These were my instructions on when and where to meet my relative's neighbor who works in the Dail or Irish Parliament. Ever since my relative Kevin had mentioned that he would be able to have his neighbor take me in with him to the Dail, I was extremely excited for the day to finally come. I had thought about what I would wear for days and was ready to walk among those who represented the Irish people and those who were the successors of those such as Eamon de Valera. The day was put off a few weeks from the initial date, so when the day finally came I was quite anxious. I woke up early and tried to look as presentable as possible, trying to look like I belonged. When Kevin had called me the night before giving me all of the specific information, he told me I would be witnessing one of the most heated days in the Dail due to issues with banks seeking aid and the whole issue of Nama here. Needless to say I was ready to see it all unfold. So on a Wednesday morning, I walked to the train station and made my way to Dublin. I felt so professional as I was sitting there commuting into the city reading the newspaper. I was trying to read up as much as could on the bank controversy and to memorize names in the paper, hoping to see them in a matter of minutes. I sat beside a man in a suit on his blackberry, also reading the newspaper and I felt like I was a part of it all. I hopped off at my normal stop and since I had half an hour to spare, I walked around a bit and took in the city, making my way just as though I had been doing this for years. I walked past Trinity College and Grafton Street, making my way to Kildare Street and the Buswell Hotel. I waited outside for my host. I arrived five minutes early, thinking very much in my American lifestyle, and was a bit anxious when he was five minutes late. I, for the moment, forgot that I was in Ireland where when you are supposed to somewhere at a certain time, you don't actually leave until that time. I have greatly grown accustom to this difference, but reverted back to my American habits and grew a bit scared for a few seconds that he had forgotten about me. I stood there watching men in suits pass by looking serious and ready to legislate. When Kevin's friend appeared, he was very friendly and he was in a rush to get me in so I could see the debate going on against the Taoiseach or Prime Minister. I was so excited as I passed easily through security and was easily escorted in since I was with a parliamentary member. As I walked through the gates, I was so excited to get in and see everything. Paul gave me a brief introduction to the Irish system of government and what he did, I then received a security badge and we made our way to the chamber to see the debate. Walking past various Garda and security made my adrenaline start rushing. For some they get a rush from sky diving, but all I need is the Dail. I don't think you could have wiped the smile off my face, although I tried to look as though I was used to this and was you know..professional, but I couldn't help it. Paul took me into the upper viewing area and we had a front row seat. We sat facing the Taoiseach who was in a rampant rampage trying to defend himself against all of the firing which was being thrown his way. Apparently he is not well liked by many of the Irish people and so much of the blame for the bank situation was being placed on him, especially since he was the previous Minister of Finance. He was even called out for economic treason, so it was a thrilling day in Parliament indeed! Paul briefed me on what had been going on and asked me various questions, but then he had to get back to work so I was left on my own to stay for a bit longer. So I sat listening to the debate for a bit longer, taking it all in as much as possible. Eventually I decided to leave and as I walked back down the hallway to the entrance, I looked around me and smiled, thinking of the amazing opportunity I just had and how thankful I was for everything-my semester in Ireland and the generosity of my Irish family. I returned my badge and then walked out past various representatives and said hello to a few and walked out of the Dail and down Kildare Street. I headed to St. Stephen's Green, walking around in the sunshine and thinking that the day just couldn't get better. On Grafton Street I had some lunch and then wishing I could stay for the day, headed back to the train station with the thought of an essay drawing me back to Maynooth. I walked down Grafton talking to Kevin, thanking him for the opportunity and then stopped to listen to some street performers and then walked through Trinity College. As I boarded the train back to Maynooth, I had a smile that couldn't be erased and was ready to take on the world.
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