I am writing this early Tuesday morning.
Monday was my first day at Dublin City University. I left the comfort of my 4* Croke Park Hotel about 10 AM and took a taxi to DCU. I met with the Executive Director of the study abroad program and was assigned my room. I took one look at it and thought maybe Jackie was too optimistic when she said “he’ll be at the Ritz Carlton within 5 days”, I may go today. Not wanting to prove her right I decided to tough it out for now. I sent Jackie a text that said my room was probably better than former Charlotte Mayor Cannon’s prison cell, but then again, maybe not. That having been said as I write this it is now about a day later, and having had a good night’s sleep….I think I can make this work!
There are 28 young people and me in my class and from a show of hands when asked who is not 21 years of age by the Executive Director, I would estimate 75% are under 21. I would also very comfortably bet nobody is over 22 but ME, but then again no surprise there. My classmates are all American, and from all over the country. Nonetheless, there is definitely an international atmosphere here because DCU is also hosting English language classes and there are hundreds of college aged European’s on campus and in residence taking those language classes.
The young folks in the class have been very accepting of this old fart so far, several of them even remarking how cool it is I am doing this in retirement. They seem like really nice clean cut people. It was fun to be on the sidelines as an observer and watch the hormones fire as the young guys and girls sized up each other as the day went on.
My friend Ron sent me an email yesterday with some advice for my first day of class that made me laugh. He said: don’t forget your lunch pail; don’t shit you pants during a lecture; don’t drink during class. All good advice that I read to several of the kids who thought it was hysterical.
The college pays for a group weekend away every 4 weeks and I learned be will be going to Barcelona, Spain in a few weeks. I was happy I bought my shorts after all! I never been to Spain so that sounds pretty cool and the word is if you are going to Spain, Barcelona is the place to go!
Tuesday we have our first orientation lecture and then go as a group to City Centre by bus to see the sights. It is very early but based on the past 24 hours I really think this is going to be a great experience.
Sounds like a great beginning to your summer adventure.
Sounds like you are getting along well after your first few days. Barcelona is supposed to be beautiful. I didn’t get to go to that part of Spain, but I know Beej did. You’ll love it, I’m sure. And by they way, I love your bed!! Looks exactly as I’d expect it. I’m sure the Guinness will help you have many nights of good sleep regardless of your bed :).
Haha I love Ron’s advice… I would expect nothing less of him! Great to hear your classmates also have a sense of humor and are warming up to the old man on campus.
Sounds like all is well so far. I’m a little concerned for your health though. Your current Guinness meter is reading at only 3 in the last 24 hours… I think you’re going to run out of fuel soon if you don’t refill the tank! And I second Katie’s comment that it will make sleeping in that bed much easier!
Barcelona is a great time and you will love it there. The architecture is easily some of the most beautiful I saw throughout Europe. Everyone knows of the La Sagrada Familia church that has been under construction for 100+ years. I would also recommend Park Guell which was designed by Antoni Gaudi (same architect as Sagrada Familia). It sits atop a hill and has fantastic views of the city and ocean in the background (check out my Facebook album from Barcelona for a preview). One final sightseeing thing I can think of is the cable car to Montjuic (I’m not even going to pretend like I remembered all this… I had to do some google research). Great views up there as well and it brings you to an old Castle that is pretty neat.
One last note on Barcelona: the partying there doesn’t begin until 2-3am so be careful and get some rest while you can… you’re in for a long night if you try to hang with the youngins there!
Continue to update us. Love reading the posts! Missed you on Father’s Day but I know you had a great time over there instead.