Today has been a VERY long day… The flight went well, but I couldn’t
bring myself to fall asleep. There were moments when I drifted off but I basically
seen every hour go by. I’m not sure if it was due to excitement or if I just
wasn’t sleepy, but me and the sandman never did really hang out. I figured I’d
get to our room and grab a quick nap, but that proved to be the wrong idea.
We landed, grabbed our luggage, met up with Dr. V, and
walked to the awaiting taxis outside. Although the calendar says June, Dublin’s
weather refuses to believe it. I’m thankful that I tend to travel in
comfortable, warm clothing because I didn’t expect the colder weather. Our taxi
driver told us that we actually traveled on a good day because it rained
constantly the day before. I purposely researched the weather for Dublin for at
least a week to make sure I packed clothing that would be appropriate and
nothing mentioned weather in the mid to high 60s.
Even after that, I found myself not worried because by this
time, sleep had found me. I just told myself that I’d travel into town at some
point and grab a jacket…after I wake up though.
We pull up to the school and walk inside only to hear words
that no traveler that has traveled 12hrs wants to hear… “Your rooms are not
ready”. Not only were they not ready but they wouldn’t be ready until 3pm. The
happy, and well rested, Dr. V smiles and says, “This is ok, you guys need to
stay awake to get adjusted to the time change anyway”. I’ve never said so much
without saying anything. I knew he was right but at this point, who was keeping
score? Everyone was struggling to pay attention and concentrate.
Every teacher was on “Sleep Patrol”. If you blinked too long
your name got called out and you asked questions to make sure you didn’t doze
off. Yes, it sounds funny but Dr. V was right… I should have gone to sleep on
the plane.
After breakfast we went out into the city to explore and
attend a walking tour. The tour was amazing and very informative. Our tour
guide was very entertaining and funny. She seemed to be a walking book of knowledge
about the city, culture, and about how to keep the attention of all ages.
After the tour we located the bus and was taken back to
campus where we were finally issued our rooming assignments. By this time, it
was around 5pm and you can only imagine how we all felt. I grabbed my luggage
and before I could turn to leave Dr. V said, “Guys, I know you are tired, but
stay up”. By this time, I’d literally been awake beyond 24hrs. I got to my room
and did the best that I could but at some point I lost the battle. I went to
sleep.
