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Published: June 12th 2007
Ok so Saturday the 9th I set off to the ferry terminal from the youth hostel at about 2 PM. I had booked my ferry crossing online a couple of months ago and the ferry was to leave at 2:40. I get to the ferry terminal with no problems and I go to check in....the clerk says wow you are really late for your ferry......I am? Apparently when I booked the ferry I wasnt thinking about the times being on a 24 hour clock. The crossing I booked was for 2:40 AM (who travels that early in the morning??? They did not have another ferry leaving until very late in the day so I had to go to the competitor and get a ticket for their 3:30 PM crossing. Fortunately it only cost $2 more than my original booking (oh and they were nice enough to give me a refund).
I must say the ferry boat was not what I expected at all! It had four restaurants, two bars, an arcade, a casino, a shop, and a kids play area. It had wood floors and was just astounding everywhere you looked! I think the bathrooms are some of the most nicely furnished ones I have ever been in. The crossing was very smooth but I still felt a little queasy. I think it was because when I looked out the massive windows all I could see was water. I apparently dont like being very from solid ground. There was easily 200 passengers, but it wasnt crowded. I slept for most of the ferry ride, which was probably good considering what came next.
We reached the ferry terminal in Dublin and docked fine. I went out along with all the other passengers and headed down the non-EU members hallway. I showed the Irish Guard (customs) my passport and my letter from TU stating that I was a student and would not be seeking paid employment in Ireland. Before I handed him my letter he was about to stamp my passport. As soon as he read the letter, I was escorted into a little room. (uh oh....)
He left me in the room while he processed all of the other passengers. So for about 10 minutes I got to read all of the stuff written on the table. The table was covered with things like death to America, all westerners should die, and praisings of Iraq, Syria, Iran and the Taliban. Needless to say I was getting a bit on the hysterical side. He finally came in (all this time he had my passport and my letter) and started to question me about how long I would be in Ireland, where I was before I came to Ireland, where was I going after Ireland, how much money I had to support myself while in Ireland, and he asked for proof of the money I had--he wanted bank statements. He finally let up when I burst into tears. He finally stamped my passport and handed it to me and left the room without a word. I assumed since he gave me my passport back and left the door open that I could leave, so I did. After collecting my bags I was trying to figure out how to get to the campus when I saw him and several armed officers coming towards me. I think it is a miracle I did not faint or wet my pants! Fortunately they walked right past me in search of someone else.
At this point I was in no state to try to figure out which bus to take so I got a taxi out to campus. I forgot we changed housing so I had the taxi drop me off at the original housing. Right after he left I remembered the change. After wandering around for about 20 minutes I finally found someone to tell me where to go. (Apparently the school does not believe in posting campus maps everywhere like American universities do.) I finally found the housing and my class mates (I dont think I have ever been so happy to see familiar faces before!) We all went out to the Temple Bar district (popular place with bars, clubs, and trendy restaurants). We had quite a bit of fun-- especially gawking at all the strange people places like the Temple Bar tend to draw. I saw two very white guys wearing huge (at least a foot high) afros and velvet 70's style pant suits (red and purple!). There were plenty of crossdressers, goths, and other fashion rebels. We also saw quite a few hen (bachelorette)and stag (bachelor) parties. We went to a bar after having dinner. I left pretty earlier with a few other girls. I am not a big fan of bars and clubs--too much noise, too much smoke, and WAY too many drunk people.
Sunday was fun... we had orientation and then a bus tour of the city. Most of the day was just hanging out and getting to know everyone else. About half of the students are from other law schools in the US. It was interesting to compare our experiences. Monday and Tuesday were pretty much class in the morning and internship in the afternoon. I haven't really hung out with my classmates though. A lot of them seem to think this is a 4 week drinking holiday and I just dont like going out every night until the early hours of the morning. Also I am the only student who is married and a lot of the people are on the prowl. So not a whole lot in common. I probably wont do any trips or sight seeing until this weekend. Between school, internship, and homework I dont have a lot of time left over during the days.
Love Kirsten
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Grandma W
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You are a brave soul
Kirsten: I have read all your entries and they are like reading a mystery story. I am on the edge of my chair waiting to see what happens next. I am so happy you are able to have this adventure. I wish I was with you, but I know I couldn't keep up. Some of the places and pixs remind me of Israel, also we found chocolate places,mmmmm. You are doing very well in getting around. Your 50lb. pack makes me groan, I remember all the times I went backpacking with Don. Keep up the good truck but be safe. Love you. WW