Summer Plans

As much as I am loving my time over here in the Netherlands, I have some very exciting assignments that have me anxious for the summer.

First, I have been extremely fortunate to receive a Dean's summer research fellowship from Creighton's College of Arts and Sciences.  My research focus is the interaction of nationalism, European Union law (how the latter affects the former), and legal philosophy.  

Second, I have two internships in Sioux Falls: one with the Public Defenders' Office, and the other with the State's Attorney's office.

Third, I get to spend time outside at the lake with my family and Megan.  

It is going to be a great summer!

Belfast

I have neglected updating my many(?) readers.  I apologize.

At the end of February I headed over to Belfast, N. Ireland, to visit my friend Matt.  He's an M.A. student at QUB (Queen's University Belfast) studying Irish Lit.  Matt was kind enough to show me around Belfast for a few days; we even crossed the boarder of the Republic and spent some time in Dublin.  

Belfast is a robust city with a very storied history.  The general perception I gained after two days (not a sufficient amount of time for making judgments, but oh well) is that the people of Belfast are a down-to-earth bunch: practically minded and hard working.  It seemed like a fabulous place for a student to spend his or her time.  I'm quite jealous of Matt.

My trip to Belfast was also my first hostel experience.  The full details of my nights at Belfast International Youth Hostel will not be posted online.  For all of the juicy details, you will have to beg me in person.  I am currently working on a short story, an appropriate forum, I think, for the oddities I observed.

Kristen comes soon, Mom and Dad too, and trip plans are starting to germinate.  Now off! - I must study for a final!

C