Last night a bunch of us went to see traditional Irish music (called céilí music) at the pub An Spailpín Fánac. It was so cool! There were fiddles, flute-like things, button accordions, and bagpipes, all just playing along whatever came to mind, or so it seemed. I did not want a pint while there, so I got a milkshake at Eddie Rocket’s beforehand…such a good choice. I loooooove milkshakes. After Rafa and I went to a continuation of the birthday party from Saturday, though this time is was much more chill. We sat around for a bit then someone put on music and we began dancing. They play this game called “Dance Floor Domination” where basically people dance around and bodycheck others…it was kind of terrifying, yet funny. Luckily there were couches all around, though some people missed and did fall onto the nice, carpeted floor haha. Though the best part by far was when we were singing Katy Perry's "Firework" and someone brought out sparklers. It was so perfect and also really funny.
I went to my first Marine Environments class today. No, worried parents, it’s not because I was skipping, just that there were only two classes before today and I signed up for the class late anyway. It only meets twice a week for two hours, which is a bit long though it is nice to get it out of the way early. It seems like it will be interesting, but the prof has this interesting way of glossing over somewhat complicated idea (like sedimentation) and explaining in depth easier ones (like water). But Rebecca is in the class and she knows her stuff so I’m sure I’ll be fine!
I have to say, my four classes on Tuesday are a lot! Especially since I have a one-hour break in between three of them. It’s not enough time to go home, so I awkwardly loitered on campus on the public computers studying for the Disney pub quiz that was tonight. I was so excited! Finally all my years of playing Disney Scene-It would pay off! Unfortunately everyone but us got the memo that it was moved from 8pm to 9pm so we sat there through the SocMath quiz bowl but ended up having to leave before the Disney quiz started. Extremely disappointing. Though funny moment—they asked a question about which US president dropped the atomic bomb and gave the clue that he was the only president to serve more than two terms. Um…not true, I believe? But it was funny anyway.
I've been learning lots more in Irish- I now know how to tell time (It's 10 o'clock=Tá sé a deich a chlog...pronounced "tah shay a daych a hlog"), say I'm American (Is Meiriceánach mé...pronounced "ihs merikanach may"), and how to describe people (Colin Firth is good=Tá sé go maith...pronounced "tay shay g'mah"). I'd try and explain more about it but even I'm confused so I wouldn't be very good. Sentence structure is crazy, and don't even get me started on the eclipsed form haha.
For a slight change of pace, here’s a list of facts about Ireland (and not totally stolen from Rafa!):
1) Men here are obsessed with Adidas sweatsuits. Seriously, they have matching sets and sometimes matching bags…odd and kind of unacceptable in my view. On the other hand, women dress up all the time here. So freaking unfair.
2) Driving is absolutely insane here…laws seem to be simply a guideline instead of a rule, for example speed limits. People will also randomly pull up on the sidewalk to park. Also pedestrians absolutely do NOT have the right of way. It’s quite dangerous to think that haha.
3) Girls here I swear try to dress like Snookie from Jersey Shore. Rather frightening, actually.
4) Classes seem to be kind of optional? For the Irish at least…I feel too guilty to skip any classes. Oh Bowdoin how you’ve ruined me. Also I like my classes a lot.
5) Very popular term here is “craic,” pronounced “crack.” When I first heard the phrase “That’s good craic” aka “That’s cool” I thought it was some ridiculous phrase of a bygone era, except people use it here all the time! On that note, the Irish use “ye” instead of “you” all the time, even in writing. It’s pretty awesome.
6) Irish soap operas are wonderful. Emmerdale is my favorite right now, and I try to watch it every day. Yes, my life is exciting.
7) Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” is probably the most popular song here at the moment, which was unfortunate since I really didn’t like it when I came over, but luckily now I’ve grown to love it!
8) The sun rises at like 8:30am and sets at around 5:30pm.
9) Unlike at Bowdoin or in Brunswick, nothing is very close. Not super far, but at least a 10-20 minute walk.
10) True to the stereotype, it will randomly rain here throughout the day. Carrying an umbrella is a must, unless one likes walking 25 minutes home in a downpour (hint: no one does).
Slán go fóill!
No comments:
Post a Comment