Day one - it's 4pm and I'm still awake

I landed at 5:25am this morning after a 5 1/2 hour flight during which I got spotty sleep. Everything was going smoothly until I got to the customs counter and told the woman I would be staying in Ireland for 8 months. At this point, she asked to see my acceptance letter to Trinity. I thought, oh crap, and had to tell her that all my paperwork was in my other luggage, not my carry-on. Let's just say she was not pleased but I told her that I was told by the Irish Embassy in Boston that I would be presenting that paperwork at an office in Dublin so I didn't know I needed it in the airport. I literally did not have one piece of paper or electronic documentation on me at that moment that proved that I would be studying at Trinity for the next 8+ months. After frowning at me a lot, asking me some questions about my course of study and much apologizing on my part, she finally forcefully stamped my passport, told me where to go (the immigration office in Dublin, I mean) and let me pass. The good news is my luggage was already on the belt when I got to baggage claim so I did not have to wait there at all.
After collecting my luggage, I realized I had not coordinated with Robert, my Rotary Club host counselor, where in the airport I would meet him. Luckily, there was only one exit from the baggage area and he was waiting right outside the doors with my name on a sign. His greeting was warm and sincere, despite the early hour, and truly welcomed me into Ireland. We heading to his car and the sun was starting to come up as he drove me into Dublin's center where he point out Trinity's campus to me. Because of the early hour, we decided to stop for a cup of tea/coffee before heading to the home of a friend's friend, Margaret, where I am staying temporarily while I look for accommodations.
Margaret lives in an area of Dublin called Rathmines and her home is beautiful - Georgian style with high ceilings bordered by crown molding, tall windows, and a wonderful, large garden room, with skylights, looking out on a lush garden and outdoor patio. This is where I am currently sitting as I write. It is hard to believe there is a busy street just on the other side of the 7 foot walls surrounding the garden. I will add a picture as soon as I get a chance. One of Margaret's brothers, Rory, is also here, forcing himself through the last bit of writing for his Masters thesis which is due on Monday. It is interesting foreshadowing - that is going to be me one year from now.
Margaret has been great. This morning, she took me for a walk along with her two large poodles and pointed out all the shops, buildings and directions that she thought I would need to know. Unfortunately, due to the lack of sleep and general disorientation I am currently feeling, I am not sure how much I am going to remember. This morning, Robert told me his club was meeting at lunch today and said I was welcome to join them. In my usual, over-enthusiastic manner which completely disregards reality, I told him I would love to go. Luckily, he was wiser than I was and, when he dropped me off, just said to call him later (since it was 8:30am at that time) if I felt up to going in a few hours. Let's just say, I definitely did not make it today and am glad I have the excuse of putting together this blog to stay tucked up inside for the afternoon. It feels like it is taking most of my mental energy just to stay awake and type this message. I am sure everything else I need to do can wait until tomorrow. An added benefit of sitting here, typing and drinking tea is it gives me an opportunity to witness firsthand that what people say about the weather is true - it changes constantly over the course of an hour.

My first new English word - "brolly". Can you guess what that is?