The grass is greener in Ireland

It's official,I pulled an all-nighter. I didn't sleep on the plane because the man behind me kept kicking my seat. I have a 10 hour layover, so I took a bus into downtown Dublin. When I went through immigration the man asked me how long I was going to stay in Ireland and I told him I was going to spend the day. He said that he would stamp my passport and give me 90 days because he thought I would really love it and not want to leave. I am sure everyone gets a 90 stamp, but he was pretty funny anyway. I got downtown at 5:15 in the morning. I pretty much had the city to myself. The only people I saw were the sanitation workers emptying the garbage bins on the corners. They were quite helpful with all my directional questions! I spent time just wandering around. I went to Dublin Castle (see picture)Trinity College, St. Steven's Green, St. Patrick's Park, and saw the Molly Malone statue. I went out to breakfast and had Irish tea. I am back at the airport now and trying to force myself to stay awake so that I can adjust to the time, but I am fading fast. I might have to drink a few red bulls....hahahaha Just kidding!

Where are you going?

I walked up to the Aer Lingus checkin counter at JFK and here is the conversation:

Lady : Passport please. I see you are going to Dublin and then to…Where are you going?
Me: Dubrovnik
Lady: Du..du…du.. What?
Me: Dubrovnik
Lady: I never even heard of that country
Me: It’s a city. It’s in Croatia.
Lady: Croatia is a country?
Me: Yup.
Hands me back my passport and says, “Have a good time in your fake country.”

Leaving on a jet plane

I can't believe the day is finally here! We've had such a tough school year and I haven't been able to get too excited about this trip until now. The end of the school year is always a strange time for me. I am so happy and proud of our students, not just the graduates but also the students who have moved one step closer to graduation by earning their credits or passing Regents exams. On the other hand, it is sad to say goodbye to students that I've worked with over the past two years. This year is extra hard because our staff will have some changes next year too. I had to say goodbye to my buddy, Mr. Elliser yesterday. He gave me a wonderful present for my trip. I have been struggling to find a good book to bring with me to help pass the time when I am on the planes, trains and automobiles. He came through for me and Mr.Bose threw in a great Ronald Regan presidential library bookmark. I talked with my parents and they hung up a world map in the house so they can point out where I am to my nieces and nephew everyday. I also had some wonderful phone calls from friends over the past couple of days wishing me a good trip. I am going to watch an episodes of The West Wing, finish packing, run a few last minute errands and then head for the airport! Next stop, DUBLIN, IRELAND!