A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.

– Moslih Eddin Saadi

Hello Everyone!

Soon I will have a full account of my first few wonderful days in my Dublin apartment! But for now, all I can think about is all the interesting yet unexpected cultural differences I have experienced so far! I wouldn’t quite say I am having culture shock, but I am in a little bit of what you could call cultural awe. I am definitely charmed by Dublin and the little differences I have experienced in this beginning point of my travels.

So, here are the top six:

1. Speaking of Birds…

I knew Dublin was near the water, but I really did not anticipate seagulls ! They are everywhere. I have even seen them perched on tops of all the sculptures. They are also close to the size of chickens. Definitely not something I envisioned!

2. Accidentally taking freezing showers

I think the electricity system here will end up being a good learning experience for me… or at least that is what I am telling myself. In our apartments, we have a pay-as-you go electricity system. This means you must be extra conscious of your energy usage including the lights and heaters. You also have to become familiar with things like the immersion (hot water heater), which has to be turned on if you want hot water. We have to remember to turn it on about an hour before we shower or else it is a little chilly. I made that mistake once. But in reality, this inconvenience has already made me more aware of my energy usage, which can only be a good thing. I am getting more used to it already, and I think it will give me a different perspective of my usual day-to-day life. What more could you ask for?

3. Friendly People

I can’t help but feel a little dumb saying this, but everyone is so friendly! Anyone reading is probably thinking that this fact should have been obvious, but I have been amazed with how friendly everyone is. In every coffee shop and pub people have been very willing to help and are always talkative. It is hard to put a finger on it, but there is a little bit of a different vibe here from that in the States, and it is definitely a welcomed difference!

 

4. Green!

Again, this seems like it may be obvious, but the parks and grass are so green! Especially considering the freezing weather and the fact that it is January, I didn’t expect the grass to actually be a stereotypical Irish green, but it is and all the parks and gardens are beautiful!

5. Thanks a mil.

As prepared as I tried to be for the different slang of the Dubliners, there are still words that I simply do not know. I was told to be sure I didn’t put our plastic kettle on the “hob,” or stove. The kids in one rougher part of town are a bit “cheeky,” which means (I think) a little brash. A “pub quiz” is something like trivia and “Thanks a million” is said a lot more than in the states and is sometimes shortened to “thanks a mil.”

6. Gaelic!

I knew this was Ireland’s language, but I did not realize how prevalent it was. I have seen newscasts in Gaelic and street signs often say things in Gaelic first, then English. Needless to say, this unanticipated aspect of the trip has been very cool, and I am excited to be able to be exposed to a different language, even if just a little.