The first assignment was a 1,700 word essay on whether Southern attitudes have shifted in regards to the Northern Ireland problem since 1960, and whether there is greater understanding of the problem today. That paper is due tomorrow, but was the project of last weekend. As is the style here, professor's provide lengthy reading lists filled with texts useful for essay assignments. After selecting and reading a relevant group, I wrote my essay to reflect a shift from political rhetoric without substance, which called upon Britain to unilaterally end partition without concern for the opinions of the Northern Irish, to active involvement and compromise, as reflected in a series of treaties that culminated in the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement. While aspirations for a united Ireland remain unchanged, greater understanding is demonstrated in fluctuating public opinion to particular requirements for unification and a preference for peace over unity.
Last weekend was not just limited to writing essays. We regrouped after our separate 'Reading' Week trips at the Pav on Friday, and continued celebrating at Citi Bar, with its beverage specials, into the morning. For reasons unknown, the club promoted many 90s American songs and afforded crowded and limited bar access by the dance floor. On occasion, that neon-light-illuminated floor would release smoke into the close quarters marked by minimal dancing and more group swaying.
In contrast that the uninspired Citi Bar, I explored the nearby park of Merrion Square on Monday. Filled with statues, artwork, and expert landscaping the park is everything one would expect in European city. Rare sunshine and warm weather were a welcome addition to the walk.
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| John, Brittany, and I at MacTorcaills (later in post) |
For Ash Wednesday I attended Mass at the Saint Mary's Pro Cathedral off of O'Connell Street. The high attendance marked a sharp contrast to my earlier visit to the Church of Ireland's Christ Church Cathedral. However that older building shared more characteristics with a traditional cathedral, as opposed to the Catholic Saint Mary's which resembled the interior of a Roman Temple.
Following the shortened 5:30pm Mass, I had enough time to draft my second short essay for history (1,000-1,500 words). Continuing with the theme from my first short essay, I examined women's reaction to the 1937 Constitution, which contains many provisions intolerable to our modern sensibilities but which received little attention from contemporary women. The first paper used primary sources provided for our tutorials, but for the second, I searched the archives of the Irish Independent and Irish Press for editorials written by women prior to the successful referendum.
After drafting that essay, I left with Brittany and Kathryn for Lillie's Bordello and the birthday party for one of our good Irish friend Louise. The club is hidden above Porterhouse with little indication of its presence. Our destination was the secluded 'Library' complete with a wall of old book, chandeliers, comfortable leather couches and chairs, a piano, bar, and red velvet walls. Our Irish friend Mike suggested that this venue catered to after parties for bands visiting in the 80's and was probably the scene of much cocaine usage. No illicit substances were present for our visit, and it proved a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for great conversation and a couple choice drinks.
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| Brittany and I in the 'Library,' the book I randomly picked was 'A Covenant with Death' |
After completing my draft with minutes to spare, I joined the others outside of Goldsmith to purchase our chosen drink of 'Buckfast' a tonic wine that tastes of grape molasses originally produced by Benedictine Monks in the 1890s as a medicine. Perhaps it will cure my cold.
Later we headed to our favorite destination, MacTorcaills and ran into Russell and an Irishman disappointed in the poor performance of Ireland in their loss to Wales in 6-Nations Rugby. Following some great conversation, we went to the authentic Temple Bar to see Sean's visiting friend's famous fiddle-playing friend. As part of a three-person band, she entertained with an expert performance of traditional Irish music and contemporary American tunes.
Today was a day to relax from essay-writing. I explored Saint Stephen's Green, a larger park than Merrion Square that boasts a pond filled with ducks, swans, seagulls, and yes even pigeons. Returning to Goldsmith, I released the survey monkey links for the meaningless DC Delta March Madness voting - a bracket I developed on Thursday (to avoid writing essay) using an intricate seeding process - to determine which brother will win the prize to not exceed 500 Coke Reward points.
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| 'DC Delta Madness' bracket |
This Thursday is Saint Patrick's Day, and with no classes and my friend Mitch visiting from AU, it promises to be a memorable event.
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