Hi Again!
Here is a quick update on life in Ireland:
I got a bike! It's a purple Jeep Cherokee Laredo mountain bike that was gifted to me from my classmate Moira. Someone had kicked in the back tire a while back and she said I could have it if I wanted to get it repaired. DONE! For only 45 euros I have a bike. I rode it for about 4 miles yesterday. My "pride" is sore today.
This week I don't have classes because of "Reading Week." It gives students an opportunity to catch up on the things they haven't done yet and to prepare for the rest of term. It's been a much needed break from class.
My classmates and I are still in the process of writing a show for next term, and I am getting increasingly excited about it. I can't divulge info just yet, but I will as we become more solid in the process.
I continue to see Irish theatre, and it continue to be a fantastic experience.
I went to an ALL Irish speaking pub last night! Crazy, eh? I joined a friend who is a member of the Cumann Gaelech (It's commonly referred to as Gaelic Society, but the word Gaelech literally translates as 'Irish'). I will be joining them for their weekly gathering next Tuesday. It's amazing that some of these students grew up in households that actually only spoke Irish. Hopefully I'll pick up a thing or two. It's a very old, very interesting sounding language.
The weather has been cold and rainy, and it gets dark around 5:00 already with daylight savings time.
Also, things that I have learned since being here:
Emergency Vehicles pretty much have the same kind of sirens as the US.
Pickle relish does not exist here
"Cottage Cheese" is actually sour cream
There is no Miracle Whip in Ireland, and the Irish like putting mayonaise on almost everything.
Potato Chips are called "Crisps" while "Chips" are pub fries. "Fries" are things you get at McDonald's.
People don't tip out here. The 20% tip rule doesn't really apply out here, and you almost never tip your bartender. Your drinks are already so expensive because they factor that in.
Street signs are actually quite small, and they are located on the sides of buildings (if you're lucky).
Irish people say "like" at the ends of their sentences all the time, like.
Guns are banned here. In fact, not even the police carry them.
The police are called the Garda or Gardai.
OH! And I discovered a waterfall about 7 minutes from my residence hall. I frequent it. It makes me happy. It's on the River Dodder, and there is also a random statue of a rhino in the middle of the river. I love it.
That is all for now. Thanks for reading.
Much Love.
