psssssssssss.....

PSSSsssss..... That's the sound i THOUGHT i would have heard one morning... let me explain. It was a lovely, everyday morning as i got ready for work. The sky was actually not TOTALLY filled with clouds (which means it could be a beautiful next couple of minutes) so i was so happy to get a clearer morning to ride into work. As i geared up with my waterproofs (those boy scouts must have started in Ireland, you really DO need to always be prepared) i got on my bike and started to go. I felt pretty sluggish and although i kept changing to lower and lower (easier) gears my thighs were burning, and that was just on flat road. "my thighs must still be sore from yesterday" was my thought. But when i finally reached my favorite part, the downhill, i was STILL Having to pedal!!! What is the deal!? I got off my bike at the bottom of the hill thinking maybe my brakes were locked up, maybe something has rusted in the salty air. I finally realized it- my back tire was flat flat flat! Ah. Well.... look at the bright side, the cloud cover doesn't look too ominous. I started down the footpath feeling completely self-conscious of people watching the dork who doesn't realize to RIDE her bike, but to walk along with it like a friend keeping her company, i was wishing there was a sign following me saying "FLAT TIRE! give me a ride!" Well the cloud covering, as it always does, finally gave way and i was pretty wet when i finally made it to work. Oh the adventures of being a non-gas guzzling commuter.





Michael and I went to get our PPS # (equivalent to a social security #) so that i can get paid. It just so happens that it of course will take 2-3 weeks for them to mail us our #'s. As things go, i won't get paid for quite a while. Things are pretty inefficient here, not like the German's for sure! It seems that if someone is off on holiday, or off sick, their job isn't covered, no one else steps in, you just have to wait for them to come back. Like my ID badge which you can only get 2 times a week between 2 hours each of those days. I'm trying to get use to that, but its harder than i thought to be patient! (even after all we've been through to get here.)



Its the first Friday of lent and so instead of eatting meat tonight, Michael and i went out for FISH AND CHIPS!! yum!! We found the best place for them in Galway which was unanimously McDonagh's Seafood house. We loved it, grease and all! They serve them with vinager and then you can buy dips: curry, tartar, ketchup or mushy peas (Eileen- your fave!). It got packed in there, it was certainly a local favorite. After walking around Shop street checking out the fine food stores carrying lots of cheeses and wines we found ourselves at Monroe's Tavern with a pint an excellent cover band. Although they were Irish, they played everything from Blue's Traveler to the Beatles to Dave Matthews and Bob Dylan. We had the Craic!

Tomorrow is the HUGE deal rugby match- Ireland vs. England at Croake Park. This is the first year EVER, sports besides gaelic sports are being played there. Also this is the first time since England played there in 1919 and 14 Irish were shot down by the English military. There's hostility, excitement and suspense all around. We're hoping to get a seat a pub, but we have been told to get there like 3 hours early!

By the way, i've made it up that hill without stopping many times, however the butt and thighs are still going through the burn baby burn phase!