Philosophy presentation the (sleepy) highlight of day

Last night we talked from 9PM-midnight with the others in the house. We bounced from subject to subject in record time - and all sorts of subjects, like movies, the tsunami, Marie's work in Mexico, and about celebrating the last day of Christmas (today) by putting our shoes
outside (of our room doors) for the Three Kings to leave presents (sweets)...like Christmas, only with my smelly shoes. I did clean off the dirt though. Maria was so excited, and I was curious to see what would happen. Have since eaten all the sweets and I'm going to keep the wrappers for a picture frame that I can put a picture from Ros Geal in. Yesterday the house consisted of Laura and Jessica from U.S., Marie and Elaine from Ireland (although Elaine's going to Australia soon), and Pelar(sp?) and Maria from Spain. There's another Laura from Italy, but slept most of yesterday. After that I went to call Mom, finally getting her on the phone @ 1AM my time.

I had a hard time getting up this morning....it's soooo dark outside at 8AM! Mass down in the chapel is at 7:55AM (daily) so I missed that and I barely made it down to breakfast, much like our breakfast of cereal, toast, and coffee. Whole milk was the only option...I'm used to skim (it's cheaper). They do have skim in the stores, but it's more expensive. Go figure!

Jessica and I went to 4 advisory sessions, Political Science/Sociology (looking at EU policy and a couple of others), English (we can only take ONE of the non-core classes and were told this several times, I want to take the Jane Austen one!), History (the only one where you don't register with the department first, I want to take a seminar on the Famine and I think the prof's from UW Madison!), and Philosophy. Now, I'm sure the guy who gave the talk is very nice, but he has this monotone voice that I immediately tuned out for better things, like daydreams. Since I wasn't going to take any of those classes (I've got a bigger problem-figuring out what I do want to take!), it wasn't a big deal. For most of the time he told what is philosophy, not what the students needed to know about the course registration! He kinda added in all that info at the end and directed students to the philosophy office, a small grey house just next to all of the "campus" buildings. I was so tired after his talk that I just went back to my room and slept while Josh Groban played on my computer - I knew I had fallen asleep becauseI couldn't remember parts of his song playing. Hahahaha...

After a lunch of fingerfoods (yummy pizza!) and coffee (I brought one of my 4 hot chocolate packets out of hiding - found them in my bag, hooray! - and promptly spilt on the tablecloth!), we headed out for the campus tours. We were a few minutes late (nothing here seems to start on time) and caught up with the tour not far from the original departure point. He took us through some of the main buildings, but mostly just pointed out the general directions of everything else. Seems like the three departments I'm looking at are all close together and not far from Ros Geal - always a positive in this "cloud-like" mist that is constantly hanging in the air. Our tour guide dumped us off onto the librarian tour guides who quickly run you through the library. I really had to go and so wandered off before the tour started. Unfortunantly the directions I had been given weren't that great so by the time I found the restroom and had gotten back to the lobby my group was gone. I had another librarian help me track down my group,which was over half way done with the tour. They have a replica of the Book of Kells at the library outside the special documents room, but it doesn't do the real book justice -- too dark and not enough color.

We went to the bookstore after that - I was afraid of super-high prices only to find that they weren't that much more than the bookstores back home! Go figure. We got a couple of brochures with nice pictures to be made into postcards (the remnants which are now spread out all over the floor in my room :D ). After that we found our way back, thanks to Laura figuring out that one path would lead us around in circles. The campus looks much bigger on the map, but is actually really condensed. Nice not to have to take the bus to get all the way around (yet I still miss you, bus 80, because you are FREE)!

We went to the main shopping streets after that. Went into the 2euro store (current exchange = 2.43111 USD), think dollar store but with nicer stuff. And more expensive. Still, had cheaper binders and staples than other stores. Got notecards and glue at one store and crayons and markers (both on clearance) and a couple of notebooks at another. Everything is sooooo expensive! Post-its were generally 5euros for the usual cube you could get here for $3. Had to buy a new hole-punch because binders have different holes (two or four holes instead of 3). Don't have cash yet so didn't buy new binders at 2euro so am still waiting. Don't want to get a lot of stuff yet because I don't know how many classes I'm going to take (if I get a history seminar, it'll be 5, without seminar = 6). I'm also unsure of how they do things. For me only the history classes start this week, poli scis next week, and the english courses the week after. English and poli sci courses have final exams on last week of classes (March) and History classes have final exams during the exam period of April 24th-May 19th. With my luck I'll get a final on the day I'm leaving or the day after! Oh well, at least exchanging the ticket for a different flight isn't as expensive as it would be on another airline...did I mention that Aer Lingus really treats it's customers well??

After shopping, Jessica and I came to my room (because it's bigger) and began to cut up the brochures and gluing them onto the notecards for postcards since postcards around here are .40euros...add on the .65euros stamp and that's an expensive card ($1.28). Since the brochures were free, we only paid for glue and cards - maybe $.10/card. Jessica made a really really nice one from a calendar she got yesterday and put in several layers of papers (including a heart cut out of one of the candy wrappers we got last night in our shoes) while I'm being boring and just sticking on the pictures without much else. I'll get creative later, when some of the mess has disappeared off of my floor. We were so into our project that we didn't realize it was dinnertime until we were called down. We had steaks, rice, carrots, white muskmelon, and a hazelnut (not strong, just right) flavored ice cream covered in hard chocolate (think frozen Dove bar) and shaped into a triangle. At first I thought it was a cake! Then we went to the chapel.

Truly an interesting experience. There is a chapel connected to the main house and a priest came out for Adoration of the Eucharist for just us 6 people. My hair now smells like --- ack, I can't remember the name! It's the stuff the priest burns during really important things. Anyway, oh! Incense!! Yeah, it was really nice. Very formal. The priest talked with us afterward and is going to loan me a book written by his father about the Famine. Apparently his father spent a year researching so that it could be as accurate as possible, down to the price of vegtables in Cork. Since it's in novel form, it should be very interesting reading. It was written in the late 1950s and is still sold today because it was so well researched and written. Nice to know :)

Everyone but Italian Laura (currently watching "Everybody Loves Ray" which Matt owns) and I went to watch a game that is a Lacrosse-like sport for women. The car's tiny (smaller than Gary's and Joe's) or I probably would've gone. I'm really tired as it is, and with a large mess on the floor it's probably best I didn't go. Many more opportunities to go.

Well, this is a really long post and I'm sure you really didn't want to hear my whole boring day. If you've made it to this point, I must thank you for taking your time to find out what's going on here. I also must wonder what else you should be doing right now...... :D

Lots of love, Christi

p.s. ever since entering catering and RHC where I get to see the background scenes and how it's all done, I'm always wondering what happens to the products I get, how many people it took to get that product made and shipped to me, and what the people think while doing it. Had these same thoughts while staring at Eucharist. Who did it? Did they get paid enough to buy bread for themselves? Did the person making that know what it was, what it means to so many? Did they care? Yeah, that's what I wonder in my free time. Hahahahaha :D

Internet on the fritz

Since arriving, I’ve learned that things don’t always get done when people say they will. Like the guy who was supposed to put in the computers today. Or the promise of a better type of DSL that is supposed to be around in February so we should expect it in March. Or me, who can’t get a bank account until I get registered with the University as a student (complete with ID card and letter stating where I’m studying) and therefore can’t buy much without use of my check card. The banks generally close by 4 or 5 at the latest, but don’t open until 10AM so there’s not much time to make it there.

Orientation was long today. First off, well over half of the people had no idea where we were supposed to go. Met two Americans – Jessica from Juneau, Alaska (studies in Washington), who was on the corner of University Rd and looking as lost as I was, and Laura from St. Louis (studies at her Mom’s alma mater) who also lives in Ros Geal-actually is a neighbor (like, we have joining rooms through the door in the closet and everything!). Also ran into John who we met on the bus yesterday. He’s from Kentucky but is studying film with minors in psychology and psych-something at USC (S. California). He’s going into copyright laws and distribution laws for film…an interesting job. He’s the one name I can definitely keep straight because he’s the only guy I’ve really met this whole trip!

I found out that of the 100+ students from abroad studying here, only about 30 are from Europe, Asia, South America, and basically anywhere outside of the States. That means that a LOT of people are going to go to the police station next week (after registration) in order to be cleared to stay in the country. Hahahahahaaa…. It was a long lecture/talk, so long I didn’t think my bum could stand any more of it. We had lots of talks on campus safety, student resources, and campus activities. I’ll probably remember this advice most, from one of the clergy that came to show the diversity of religions here. He said that we will probably fall in love while abroad. He suggested that we do it as quickly as possible because many relationships last 6-8 weeks and then the break-up wouldn’t interfere with our final exams! Another clergyman pointed out that he and his American wife have been together for 23 years (a loud cheer) after study abroad.

Despite being here for academics, the day was more for fun stuff, because they really really encourage getting out and joining clubs and sports. So many choices! I really want to join choir. Plus Ros Geal does an afternoon of tutoring “disadvantaged” (I hate to use that word, the kids just need attention and a mentor due to various reasons) kids at the local school. I’m thinking Tae Kwon Do, photography, or a dozen other interesting clubs. I will try not to overload the schedule, for (despite what most said) I am here to study too. I guess we get two weeks before we actually sign up for classes in order to see if we like them and get used to the schedule. Since most of the classes I’m looking into taking are meant for smaller groups, it will be interesting to see what happens come course registration time! Well, time for dinner. Lots of love, Christi

Although there isn't enough room for all of the wonderful pictures from Christmas, this one must be on my page...it is my current computer background after all. This is the baby boy at all of his adorable cuteness! 

Shamrock in the foam of my beer...I was the only one of the four of us to get it. Told the guy not to fill the glass because I knew I wouldn't finish it. He said if he didn't it would affect the flavor. Who cares, as long as I got a shamrock? :) 

St. Patrick's Cathedral - too much history to put on webpage, so you should go to http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/ for more info..it's really interesting!

Me with my free pint of Guinness at the factory....could only get through 4 sips. Oh well, at least I only got foam on my nose and not up my nose! 

Me at Guinness factory with random people butting in on my picture....I think I'll have to photoshop them out :) 1-3 

Dublin Castle (from bus tour 1-3) 

The spire- we could see this when we turned the corner from our hostel. The Dublin Spire was the winning entry in an architectural competition to provide a replacement for Nelson's Pillar which was blown up in 1966. After a planning appeal and a High Court case, the Spire finally got the go ahead. It was erected between December 2002 and January 2003 to great public excitement. Archiseek has construction photographs.

The column to the memory of Nelson, which was one hundred and thirty-four feet high, was erected in 1808, the foundation stone having been laid by the Duke of Richmond, Lord Lieutenant, on the 5th of February in that year. William Wilkins of Norwich designed it, but the statue of Nelson is by an Irish sculptor, Thomas Kirk, R.H.A. Nelson's Pillar was erected by public subscription and cost �6,856. It was blown up in 1966 in the middle of the night, but the head of Nelson has been preserved by the Dublin Civic Museum.

The Dublin Spire is one hundred and twenty metres tall, making it by far the tallest structure in Dublin city centre. It is three metres wide at the base and tapers to a 15 centimentre wide beacon at the top. The top section is perforated and lit by small LEDs. This fabulous structure looks different under every lighting condition. At night, its stainless steel surface resembles black satin, while early morning and last light gave it a steely blue colour. In daytime under bright sunlight, it doesn't look real from a distance, instead it looks like a computer simulation. From http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/dublin/northcity/oconnell_street/spire.html

Trinity College main gate - saw the Book of Kells (really really old, beautiful color pictures and the four gospels) 1-3 

Me at the Temple Bar...nice place, good music, but didn't have a beer. Happy I could finally get into a bar (I'm not 21 yet-May7th) 

Me at St. Stephan's Green...really pretty park, but not all Irish ducks are green! Found a completely white one. 1-3 

"This plaque commemorates Fr. Pat Noise, Advisor to ?? Clancy. He died under suspicious circumstances when his carriage plunged into the Liffy on August 10th, 1919" 

view of family from bus just before it pulled out of Memorial Union 12-31 

Man in Tights....Matt with his shorts over his long underwear 

Sarah and I at Badger Basketball game on 12-28 --we won! 

Ros Geal update

they set their dinner for full service! I must relearn all dinner table manners I have strived so hard to forget. Had carrot soup (not much taste) and a noodle/beef non-tomato sauce like main dish. For dessert had an apple bake with top crust that could be described as a mix of pie crust and crisp topping. I'm thinking that tomatoes are somewhat rare around here, because they always seem to be hard to find/find tomato products/expensive to buy/aren't generally eaten. Carrots, potatoes, beef, pastas and breads are all fairly standard. Don't really eat much cheese/milk/dairy products. Fruit more of a treat than standard. Not sure how body will take that big of a change. Probably much healthier for me anyway. Most people my age aren't very overweight, I've noticed. Doubt I'll be as skinny as many though. Rather would be muscular (and will be if I bring back anything large and/or heavy to my Ros Geal room on the 3rd floor!

Have finally gotten pictures on computer (as seen above). Sooo many pictures, have started to forget which grey buildings with large stained-glass windows are which! Tomorrow is Orientation, or is it Registration? Conflicting information, and I can't seem to find anything that actually has a TIME or PLACE on it! Hopefully someone else around here can figure it out and clue me in.

Ros Geal - home sweet home

Have made it to Galway. Like city so far, although have only seen bus depot and house. House is great...many people arriving today, including another American. She's sleeping right now though. So much to do. First thing I did was hang up the family calendar. Blew out two surge protectors at hotel (good thing I didn't do it at Ros Geal b/c they apparently have had problems lately with their own breakers and a small fire!) so now unsure how to keep computer charged. Orientation is tomorrow so maybe some other Americans have figured it out. Until then, must stay calm and computerless. At least when it's up and running, I'll be connected a lot...hooray for wireless internet! And the room is HUGE...could fit me, Taffy, and Preston's crate with absolutely no problem! Wish you were here, lots of love, Christi

oops

something happened when plugged in converter/surge protector into wall. caused small but contained fire in surge protector. both of them are dead. nothing else plugged in, but now can't use phone (alarm), camera, or computer as all are on low charge. boooo....not sure what to do. was going to call mom, but couldn't connect. can't buy two mins on internet either. now have 6 minutes to type stuff that I've probably already said. should do postcard addresses. oh well...lots of love, Christi

disliking Bank of Ireland, Guinness taste

Went to Temple Bar last night -- headache=no drinking and little fun b/c noisy. Went to the Guinness factory today during city bus tour...lots of fun, but I guess I haven't the taste buds for Guinness. At least the beer was free because I only had 4 small sips. Lol. Ended up missing another tour because I had to make it back to the bank. Wound up waiting in line for 10 mins only to find out that I can't get an account until probably the day after tomorrow because I don't have proof of Ireland address. Had I a printer I could get proof from e-mails. Grrrrr....I hate not being online. Must hook up computer today to get pictures off and recharge camera. Except for the bank, it was a pleasant day. I hope the place I'm staying at doesn't hate me because I'm such an unorganized procrastinator. shoot, time's up! Lots of love, Christi

Still alive in Ireland

I tried to calling Mom again. Why isn't she home at 11AM cst anyway? All is well. Talking about going to Temple Bar tonight with some Austrailian roommates and an Irish tour guide. No worries, I can't afford a beer. Heck, e-mailing now costs about a dollar for 15 mins. Miss you all sooooo much. Everyone's been really really nice. I'm a true shutterbug...want to turn on my comp to download pics and label....still debating on that. Got postcards...hopefully will be ready for the mail which finally opens tomorrow...until then very broke (must exchange money for better rate than has been around...about $1.22 is best!!). Oh, I saw a Marks & Spencer today (ala Shopaholic)....expensive indeed. Spent some money too, a Hard Rock tee and pin, postcards, and a bag that says The Leprechauns Made Me Buy This. Will be losing weight with little food moneys, appetite down, and lots of walking. Talking about a bus tour tomorrow...also visiting a couple of factories. Can not be in land of Guinness without going. No worries, would fall over before pint would be finished. Found cute bottle in box, said OPEN IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES....so wanted to buy for friend, but held back. Yay for me! So much history everywhere. Unfortunantly Book of Kells library not open. Reminded me of Humanities building in Madison, no stilts though. Shoot, internet time almost up. Lots of love, Christi

Greetings from Ireland

Not much time to write. I've already been online for over 12 mins. Geez...never realized how much time I really use online until I've got to pay for it! Keeping a journal of travels. Already met lots of Wisconsonites...not planned meetings too! The Simpsons and Friends are on TV, Coke and Miller products are available, and many of the movies are from Hollywood, so I kinda feel at home. I tried calling mom twice, no answer. At least the messages were free. Friends are in hostel sleeping still....must wake soon so we can eat. Haven't eaten since 6AM, yet oddly not hungry either. Haven't gotten lost yet, although we had to go back to the airport for cash since the post office was closed. I guess it's Sunday :) Must go. Lots of love, the craziest girl in Ireland!