Today was an very Irish day. I woke up late (not an Irish thing really) and had Nutella on brown toast and Earl Gray tea with milk and sugar (a VERY Irish thing). Then I proceeded to tidy up around the apartment, had a tea time snack and then got ready to go out. The roommates and I went down to Ryan's Pub to watch the Hurling Final on the telly.
This is Hurling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmzivRetelE
It is legit. Probably the most intense and impressive game I have ever watched. All the players are amateurs who aren't paid or sponsored who have jobs and families and stuff and only play for their hometowns as a matter of pride. This match was Kilkenny( the reigning champions) vs. Tipperary. We decided that we would go for Tipperary... as the pub had Tipperary flags hanging from every surface imaginable. It was exceedingly fun. Screaming "Get 'um Tipp!!" and what not. Matches are 7o minutes with only one break (a half time 35 minutes in). That in itself is impressive considered this game is considered the fast game on grass and is very brutal (no pads and most of the players were not even wearing helmets). During half time my roommate Erin and I went to get Abrakebabra (Ireland premier fast food restaurant).
Fun Fact: Irish fast food is nothing like American fast food.
It was soooo freakin' good. We ate then headed back to the Pub and finished the game. Tipperary ended up losing but the match was really close.
We walked home through St. Stephen's Green which is a beautiful park that I am gonna start running in.
Fun day all in all. Classes start tomorrow. OH my gooooooodnesss!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
curiouser and curiouser
Today started off with a bang. I woke up to a cold shower (crazy European heating systems) and started my laundry (which takes 2 hours... not including dryer.) OH and no one actually uses a dryer here... yah. I have to hang dry my clothes so my apartment looks ridiculous right now.
Took a horrifically touristy bus tour around Dublin which was actually quite fun. Learned LOTS of fun facts.
Fun Fact: You can smell the Guinness Brewery from miles away.
2nd Fun Fact: It smells AWESOME!!!
It was a get on/get off kinda deal so after we road it one full time through I got off at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was absolutely stunning inside.
Just an example.
We then headed to the Kilmainham Gaol, the legendary jail in Dublin where the leaders from the Irish Rebellion for Independence were held and executed. It considered a national landmark and one of the most famous and historic building in Dublin.
Its been used in tons of films and TV shows. It was a little ridiculous however because people were literally taking pictures in the cells smiling and goofing off which would have royally pissed me off if I was Irish. The tour guide took us in too a courtyard with no windows and everyone crowded in and were snapping pictures of stone walls (which I did not understand... but I digress) and then the tour guide informed us that we were standing in the execution arena where the revolutionaries died by firing squad at dawn, one of which was 3 hours newly wed, whose wife was standing on the other side of the wall listening. Yes, well, that cheered me right up and I quickly departed the courtyard. My friend Owen pointed out later that that kinda thing always makes you grateful you are not the kid of the 6th Sense. I could not have put it better myself.
We jumped on the bus and headed back to our stop because we were all exhausted by then. I met up with some of the Wyckams ( people who live in a different apartments... its like the Sharks and the Jets... except there is no dance fighting and we basically all get along swimmingly) for dinner at the Barge, which is a lovely (very crowded and expensive) pub for dinner. We watched an World Cup qualifying match on the telly and we all cheered very loudly when Ireland scored(which I only knew occurred because everyone was cheering.) George informed me that my wide eyes, animated expressions and dry, sarcastic sense of humor makes him think of combination of an Alice in Wonderland character and Chelsey Handler . Hmm...
After dinner I walked back to my apartment alone since they all lived in the opposite direction. I had a lovely 20 minute walk but the good news was I DIDN'T GET LOST! HUZZAH!!!
That is actually a HUGE feat for me so I was very excited.
Tomorrow looks to be a fun filled day indeed as the plan in to watch the Hurling Match on the telly down at the local pub. What will that have in store for me? You shall bloody well have to wait and see.
Took a horrifically touristy bus tour around Dublin which was actually quite fun. Learned LOTS of fun facts.
Fun Fact: You can smell the Guinness Brewery from miles away.
2nd Fun Fact: It smells AWESOME!!!
It was a get on/get off kinda deal so after we road it one full time through I got off at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was absolutely stunning inside.
Just an example.
We then headed to the Kilmainham Gaol, the legendary jail in Dublin where the leaders from the Irish Rebellion for Independence were held and executed. It considered a national landmark and one of the most famous and historic building in Dublin.
Its been used in tons of films and TV shows. It was a little ridiculous however because people were literally taking pictures in the cells smiling and goofing off which would have royally pissed me off if I was Irish. The tour guide took us in too a courtyard with no windows and everyone crowded in and were snapping pictures of stone walls (which I did not understand... but I digress) and then the tour guide informed us that we were standing in the execution arena where the revolutionaries died by firing squad at dawn, one of which was 3 hours newly wed, whose wife was standing on the other side of the wall listening. Yes, well, that cheered me right up and I quickly departed the courtyard. My friend Owen pointed out later that that kinda thing always makes you grateful you are not the kid of the 6th Sense. I could not have put it better myself.
We jumped on the bus and headed back to our stop because we were all exhausted by then. I met up with some of the Wyckams ( people who live in a different apartments... its like the Sharks and the Jets... except there is no dance fighting and we basically all get along swimmingly) for dinner at the Barge, which is a lovely (very crowded and expensive) pub for dinner. We watched an World Cup qualifying match on the telly and we all cheered very loudly when Ireland scored(which I only knew occurred because everyone was cheering.) George informed me that my wide eyes, animated expressions and dry, sarcastic sense of humor makes him think of combination of an Alice in Wonderland character and Chelsey Handler . Hmm...
After dinner I walked back to my apartment alone since they all lived in the opposite direction. I had a lovely 20 minute walk but the good news was I DIDN'T GET LOST! HUZZAH!!!
That is actually a HUGE feat for me so I was very excited.
Tomorrow looks to be a fun filled day indeed as the plan in to watch the Hurling Match on the telly down at the local pub. What will that have in store for me? You shall bloody well have to wait and see.
never have I ever...
Never have I ever sung Karaoke- Build Me Up Buttercup in an Irish Pub...
*Jule puts a finger down*
Legendary.
*Jule puts a finger down*
Legendary.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Grand. :)
Today was the last day of orientation and now we are freeeee for the weekend!!! I got my Irish phone number so I am feeling snazzy. I bought groceries ( I am such a local) and then proceeded to get lost getting back to my apartment (I am such a tourist). My roommate and I made pizza (I know, we are so American) for dinner which was lovely. Last night we had a lovely group dinner then every one headed back to our apartment to hang out. These 8 year old boys followed us back saying quite un-8 year old things to us. They then proceeded to break into our building and run around. Finally one of the guys kicked them out so they stood of the streets and took their clothing off.
...
I am going to give you a second to read then re-read that. Yes. They stood outside my window and proceeded to STRIP and say very very grotesque things. Kegan then said "Well, this evening just took a bizarre and unexpected turn." At that moment I decided I loved him. Finally, the kids cleared of and the lads and I went down to the pub at the corner which is called...wait for it, wait for it... The Ginger Man. I know. I was so happy. After enjoying a pint we returned to the apartment and I attempted to set up my phone. This was a very bad idea. I was complete rubbish at it and basically incapacitated my phone with in 12 hours of purchasing it. Lucky, Joey, from across the hall, fixed it for me. Joey is a stage combat person too. We bonded.
Tomorrow, I'm doing a touristy bus tour of Dublin. And Sunday I am watching the Irish Hurling Final in the Pub. It will be grand.
I have developed Irish speaking patterns. My roommates make fun of me. A lot.
...
I am going to give you a second to read then re-read that. Yes. They stood outside my window and proceeded to STRIP and say very very grotesque things. Kegan then said "Well, this evening just took a bizarre and unexpected turn." At that moment I decided I loved him. Finally, the kids cleared of and the lads and I went down to the pub at the corner which is called...wait for it, wait for it... The Ginger Man. I know. I was so happy. After enjoying a pint we returned to the apartment and I attempted to set up my phone. This was a very bad idea. I was complete rubbish at it and basically incapacitated my phone with in 12 hours of purchasing it. Lucky, Joey, from across the hall, fixed it for me. Joey is a stage combat person too. We bonded.
Tomorrow, I'm doing a touristy bus tour of Dublin. And Sunday I am watching the Irish Hurling Final in the Pub. It will be grand.
I have developed Irish speaking patterns. My roommates make fun of me. A lot.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
dublin' or nothin
So, I moved in to my apartment today in Dublin. Saints preserve us!
Yesterday was AWESOME though... despite the fact we got horribly, terribly lost again. (Sensing a pattern?) We walked from the hotel through Green Park, right past Buckingham Palace,down Parliament, across the Westminster Bridge, then got turned around and wandered. Once we lost sight of the London Eye, we were basically screwed. After about an hour walk we finally found the Globe Theatre. The tour was enjoyable, but the freakin' SWEETEST thing was that when we walked in to the theatre they were running fight rehearsal. I know. Legend... dary timing.
By far, though, the coolest thing was the tour of the Rose Theatre excavation site. I literally got to stand in the space where some of Shakespeare's first works were performed and where Shakespeare performed as an actor. I was basically awe struck. We kept walking but wandered away from the tour group to go back and stand there for a bit longer. The tour guide came looking for me... when he finally found me he just looked at me and asked me if I was an actor. I told him yes and he basically said "Yah, I was that way when I first came." So us actors bonded over that. Mom and I then did a quick walk through of the Tate Modern before heading back to the hotel.
This morning I woke up at 5:30, showered and caught the Tube to Heathrow. When I got to Dublin, I caught a cab to a corner of a street where I had been instructed to wait for someone to meet me. Sketchy, I know. Finally, Eammon, my "RA" came bounding across the street dramatically proclaiming "So, there I was, stranded in Dublin...". He is basically wonderful and hilarious. He informed me that "RA" was not a good term for him because he was NOT going to tell me not to drink. Quite the opposite in fact. I met my flippin' sweet new roomies and after a get to know you chat we went grocery shopping and then walked 2 miles back to our apartment carrying heavy grocery bags.
FUN FACT:
You have to pay for grocery bags here. wtf.
It began to rain. A lot. We arrived back to our apartment soaking wet and, after drying off, made dinner. We are leaving for the pub for a "get to know you" drink with the other students in the program in about 30 minutes. I need to got and get ready/finished unpacking.
I promise my next entry will not be lame.
Yesterday was AWESOME though... despite the fact we got horribly, terribly lost again. (Sensing a pattern?) We walked from the hotel through Green Park, right past Buckingham Palace,down Parliament, across the Westminster Bridge, then got turned around and wandered. Once we lost sight of the London Eye, we were basically screwed. After about an hour walk we finally found the Globe Theatre. The tour was enjoyable, but the freakin' SWEETEST thing was that when we walked in to the theatre they were running fight rehearsal. I know. Legend... dary timing.
By far, though, the coolest thing was the tour of the Rose Theatre excavation site. I literally got to stand in the space where some of Shakespeare's first works were performed and where Shakespeare performed as an actor. I was basically awe struck. We kept walking but wandered away from the tour group to go back and stand there for a bit longer. The tour guide came looking for me... when he finally found me he just looked at me and asked me if I was an actor. I told him yes and he basically said "Yah, I was that way when I first came." So us actors bonded over that. Mom and I then did a quick walk through of the Tate Modern before heading back to the hotel.
This morning I woke up at 5:30, showered and caught the Tube to Heathrow. When I got to Dublin, I caught a cab to a corner of a street where I had been instructed to wait for someone to meet me. Sketchy, I know. Finally, Eammon, my "RA" came bounding across the street dramatically proclaiming "So, there I was, stranded in Dublin...". He is basically wonderful and hilarious. He informed me that "RA" was not a good term for him because he was NOT going to tell me not to drink. Quite the opposite in fact. I met my flippin' sweet new roomies and after a get to know you chat we went grocery shopping and then walked 2 miles back to our apartment carrying heavy grocery bags.
FUN FACT:
You have to pay for grocery bags here. wtf.
It began to rain. A lot. We arrived back to our apartment soaking wet and, after drying off, made dinner. We are leaving for the pub for a "get to know you" drink with the other students in the program in about 30 minutes. I need to got and get ready/finished unpacking.
I promise my next entry will not be lame.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
defending the baracade... and what not.
Spent the day walking around Camden Town. I went a LITTLE crazy with the buying/shopping bit. A foreign man walked up to me as I was browsing at a little shop and started chatting me up.
(I am picking up loads of fun British phrases. That means 'flirting'. I feel so cool right now.)
I was being polite but trying to ignore him. He asked me where I was from and I considered saying Russia (yet again) but I realized that out of the loud, abrasive club my accented sounded a lot like a bad French one. So, in light of my inability to think on my feet, I decided to go with the truth (SHOCKER). He was very interested in the fact that I was American and he liked my name a great deal. He then informed me that he was from, wait for it... wait for it... IRAQ. He then asked me if I had heard of Iraq. Yah... I am serious. I replied that "Yes, I had." when what I REALLY wanted to say was... well, it doesn't really matter what I wanted to say because I was just basically dumbfounded that he asked me that.
After shopping a bit more we headed to Leicester Square for dinner. We had Mexican food and margaritas. Made me miss Fuzzy's. We then walked around for a bit. I saw the infamous TigerTiger and thought of all you London folks. We finally headed to the Queen's Theatre to see Les Miserables.
Seeing as it is quite late here, please excuse the fact that I can not describe in detail how FLIPPIN' AMAZING the show was. It was just... BAH! So good. I almost leapt to my feet in a fit of joy at the curtain call. I laughed, I cried, I mumbled 'Vive la France' under my breath and punched my mother in the arm quite hard when they started waving the flag during 'One Day More'.
Jean Valjean was twice my age and I would have attacked him and kissed his face if I had be allowed to stand by the stage door. I think my extremely observant mother realized this so, to avoid the humiliation, she skillfully guided to the the bus stop before I could make a complete fool of myself.
I could seriously gush about how wonderful it was forever and since I am getting very vicious looks from my mother I believe it is time to bide you adieu and go to sleep.
Tomorrow I am going to my own personal Mecca; The Globe Theatre.
Oh yah. Get excited, readers. Its gonna be a good one.
(I am picking up loads of fun British phrases. That means 'flirting'. I feel so cool right now.)
I was being polite but trying to ignore him. He asked me where I was from and I considered saying Russia (yet again) but I realized that out of the loud, abrasive club my accented sounded a lot like a bad French one. So, in light of my inability to think on my feet, I decided to go with the truth (SHOCKER). He was very interested in the fact that I was American and he liked my name a great deal. He then informed me that he was from, wait for it... wait for it... IRAQ. He then asked me if I had heard of Iraq. Yah... I am serious. I replied that "Yes, I had." when what I REALLY wanted to say was... well, it doesn't really matter what I wanted to say because I was just basically dumbfounded that he asked me that.
After shopping a bit more we headed to Leicester Square for dinner. We had Mexican food and margaritas. Made me miss Fuzzy's. We then walked around for a bit. I saw the infamous TigerTiger and thought of all you London folks. We finally headed to the Queen's Theatre to see Les Miserables.
Seeing as it is quite late here, please excuse the fact that I can not describe in detail how FLIPPIN' AMAZING the show was. It was just... BAH! So good. I almost leapt to my feet in a fit of joy at the curtain call. I laughed, I cried, I mumbled 'Vive la France' under my breath and punched my mother in the arm quite hard when they started waving the flag during 'One Day More'.
Jean Valjean was twice my age and I would have attacked him and kissed his face if I had be allowed to stand by the stage door. I think my extremely observant mother realized this so, to avoid the humiliation, she skillfully guided to the the bus stop before I could make a complete fool of myself.
I could seriously gush about how wonderful it was forever and since I am getting very vicious looks from my mother I believe it is time to bide you adieu and go to sleep.
Tomorrow I am going to my own personal Mecca; The Globe Theatre.
Oh yah. Get excited, readers. Its gonna be a good one.
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