Not everyone in your group felt that way. We had our first causality. Arriving to class on Thursday morning we were informed that we were now a class of 6. The girl, never did learn her name, that I mentioned in the previous post, the one who I didn't think would make it, dropped out. It's unfortunate, but these things happen. I guess it is good that she got out early and didn't waste time. Oh well, enough about that.
On Thursday, I had my first course on Biocultural Approaches to Human Remains. I am not too excited about this course. First off, it's a theory course. Second, it's rooted in a cultural approach to archaeology. Finally, it's partially an ethics course. All of that adds up to a very dull class with a lot of reading. And the first class didn't disappoint. Straight off the bat we began examining the history of archaeology and how it had to fit into the context and timeline set forth by the Old Testament. Over the next 3 hours I tried to keep my focus and at least look like I gave a shit. When it was done, I was surprised I made it. I also knew that I had 7 more three hour lectures in course. On a positive note, it was the first time I have ever taken a theoretical history course and the name Franz Boas was not mentioned. Thank you non-American education!
After that course ended I had more fun administrative stuff to do with the International Students Office. This primarily involved waiting in lines. Having sorted out my paper work on Tuesday (which could have easily been done while we were waiting in the lines), I only had to have my photo taken for my student ID. It took over an hour. With the stupid and idiotic amounts of redundancy the administration of the International Students Office produces it was amazing that I was there for only an hour. Like all my student ID cards before, this one is yet another mug shot. However, this one may be the best one yet as I was allowed to keep my black skull cap (beanie) on. I look like a biker thug. Got to find joy in the little things, right? With that out of the way, it was almost time to head over to a International Student reception and information session. I was only going because food and alcohol were being provided free of charge. But first I had an hour to kill. I figured I would get my student loan check from the finance office. What began as a simple office visit turned into a scavenger hunt all around the main building of the university. Mind you that the main building is a freaking castle! With no signs or directions. Needless to say, it was easy to get lost. Soon I was joined by another equally confused and lost student. Eventually, we made it to the correct office and I got my loan check.
The reception and information session was nothing special. As promised, there was food and wine afterwards. Met a few people as we snacked and drank. Eventually, I called it a night and headed back home. I am still on a very different time zone and I was surprised I was still moving.
 |
| Side view of main building of University College Cork |
Friday was much the same. Except this time the course was the Archaeology of Life and Death aka Mortuary Theory. I will be very happy when all this theory crap is over with and done. This course sounds slightly interesting as it will be dealing with how and why people dispose of the dead the way they do and how it has changed over time. The first class was quite boring, as it was yet another examination of archaeology theory through history.
Friday night was Culture Night in Cork. I had no idea what that involved but I had a mini-guide and I tried to find something fun to do near my house. Just a few blocks away was St. Fin Barre's Cathedral. According to my guide they were open late and giving tours. I decided that I would check it out. I have walked by the cathedral many times and I am always impressed by its medieval Gothic architecture. The tour was quite basic but the building was amazing. It was impressive even without being able to see all the stained glass. I must come back during a sunny day to see the glass. The pictures I took from that evening are poor as it was dark and raining (imagine that!). I promise to post better ones soon. That was my culture night. Nothing else was really going on near me. I returned home and both my house mates had some friends over. They invited me to join them and we talked for a bit then decided to go out. The evening ended up being a lot of fun. Met a lot of people. None of them Irish. I guess that's what I should expect when living with a Spaniard and German.
 |
| St. Fin Barre's Cathedral |
 |
| Inside St. Fin Barre's Cathedral |
So over all it was a good first week. Plenty of bumps and I am sure I can expect plenty more. 51 more weeks. Seems like such a far ways away.
No comments:
Post a Comment