Internship begins

Met my TD last week. Brian Hayes from the Fine Gael party, a representative for Dublin South West. Spokesperson for Education. Fine Gael is the main opposition party. Whispers in the air predicting their rise to power in the next elections, 2012.

Today, first day. Deputy Hayes has an assistant, also named Brian. Brian has his own office. A rarity in the Oireachtas as I understand. I am probably working most with Brian. Brian is like my tour guide. Brian is 25 and fun. There's a tv on the desk Brian and I share in his office. Brian watches Oprah and Ellen in the afternoons sometimes. Brian is a self-admitted Ellen addict. Brian is my new BFF.

Classes...classes are a struggle. 3 on Monday, 2 on Wednesday. 90 minutes each. all in the same room. different lecturers, but they dont communicate with each other. Obviously there's overlap between Irish history, culture, laws and literature, but at this point, we've had full on duplicate lectures. Some of the other students seem to be struggling for a basic grasp on knowledge about how things work.

Sometimes its a full on battle for focus.

it rages on tomorrow.

Pervasiveness of American Culture

Its everywhere.

I'm really hoping that coming here wasnt a mistake. I'm nervous. I hate making bad decisions. Or even just wrong ones. If I had gone to Morocco, I know American culture and me being too comfortable would be the very least of my concerns.

The music is the most prominent. Rihanna, Maroon 5, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, etc.

Last Sunday night, Alison and I (after watching one of the NFL playoff games--Jets?--at an Irish mate's house) went out with several Irish guys.

Walk into pub. There's a live band. There's a live band called Sweet Corn Riot. There is a live band called Sweet Corn Riot playing All These Things That I've Done by The Killers. Followed by I've Got a Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas. Followed by Hey Jude by The (very non-American) Beatles. Followed by Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Concluding with Killing in the Name Of by Rage Against the Machine.

One of the guys tells us that song has recently been re-released here in Ireland. It seems like a song that befits the Irish well. [For my mother and others who are unaware, a prominent line is, Fuck you, I wont do what you tell me]

Just a quick aside, I love the people here. I like a bold, unreserved opinionated populous. I fit in better. But thats another post.

More American music is played, notice the Cardinals, Packers game is on a tv--supposedly its really popular here and in the UK.

We move on to a late-night bar. More American music. More Jay-Z, that damned Kesha song, Barbie Girl (?!)-but to be fair I think those guys were Swedes, that Mambo #5 song. Sex on Fire. Several times. Tyler and Adam were right, that song is played all the time in every bar. I dont know if they realized it stretched around the globe though...

Anyway, American movies play in the theaters here, American TV shows are the dominate drama programming, they follow American celebrities and gossip, etc.

The fashion too [Northface, Uggs (which are technically from Australia), and black tights all day are all seen here], but thats similar to food--its all becoming fusion anyway. The world is flat, etc etc.

And my favourite new expression: For fuck's sake

but it doesnt mean anything if its not in the Irish accent.

I promise

that a new blog entry is coming soon.

A preview of topics:

pervasiveness of American culture, classes, coasties, recent Irish activities,

and my new favourite expression.

Our Flat

We moved in on Wednesday. So much more spacious than I'd expected, but an odd layout. My father would be upset that its so nice, that its not smaller and, most importantly, cheaper. Disgusting smell in the kitchen, still there. Cold. Everything is cold. Did I mention that this is the longest/worst cold snap in Ireland since the 60's? And they haven't had substantial snow since the mid eighties? We were supposed to leave for the homestay this afternoon, but it was cancelled (potentially postponed) because of the weather. Found the nearest grocery store. Things seem really similar to the states, but just a little different.

Hopefully this semester will be spent delving into the greater differences.

Not sure what the rest of this weekend will entail. Looked into some flights for a last minute weekend vacation on the continent, but not quite workable. Busted out some Joyce yesterday evening, "The Dead" from Dubliners. Next up, Portrait.

Additionally: really embracing the tea and biscuits.

[I don't think I've really gotten into the "we" I keep mentioning. Theres five other students doing the same program that I am through Arcadia. Alison, Mary, Nina, Andrew and David.

Us girls live together, right across from where we have class, and the guys live with 2 Arcadia students attending Trinity near St. Stephen's Green. Theres other students doing the same classes and internship, but through different companies. Theres about 12 of them, and we'll meet them next week.]

4th and 5th

Yesterday.

First day of orientation, up early, not horribly boring. Came back to the hostel, couldn’t force myself to go out exploring again. Just needed some down time. Suzanne and I went to a cute little pub, slightly reminiscent of Cupcake. They played Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Kings of Leon, and Talking Heads. We sat at an orange table and the bartender was friendly. Had my first drink, a coffee with 2 shots of Baileys. And whipped cream with chocolate powder on top. Came back again, but couldn’t sleep.

Very loud drunk Irish people screaming, literally screaming, in the streets. And they were singing. This was around 3.

Today.

Slept in, almost late. Large lunch, more orientation. They tried to teach us how to pronounce Irish words. With various to little success. Went exploring around Merrion Square. Oscar Wilde’s home and a statue. The literary quarter. Samuel Beckett’s house is the Arcadia office building. Or maybe just next to. Saw the Chemist that Ulysses (or is it Joyce??) visits. It’s still a drug store. Everyone mentioned how much they hate Joyce, how difficult it is. Pulling out Portrait in the next couple days. Apparently it’s terrible.

I cant even remember what Joey said about it. I know it’ll be dense. I’m glad I have an English major at my disposal.

The Seafarer by Connor McPherson at the Abbey Theater this evening. I had heard about it last time I was in New York, hoping to catch one of his plays while I was here, and Arcadia comped up some tickets. It was excellent, and the theater, gorgeous.

Flats tomorrow

Blogs are self-indulgent, but I kinda like it.

DAY 2. Eventually I will most definitely not be updating everyday,

but right now we've had large amounts of down tim

e.

Slept in, no breakfast, big group lunch.

Irish art museum. Jack B. Yeats, youngest brother of W.B., very famous and influential Irish painter. I wish I could find the one I saw a

nd loved, but this is another one. Dinner at an adorable tapas bar. I had a great little basil and jalapeno stuffed pepper. On toast, immersed in a fantastic sauce. And then! Chocolate mousse and churros with chocolate dipping sauce. Great time. back for the night now, early morning tomorrow.

EDIT: About to Write a Letter by Jack B. Yeats.

Its actually more vibrant and bright in person.

Arrivial

I'm here!

Its been a long day, I think, but I've lost track of time.

Everyone thats here through Arcadia has been really outgoing and friendly.

Most

of them are doing the University of Galway, theres a couple other girls going to an art

school near Galway in a castle. I met two (of the other five) people in my internship.

I'm excited.

We're staying at a hostel for a few days, right on the Liffey. The blue building is where the office is, but our room is in the building two to the left, above the red door. Most of the Arcadia students that are here already went out for dinner and then to Temple Bar, which was everything I imagined. Complete with loud, drunken Irish camaraderie. And everything is so old!

I adore it.

Its definitely a brand new year.

(Pictures soon, but my usb cord is mia. I'll have to track down a new one. )