We Meet at Last...

So we made a triumphant, if very late, entrance into Ireland- ancesteal land of comedic giants in my life: the McEnerneys and the Carney sisters. Sadly, we had to opt for room service because of the hour, but our upgraded suite was so huge ( guess not that many people honeymoon in Dublin in November..) we didn't mind missing the pub.  One blogger, whom I'll refer to as "Lathy Smarper" had asked in rather lurid detail for a photo of me " in the pub surrounded by tortured Irish men with black eyes and black turtlenecks. " or something to that effect. Alas I was unable to provide.. But nice idea Lathy!!

The thing that hits you immediately is how educated the average person seems to be- our taxi driver regaled us with history and politics; it appears they are still not quite over the 'Troubles' and he choose wonderfully descriptive  language when describing the Protestants..especially the use of the word 'Feck' . It's so adorable, I intend to officially switch from the pronunciation favored by my father, to the Irish one. Try it, you'll see.

Since we only had the morning to tool around, and books are worshipped here, we used it to visit a bookstore , and the library at Trinity University.

 The famed Book of Kell (8th century manuscript of the gospels-) was a hit, but my jaw dropped and stayed that way when I turned the corner and saw the above. The "long room" is a library that is still in use by researchers, presumably in black turtlenecks, with books as high and far as the eye can see; a church built to the worship of the written word. I could go everyday. 

In any case, I will return for a more in depth tour. 

 Off to see the boy, armed with a mini chocolate cake (his absolute fav) from Lydia in Portugal. Then home Monday for thanksgiving count down.

Xxx

Adios Portugal

I have been hearing complaints from the McEnerney girls that there have not been blogs from Portugal. 

( I thought you had heard it all already!) The weather has been nice- we swam in the ocean with the Brighams and had a few epic naps to the sound of rain. So a bit of heaven all around. The light is so beautiful, I can't describe it; and the photo above gives only the vaguest idea of the glory of the sunset stroll. 

Otherwise a lot of exercise, a lot of fish, a bit of golf with the famous pre dinner dry white port. 

The Brigham kids made us laugh so hard - we are definitely on their side against their parents every time- and we will lobby hard for a return trip by them. We have many Portuguese stones left to turn.

Tomorrow: the big news, Ellie's triumphant, first ever entry into Ireland ., land of her people; or at least the boozy, fist fighting ones. 

Maybe I'll give a tasteful press conference in the lobby upon my arrival..

Parents Invasion

So we got a glimpse behind the curtain, and saw a bit how F lives. He is really happy; and likes the feeling of living on his own. His dorm has a lot of " preps" or "juniors"- the Exeter names for freshman. - and they are having a fine time. Best part was the math class where it became clear to me exactly how they teach differently here. Specifically, they don't teach at all. Not really- the whole sit around the table thing is secondary to this strange but wonderful technique of taking motivated tykes and having them teach it to themselves, and then to each other. There is only gentle direction from the teacher who is like the really smart kid who kind of asks the leading question that moves the discussion along. Ot perhaps the one that can explain it in a special way.. But she plays a supporting role only. In math the kids arrive and go to the board to write out their questions- and show how they got their answers. Then they present that to the class, and the class asks questions or if needed, point out errors. It sounds terrifying I know! But they are so not afraid; they are adorable little group of puppies that laugh and cajole and tease. F drew the short stick and had to show a tough one. Two very adorable girls then went to town with question after question; filled with honest confusion and skepticism. The teacher said nothing. I turned to Thomas and said: I think he's going down on this one.. These girls smell blood in the water. The question was; if the car is filled with 40% anti freeze and 60% water and you want to make it 50% anti freeze ( without taking it all out and starting again- Brigham style) what is the equation. 

F could not easily convince them.. Back and forth it went. Teacher speaks up in quiet southern accent: Think about where the 7 -11 is.. That'll help..(I'm paraphrasing.. Who is listening at this point?) 

So F beats back the adorable mob and class ends.. Then as we are saying goodbye to him, little chirps of voices from behind- Frederick! Can you explain that last X axis thing? And like in the brochure, they go off three of them to jam a little math in their break. I tell you, it is devious how it gets kids to talk about school stuff all the bloody time. 

Also interesting is the kind of people who come!! One father looked like someone on Duck Dynasty..but with a shaved Mohak. With- not making this up- a baby with same shaved Mohak. I of course give them my best, guilty white liberal look like "welcome, outsiders, to Exeter.." But sure enough, while I am busy figuring out which girls are nicest to F, duck dynasty blurts out the answer to a question no kid knew... Not such a hick after all. But where do they find geniuses who give babies shaved heads ? Only at Exeter I guess. 

I know all you want is the photos .. So I'll stop there. Xxx

Above F defending his method..

F with Burkes girl buddy. 

Computer science class above..

In front of the hallowed Wentworth four square.