Before classes started the wonderful international office offer a trip for us to see Bunratty Castle which is where this picture was taken. We were also suppose to go on a walking tour of the book Angela's ashes that was set in Limerick, but that didn't happen. It was a great trip even though it was a bit short and I know a few of us look forward to going back.
Class week 1:
As a graduate student I have the most amazing timetable ever. I have class Tuesday 2-5(really only 4), Wednesday 10-12, and Thursday 10-12 or 1 depending on what we want to do. So that being said I have 4 day weekends every week. However, typical of me I have tried to add a variety of other things to complicate my life such as Irish language classes, salsa lessons, and tribal drumming classes. The Monday of the first week of class was spent figuring out banks, loans, and all of that other fun financial stuff. Tuesday was the first day of the first class Methods in Ethnomusicology which turned into a short introduction chat about the course and a few other things before we dismissed. Wednesday we met up around 10 for a quick chat before heading to the library to learn about video equipment and imovie.
Thursday was Processes of change in Irish traditional music where we ethno people joined the Irish trad MA students. It was a bit different having more than 3 people in a class. Niall is the lecturer for the class and set up for the ethno people to give a concert at the beginning of semester two and receive lessons as part of the grade for the class. The rest of the week is a bit of a blur but I'm sure that it involved a bit of Guinness, a drunk roommate adventure, and more exploring of the city. The weekend involved more randomness around limerick and crepes at a Farmer's market that Ingrid took us to. To say the least it was amazing and will become the new Sunday traditionClass week 2:
Classes were about the same as the previous week with the exception that on Wednesday I was left alone with Colin. It was fine we chatted about a bunch of different topics including the assignment which I realized that I had used the wrong source. The Irish trad class was particularly interesting when the students had to present and discuss an article by an ethnomusicologist. Needless to say they hated in and insisted that it was a load of crap and a pain in the ass to read. I've come to terms with this aspect of reading ethnomusicological studies, but it is interesting see others react and (try to) interpret it. Salsa class was again a grand ol' time with me being the assistant to the dance teacher. It made for an amusing time to say the least. The weekend was spent with more laziness and crepes which were amazing. The past few weeks I went to church with Ernest to this one service that was interesting in several ways, but decided not to return. Besides the fact that I'm a snobby musician and they made me want to cry with their intonation.
Class week 3:
Monday was the typical lazy day starting with a lovely breakfast of potatoes, tea, toast, and a yummy omelet. I've been trying to get myself into the habit of eating breakfast, which has come easier after the Ghana trip. Pretty much the day was spent doing work for Tuesday. Tuesday morning I got up to finish more work, but also to go observe the Congolese choir in one of Ernest's classes. I quickly was turned into a participant, which was fun but interesting since I was asked to sing soprano. After I went back to the library to do more work for Wednesday. Class was interesting since it was the other Alan who had only previously attending one class in addition to me. We chatted about a bunch of things before getting to the assignment. Later that night was our first Irish class which was awesome! I'm really going to like the language and if you want to check out something hilarious involving Irish language watch these two videos on you tube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4dpLYrFtY4 part one
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnwH3KW7l_8 Part two
Wednesdays class was horrible, I was the only one that was prepared and was put on the spot to discuss and introduce the topics. It was a bit better because there were 4 people in the class, but after spending the morning preparing for the class and being woken up early by a drunk roommate I was in less than a good mood. I went home for a nap before going to check out the tribal drumming class on campus. I arrive at 7 to see a huge group of people and was surprised to see the diversity in the room. So far Ireland as been pretty pale, which is fine I just miss Africa. I spent 4 hours drumming that night and caught a natural high, like I've never felt before. It made me miss Africa and home even more, but gave me some new insights into many different aspects of my life. Wednesday was an amazing day which concluded with some hilarious conversations. Thursday was fine with the Irish trad class being interesting, but a bit tiring. That night was Salsa classes which was amazing and a great time. It makes me realize how much I miss dancing and just general movement in that way. Friday was spent taking care of bank errands, I have finally received some of the money that was supposed to be here in August. They are sending the rest next week thankfully. It is amazing that loan companies can make so many clerical mistakes on one simple loan. Saturday has been a day of catch up relax which has been great....
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