Internet trouble

As some of you may know already, I've been having some problems connecting to the Internet. I hope I can fix these soon, but posting frequency will be less frequent until I can solve this (Right now, I have to lug my laptop across campus to get online.)

I did write up a blog post after getting here, I just couldn't publish it... until now. (cue timpani) Hopefully, this appeases you.

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I landed down in Ireland today. While traveling through Dublin, I noticed several differences from cities in 'the states'. In no particular order:

Everything is fenced. I have yet to see a house that does not have a fence, hedge, or tree-line of some sort. Some have multiple fences, one behind the other. In case the Mongol hordes break through the first, I suppose.

Dublin is an old city. Practically, this means Dublin is a short city. I saw less than five buildings in Dublin over four stories tall. Almost every street had small stores on the first floor.

Ireland is just as politically crazy as we are. There’s a controversial vote on the EU’s constitution coming up. Every street contains signs either for or against ‘Lisbon’, often plastered over each other. The both seem to imply Ireland will cease to exist if the other side wins.

There’s a lot of graffiti in Dublin. I don’t see this as a bad thing. I think it lends the otherwise boring walls some color and life and vibrancy.

Everyone speaks Irish. This probably seems obvious, but it didn’t really hit me until I heard “And here’s yer traffic and weather update” over the radio, with the Irish brogue.

I met up with Dan (friend’s brother) today, and he gave me some sad news. Apparently, it pretty much stays in the 40 – 60 degree range all year long. And I won’t see the sun again until I leave. I refuse to be completely disheartened. I’m seeing trees start to change colors, and that makes me feel better.
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Pictures will come later.