How is it that I have already been in Dublin a month???? It's strange because I feel so comfortable, like I've lived here forever, but at the same time I can't fathom that it's nearly been 3 weeks. I didn't have many expectations about Ireland, and maybe that's why I love it so much! The People here are nicer towards Americans than some Europeans, and the new friends and Guinness are abundant! I've zero complaints. The family that I am staying with, the Gleesons, are particularly great! Michael, Bernie, and Michael Jr have truly taken me in, and I feel right at home. The Gleesons live just outside downtown in an area called Rathgar. It's a quiet neighborhood with only a few nearby shops, but the red brick, bright doors and old churches give it a charming feel. Bernie cooks all my meals, and thank goodness because I am a hopeless chef. They are convinced I eat nothing, but they are feeding me so often I can't keep up! They have me hooked on Irish tea and I've been drinking about 5 cups a day. Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays Bernie and I watch Coronation street (A british soap) and have a cup together. Bernie jokes that I was meant to be a Gleeson women, and calls me her adopted daughter. She says it's for 4 reasons: 1. I'm a natural with 'the lads' (her words not mine) 2. I can keep up on the shopping 3. I drink tea 4. I watch coronation street..... I guess altogether I fit right in.
I'm used to big dirty cites, but coming from New York has made Dublin seem small in comparison. It reminds me of Salt Lake in a lot of ways. There is a large city center with a bunch of outlining suburban areas, and the public transportation consists of a light rail and a few buses. They could really use a subway....minus the rats, of course. I've been walking to school most days, which isn't so bad when it's not raining. I nearly froze my first week here, and had been depending heavily on mom's homemade mittens and a zillion layers, but I think I've finally acclimated. I'm no longer wearing tights under my jeans. The streets are full of life and color, along with plenty of coffee shops and shopping centers. I'm in heaven, really.
School is moving along, but it's only a side note to my adventure. I'm going to start concentrating less on this semester, and more on finding a job for afterward... Reality is sneaking up on me! Like I mentioned, Friends here are abundant, and perhaps Irish luck is to thank. We kissed the Blarney stone a few weekends a go. I heard from someone that it's a tourist trap, and the locals pee on the darn rock.. I hope they are wrong! Most of the people I have been palling around with are Americans, with only a couple irish in the mix. All of the exchange students sort of stick together, but it's nice to have an instant group of friends. We hit the town a few times a week and there is never a dull moment between us. Dublin nightlife is not in the ranks of NY or Vegas, but it beats LA and is definitely better than Salt Lake. The pubs here are as I'd imagined, and there is truly one on every corner....Slancha. (Irish for cheers)
Being away from home makes you realize a lot of things. First and foremost, how much you love your family and friends. I think of those close to me often, and hope they know I do. Secondly, how brave you are and can be, when you have to. And last of all.. how little you know, and how much you have to learn about the world. I'm not a beleiver in fate, per se, but I also know that not everything is serendipity either. We create our own destiny, and still some things are meant to be. The people I have met here have already shaped my life, and I hope I'm changing theirs in some small way. You often wonder when you meet someone how you ever went on without them before, but in the end you part ways, move on, and meet new wonderful people. What a journey life is. I'm so thankful for each day I breathe....
Anyhow, I'm going to leave you with a bit of Irish slang! Although Ireland is English speaking, the phrases are pretty different, and have granted a few funny conversations between me and the locals. The accent is growing on me... a major problem. I fall in love every time an Irish boy opens his mouth. aye yi yi. Anyway, here it goes:
Craic. Translation: Fun. Although, that definition doesn't really cut it. Craic is more general banter, or good times had by all. You'll often here an Irish person say "what's the craic?" as in, what's up. Wouldn't really use this one at home unless you're looking to get arrested for drug possession.
Ride. Translation: Ehem...well, a ride here is what monica gave bill. Never ask an Irish person for a ride, unless of course you're looking for a good time. if you need someone to take you somewhere, ask for a lift instead.
Conas ata tu Translation: How are you in gaelic. Gaelic isn't spoken here all that much, but my host family has been teaching me a little. In Ireland people say "How are you getting on?" meaning, how are you doing.
Lads. Translation: The gang, group of friends
Your Man. Translation: Anyone. In a conversation the Irish refer to the subject noun as "your man". For example, if I were telling a friend about a boy who hit on me at the club, I might say "Then, your man asked for my number"
Half Three. Translation: Three thirty. Any time that's half past is referred to as half, something. Half 12, half 7, etc.
Grand. Translation: Great! Wonderful! Awesome! Probably one of the most overused words here, but I've been catching myself saying it. Ick.
