Jetlagged Loopiness

Hi, loves!

I’ve safely landed in Ireland! Yay! After 7 sleepless, exhausting hours on the plane, my energy significantly increased as I spotted Ireland below me. Because Dublin is on the East coast of Ireland, I got to see a large portion of Ireland’s beautiful landscape by flying over. The Emerald Island was, without a doubt, as green as, if not greener, than I had imagined. The clouds were also so thick that the horizon between the ocean and the sky completely disappeared. It was a breathtaking sight. Half an hour later, I’d landed and finally took my first breath of fresh (and cold) Irish air.

So much green everywhere!

I waited for Anthony to land, so we could share a cab back to the apartment together. Our cab driver was boisterous with a loud, hearty laugh. His accent was extremely thick, so it initially was difficult to understand what he was saying, but he happily pointed out various sights and “places where gangs hang out” (aka places to avoid). He pointed out the Liffey River, which divides North and South Dublin. Bill and Suzanne explained to us that the North side was rougher compared to the posh South side, but driving by, the economic disparities weren’t noticeable. But perhaps that was because I was trying to not have an anxiety attack by watching the driver zoom down on the left side (just like the British drive) of the complicated streets, which were filled with too many roundabouts and signs that made absolutely no sense. Thankfully, we made it to the apartment safely.

Upon arriving to the apartment, the person sitting at the front desk informed us that our rooms weren’t ready and that the other members of our group who’d arrived earlier may have gone to Beweley’s Café on Grafton Street. In order to get to Grafton Street, we had to walk through St. Stephen’s Green, a beautiful park. We unfortunately didn’t find them (because they had gone to a different café) and it was SUPER cold outside, so we headed back into the lobby to wait for everyone else to return.

The rest of the day passed in a super jetlagged, exhausted blur. We got bus passes and phones and had dinner together before heading back home. Despite my super loopy state, I did try to remain engaged and observant and noticed some characteristics of Dublin:

·         Grafton Street is brimming with talent and entertainment. While walking down the cramped shopping district, you can find musicians, balloon artists, spray-paint artists, human statues, people dressed up as leprechauns, etc. all performing for people’s change. I have yet to find any street dancers though…

·         Irish people are extremely talkative. Even if you aren’t asking for a conversation, Irish locals will come up to you and start talking to you. Maybe it’s because it’s evident that I’m not from Dublin. But they’re always more than happy to present fun facts about their country and point out their favorite places.

·         Green, white, and orange can be found EVERYWHERE. I don’t know if it’s just because the Ireland vs. Croatia Eurocup soccer game is coming up soon, but everywhere I turn, I see Irish flags. They seem to have tons of national pride, even more than Americans do.

I’m exhausted, but hopefully the next several days will be better and less scattered as I slowly overcome jetlag.

Smiles,

Anna