People are speading to the wind again–to Shannon, to Dublin, to Paris–this time with departures back stateside in mind.  It was an absolutely lovely trip. A trip filled with fun, facts, and more shades of green than I could count (don’t have to worry about color depletion theory here!).

In addition to airports and other countries some of the students are heading to Limerick to take advantage of the the Ad Law CLE.  Taught by some of the same professors but with particpants who are practicing law in addition to students it sounds wonderful.

End of Program Dinner

Wednesday night we all gathered at The Captain’s Table at the Flying Enterprise to eat, drink, and be merry.

The food was delicious, the company was delightful, and the whole time divine!

We got a chance to chat with fellow students outside of studying, with professors outside of class and just have a good time.

Plus, they had sticky toffy pudding which was absolutely amazing.

This is not to say that any of our previous three courses where not captivating (I adored EU legal and political overview) but today’s class was so fun (and a bit scary but that what happens when you think about the ramifications of privacy and the implementation of deep packet inspection).

I can’t wait for tomorrow.

Bus Eireann goes just about everywhere

Last weekend I rented a car, but that was because driving was part of the experience.  This weekend I just wanted to get there. And Bus Eireann helped me with that.

Bus Eireann is everywhere–which is kind of handy for the person exploring Ireland.

And, especially if you aren’t traveling on a weekend there really aren’t all that many people on the bus.

Interestingly, while I was on the bus back from Waterford the driver was listening to a debate about which form of public transportation should get an increase in funding to increase the chance of going green (bus v. train).

Sounded like the bus was solidly winning in, at least, that debate.

Just a little breakfast nook

Those that know me know I am an obsessive planner.  For this trip though I planned to be spontaneous (it’s really not as big of a contradiction as it sounds) and boy did it pay off!

The great thing about this last three day weekend was that it ran Saturday to Monday and there are tons of hotel deals for those that stay on Sunday night.
Case in point? I got to stay in a hotel with this lovely little breakfast nook for a ridciuslous cheap price (all because I–at the last minute–prepaid with my booking).   So, to those that come in the future I urge you to ignore your inner planner, and plan a bit of spontaneity*.

I know I’m certain glad I did.

*note: some spontaneity is good but waiting too long will mean the good deals will swing back the other way and once again be expensive.  I booked this hotel about 1.5 weeks before I intended to check in.  That seems to be about the optimal window.

Wandering around Waterford

This weekend was our last three day weekend before the end of the program and I can assure you that my compatriots and I scattered to all corners of Ireland (and beyond! several people went to London, Paris, and Amsterdam).

As for me? Well, I spent some time in Southeastern Ireland down near Waterford.  The city itself was nominally interesting, but I vastly preferred wandering around the grounds near the hotel I was staying at.

So much of the time in Ireland has been spent in a city (Dublin, Cork, etc.) that it was nice to spend more time in Irish countryside and this time (unlike when I was driving) there wasn’t that same stress level.  After all, who can be stressed when you are surronded by verdant forests and gently meandering paths.

After that the local bar association has invited us to their annual solicitors v. barristers cricket match! I don’t know much about cricket, but it sounds like fun. 

Before, I think anymore about cricket though I’m studying.

I’ve been trying to sample the local beverages since arriving here starting, of course, with Guinness but continuing through a few others as the weeks have passed.  Here are some of the ones I’ve enjoyed so far:

• Beamish–it’s another stout, this time made in Cork.  I quite enjoyed it–though I’m told it’s an “old man” drink so your mileage may vary
• Murphys–this seems to be the “drink” of Cork, I liked it but not as much as Beamish (but then I’ve always liked odd drinks)
• Bulmers–a surprisingly light cider, it was easy to drink and delightfully fizzy!

I’ve had other beverages since arriving, but those three seem to be the big ones in Cork!

UCC Main Quad

 Last night the local bar association held a little get together for all of the eLSI student.

It was fun for several reasons: first, it was in a gorgeous room off the main quad that had ancient books and felt (and likely had) been there a hundred years with little change to it; second, it was nice to chat with the various professor, Judges, and local barristers; and three, it was just fun to get to know the other students outside of class!  

Side note: Remember how I mentioned all barristers wear wigs? Well, at this little shindig I found out that the wigs are custom made and apparently are ordered from one place in England.  I love finding out little random facts.

Cork Courthouse

Today we got a chance to go to the Cork Courthouse.  During our day long visit we got to meet with Judges on the high court; observe several trials; and–perhaps my favorite–see the barristers in their specialized robes and wigs.

(Just kidding! that wasn’t my favorite part of the trip, just something I found fascinating.)

While waiting for the day to start I had a chance to chat with one of the Irish students about the difference between solicitors and barristers.

All in all it was a delightful day!  And really helped me understand more about the Irish legal system (plus, seeing people in their old fashioned wigs is always awesome).