Day 23

Today I met the professor I've always wanted.  One who lives for staying after class to help with any questions that could come up in the daunting two hour lecture; one who can crack as many jokes as they can state facts and figures; and one who will meet with students outside of class for a pint and some good 'ol fashion networking...only in Ireland.  Part of the lecture sounded more like my brother's insane "hood" antics than Irish history, but nevertheless, it kept my interest and myself laughing.  And believe it or not, despite the number of times I've heard from the Irish, "Oh I hate Americans," he seemed relieved to meet us and was looking forward to winding down with some english-speaking students after class.  I'm more than excited for this class and really getting down to, I guess, the nitty-gritty of Irish culture.  Plus a pint with the professor isn't a bad way to learn more than what's in the textbooks.

Day 22

Today I met my film teacher, a petite man with gray hair probably aged somewhere in his mid-50s.  He walked in with an urgency to begin class and hurried hands attempted to set up the laptop for our first viewing.  At first I didn't know if I would like him after he addressed us as "children," however his enthusiasm was undeniable and I had to appreciate it.  His stuttering voice suggested that he was too excited to even have the words catch up with him and he spoke about every part of the class in haste detail.  Unfortunately, we didn't even see our first film.  He sighed and rolled his eyes as the fire alarm went off and we were all escorted out of the building which was closed for the rest of the day.  I would enjoy any class that has a passionate instructor and this will be no exception.  I only hope a kitchen fire won't interrupt the class again, although free pizza in the street did make up for it.

Day 21

Today I met John, our fantastic tour guide.  I have to admit, when I heard that John, who had two degrees in Irish history, would be giving us a tour of his farm, I pictured an old man.  An old man with big ears, a hat and slow gait who would reference everything on the tour to his grandfather.  Of course, it's Ireland and John is actually a dashing twenty-something with a knowledge of Irish history only a nerd like me would swoon at.  John traipsed through the farm dressed in jeans, a raincoat and boots with the confidence of years on the farm.  Come to find out, the farm has been in the family for over 200 years and they own two mountains.  You heard me, he owns two mountains.  He continued to tell us all about the farm, the landscape, the history and all the memories involved in his soothing accent that reminded me a lot of our friend Liam.  I was in love halfway through the tour and I'm not ashamed to admit it.  I braved the slippery slope of the rock mountain in an attempt to make it look like I was a country girl at heart, which I believe I am anyways.  Even if John isn't my "future husband," as my eight-year-old self would say, I could picture the life I want in the mountains of The Burren.  It was unbelievably beautiful and sitting at the top after the somewhat treacherous journey, I felt at home.  After The Burren, it's going to be hard to leave my discoveries and go home.

Day 20

Today I met Neil.  In fact, I almost didn't meet Neil given the fact that he only spoke to us because Shannon stole his shot of Jaeger.  Despite the theft, Neil and his friends asked us to follow them for what I thought was a bachelor party (later I found out nothing of which they told us at the beginning of the night was true).  The crew was dressed to the nines and were full of life.  They reminded me of my first night I spent in Dublin and I immediately thanked god that we didn't leave the horrific attempt at an American bar earlier.  Neil is a redhead with an equally fiery sense of humor.  The comments and jokes were too funny for me to even remember (or maybe it was the Jameson) and I was laughing/crying every minute that we spoke.  All joking aside, he was extremely intelligent and seemed to love words as much as I do. Shannon and I were hoping to meet some older Irish people and we couldn't have asked for a better group to people to share some drinks, dances and memories with.   

Day 19

Today I met a rather hostile girl who, for the sake of politeness, we'll call Sharon.  She was coordinating a trip for us that turned out to be not so coordinated.  Sharon, an engineering major, seemed, at the start, to be the detail-oriented type who had everything planned out, but it looks like the job may be passed on to me.  Dressed in a sweatshirt, jeans, and no makeup, she found it appalling that we would every bring a hairdryer on a weekend trip and continued to make us feel high maintenance, I suppose.  Sharon turned out to be a very independent person.  She simply left the rest of us alone to explore what she wanted on the trip.  Some who knew her better said that they really enjoyed her before the trip, however, I guess there are just some people you aren't meant to travel with.

Day 18

Today I met Stephen.  It's Arthur's Day which means by 6:00 p.m. everyone in the city has had their fill of Guinness in celebration.  Stephen, an irish lad, was no different.  He approached my friends and I with a smile on his face that only accompanies a glass in his hand.  He was a scruffy guy, dressed casually with an assortment of buddies at his side.  There were no girls in sight, which made me wonder if I ought to feel bad for the guys or admire them for not being "those guys" with girls on each of their arms.  Again, nothing too different from the regular conversation I've had with locals: "where are you from?," followed by "how do like it," followed by "what do you think of Obama?"  I can't wait until someone doesn't ask that question; that will be the conversation to write about.  Luckily, the guys were much more coherent than our previous friends from Cork although I still walked away with a phone number and web address on my arm.  Stephen and the guys were a fun group to talk to, whether they made fun of our voices or not, however, I'm still looking forward to the conversation with a local that doesn't stick to the recipe.

Day 17

Today I met the staff of my new paper, ironically called The Liberty (hopefully this is not hello to a high school repeat).  The students are what I expected: confident, in-your-face journalists who already have a firm handle on the paper, its mission and how to achieve it.  My professor is not what I expected however: an American.  This could be a good thing or a bad thing.  On the one side, he is well aware of the Missouri School of Journalism reputation, but this also means, he's expecting a lot from us.  Shannon and I are up for the challenge and are crossing our fingers that we can once again represent the U.S. and our school well.  The class went very well and the students immediately came up to us to try to catch us up on what the class was all about.  Thankfully, I already have my first story and its something that, despite my lack of familiarity with Dublin, I can manage.  The staff seems great, I trust in their confidence, and hopefully I become as much a part of the close-knit team as the rest of them are.

Day 16

Today I met Damien, a sweet and quiet French student who went to school with my roommate.  Of course, like every other French guy we've met he's quite charming (I'm starting to think there's something in the water) and is here to improve his English.  Although the language barrier is a little rough, he was an interesting guy to talk to and he allowed us to join in on his birthday.  Us poor college students could only afford a chocolate muffin from the convenience store but his enthusiasm was incredible.  Anyone who appreciates the thought of the gift is a keeper in my book.  Damien is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other french men we've met.  He doesn't try to appear cool or desirable like some others, he is just simply around to have a good time and again, he is only contributing to my growing love for the French.  My conceptions were completely skewed and who knows?  Maybe by the time I come back, I'll know a little more French because I'm hating myself right now for taking Spanish instead.  

Day 15

Today I met Benny at the Jameson Distillery.  Over a glass of the famous Irish whiskey I learned she was from Australia (something I'm not unfamiliar with thanks to the year spent entertaining an Australian exchange student).  She is extremely cultured, well-traveled and is currently living in the UK.  She was a charming girl who was thrilled to talk to us about school and what we thought of the country so far.  Even after all the places she been, she assured us, "You came to the right place."  She said the Irish are absolutely the nicest people she's met who are always up for anything.  Haven't disagreed with her so far.  Her friend, John, was a local and was very welcoming too.  He attended DIT and gave us a few tips.  Both were happy-go-lucky people enjoying the Jameson almost as much as I was.

Day 14

Today I met the artistic genius of Harry Clarke.  His illustrations were on exhibit in the National Gallery of Ireland and I immediately fell in love.  Clarke was an irish illustrator who drew for all of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales, Edgar Allen Poe and my favorite poem of all time The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.  Now, anyone who knows me would be shocked at this discovery considering my life has been circling around Andersen's The Little Mermaid since almost the day I was born.  I also discovered The Rime of the Ancient Mariner when I was a sophomore in high school and have had a fantastic attraction to it ever since.  And then there's Ireland.  As I stood there in the art gallery looking at Clarke's intricate, colorful depictions of my favorite stories, I couldn't help but feel like he was another missing link in my life.  It may sound completely cheesy and like I'm writing a scholarship essay, but there is absolutely no reason for me not to believe that I'm meant to be here.  Before I came I had no idea what Harry Clarke did and how he brought all of my favorite things to life, but now I'm finding out that the Irish and I may have much more in common than I ever thought.

Day 13

Today I met Kenny, a bartender at our favorite pub.  We have been there before but didn't speak much past the usual bar talk.  However, Kenny and the other owner Alan remembered us right off the bat.  I felt bad knowing nothing about them after they catered to us extremely well and even sent our table free shots so we stuck around to talk to them.  The pub and its owners aren't like the other places we've been.  The music is actually fantastic, the drinks reasonably priced, the staff is friendly and it's always how I fantasized those neighborhood pubs where "everyone knows your name."  I just never thought they actually would.  Kenny and Alan were beyond nice, continually asked if we were okay and seem like my kind of people.  Dressed in simple jeans, black t-shirts, and friendly smiles, they had an obvious laid back aura.  I thought I lost my camera at the pub so Kenny went looking for it and offered us to stay for our first lock-in.  Although it felt odd to be the only two there and not helping at all to clean up, Kenny had a reassuring smile on the whole time and handed us a free pint to relax with.  I have to admit, this may have been my meeting with the most impact.  I mean, we're American girls who have only been in Europe for two weeks.  Some won't give us the time of day but the pub was a much needed friend for the night.  I'm not even a regular at Starbucks after three years of patronage, but somehow we found another place to call home.  I have to thank Kenny for that.

"Home is not where you live but where they understand you."  

Day 12

Today I met Ciaran.  Completely cool irish name right off the bat.  Ciaran is from Cork and was in town with the lads for the Gaelic Football Championship in Dublin.  Not only was it the night before Cork's big game, it was one of the guy's birthday.  Poor Ciaran was completely embarrassed by his friend's drunken behavior, which didn't come as a huge surprise since he was actually one of the last ones I met.  Dressed in their jerseys with a Carlsberg in hand, they looked the part of young Irish guys for a night out in the city.  Ciaran and I had the usual conversation I've had with the rest of the Irish and I made sure to never say "Oh yeah, I'm Irish too." They hate that and he appreciated that I didn't.  After a while, the guys decided to go to Copper's where the motto is: "If you can't score at Copper's, you can't score anywhere."  Not my cup of tea but hey, hope Ciaran and the guys enjoyed themselves and I'll be cheering on Cork for them.

Day 11

Today I met Aisling, Shannon's Irish roommate. Wearing a simple tank top and jeans, I immediately took a liking to her. She seemed very laid back and carefree. I didn't get to speak to her much but, once again, she gave us Americans the fair warning about irish guys. "They get what they want and then they're done," she said as Shannon and I cringed in minute horror. After that blunt comment, I knew Ashlyn was an independent woman who most likely doesn't put up with much and for the moment is admirable for that. I wonder if growing up in Ireland makes the women here like that. They all appear extremely confident with their bold voices, opinions, and colorful clothing style. I guess environment can make all the difference and it makes me question why, on first impression, the Irish girls are so much more outward than American girls. Maybe that's not the case at all, but Ashlyn fits the mold of the independent Irish woman so far.

Day 10

Today I met John.  This truly was a "center stool" meeting.  John is a friend of one of the local guys we spend time with and due to the depressing state of the music and lack of people in the nightclub, John and I embarked on a slightly drunken conversation.  A good drink always starts the best and most serious conversations and this was no exception.  John was extremely sweet and was as equally disappointed in the retro music (and I mean retro in the worst way) as I was.  He gave me the ultimate insight to world of Irish men.  Surprisingly enough, they're just like American men, and sadly, maybe worse.  It doesn't sound like many are the call-the-day-after type.  Despite the morose conversation, John gave me hope of finding some Irish men that are possibly more intuitive.  But for now, sorry mom, I don't know if I'll be bringing back that irishman you wanted me to have.

Day 9

Today I met Shaw, an American from the University of Florida.  Shaw is quiet on the first uptake but soon I got to know how witty he is.  He and his sarcastic friend, Elise, are a perfect match for conquering Dublin.  He's an interesting, smart guy and quite daring too.  He is not living in Griffith, rather an apartment uptown with some other international students.  For a while he wasn't sure where he was staying and I'm not sure I would get on as calmly as he has been.  He's also a sweet guy.  He offered to walk us home even though he lives on the other side of town and I'm sure his girlfriend is a lucky girl.  We haven't gotten along well with too many Americans but Shaw and Elise seem like some great people to laugh about pretty much anything with, especially poor Lee Chung who was left behind in a small Irish town.  

Day 8

Today I met Gabriel.  A strange one I must say.  I caught him staring at us from across the Galaxy Bar at the Guinness Storehouse.  And when I mean staring I don't mean a loving glance every once in a while, I mean dead-on, no blinking, burning eyes staring.  I was a little creeped out to say the least, but sadly Shannon and I have gotten used to these awkward stares from the foreign boys over here.  Not but five minutes later two of his friends came over to tell me he was in love with me.  So subtle.  Gabriel then came to talk and I could see that he was incredibly shy once he has to face someone.  He had a boyish face and bright blue eyes that looked as though he could run away any second embarrassed forever.  The boys were very nice, a little too nice but we talked with them nonetheless.  Gabriel was a little weird but I give him credit for having the courage to come say hello rather than continue the staring for god knows how long.  Us "crazy Americans" have enough awkwardness to go around as it is.

Day 7

Today I met Stephanie.  She is one of girls I wish I could remotely resemble when I wake up in the morning.  Again, exactly how I would picture a beautiful, young French girl.  Her English is not the best, but she is working hard to understand and us the same.  I admire her for that.  I took three years of Spanish...twice, and still I don't know if I could jump on a plane to Mexico and perform as well as she is.  It's definitely a task to get to know international students when every other word is "pardon?" or "what?"  However, I have been able to figure out Stephanie a little bit.  She is quiet around English speakers but is constantly talking in French.  I've heard she doesn't speak about many serious subjects, but I think it's because it would hurt too much.  She has a wonderful boyfriend back home and I can tell she misses him a lot.  They talk all the time and I have to admit, I would be in the same boat.  It's hard to leave a five-month relationship.  That's when it always gets really good.  She reminds me a lot of myself when I was in a relationship when spending any amount time apart from your better half seems worse than the six hours we spent at the Immigration Office.  I know it's difficult for her but I hope she starts to loosen up so that I can truly get to know her better.  

Day 6

Today I met the loveliest of strangers, the Irish countryside.  It may not ask me where I'm from or what I'm studying, but frankly it doesn't care.  It welcomes anyone who wants to partake in its beauty and and listen to its centuries worth of stories.  The countryside gets along with everyone, is there when you have a bad day, and could be your best friend.  I had a great day with the countryside and it didn't disappoint me one bit.  In fact, it blew me away.  I always hoped see it but nothing does it justice until you are standing face to face with the new friend.  I love the people I've met so far, but the countryside will always be around for me to go back to.

Day 5

Today I met my final roommate, Timmy.  She is from Hungary and has been at Griffith before.  I don't know too much about her but from what I gathered, she loves to talk and probably used to be the life of any party.  It seems she's settled down her ways and is somewhat of a homebody now.  She lives by herself in the other room because she needs her space.  I'm sure her study habits will be very secluded, which is quite fine by me.  Timmy appears to be a lovely girl and should be a fitting flatmate.  And would you believe it?  I'm could be the most outward girl out of the three.  Would never have guessed that about myself even three years ago.  Learning more about myself every day.

Day 4

Today I met Florent.  After consistently being embarrassed by our new Irish posse, we went to mix up the social scene a bit with some other French students.  And wouldn't you know, the French love us!  After years of hearing "don't go to France, they hate Americans" I found myself surrounded by absolutely beautiful, somewhat intimidating, however very welcoming French youth.  Florent is a man you may never find in America now, but maybe someday.  His dream is to go to America, amazingly enough.  His piercing eyes, scruffy hair, and five-o-clock shadow are enough to melt any American girl's heart, but he had the modesty and sweet personality to go with it.  I was a few Guinness deep at the moment but decided to join Florent alone in the corner of the nightclub.  He was not one for dancing or expensive drinks, but he can chug a Guinness as well as the Irish.  I don't know what it is about this place or these people, but it's second nature to come together and learn from each other.  I came to Ireland to learn about the Irish and myself, but I never imagined I would fit in so well with so many other cultures.  I'm proud and ready to submerge the culture-loving part of my heart and soul into the people of Dublin and elsewhere so I can learn more.  In fact, I want them to make me feel stupid.  That will only mean I can shed the myths and stereotypes and get down to the core of people like Liam, Carmen, and Florent.  

Day 3

Today I met Carmen.  All of the international students went to a pub and a nightclub for the evening to get to know each other.  There were people from all over the world. Switzerland, Germany, France, and Norway to name a few.  However, Carmen was one of the people that impressed me even after a quick conversation in the pub booming with music.  Carmen is a beautiful, soft-spoken girl from Barcelona whose eyes were eager to meet a new face, like me.  She speaks English very well and assured me not to feel bad about not knowing another language.  She said, "That is why we are here.  We need to know English and improve."  Another girl from Switzerland began to ask all the questions I hate: What do you think of Obama?  Do you like politics?...etc.  People want to know so much over here because Carmen explained that international news for Europe is basically American news.  As if I don't feel bad enough not knowing French, German, or Spanish well, now I've come to realize that I know less about my own country than Europeans do.  After talking to Carmen, although she was overwhelmingly sweet, I couldn't help but wonder if our lack of knowledge is due to how news is reported or if Americans really do have the "lazy" way about them like other countries like to believe.  Either way, I did my best to represent our country as best I could and Carmen seemed to understand.

Day 2

Today I met Laura, my French roommate.  The first thing she said to me, "You brought a lot."  Difference in culture have been ever-present since I met her.  Our first meal was at a Lebanese restaurant.  If you can only imagine two American girls and two French girls in a Lebanese restaurant in Ireland; figuring out what an aubergine was took every culture to try to explain, but a simple eggplant being brought out to truly understand.  Laura is a sweet girl with a simple elegance to her.  Unlike what I imagined from the French, her necessities are limited and we get along very well.  (I thought the French hated Americans!)  My brother and I always wished we could learn French, and now, I want to more than ever.  I envy Laura in fact.  She speaks French, English, Spanish, and is starting to learn Japanese.  When she noticed my utter shock she said, "Some people are math people, some people are language people.  I just know languages."  Wish I was one of those.  I don't think I could've asked for a better roommate: a new culture, a sweet girl and best of all, she loves sleep.

Day 1

Over the seemingly one long day of traveling and getting settled into Dublin, I've met more new faces than I thought I would.  I would not have made it to Ireland with my sanity intact if it wasn't for Dick.  Now, the name often sends chuckles but you're lucky to get a hearty one from this quiet soul.  A father and grandfather, he's off on a first time trip to Europe, just like me.  The trip is a gift from his successful daughter just for reaching 70-years-young.  He never had a whole lot to say, but he's one of those guys that only speaks when its worthy.  I also met Liam.  He's a staff member here and bound to be the leader of the pack no matter who he's with.  He took us out for the best first night in Dublin we could have asked for and I have a feeling we'll be sticking with this kid for a while.  I was worried that I would only interact with international students and miss out on experiencing the culture with Irish students, however last night we found ourselves partying with six Irish guys.  Liam and his crew scream the epitome of the American view of the Irish.  Hair unkept, scruffy beard, a beer in hand, speech too fast for any American to understand, but not a care in the world.  I may see a deeper side to Liam down the road, but for now, he's a carefree twenty-year-old looking to entertain himself in the streets of Dublin.