Almost two weeks

I have been in Ireland for almost two weeks.  I have seen a lot but not nearly as much as I want to see in my year here.  I am settled into my dorm room finally - although it was described as 'Hurricane Jessica' by one friend!  I look forward to organizing and nesting.  I will take pictures and post them once it is all complete.
A couple of my adventures:  I stopped and spoke to a Romanian bus driver about how the bus system in Dublin works.  He clearly did not know what to make of my bold approach and was surprisingly unhelpful in educating me about the bus system! :)  My mom and I had some fun while she was here - that is when we weren't in bed with horrible jet lag or sick.  She is my inspiration!  I got to see Barbara and Stephen (Rach's parents) today.  I shared my room and a nice meal with them - it was great to be able to show off my new home, I felt like a real Dubliner!  I think the best thing so far is the statue of James Joyce on O'Connell Street which I found out the locals refer to as 'the prick with the stick' because he is standing with his cane!!! I plan to pose next to it leaning gently on my tall pink umbrella - and I will definitely post that picture.
I have my first orientation for my academic program tomorrow, and I cannot wait to get started!

P.S. Happy Arthur Guinness Day!