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