Ireland: check

This morning came a little early for my taste, luckily I give myself sufficient time to wake up in the mornings. The weather today was a huge improvement from yesterday. It was still rainy, but it was the kind where the sun was shining brilliantly all the while, and I didn't actually have to walk in the rain, which was fabulous. I went to my Tribes of Rome class, and had my term paper topic approved. We also discussed in class election drama of the Roman variety. In Italy there are a dozen or so political parties, and for each election ( the one this story pertains to is the roman presidential election) each party must produce a list of supporters in order to participate in the election. This is for the whole party, not just a single candidate. The main political party did not turn their list in on time, and now none of the candidates from that party can legally run for office. It has caused major drama, including the current president (who belongs to the party) trying to change the laws (unsuccessfully). The best part is the man in charge of turning in the list was late because he was hungry and stopped to get lunch. Pretty hysterical. We watched a video about the neighborhood we visited last week, made by the famous anthropologist Michael Hertzfeld himself. The video was entertaining mostly because Mr. Hertzfeld is in his sixties and no ace with a video camera. So the movie was informational, and entertaining. I walked back to the apartment after class and noticed a massive protest in front of the 'big white building' ( This is not an American term believe it or not, Romans call it that) which has to do with education. There were an absolute ton of police officers there. In Rome police officers are at protests to protect the protesters from the public, whereas in America it would be the other way around. Today however it looked like the police officers were keeping the protesters out of the building. There are so many protests in Rome that often Romans don't think they're are a very big deal, while all the Americans are extremely curios as to what level of injustice would rally a group to such actions. Over my break I webcammed with Stu for a bit, he had just woken up for the day, it was something we hadn't done before and was quite fun; he was sleepy and I was halfway through my day. I wrote a review of my gallery visit for class and read a handout that was assigned. Art Gallery Management flew by, and we did a bit of group work. I was very surprised to hear that the girls in my group thought the class was an extreme waste of time, and that they weren't learning anything. One girl said she wished the teacher wouldn't ask our opinions so much and just teach us. She was under the impression the professor was simply too lazy to do the teaching herself. I was astounded and wanted to say, 'heaven forbid the teacher encourage discussion and encourage us to learn for ourselves.' But I kept my mouth shut, I was too surprised to say anything really. After class I picked up Becca's friend Jessica in the computer lab and took her back home. I stopped in the tabacchi next to our apartment to buy Stu a bus pass. I don't imagine he'll be using it all that much, but better to be prepared. I finished the guide book I've been making for him tonight, balanced my checkbook, and began to make my own guidebook for Dublin. I have directions to several places from my hostel, and was hoping to find directions from the airport, however, I'm flying in pretty late so I'll most likely be taking a taxi. Much easier than trying to find public transportation at ten thirty at night. I also booked an express train from my 'London' airport into the actual city. As it turns out it's forty five minutes outside of the city. The ticket was twenty euro, but again this is most likely my best option. I also asked Becca how to get to the airport, and then to arrivals; it sounds a little complicated so I will be leaving early :) I've made a study schedule for my midterms, which I still can't believe ( so not my style), but haven't gotten around to catching up on everything that will be due next week. I'm planning on spending the next two days concentrating on school work so that I don't have to for the next two weeks. I've been excited for Stu's arrival, and after planning Dublin I'm beginning to get very excited for spring break as well. I feel so much better with a plan. I don't have the energy to plan Glasgow or Milan tonight however, they'll have to serve as study breaks for the next two days. I'm hoping to turn in early tonight, fingers crossed for eleven forty five. Have a good night everyone !!