mickan in world

Dear diary,

It's been a while since I wrote last and that can be explained only by the lack of time I'm experiencing at the moment. As you know I love being busy and keeping occupied, and thus I am not too anxious about my current situation, the truth is though that I am glad the weekend's here so that I can enjoy some much deserved rest.

This week has held much leisure but also a fair bit of work. My tutorials have begun and I must admit that even though they only amount to four extra hours they made the week a fair bit busier. I am also struggling to keep up with the reading; it is not too hard, it's just quite a lot and it takes time. Time is precious.

As I mentioned before it's been quite a lovely week despite the fleeing time.

On Sunday the sun was shining bright and I felt I needed a brake from the city's hazzle and noise. Hanna and I took the opportunity to take the Dart out to Howth. We enjoyed a lovely excursion and some exercise and after a brisk climb we enjoyed a succulent picnic on the hilltop gazing out over the rough Irish sea.

Monday held a bit of an indoor party (as in not leaving the house) with my housemates, something we have all come to enjoy sincerely. But it was Tuesday which held the event we've all been waiting for: The Freshers Ball. It wasn't a formal gathering in the sense that a gown was required, but it was an amazing party at Tripod, a top Dublin venue, with amazing bands and a great TCD crowd. I enjoyed it thoroughly, even though the pre-party was almost as good with our whole bunch in house 80.

Even though I was not too spunky on Wednesday I was still in a sari. Actually a quite nice costume for my friends birthday fancy-dress party. I had a bindi and everything. That night wasn't too heavy though since the Warden broke up the party at 23.15. I wasn't that sad about it to be honest...

Yesterday was a Thursday and what is a Thursday without a pint at the Celt? Before heading out though, me and Henry, an English friend, actually hosted a small dinner for some friends form here. I made an exquisite broccoli gratin and Henry performed magic with chicken. Succulent!

Today held something very special. I don't know if you are familiar with Ian Paisley but over here you wouldn't find anyone who doesn't know who he is. He is the first minister of Northern Ireland and quite an outspoken unionist (not a big fan of the Republic of Ireland that is). Well, he was speaking at Trinity which is quite a big thing since he's only set foot in the Republic twice before. And I was there! It was all thanks to Clare (my roommate) who got lucky and got a ticket in the draw (demand not equal to supply), but she couldn't go so I got her ticket. It was really interesting although I thought it would be a little more bloodshed (figuratively speaking of course), everyone was remarkably civil. But as the bloke beside me stated: "These are new times. If this was held a couple of years ago there would surely be at least one bomb in the room." Don't be scared parents; the security was rigorous, Ian Paisley even brought his own crew of life guards (there were more than 10 of them).

As a contrast, afterwards I went to the Pav (College bar) and met up with a whole bunch of my friends. It's funny we haven't even known each other a month, we get along great. Speaking of great: Things in general are great. Great, great, great! Great.

Have a great time now friends!