Hello world, it’s me again. Today marks exactly two weeks since I’ve been in Dublin, which is absolutely crazy! Half of me feels like I’ve been here for an eternity already, and the other half of me feels like it’s been three seconds since I walked off of that plane from Boston. I’ve been having the most incredible growing experience already in just these two weeks. I’ve made so many new friends (which can I just say, can be so terrifying), but the people on my program are all such lovely, kind people. It’s been really fun to get to know them. We all really get along, and they all crack me up (which is important!).
I’ve also been getting to know many Irish people, which has been such fun. I made it a goal to talk to every bartender I can whenever we go to a pub. They usually have the most interesting backgrounds and stories about Dublin or Ireland, or their home country - wherever that may be. The other night I was out at a pub and met a big group of Irish girls who told me I was a ~cool American~. It might have been one of the best compliments I’ve ever received, haha. I’ve been so blown away by how friendly and welcoming the Irish people generally are. If you talk to anyone, chances are it will turn into at least a ten minute conversation, and by the end of it you’ll either be beaming with confidence from their kindness or cracking up from their sarcasm.
Some of my group in Phoenix Park!
I’ve been working on exploring the city more, without using google maps. If you know me, you know this has been a struggle. I will say, I am okay at a few things in life, but directions are definitely NOT one of them. But I really want to learn this place like the back of my hand, so I’ve been forcing myself to try and use the GPS as little as possible when I walk around. I’m happy to report that yesterday I walked to and from my Internship without a GPS! Go me! My group and I also took a walk through Pheonix Park the other day - the largest enclosed park in Europe! It’s where the President’s house is as well. It was a beautiful day when we went, and we had a great time exploring. We finished the day at one of our new favorite local pubs for some burgers and Guiness. What could be better
I’ve also, slowly but surely, started to discover some of my new favorite restaurants and cafes throughout the city. The other day I went to a cafe with Diana where I got the most amazing gluten free porridge; with gluten free oats, compote, yogurt, honey, hazelnuts, granola and fresh berries. The place is totally a hole in the wall type of cafe from the outside, but you walk into a very bright and chic looking space. I also got a latte, and the foam came out in the shape of a swan. I’m obsessed. Last night I went to a little falafel restaurant with two of my new good friends in my program, and I think it’s going to be one of my go-to places. I got a meal order of Palastenian Falafal sandwhich (a pocket of hummus, tomato, cucumber, pickles, fried aubergine, parsley, and tahini sauce — so up my alley), that came with Batata Hara (spiced potato wedges), and a cup of tea! And here’s the best part: it was only 9 euros (and I couldn’t even finish the meal).
I’ve also started to feel more comfortable in my internship this past week. The bi-monthly paper came out yesterday, and I have two published articles in it! That was really cool moment for me to see my name in an Irish paper, it made me very excited to see where the rest of the semester takes me (even if it is a tiny, shoebox of an office). I’m really starting to learn a lot. They have me writing about immigrants throughout Ireland, so I’ve been able to interview and write about some very interesting and inspiring people.
I’ve been starting to plan a few travel adventures for the rest of the semester as well. Some throughout Ireland, and a few throughout Europe. Not this weekend, but next weekend, our program is going to Galway! I’m wicked excited for that, so stay tuned :) Until then, I’m going to work on ditching the GPS and making this place my home. Everyday feels a little more comfortable then the last :) XOXO!