Some good Craic!

So the Irish term for a good time is CRAIC (pronounced crack). If you ever get to Ireland and someone asks you if you've had some good craic, they aren't asking you if you've done drugs recently, they are just wondering if you've enjoyed yourself in any sense.

Last night, I had some good craic. In fact, so far this whole experience has been full of craic, but last night felt extra special.

Yesterday was my first class, and it started off great with a lecture in comedy on a beautiful sunny day. We played some theatre games, got up on our feet and got moving. Felt great. After that, I took a nap and woke up to an amazing sunset. After that, Kelly and I went to Mother Reilly's pub for a pint or two, and had the greatest Irish experience ever. You see, there are a lot less tourists in the area we are living, so we happened upon Tommy, Tommy, Derrick and Ronan. After a brief conversation about daylight savings time, kelly and I were invited to join their table. Ronan picked up his guitar, and magic took place. I got a bit weepy at this opportunity I have to be a part of this culture, to listen to Derrick sing, to realize this was just one of many moments I was going to have in the next year.

It's a traditional Irish pub, older than the US has been an established country no doubt, and it was full of this energy that has been accurately depicted in most stories and movies. They didn't necessarily play traditionals, but the songs were sung with such passion and force that is was hard not to fall in love with everyone around you.

Today has been a full day of class so far, and I've got one more left in the day. It's a bit drizzly today, but fairly mild in temperature. We discussed semiotics in theatre today. Very interesting. Made my head spin, which was a great feeling.

And one thing I would like to say:

If I can pack my crap up and move to Dublin in 2 months time, just think of what we're capable of in life. And be sure to surround yourself with support. It makes all the difference.

Much Love.

The Adventure Has Begun

Well friends,

It's been a week already and I have FINALLY gotten connected to the world wide web. I do apologize for the delay. Ireland is fantastic, and most of what you hear about is true. It IS quite green, drinking IS a way of life here, is DOES rain whenever it feels like it, and Trinity College IS amazing. You may be asking yourself if those are cobblestones. They are, indeed. This is when you first enter the campus through the main gate.

I start classes on Monday and this week has been a transition of getting acclimated to my environment. I live in an "apartment" with 6 other postgraduate females in a building that houses all postgraduates. We have all had an immensely great time together, and we come from so many corners of the world: U.S., Germany, Australia, Armenia, Singapore, Italy, Norway, Ireland, England, Spain, etc. (sorry if I left anyone out). I live with two ladies from Germany, one from California, one from Armenia, and one from Ireland. Some of us are pictured here with a few other fellow classmates.

Yesterday was Arthur Guiness' birthday and the whole city of Dublin raised a pint for him. Pubs here tend to get quite full, but they offer a very special kind of environement that is portrayed fairly accurately in movies. It's interesting how we drink after everything here. I have had more school functions provide alcohol than I know what to do with. Drinking age out here is 18 and that has been quite an adjustment as well.

I haven't been to much of the countryside yet, but a group of us did take a train a little south to the coast of the Irish Sea in Bray, and then we walked about 8 kilometers (miles?) to Graystones. It's pretty far. Check a map. It was really beautiful though.

That's all for now! I'll keep updating as best I can. Check in when you're able to, and much love to you all.

Welcome!

If you are looking for Jess' blog, you've found it!

You can check back in to read updates on adventures, experiences, stories, etc. I will be landing in Dublin, Ireland at approximately 7:50 am Dublin time (1:50 am Central Standard) on Friday the 17th of September. Classes start on the 27th.

I will be studying in a program at Trinity College for Masters of Philosophy degree in Theatre and Performance. It's a dream come true, and it still hasn't hit that I will be boarding a plan in 48 hours.

I will probably be a busy busy girl in school, but if you need to get a hold of me, e-mail will probably be the most efficient way. If you have my phone number, please do not call or text me unless it's an emergency. I will only have that phone for a little while longer anyway, and international fees are a bitch.

Come again in a couple days!

I adore you all! Thanks for reading!