Day 2 and into Day 3

Quick funny things of note:
First night in the hostel, my roomies were 4 Italian guys (two named Mateo, two named Lorenzo). In the morning as they were getting ready and I was attempting to sleep longer, one of them kept changing his pants and was therefore in his bikini briefs. (I can think of a few of you who would've taken advantage...)

Second night, in the 18 bed room, a group of 5-6 guys (we think Romanian) came in around 4:45 in the morning, talking and laughing loudly, even turning on the overhead lights at one point which was greeted with various moans of displeasure from the huddled masses.


On a not so funny note, I am totally stressed about finding a place. This is even more difficult than UCSC off-campus searching. I have been trying to find a place for 500 euros (roughly $640), but that is mostly renting a room in a house with 3-5 other occupants and very little personal space/privacy. (This includes a converted basement that housed 4 and the room I saw was *tiny* and everyone in this basement abode walked THROUGH the room to go outside to the laundry. This was only 325 euros. What a bargain!)

I am starting to think about solo apartments/flats which seem to run 600-1,600 euros ($770-2,000) Obviously I am looking at the 600-900 euros end of the bracket. But competition for those places are also high. Most places are renting within hours of being posted. As I mentioned before, I am stressed about it.


In the mean time, I had my FIRST PINT last night with a group from the hostel. One guy, Ron (aka The Beast from the Middle East), was celebrating his last night in Dublin. We went to this great pub north of the Liffey where there was live music (aparently this pub has live music every night). So I had a Guiness and toasted to my loved ones at home.

At the pub, they had a poster of the statement seeking to break with England and, as expected, I started to tear up as I read it. I have been thinking lots about how much was risked in the past to follow a dream or to fight for what someone believed was fair/appropriate... and, when I do, I start to cry. Obviously I am high emotion right now. But my parents and Mike have been great in keeping the encouragement high and frequent.

So for now, I am getting through one day at a time. The internet is spotty here at the hostel so I may be a day or two responding to emails, but thanks to Sandrine and Suzi for sending messages. =)