This takes work

I already have infinite respect for people who take the time to consistently chronicle their study abroad (or just general life)adventures.

Today was pretty relaxed for my first day of classes. Had a global communication class (with five other people from my program). My schedule's still a little crazy so I'll finish working it out tonight.

Planning on interning with Ireland's third party, the Irish Labour Party. The current president, Mary McAleese, is the first to be elected from the party. I guess where I'm not getting the culture shock language-wise, I'll definitely feel it politically; never thought I'd be interning with a socialist party. It'll be a pretty interesting point of comparison when I get back to the U.S. though, especially with ideas of "universal healthcare" and increased federal involvement in the economy going on at home.

I did take lots of pictures this week and feel guilty leaving them all out. I just can't seem to find a smooth way to incorporate them into my monologue. Eh, close enough. Here are a few I took from our walking tour this week:

and


THE SPIRE:


While on the tour we stopped by Trinity College. There was a fairly big protest going on (I know, something I have no experience with as a GW student) because the state is implementing fees (tuition) for students. Yeah, Irish kids don't pay to go to college. Really. All of them, and anywhere in the country. Well, not anymore I guess. There's always been a small registration fee ($1500 euros) and cost of books, but universities in Ireland are going broke, as opposed to their American counterparts. People here seem to be most worried about the new policy cause: 1. Losing free stuff sucks 2. Education, or "knowledge capital," is seen as a national resource. Without the incentive of free tuition, it's hard to say whether Ireland's economic and social progress will take a hit.

Trinity's campus is gorgeous though-- and right in the middle of everything. Hmmm, there's always grad school..