Finally I have a minute (and a break from drinking) to start my blog. I have been here for just about a week now and I already know about the craic (yes, pronounced like crack, and its and irish slang term for fun or what's going on). When I arrived in Dublin Airport, Jake and I immediately made friends that were part of the IES program. We rode over together to our apartments in Shanowen Square and started to unpack our things. Our adventure had begun. We went into the city and had a heart attack on the way because we weren't use to driving on the other side of the road. The crazy taxi drivers didn't help the situation as well. After a few orientation meetings and safety warnings, we were on our own, ready to explore the beautiful city of Dublin.

That night, a bunch of us decided to go out and celebrate the beginning of an amazing semester. The local pub, Matt Weldons, is a smaller pub that has good drink prices and a fun atmosphere to socialize. We held our beers high, and I made a toast. Matt Weldons is now a pub we go to every Wednesday to catch up with all the friends we made that day and to share the stories and good times of the previous week.

Then good old Twisted Thursday came rolling around. Quinn's, a club on O'Connell Street, was the hot spot to go to for drinks and dancing. Earlier that day, Jake made friends with the VP of student affairs (Collie) at Dublin City University (DCU). Collie was able to get us 12 VIP wrist bands to club and access to some free drinks. At 10;30pm, we walked through the doors, and waiting for us was a champagne bath with glasses. You could say we were "poplin bottles." We had a great time and I met some irish lady friends who loved to dance. It was another great night.

The next morning, we woke up for a bus tour of the city. We were able to get on the top of the double decker bus, and enjoy everything we saw under the warm sun. I saw all the great sights including St. Patrick's Cathedral, Stephen's Green, and of course the Guinness Storehouse. Our tour guide was very funny and gave us good advice on where to go to eat when we are in the city.

We decided to stay in Fri night and just hang out playing some drinking games. jake and I were also waiting on our two friends Viv and Nancy to come in from Vienna, Austria. They are also studying abroad through IES and wanted to get away for a weekend in Ireland. They came in around midnight and we went to bed.

From right to left, Viv, me, Nancy.

Sat morning we woke up early to go on an IES trip to Causey Farm. We snuck the girls on the bus and took an hour bus drive into the country side of Ireland. It sounds crazy, but the grass is really greener over here. At the farm, we learned all about the country tradition of Irish families. First, we went into the kitchen and made Irish soda bread. In Ireland, no one takes precise measurements when cooking, so you can never get the same tasting meals. After that, we hit the wooden floor boards and learned a tradition Irish dance. The song was similar to the one in Titanic where they are on the bottom of the ship partying. Some of the instruments played in that movie are some of the ones we also go to try. The coolest part of the trip was the sheep dog. The owner had him so well trained that he could literally make the sheep run in circles. His master had commands to make the dog lead the sheep left right or back. it was really cool to watch. Last, we played Hurling, and Irish sport similar to lacrosse and hockey. It's hard to explain, but you have they field hockey like sticks and you have to get this hard ball in a goal or through two posts. Here is Jake and I with equipment and gear.

The hard part is keeping the ball in the air without a pocket. Overall, it was a very interesting day and made me realize how hard the country life really is.

Sunday we went into the city with the girls and went to the famous Guinness Storehouse. This place was amazing!! After a self guided tour and multiple pictures, we went to the top floor which was called Gravity Bar. it is the highest point in Dublin and has a view of the whole city. With your ticket, you got a free pint of Guinness at the top, and enjoyed the 360 degree view.

For lunch, we went to the oldest pub in Dublin called The Brazen Head. Dating back to 1196, this pub had delicious traditional food and an atmosphere that you can't find anywhere else. Here is a picture of my Guinness Stew.

Then of course, Sunday night, we went to this huge pub called the Bleeding Horse to watch the Superbowl. You probably had every American in Dublin at this bar, it was packed. With great drink specials and free finger food, we couldn't resist. We partied till the early morning watching the Giants defeat the Patriots for the second time in 4 years.

School started the next day and it was confusing, but I got through the day. Classes run differently here. One day the module will meet at 1pm one day but then Thurs is will be at like 6pm, so scheduling was really tough. Some classes I'm taking are Into to Modern ireland, Media and Communication Skills, and Cultural Studies of Ireland. I like all of m classes, so far, and the workload hasn't piled up yet.

My next post will be in a few days, so make sure to keep checking. You can also comment on something if you set up an account. Til then

Steve