The Real School Year Begins...

The Trinity term has officially started; I am finally among "real" Irish students, as well as a smattering of others from around the globe. France, Germany, Australia, Malta, Latvia and more...thanks to the influx of new students, I am now among the American minority. Beautiful. This is a new situation for me, and in some cases it makes me the sole representative of over 300 million people. Take for example my Comparative Welfare States Social Policy class; now that my teacher knows I am American, I will provide the class with an "American" viewpoint. Oh boy!

I have gotten involved in several college societies over the past week. I am considering the basketball and volleyball club in an effort to become a college athlete. After one basketball practice, it seems it could be a real possibility. That is, assuming I improve my handling skills. I may do volleyball instead...we shall see. I am also a member of The Hist, the oldest college society in the world (allegedly). It is a debating society, and next week I will try my hand. I am looking forward to it. My first assignment - "Why this house should allow Turkey into the EU." Right up my alley, given my rich Mediterranean heritage. I am also a member of the Food and Drink Society, the Indian Society, the Politics Society and the Vincent de Paul Society. Fun stuff.

Speaking of my Mediterranean heritage, I attended a concert at the Icelandic Music Festival last weekend (like the transition?). It was a band called Amiina, former comrades of Sigur Ros. They were wonderful - I greatly enjoyed the show. They switched between many instruments, everybody trading places and walking around the stage during the songs. They had singing saws. Singing saws! Please observe this phenomenon. Click the link. They also randomly used a megaphone during a song. Delightful.

All in all, I am keeping very busy. There is a lot going on here - lots in school (a large stockpile of readings, but only 1-2 essays for the entire semester...and that's it. Quite different than the States) and out. I have a little test in a week and a half in another country. I'm excited. I shall not elaborate further.

Planning a weekend trip to Doolin, the capital of traditional Irish music, this weekend. Hopefully all goes well - if nothing else, there should be some great adventure. Oh, I've successfully made brown bread three times now. The second batch was spectacular. I apologize for not having pictures. I planned on photographing the third batch, but it had some room for improvement. Still tastes good, though.

Keep classy, America. I'm keeping an eye on you via various news outlets and the like. The Irish are very well-informed of American current events, a very admirable trait. The world seems a bit smaller now.

There is a fun fact I would love to share but cannot due to likely security reasons. I am currently two blocks away from someone you know. I'll leave it at that.

Good day.
-Michael