Brill and the typical Irish countryside
Once again, Stedsmen have ventured beyond Hall and Dome out into the big and beautiful world. Steven Brill, Sted's junior and former President of the Juggling Society, is one such Stedsmen. Despite having a demanding class schedule and course work, Steven was able to make time for me and fill me in on what's going on out, over there. Here's what Steven had to say...St. Ed: So, where are you these days?
St. Ed: So, where are you these days?
Brill: I am currently on the Emerald Isle in Dublin, Ireland. I am studying Mechanical Engineering and redundancy at UCD Dublin (University College Dublin Dublin)
St. Ed: Remember the audience here, but what is a typical weekend in Dublin? I am thinking a lot of hurling, shillelaghs, and cabbage.
Brill: On the weekends in Dublin, I can been found at the Senior Finals (equivalent to the Super Bowl) of various Irish sports like hurling or at a pub enjoying some nice blackcurrant juice and singing songs such as the Irish classic "No Nay Never" or the ever popular "American Pie." However, on the weekends all of the Irish students return to their hometowns, so in similar fashion I travel to various parts Ireland and Europe on most of the weekends.
St. Ed: Do you ever have problems communicating, you know, not being in an English speaking country?
Brill: Living in an Irish speaking country can be difficult at times. I often find myself questioning whether the girl actually said her name was Leisha, or if she merely pronounced Lisa with an accent. I have also had some difficult communicating with the street signs since they are all in Irish.
St. Ed: Have you had any problems wearing your Notre Dame clothing because of the leprechaun? I heard that the leprechaun is taboo in Irish society and that this was something that the University was sensitive to when the football team was in Ireland two years ago.
Brill: At the university I have not had any problems. In fact, some students find my shirts with "Irish" on them to be quite amusing. However, in Northern Ireland, I was advised not to wear “Fighting Irish” or kelley green shirts. Despite these tense issues of leprechauns and fighting Irishmen, I have had no problem representing the Gentlemen of St. Edward's Hall wherever I find myself.
St. Ed: Do you have any advice for your Stedsmen about studying/traveling abroad?
Brill: My advice would be:
1. Don't get food poisoning on a train that you will be on for 9 hours.
2. Try the Fanta in every country. It is different in each of them.
3. If you go to Mass in a famous church you get a fantastic mass (probably in a language that you
don't speak) and free entry.
4. Wade in the water.
5. Bring a towel.
St. Ed: So, where are you these days?
Brill: I am currently on the Emerald Isle in Dublin, Ireland. I am studying Mechanical Engineering and redundancy at UCD Dublin (University College Dublin Dublin)
St. Ed: Remember the audience here, but what is a typical weekend in Dublin? I am thinking a lot of hurling, shillelaghs, and cabbage.
Brill: On the weekends in Dublin, I can been found at the Senior Finals (equivalent to the Super Bowl) of various Irish sports like hurling or at a pub enjoying some nice blackcurrant juice and singing songs such as the Irish classic "No Nay Never" or the ever popular "American Pie." However, on the weekends all of the Irish students return to their hometowns, so in similar fashion I travel to various parts Ireland and Europe on most of the weekends.
St. Ed: Do you ever have problems communicating, you know, not being in an English speaking country?
Brill: Living in an Irish speaking country can be difficult at times. I often find myself questioning whether the girl actually said her name was Leisha, or if she merely pronounced Lisa with an accent. I have also had some difficult communicating with the street signs since they are all in Irish.
St. Ed: Have you had any problems wearing your Notre Dame clothing because of the leprechaun? I heard that the leprechaun is taboo in Irish society and that this was something that the University was sensitive to when the football team was in Ireland two years ago.
Brill: At the university I have not had any problems. In fact, some students find my shirts with "Irish" on them to be quite amusing. However, in Northern Ireland, I was advised not to wear “Fighting Irish” or kelley green shirts. Despite these tense issues of leprechauns and fighting Irishmen, I have had no problem representing the Gentlemen of St. Edward's Hall wherever I find myself.
St. Ed: Do you have any advice for your Stedsmen about studying/traveling abroad?
Brill: My advice would be:
1. Don't get food poisoning on a train that you will be on for 9 hours.
2. Try the Fanta in every country. It is different in each of them.
3. If you go to Mass in a famous church you get a fantastic mass (probably in a language that you
don't speak) and free entry.
4. Wade in the water.
5. Bring a towel.
