Hello everyone!
The first week of school has come and gone and it has certainly been an interesting one, to say the least. So, I wake up Monday morning for my first class abroad ready to go. I packed my bag the night before, I had my clothes laid out (a very cute outfit, I might add) and I am so ready to get this year started. I sit down in my 20th Century American Literature class and wait for the teacher to arrive. And I wait. And I wait. After 40 minutes, I realize the teacher is not coming! What is up with this?! I was totally shocked and had no idea what to think. I walk back to my room a little defeated, yet I can't help but chuckle at this bizarre situation. At Holy Cross, the teachers are the ones waiting for the students to arrive, syllabi in hand. At Holy Cross, everything runs like clock work. At UCC . . . not so much. Same thing happened to me later that day. My Living Habitats teacher did not show up, AND the classroom was double booked with an Irish Traditional Music class!
I woke up Tuesday morning trying to forget about Monday's mishaps. I went to American Literature again, and still the teacher is a total no show. I don't think I will be going back to that class. My Introduction to Jazz teacher wasn't there that evening either. At least I wasn't the only person this happened to. I talked to a bunch of other girls who also had issues with classes. I'm just going to chalk it all up to first week craziness?? I guess some teachers do not consider preview week of classes as mandatory attendance. Next week is the official start.
In the end, the week was successful in helping me figure out which classes I ultimately want to take. It's a great idea to let students get a little taste of a class (that is, when the teachers actually show up) so they can decide if it's a class they want to stick with. This teaching period I will be taking Sociology of the Middle East, Living Habitats, Irish Folklore, Spanish, Introduction to Jazz, and Social Theory. As you can see, a little different from what I originally thought I was going to take, but I'm really excited. They all seem great (well, the ones I have actually had so far).
Yesterday I got to take part in a great annual Irish tradition. It was Arthur Guinness Day and we celebrated the founder of one of the world's most cherished beers. A group of friends and I went down to Graftons, one of the pubs in the Cork city center, and toasted at 5:59 with pints of Guinness. I must admit, I am not a huge fan of "the black stuff" as they call it, but I drank it for Arthur.
No big plans for this weekend yet. Unfortunately, I've been battling a cold for the past couple of days so hopefully after some r & r this weekend it will start to pass. Our final roommate arrived late Wednesday night. Her name is Odelit and she is from China. She was at UCC last year as well, so she's an old pro and I'm sure she can teach the rest of us a thing or two about living in Ireland. I'd love to get some bonding time with all my roommates this weekend, and also discuss some practical living stuff.
Before I bid farewell, I'd like to give a shout out to my amazing godfather on his birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE KEV!
Slan!
I wish I could bring you some chicken soup for your cold right now, but I'll be there in two weeks for some in-person TLC! CAN'T WAIT!!
ReplyDeleteAli, wish I could have seen that very cute outfit Monday morning! So fun!! Quite a mix of classes! They sound interesting! I love the Intro to Jazz and Irish Folklore. Bet Helene would love Sociology of the Middle East, Living Habitats! Enjoy every minute Ali! I am so proud of you! And love traveling through your blog! Much love, Maryfran :)
ReplyDeleteAli: This evening's history lesson of useless facts involves "the black stuff", Guinness. Arthur Guinness was a protestant and several hundred years ago there was a real split between the protestants in Dublin where you drank Guinness and the Catholics in Cork where you drank Murphy's, another porter similar to Guinness. If you want to keep religious history away from your beer you can drink Beamish, which is a local beer brewed near Cork or Franciscan Well Brewery another beer local to Cork. By the way Arthur's Day was a made up holiday to get the crowds into the bars. I think Arthur's Day is only two years old. According to Ted the bars in Dublin were packed on Thursday evening to celebrate Arthur's Day.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well in Cork. One month gone by and you'll be having visitors before you know it.
Bill & Judy
Ali-
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the birthday wishes. You are the best! I remember a long, long time ago when I was studying in England I had luxury of a pay phone at the train station and a designated time on every other Sunday to call Bu and Gigi. I love that with the new technology we are all able to enjoy at least a little bit of your experience in Ireland. Have a blast!!! It will go by very very fast. Thanks for thinking of your old uncle.
Love,
Kev
Alison,
ReplyDeleteWhat is up with some of those professors? I am so sure that you are so ready...the question is are the profs ready as much as you are? I love your infectious passion.
Hard to believe you have been there for almost 6 weeks.
I hope your weekend with the roomies and hanging around Cork is fun.
Love, love, love...