Week #1: Adjusting

Where do I begin about this, my first week in Dublin?

It has been quite surreal to say the least. At first, there was a feeling of deep fear and isolation an, "Oh my God! What have I gotten myself into!? I am not ready for this!" And then I would be overwhelmed by excitement at the fact that I was actually in Ireland.This would be followed by disappointment in myself for feeling sad or afraid in that this is my dream- to live in Ireland and read books. So, that has been the basic emotional roller-coaster I have been on this week. In case you were wondering.

After the first day, I encountered the first of my flatmates, Yaseena, a lovely Canadian, who is here to study creative writing. She has fantastic taste in music and film, not to mention literature. I then encountered Mary, from New York, who is here to get a Master's in Peace Studies (which sounds supremely interesting). There is also Melony from New Orleans, also studying creative writing.Next we have Rosie, from Blackpool (in the North of England)who will be studying Irish Writing, and whom I have thoroughly frightened with my Anglophilia (especially as regards "Doctor Who"). Lastly there is Ge (pronounces Gu) from China who is also doing Peace Studies and is one of the sweetest people I have ever encountered.

I have spent a lot of time in cultural conversation and wandering the city with these people and have come to think that I am pretty lucky to have been placed in this flat (despite the initial unmet expectations). I think that it will be a great year, and I very much look forward to hearing about what they are studying!

Mary, Rosie, and Yaseena (left to right)


Much of this first week has been spent in purchasing basic essentials for my room/flat and trying to navigate a new city and culture. Things I have learned:

1. The Irish are a supremely friendly and hospitable people.
2. This city makes no sense. (roads curve and turn every which way)
3. I love getting lost in the rain (which is fortuitous because it has happened a lot this week)
4. The Irish concept of time and administration is quite different from the American. (the mentality
tends to be "It'll get done, have a pint, it'll be grand.")
5. I love it here.

It is funny because I am so in love with this people, and have been for some time, but every time any Irish person meets me and finds out I am from SoCal they say, "You are crazy to come here from your paradise. You will freeze." To this I say, "I know! I am so excited about it!" and I firmly establish my insanity.

There are no words to express how beautiful this city is, and how much older than anything we have back in the states. Trinity was built 200 years before we were even a country. And it is absolutely gorgeous, I still can't believe I am actually allowed to even walk through the front gate, not to mention attend this school...

It is a humbling and exciting experience. More to come...