail to an awesome Pillow fight party at Krash!
Another detail from last night I keep thinking about- We were all walking down O’Connell Street and I had bought a hamburger and I threw the pickles on a shop window so they’d slide down. Ya, it sounds immature, and it’s the first time I’ve done it actually. Some of the Australian girls were just dumbfounded that I would do something like that. It was like I’d drowned a kitten. Preston (from W. Va) and I vigorously defended this action as acceptable foul play and in the deeper conversation which followed and obviously went beyond pickles, I think both sides got a real eye-opener. I made sure not to represent all of America this way, though apparently I shoulder that burden as an ambassador. I think that is only true to an extent, so shenanigans will continue.
Tonight we have soccer practice. Should be another good session. On the downside though, the nature of the school clubs here is not as exciting as I thought. They’re all legit. They had made it seem like you could join the sailing club and automatically try sailing, join the soccer club and play. And maybe you could, but the people who are in these clubs are dedicated, so there is no room for a greenhorn.
School so far. My 10 credit culture course meets approximately once a week. But my Inorganic chemistry, quantum mechanics course, yes, the same course, meets five times a week and is only 5 credits….The classes are all good right now. Positives include free textbooks in the library, very knowledgeable professors, good demonstrations and they have a good young vibe to it all. Unexpected things are that at this 10,000 person school, everyone in the classes know each other, no doubt because they’re the same course(major). So those of us who are foreign are already kind of excluded. But the people you sit next to are nice and I could see friendships forming in the future.
Final word-Ireland, you need to bathe more often, try anti-perspirant because you guys are pretty icky even by my low standards. I have also learned not that even though the Irish say bastard very casually, Scottish rugby fans don’t appreciate it. I’m glad I am fast.
Thanks to everyone who has written me. I enjoy hearing from you and wish you all well.
Wednesday I don’t have class so some friends and I went down to Trinity and just started walking around Dublin. Trinity is soooo beautiful and I love Dublin. We went ahead and saw the Book of Kells exhibit and that was fantastic as well. Look for some photos. You can never get lost in Dublin because the big pointy sphere thingamabob (Millennium Spire) can be seen from anywhere and really helps orient you. The river Liffey is growing on me, as are the bridges.
Matt (my friend from E. Connecticut, who looks and behaves very similarly to Master Gastineau strangely enough) and I made the Leinster League Senior Team and we will be playing for them on the weekends this Spring. It’s the equivalent of college club ball, but these guys are real good. This will be a great way to explore Ireland and hang out with the real guys. Check out the league here: http://www.lsl.ie/. And it will be a good reason to stay sober at least one night a week, since that has happened once since being on this island.
The party never stops here. Monday Big Tree, Toxic Tuesdays at nuBar, Wednesdays at Krash, Thursdays the roommates want to go out, Friday is Friday of course, Saturday is the day before Sunday so why not?, and Sunday is like the biggest night here which is a 180 from the US. I’m also getting a nice yellow glow to my skin which is encouraging me to go out (I’m kidding).
NuBar is a bar on campus, well, more like a small club, and this was like a school party. So everything was cheap, and this was a paint party, so everyone was running around throwing paint on each other. A real mess. Been there done that. Still fun, but not awesome. The pre/post games back at Shanowen are the real deal. The morning after looked ridiculous. Paint, trash, shopping carts, at least one guy passed out, all in the center lawn. Everyone opens their windows and yells. It’s a very cool site to walk up on, and very cool to be a part of.
I am meeting so many new people. Our crew is getting deep and is diverse covering Australia, America, Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and Italy. This place is so diverse, and I guess that’s something DCU prides itself on.
I actually started watching an Irish TV series at night on Ireland, a kind of identity show. Ireland as I’ve mentioned has some real tensions with immigrants and acceptance, which after chatting with many of my friends just seems to be such an important issue worldwide. It’s like everyone understands one another on this point. I really never took the time to look at immigration and bigotry so macroscopically, but it does change my perspective on it and some other economic issues and it’s nice to hear the personal anecdotes and homeland stories that really make our US problems less unique. But back to the main point, Ireland is clearly going about dealing with immigration differently than the US. There is a real national media, academic, etc effort to promote understanding and surprisingly, to redefine Ireland as a whole. Ireland it almost literally rewriting its own history, and it is certainly reinterpreting its identity. It’s almost in a conspiring way, like it’s not real because the direction they’re going is very globalization oriented, as if to make Ireland a diversity hub, and that seems trendy and convenient. And don’t even get me started on what’s real. I’ve heard the “well what is truth” joke here more than in my entire prior existence.
Last night, one of the coolest things was going down to the restrooms in the basement and the Nigerian bathroom attendants were just chillin and smiling and singing Bob Marley songs. So I just started singing with them and soon the whole restroom was singing or trying to sing. I tipped him, which felt cool, so every time I came back down he started up again with something fresh. Awesome detail to an awesome Pillow fight party at Krash!
Another detail from last night I keep thinking about- We were all walking down O’Connell Street and I had bought a hamburger and I threw the pickles on a shop window so they’d slide down. Ya, it sounds immature, and it’s the first time I’ve done it actually. Some of the Australian girls were just dumbfounded that I would do something like that. It was like I’d drowned a kitten. Preston (from W. Va) and I vigorously defended this action as acceptable foul play and in the deeper conversation which followed and obviously went beyond pickles, I think both sides got a real eye-opener. I made sure not to represent all of America this way, though apparently I shoulder that burden as an ambassador. I think that is only true to an extent, so shenanigans will continue.
Tonight we have soccer practice. Should be another good session. On the downside though, the nature of the school clubs here is not as exciting as I thought. They’re all legit. They had made it seem like you could join the sailing club and automatically try sailing, join the soccer club and play. And maybe you could, but the people who are in these clubs are dedicated, so there is no room for a greenhorn.
School so far. My 10 credit culture course meets approximately once a week. But my Inorganic chemistry, quantum mechanics course, yes, the same course, meets five times a week and is only 5 credits….The classes are all good right now. Positives include free textbooks in the library, very knowledgeable professors, good demonstrations and they have a good young vibe to it all. Unexpected things are that at this 10,000 person school, everyone in the classes know each other, no doubt because they’re the same course(major). So those of us who are foreign are already kind of excluded. But the people you sit next to are nice and I could see friendships forming in the future.
Final word-Ireland, you need to bathe more often, try anti-perspirant because you guys are pretty icky even by my low standards. I have also learned not that even though the Irish say bastard very casually, Scottish rugby fans don’t appreciate it. I’m glad I am fast.
Thanks to everyone who has written me. I enjoy hearing from you and wish you all well.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
First weekend and days of school
The Super Bowl was absolutely crazy here. Eight of us went down to Murray’s for 9€ pitchers. Crazier than the EPL games (though to be fair, it was later at night). I think there is a certain type of crowd, the one too many screws loose crowd, that loves American football.
First day of school is also a beautiful sunny day!(not that I mind these cloudy days). After class, I went and worked out for an hour, and then I went to the park which is right next to campus and pretty big and walked around. There are some beautiful green spaces, I’ll take pictures in the future, and I found myself stopping to just stare at them. I had to sit down and enjoy it.
I have time to stop and smell the roses now, and still have a blast when I want. Shanowen square has filled up now, so it is much livelier.
Chemistry class was simple. I already know I’m going to have a little trouble translating my knowledge over. There was a lot of bond talk today and they just use a slightly different system and some different symbols. But I think it might be better, and there is some new stuff that’s cool. Also, the book can be checked out in the library, which is great.
This perspectives on culture class is going to be right up my alley. I’m very excited. Just a lot of thinking, things you think about in your down time though, except now you have a chance to put it together and establish something for peer and professor review. The class is huge and very diverse, like Ireland-age, race, nationality, wealth it would seem.
Irish people smoke cigarettes much more than Americans do, and especially for being at college it’s a bit of a shock and an annoyance. The campus also gets riddled with obnoxious youth around lunchtime, which kinda stinks.
I finally got my phone unlocked. I should have known to ask an Irish-Asian first. I haggled with him for the price successfully but still got ripped off by the “Sunday special” because unlocking a phone is a 30 second ordeal.
My roommates and the other interns and myself all went out to find a good club and we were half successful. A few notes. The good clubs are for over 21s only. I assume this is to make more money with a wealthier crowd and to keep the young obnoxious dudes out. Some of the girls aren’t 21, but still had no problem. They don’t start clubbing here til after 11 and they still shut down by 2 which was unexpectedly short.
Interruption-the sun just disappeared in a like a second and its dark and pouring down rain now. Dang.
We went downtown way too early and lost the buzz as a result, which led to extra money being spent on drinks, and it was still ineffective. We just could not get on these people’s level. But it was still fun and I got a few dances in. But I think we all wanted to people watch. Old people go to these clubs. Like +35 and that can get weird, because the old men and women who get trashed just start passing around looking for someone to flirt with. The old guys are also very aggressive and grabby. Luckily the one I had to deal with who was bothering Paige wasn’t a fighter and somehow I ended up with 5€. I think he thought he was paying me to talk to her. The night ended up well and we got up late and went out all day again the next day.
Soccer is called soccer here because they have Gaelic football which looks awesome, and I would say either is or Rugby is most popular here, with soccer being third down the list. I’m watching a rugby match 4 March and on the 19th here there is a GAA/rugby showdown at Cowen Park I’m going to.
Interruption-Wow, the sun is back and the sky is bright blue…..
I can’t wait to tonight for soccer. It’s going to be great. I used the swimming pool at DCU which is very nice and I swam for an hour. I got much better by the end, getting back to the 8 stoke breath instead of the 2 or 4. I’m going to make this a regular thing. I just need to remember to bring a towel, because drying off with and then wearing my T-shirt was bad news.
Big paint party tonight! I passed out early last night due to the long day and missed a good show, so I’m ready to rage. Until next time.
First day of school is also a beautiful sunny day!(not that I mind these cloudy days). After class, I went and worked out for an hour, and then I went to the park which is right next to campus and pretty big and walked around. There are some beautiful green spaces, I’ll take pictures in the future, and I found myself stopping to just stare at them. I had to sit down and enjoy it.
I have time to stop and smell the roses now, and still have a blast when I want. Shanowen square has filled up now, so it is much livelier.
Chemistry class was simple. I already know I’m going to have a little trouble translating my knowledge over. There was a lot of bond talk today and they just use a slightly different system and some different symbols. But I think it might be better, and there is some new stuff that’s cool. Also, the book can be checked out in the library, which is great.
This perspectives on culture class is going to be right up my alley. I’m very excited. Just a lot of thinking, things you think about in your down time though, except now you have a chance to put it together and establish something for peer and professor review. The class is huge and very diverse, like Ireland-age, race, nationality, wealth it would seem.
Irish people smoke cigarettes much more than Americans do, and especially for being at college it’s a bit of a shock and an annoyance. The campus also gets riddled with obnoxious youth around lunchtime, which kinda stinks.
I finally got my phone unlocked. I should have known to ask an Irish-Asian first. I haggled with him for the price successfully but still got ripped off by the “Sunday special” because unlocking a phone is a 30 second ordeal.
My roommates and the other interns and myself all went out to find a good club and we were half successful. A few notes. The good clubs are for over 21s only. I assume this is to make more money with a wealthier crowd and to keep the young obnoxious dudes out. Some of the girls aren’t 21, but still had no problem. They don’t start clubbing here til after 11 and they still shut down by 2 which was unexpectedly short.
Interruption-the sun just disappeared in a like a second and its dark and pouring down rain now. Dang.
We went downtown way too early and lost the buzz as a result, which led to extra money being spent on drinks, and it was still ineffective. We just could not get on these people’s level. But it was still fun and I got a few dances in. But I think we all wanted to people watch. Old people go to these clubs. Like +35 and that can get weird, because the old men and women who get trashed just start passing around looking for someone to flirt with. The old guys are also very aggressive and grabby. Luckily the one I had to deal with who was bothering Paige wasn’t a fighter and somehow I ended up with 5€. I think he thought he was paying me to talk to her. The night ended up well and we got up late and went out all day again the next day.
Soccer is called soccer here because they have Gaelic football which looks awesome, and I would say either is or Rugby is most popular here, with soccer being third down the list. I’m watching a rugby match 4 March and on the 19th here there is a GAA/rugby showdown at Cowen Park I’m going to.
Interruption-Wow, the sun is back and the sky is bright blue…..
I can’t wait to tonight for soccer. It’s going to be great. I used the swimming pool at DCU which is very nice and I swam for an hour. I got much better by the end, getting back to the 8 stoke breath instead of the 2 or 4. I’m going to make this a regular thing. I just need to remember to bring a towel, because drying off with and then wearing my T-shirt was bad news.
Big paint party tonight! I passed out early last night due to the long day and missed a good show, so I’m ready to rage. Until next time.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Frrrrreeeesh
Alright, after eating almost exclusively cereal and other crud and wasting money I have now gone shopping and I now think I really can eat well and under budget. Luke, one of my room mates is quite the cook, and he's on a diet, so I'm not exactly coming up with these cooking options on my own, but so what, it's going to do me well.
I've just been meeting people and trying to hang out, which is difficult while my phone isn't functioning. Like last night the guys waited on me and just left. I had no idea. Luckily, my room mates and the other interns were having a fun night back here, which was good, because the weather stunk last night.
It has been uncommonly windy. Like its got to be 25mph steady with big gusts surely topping 40. And the general Irish sprinkles all day. I do not mind the moisture a bit. Its great. The wind was a problem though.
Went to the sports facilities and joined the soccer club. I think I've got a 5v5 team already and the facilities are incredible. Also, there is a neato wristband that you just flash at sensors to go places, use lockers, etc that is unique to you. Very cool. An American company would do well to sell systems like this.
Classes are not yet sorted out. I cannot take my nano courses unfortunately because they are reserved for postgrads first and they filled. Everything else should be in good order. I am taking a really big culture class called perspectives on culture and its sounds fascinating and ways better than Pluralism. It's the equivalent of a 6 hour course.
So far I've been very here and there. I am one of the only people who came here alone, which I did not foresee at all. But hey, I remember D-Rab, Kyle, Talbot and Klose telling me that's the way to go, and they will be proven right i think. I am really hanging out with four different groups right now, which seems to make me unique, and I think will pay off, as I can kind of introduce people from these groups. there are the IES kids, mostly girls, the interns(and room mates) mostly girls, my "bros" group-just good sporting dudes, and the West Virginia people. All good types, almost exclusively from the North East. Hopefully my phone will get unlocked today.
I feel good and I am much more comfortable now. I think this is because I've been a bit of a loner moving between groups, which has meant I'm figuring most things out by myself, and making my own mistakes. I already feel like I'm a bit more on top of things than some others, which is not at all how I felt a few days ago. I haven't been dependent at all. I think this has turned some people off a little since I'm not being a team player up to their standards, but everyone is still smiles at this point. I haven't had a big night out yet, but I've had some big days, and tonight that's the plan if the weather clears up a little, and tomorrow, NO MATTER WHAT, we are all going to a bar to watch some EPL, get hammered, then see the Super Bowl.
I think DCU is the college experience I have always wanted, not that I don't miss home and Jewell really bad some times. It's bigger, more independent, and there's so much new stuff around. I'm going to go try to find some beers I hid in a bush last night for some stupid reason.
Cheers!
I've just been meeting people and trying to hang out, which is difficult while my phone isn't functioning. Like last night the guys waited on me and just left. I had no idea. Luckily, my room mates and the other interns were having a fun night back here, which was good, because the weather stunk last night.
It has been uncommonly windy. Like its got to be 25mph steady with big gusts surely topping 40. And the general Irish sprinkles all day. I do not mind the moisture a bit. Its great. The wind was a problem though.
Went to the sports facilities and joined the soccer club. I think I've got a 5v5 team already and the facilities are incredible. Also, there is a neato wristband that you just flash at sensors to go places, use lockers, etc that is unique to you. Very cool. An American company would do well to sell systems like this.
Classes are not yet sorted out. I cannot take my nano courses unfortunately because they are reserved for postgrads first and they filled. Everything else should be in good order. I am taking a really big culture class called perspectives on culture and its sounds fascinating and ways better than Pluralism. It's the equivalent of a 6 hour course.
So far I've been very here and there. I am one of the only people who came here alone, which I did not foresee at all. But hey, I remember D-Rab, Kyle, Talbot and Klose telling me that's the way to go, and they will be proven right i think. I am really hanging out with four different groups right now, which seems to make me unique, and I think will pay off, as I can kind of introduce people from these groups. there are the IES kids, mostly girls, the interns(and room mates) mostly girls, my "bros" group-just good sporting dudes, and the West Virginia people. All good types, almost exclusively from the North East. Hopefully my phone will get unlocked today.
I feel good and I am much more comfortable now. I think this is because I've been a bit of a loner moving between groups, which has meant I'm figuring most things out by myself, and making my own mistakes. I already feel like I'm a bit more on top of things than some others, which is not at all how I felt a few days ago. I haven't been dependent at all. I think this has turned some people off a little since I'm not being a team player up to their standards, but everyone is still smiles at this point. I haven't had a big night out yet, but I've had some big days, and tonight that's the plan if the weather clears up a little, and tomorrow, NO MATTER WHAT, we are all going to a bar to watch some EPL, get hammered, then see the Super Bowl.
I think DCU is the college experience I have always wanted, not that I don't miss home and Jewell really bad some times. It's bigger, more independent, and there's so much new stuff around. I'm going to go try to find some beers I hid in a bush last night for some stupid reason.
Cheers!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A long, cold, cloudy, windy, rainy day. Orientation sucks the life right out of you.
What can i say about today? I accomplished very little in my 12 straight hours of orientation. Got some facebook time I guess, and found out they gave me some classes I didn't want instead of the ones I did. Fixing that as we speak. I'm so tired though, and I've hardly eaten. Taken a nap and gettin a bowl of cereal before the night begins.
Met some nice lookin' ladies (and a few dudes, but there are a million exchange girls). Australia, Chicago, Estonia, France, Germany, Denmark. And got the soccer club figured out. Training 3 times a week and a 5v5 league if I want on the side. Looking forward to that.
Met some nice lookin' ladies (and a few dudes, but there are a million exchange girls). Australia, Chicago, Estonia, France, Germany, Denmark. And got the soccer club figured out. Training 3 times a week and a 5v5 league if I want on the side. Looking forward to that.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Enter Dublin
The apartment is nice and the complex is very cool. Good size, good little common room. I hate having the lights outside the room instead of inside. But I’ll live with it. Met three of four roommates: Luke, Amanda, and Paige. They’re all east coast and are doing internships here, so they work all week, but they still party at night (they’ve been here a few weeks). We stayed up and just chatted for a few hours and they seemed excited to meet me. They’re all really nice and don’t seem at all like what I thought New Yorkers would be like. The accent is already taking hold, but it’s weird, because I feel like it’s a defense mechanism to fit in, and I fear it’s just coming off as a crappy Brit impersonation, and apparently an American accent will mostly serve me well, especially since I sound a bit like a hick apparently.
Arrived a little late. Ooops. So I had to take a cab down to the IES center, which was great and not that expensive. Got Dublin 101 along the way from Seamus. Rode the bus back after a small walking tour and an amazing dinner at the Pig’s Head. The IES students are all girls but one and seem nice. Ya, so I think the study abroad ration for girl to guy is like 7:1. I can live with that.
Dublin is beautiful, and chaotic. It looks like a Harry Potter city with dreary older places spruced up with strange paints and art, and hardly anything is level. The doors in Ireland are just great. Saw the famous Post office and this weird spire in the middle of Dublin. I think it’s to poke Jesus in the eye when he comes down at the end of the world. The drivers are awful here and there is no way I’m cycling after riding with Seamus. Tomorrow is orientation and apparently I can join a soccer society for like €3 and find the level of competition for me and train and play regularly. Great! Oh, and the IES staffers are great- very nice and helpful.
I’m going on a liquid/multivitamin diet, because anything else would break me. I’ll go shopping tomorrow though for real. I’m ready for bed now. Going out with the roomates tomorrow night. Shout out to Mary, Maureen, and Barbara. Thanks so much.
Arrived a little late. Ooops. So I had to take a cab down to the IES center, which was great and not that expensive. Got Dublin 101 along the way from Seamus. Rode the bus back after a small walking tour and an amazing dinner at the Pig’s Head. The IES students are all girls but one and seem nice. Ya, so I think the study abroad ration for girl to guy is like 7:1. I can live with that.
Dublin is beautiful, and chaotic. It looks like a Harry Potter city with dreary older places spruced up with strange paints and art, and hardly anything is level. The doors in Ireland are just great. Saw the famous Post office and this weird spire in the middle of Dublin. I think it’s to poke Jesus in the eye when he comes down at the end of the world. The drivers are awful here and there is no way I’m cycling after riding with Seamus. Tomorrow is orientation and apparently I can join a soccer society for like €3 and find the level of competition for me and train and play regularly. Great! Oh, and the IES staffers are great- very nice and helpful.
I’m going on a liquid/multivitamin diet, because anything else would break me. I’ll go shopping tomorrow though for real. I’m ready for bed now. Going out with the roomates tomorrow night. Shout out to Mary, Maureen, and Barbara. Thanks so much.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ah. Hmm. Hmm. Yessss. Good man yourself. Now how many patron saints can you name?
So, I’ve been a bit draggy all day since I woke up at 4am and jetlag etc, but I still got everything done I wanted. Today I had my first Irish meal, walked all over the fair city of Tullamore, went to family mass, drove the car back on the highway and met EVERYONE!
Holy smokes. I mean they’re all nice people and that’s the problem. It’s overwhelming and everyone was crowded into the granny flat after mass, so there is no escaping things. So I’m figuring out how to classify the family. I’d say country folk seasoned with sophistication. This makes sense, as we are in the middle of Ireland. There may or may not have been a small gun exhibition in front of the flat, and I definitely received some venison as a welcome gift. The biggest thing that defines them is family. They’ve all got spouses and little kids and everyone knows everyone very well. It’s a true clan with an incredible support system. Granmum runs show and the family styling is different but I want to hang around more before I speak to that.
Tullamore is not exactly what I expected, mainly because it is bigger. And not only is it bigger population wise, but it’s a true town. It’s dense and not nearly as spread out as America. I mean, it took me 4 hours to leisurely walk all over town, but I really covered just about everything. It is dirty in some places, exceptionally well kept in others, grand here, and quaint there. The diversity is really noticeable here. Everyone is outside and mingling together, so contrast is very apparent. Racially it’s almost all white, but for such a small town, there were quite a few minorities. And then there is the divide between older Ireland and modern Ireland. But I thought the most interesting was economic diversity. You can see it with the clothes most
Politically I’m seeing a few things. One, like in America, at least half of the people that even bother claiming the faith, are just faking it more for tradition’s sake than anything. I was glad not to be the only one not knowing what was going on at mass, and to laugh about bursting into flames afterward. Two, they’ve got immigration problems as well. A lot of the E. Europeans that came in the boom have stayed and don’t have a job, and are living off extremely generous government safety net programs. What’s more, is the ones who have stayed are kinda looked down upon as not good enough for their own country in the first place. Many of them are slightly gypsy or some sort of refugee. And this is a huge drain on the economy.
are no traffic rules in Ireland.... Driving down narrow roads and playing chicken is the norm. If old man river, and father time pass each other on the road and want to talk, they just stop their cars, get out and say hello even though the huge bottleneck they create will back up the roads for quite a way. But, wearing your seatbelt is a must. The guards will pull your over just for that and the fine is €50! But, no problem if you want to play chicken on a street crowded with kids running across driving a stick and talking on the cell.
Anyway, I just got done eating a Tullamore staple: curry battered sausage n chips. Truly a quick delight. Last night here and is has been such a delight. Tomorrow I go to school!
Holy smokes. I mean they’re all nice people and that’s the problem. It’s overwhelming and everyone was crowded into the granny flat after mass, so there is no escaping things. So I’m figuring out how to classify the family. I’d say country folk seasoned with sophistication. This makes sense, as we are in the middle of Ireland. There may or may not have been a small gun exhibition in front of the flat, and I definitely received some venison as a welcome gift. The biggest thing that defines them is family. They’ve all got spouses and little kids and everyone knows everyone very well. It’s a true clan with an incredible support system. Granmum runs show and the family styling is different but I want to hang around more before I speak to that.
Tullamore is not exactly what I expected, mainly because it is bigger. And not only is it bigger population wise, but it’s a true town. It’s dense and not nearly as spread out as America. I mean, it took me 4 hours to leisurely walk all over town, but I really covered just about everything. It is dirty in some places, exceptionally well kept in others, grand here, and quaint there. The diversity is really noticeable here. Everyone is outside and mingling together, so contrast is very apparent. Racially it’s almost all white, but for such a small town, there were quite a few minorities. And then there is the divide between older Ireland and modern Ireland. But I thought the most interesting was economic diversity. You can see it with the clothes most
Politically I’m seeing a few things. One, like in America, at least half of the people that even bother claiming the faith, are just faking it more for tradition’s sake than anything. I was glad not to be the only one not knowing what was going on at mass, and to laugh about bursting into flames afterward. Two, they’ve got immigration problems as well. A lot of the E. Europeans that came in the boom have stayed and don’t have a job, and are living off extremely generous government safety net programs. What’s more, is the ones who have stayed are kinda looked down upon as not good enough for their own country in the first place. Many of them are slightly gypsy or some sort of refugee. And this is a huge drain on the economy.
are no traffic rules in Ireland.... Driving down narrow roads and playing chicken is the norm. If old man river, and father time pass each other on the road and want to talk, they just stop their cars, get out and say hello even though the huge bottleneck they create will back up the roads for quite a way. But, wearing your seatbelt is a must. The guards will pull your over just for that and the fine is €50! But, no problem if you want to play chicken on a street crowded with kids running across driving a stick and talking on the cell.
Anyway, I just got done eating a Tullamore staple: curry battered sausage n chips. Truly a quick delight. Last night here and is has been such a delight. Tomorrow I go to school!
This is AWESOME-and other first impressions...
Well, I went to finally crashed at 3pm Ireland time and its now 5am. Can’t sleep any longer, so I’m rummaging through the pantry and watching NZ vs. Pak in cricket. Cricket is pretty all right.
Ireland is awesome. We came down through the cloud deck, and I literally said to Paul, “Holy shit, it IS green! And for quite some time, I didn’t see a different color. Dublin is surrounded by mountains, or at least large smooth hills, which surprised me. The airport terminal I went through is new, but it looks super futuristic with glass tube walkways and strange lights. Tullamore as a town is colorful and old. I’m exploring it tomorrow in depth, so I’ll write on that tomorrow and post pics.
The weather is surprisingly warm, I’m adapting well to centigrade system. Supposedly it was 32ºF when I was waiting outside at the airport, but between the sun and no wind, I would have been good in short sleeves and others were. The day turned out beautiful and faded into classic Irish overcast, which then turned into the most pleasant drizzle at night, perfect for sleeping.
Maureen took me straight to Nan’s (Grandmum) little granny flat in Tullamore. Very nice space. Walking up, she surprised me and stuck her head around the corner just bugg-eyed and all smiles. She had a big breakfast all ready for us which was great, and Mary was there and we just ate and had tea for 4 hours. The radio is on the whole time to Nan’s favorite station which is a fun station that plays lots of today’s pop along with a little classic rock in between. She likes to dance to Katy Perry songs! First thing about the Irish. They are hilarious and in a refreshing way, but tricksters I swear. You can measure the tricks in winks. (For the fraternity brothers reading, mix Fox, Aayush, and Micah -trouble.) Conversation is comfortable too, and cursing is frequent, but classy, which I think will help to moderate me. I have a little bit trouble understanding. Most of the vocab I pick up by context, but sometimes I have to ask for clarification. A little gossip, politics, and planning.
Advice received- Mind the guards(police), watch out for short tempers, because you will get hit, if you’re shy then go to hell.
They talked loving shit on the exiting PM Brian Cowen who is from Offaly (the county Tullamore is in). He’s a drinker and a BIFFO (figure that one out-you can add an extra F if you like), but it’s all in good fun because they like him and voted for him (even though his head is enormous. Irish politicians and politics seem strange. It’s like they only take things seriously to a point. It’s not as dramatic as here. For instance, we saw statues on a new highway, and Maureen said the government just took some land from the farmer to do it, so the farmer would come out and spray paint “Pay for the fucking land” and everyone got a good laugh, and they paid. Everyone agrees that Irelands problems are of their own making (like ours) in that they spend too much on stuff from safety nets to extravagances, but they seem all right with it, like they’ll just ignore it all until they really have to bite the bullet. I guess that’s what happens to a country used to simpler times and having to survive sometimes. They seem unafraid, like it’s no big deal if their future generations will have to sleep in the cupboard drawers again. Nan told me when things were bad, they’d just go to England and do whatever they could to get by-they’re only just “white lies.”
Ireland is more like the US than I thought, but it’s definitely still Europe, it’s different in admirable and queer ways. I think Europeans have a brain divided in to two sections, spy and teletubby, and the only thing that lets them function in any coherent fashion is alcohol.
I went shopping with Maureen at Tesco. First, they make you pay for bags, or bring your own. Reasonable. But the prices of food and drink are ridiculous. I think I‘d rather starve. But overall the selection is just a bit smaller (and different) than a similar sized American store. After noticing the prices, I soon realized there would be no way of shoplifting either. There is a camera every five feet, no way to hide, and staff is well positioned. And you can’t trick the electronic checkouts either. (Chill Mom, of all the things I am at home, a shoplifter is not one of them).
Maureen’s house is lovely. It’s a great mix of homely and modern with perfect size spaces. But, housing prices here are probably double that of the US.
Between Maureen’s pantry and the store I think I can say that the Irish love candy. The aisles devoted to sweets was a disproportionately large space, and my God, the house is full of it. You’d think it was Halloween. Maybe its post Christmas leftovers or something. But I think it’s regular because of tea. You really drink sugar and milk with a little bit of tea. And you really have a little bit of bread with your butter (you don't have enough if your top teeth can go through-OMG. And then you shove your face with biscuits (cookies). I could get used to this if I could afford it.
Ireland is awesome. We came down through the cloud deck, and I literally said to Paul, “Holy shit, it IS green! And for quite some time, I didn’t see a different color. Dublin is surrounded by mountains, or at least large smooth hills, which surprised me. The airport terminal I went through is new, but it looks super futuristic with glass tube walkways and strange lights. Tullamore as a town is colorful and old. I’m exploring it tomorrow in depth, so I’ll write on that tomorrow and post pics.
The weather is surprisingly warm, I’m adapting well to centigrade system. Supposedly it was 32ºF when I was waiting outside at the airport, but between the sun and no wind, I would have been good in short sleeves and others were. The day turned out beautiful and faded into classic Irish overcast, which then turned into the most pleasant drizzle at night, perfect for sleeping.
Maureen took me straight to Nan’s (Grandmum) little granny flat in Tullamore. Very nice space. Walking up, she surprised me and stuck her head around the corner just bugg-eyed and all smiles. She had a big breakfast all ready for us which was great, and Mary was there and we just ate and had tea for 4 hours. The radio is on the whole time to Nan’s favorite station which is a fun station that plays lots of today’s pop along with a little classic rock in between. She likes to dance to Katy Perry songs! First thing about the Irish. They are hilarious and in a refreshing way, but tricksters I swear. You can measure the tricks in winks. (For the fraternity brothers reading, mix Fox, Aayush, and Micah -trouble.) Conversation is comfortable too, and cursing is frequent, but classy, which I think will help to moderate me. I have a little bit trouble understanding. Most of the vocab I pick up by context, but sometimes I have to ask for clarification. A little gossip, politics, and planning.
Advice received- Mind the guards(police), watch out for short tempers, because you will get hit, if you’re shy then go to hell.
They talked loving shit on the exiting PM Brian Cowen who is from Offaly (the county Tullamore is in). He’s a drinker and a BIFFO (figure that one out-you can add an extra F if you like), but it’s all in good fun because they like him and voted for him (even though his head is enormous. Irish politicians and politics seem strange. It’s like they only take things seriously to a point. It’s not as dramatic as here. For instance, we saw statues on a new highway, and Maureen said the government just took some land from the farmer to do it, so the farmer would come out and spray paint “Pay for the fucking land” and everyone got a good laugh, and they paid. Everyone agrees that Irelands problems are of their own making (like ours) in that they spend too much on stuff from safety nets to extravagances, but they seem all right with it, like they’ll just ignore it all until they really have to bite the bullet. I guess that’s what happens to a country used to simpler times and having to survive sometimes. They seem unafraid, like it’s no big deal if their future generations will have to sleep in the cupboard drawers again. Nan told me when things were bad, they’d just go to England and do whatever they could to get by-they’re only just “white lies.”
Ireland is more like the US than I thought, but it’s definitely still Europe, it’s different in admirable and queer ways. I think Europeans have a brain divided in to two sections, spy and teletubby, and the only thing that lets them function in any coherent fashion is alcohol.
I went shopping with Maureen at Tesco. First, they make you pay for bags, or bring your own. Reasonable. But the prices of food and drink are ridiculous. I think I‘d rather starve. But overall the selection is just a bit smaller (and different) than a similar sized American store. After noticing the prices, I soon realized there would be no way of shoplifting either. There is a camera every five feet, no way to hide, and staff is well positioned. And you can’t trick the electronic checkouts either. (Chill Mom, of all the things I am at home, a shoplifter is not one of them).
Maureen’s house is lovely. It’s a great mix of homely and modern with perfect size spaces. But, housing prices here are probably double that of the US.
Between Maureen’s pantry and the store I think I can say that the Irish love candy. The aisles devoted to sweets was a disproportionately large space, and my God, the house is full of it. You’d think it was Halloween. Maybe its post Christmas leftovers or something. But I think it’s regular because of tea. You really drink sugar and milk with a little bit of tea. And you really have a little bit of bread with your butter (you don't have enough if your top teeth can go through-OMG. And then you shove your face with biscuits (cookies). I could get used to this if I could afford it.
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