Ireland is full of crack

Although the official language of Ireland is Gaelic (or Gaeilge or Irish), only 2.7% of the population speak it. Sadly, this beautiful and challenging language seems to be dying off. With that said, there are still many words that are commonly used in everyday conversations. Throughout the city there are many signs that are dually written in Irish and English.

This past weekend I had my first experience with the Irish language and unfortunately it was the source of a lot of confusion. A few of us were out at a pub and we began talking with a Irish couple. They were so excited to see our enthusiasm and curiosity about Ireland. They began the conversation with "are you having a lots crack?" As you can imagine we got very nervous, replied with a serious NO. They then seemed to be confused because what sounded to us like crack (drugs) was actually craic, the Irish for fun.

So here is your very own Gaelic lesson! As you will quickly notice, there isn't much rhyme or reason to their spelling! The words often sound incredibly different than how we would pronounce them!

Gaeilge = Gaelic

Slainte (slancha) = cheers

craic (crack) = fun

Mac Leinn (maclane) = student

Bialann = cafeteria

Leobharlann (yaurlan) = Library

mna = ladies toilet

fir = mens toilet

an lar = city centre

Bale Atha Cliath = Dublin

Garda = police

(I had to omit some accents, but this is the gist of it)

So there ya go, some useful Irish words!

Classes are going well. Last night I had my first Art History class, which is actually a music class. It is fantastic! I am learning how to play the bodhran drum and the Irish tin whistle.

The drum is played by holding it vertically on one of your legs and supported by holding your hand behind the skin of the drum. You hold the stick in the other, similar to the way you would hold a pen. When hitting the drum it is important to only move your wrist up and down rather than your whole arm. This probably sounds confusing but don't worry, I'll provide demonstrations when I get back! It is the best three hour class I could ask for! Just be prepared for me to come home with a drum! I am looking forward to sitting in pubs and listening to copious amounts of traditional Irish music.

The Irish whistle is just like the recorder that we all had to learn when we were in elementary school! By the way, does anyone know why almost every person at some point in their schooling has to learn the recorder? It's more difficult because we have to learn which finger corresponds with the correct musical note, but nevertheless it is a great time!

My other classes are also great! or grand as they often say here! Just grand!

This weekend two students are turning 21, so there will be lots of birthday celebrating!

Here are the tentative plans!

Friday: Guinness Storehouse

Saturday: Dun Laoghaire (Dun Leary) It is a coastal town south of Dublin and Howth.

Sunday: Dublin Castle

Ps. Thank you all for following and keeping up with my life here in Dublin! It's amazing how technology can make me feel close to home when I'm over 3,000 miles away!