Soc Hop

Today was the Soc Fair at NUIG. Soc is short for society. Societies at NUI are what we would call clubs at SJU. The clubs here are sports clubs, so I guess their way makes a little more sense. Anyway, as it turns out, the Soc Fair is basically a room full of free stuff. Most of you probably know that I will put my name on almost any list for free stuff. Two days ago, in fact, I joined the Literary and Debate society for a bag of goodies which, except for a box of cereal and a pen, turned out to be pretty lame. Here is a tally of societies I joined today and what they gave me in return:

Young Greens Society: I was not aware this was a political organization. I thought it was just a way to spread the news about saving the Earth, but it turns out they also try to convert people to the Green Party. They gave me a postcard with a polar bear on it, some vegetarian recipes to try, lots of paperwork on 100% recycled paper, and an apple. I might actually go to a few of their meetings.

Choral Society: I legitimately wanted to join this. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-8 and it sounds pretty cool. I got a cookie, but I guess it wasn't really free because I had to pay 2 euros in dues.

Law Society: For law students. Everyone wanted to join this though because they were giving away those drawstring backpacks full of unknown treasures. For writing my name down, I got my bag which contained a newspaper, a student planner in poster form which is hanging on my wall now, a mechanical pencil, and a device designed to keep one's razor in place while one travels. Apparently there was a market for that. I also got a Mars bar which was delicious.

Polish Society: Another one I was actually interested in. Unfortunately most of the members of the society are actually Polish, as in they live in Poland. They invited me to their first meeting which, in true Irish fashion, is at a bar this Friday night. I might go because they gave me a Polish chocolate and it was tasty.

North American Students: I don't know why I joined this one. There was nothing free and it actually cost me money because it was another 2 euro deal. They host sporting events to watch though and there's a rugby game next weekend. I could maybe go for that.

SUAS: I couldn't understand everything the girl was saying, but I think it has something to do with teaching underprivileged children. There is an after school homework program I am interested in doing. Also, I got free pamphlets and a pen.

Nothing Specific Society: A soc that prides itself on not really doing anything. I only got a lame sticker but I expect the meetings to be pretty fun and everybody else was signing up, so...

International Student Society: I was already a member of this and it is the best soc on campus. Tonight they are hosting their 3rd event of the year which is very impressive. They have given me nothing free as of yet, but they did take me on my first pub crawl.

I realize that I have been neglecting the photo element of my blog, but really, there has been nothing interesting of which to take pictures. So, I leave you with this picture of a beautiful cow. She and her friends were grazing in a field by the Cliffs of Moher. There are cattle and sheep all over the Irish countryside and on our way home from the Cliffs, we even saw some llamas. I love llamas, but I couldn't get a picture from the bus window. So, I guess I'll have to settle for this picture of Old Bess. I figured maybe someone would like to make it their wallpaper or something. Enjoy!