Exploring

I returned the car today...all in one piece. Now I am officially at the mercy of public transportation. I did pretty good this weekend going from Chandra's to downtown to my recruiter's office to the hospital and back again. I dropped my stuff off at the hospital this morning. My living arrangement is very dorm-like...but it's also free. So far I don't have a roommate so things will be fine. It has a shared kitchen and laundry and plenty of showers. I will definitely be able to survive. Plus living there means I don't have a commute...but I also don't have an excuse to be late.
I met with my recruiter and she was very nice. It sounds like there are three other girls starting from the same agency, two from India and one from Australia, and some other people from other agencies also.
I also met with the HR lady from the hospital to get some paperwork and my key. She was also very nice. They are being very accommodating and helpful. Right now I think it's good to feel like someone is holding my hand. They are taking us by taxi to get our PPS numbers (like a SS#) and to set up our bank accounts. We also have a tour of Dublin built in to our orientation. Sounds like this first week will be pretty low key. We have culture/language class from 0930-1230 everyday. The HR lady said I could probably hit the first one and then skip the rest of the week (ahhh, the Irish) seeing as English is my first and really only language. It's more designed for nurses from the Philippines and India. Then there are various other things scheduled in the afternoon. It is what I expected though...not well structured.
I have been exploring Dublin and, thank goodness, the weather has been cooperative. I had to go purchase some white scrub tops for my orientation. Only Arnott's sells them (a very posh store) and a top runs 40-50 euros. Luckily I found a couple for half off. I refuse to pay that much for something that will likely end up with body fluids on it. Once I figure out what I will need to wear after orientation I WILL be having stuff sent here. The style they wear here is pretty ugly anyway. It was nice to walk around and not feel pressured to see everything in one weekend since I LIVE HERE! I had a cup of tea at Bewley's this afternoon and felt like I was in P.S. I Love You. Then I strolled past the spot near St. Stephen's Green where the opening scene of Once took place. My life pretty much felt like one big movie today.
My internet situation is still in limbo. Right now I'm using Sam and Chandra's computer. Eircom pretty much has a lock on the market and even at Starbuck's you have to pay to use their wireless even if you buy a ridiculously priced coffee (when you could have been enjoying a delicious Caribou drink). I talked to the IT person at the hospital and she said computers can be hooked up with their system but then the computer becomes their property...screw that! They have a library with computers but I don't know what their hours are. I'll be on the hunt for a cafe or something with some free Internet once I'm officially moved in. Hopefully someone will be able to clue me in.
I'm staying with Sam and Chandra tonight and then I'm officially moving in to the hospital tomorrow.