So, as I sit in my bed listening to the new music from Ed Sheeran (which I am completely obsessed with already), Some of you may be thinking, "She's in Ireland, shouldn't she be in a pub or exploring?" Yes, I probably should be but honestly, this past week has been so intensive and jam-packed of orientation meetings, All I can do is binge Netflix and stay in bed. Even though I'm being a bum on a Friday night, I did see some pretty amazing things this week. Also, I failed at many simple tasks that probably shouldn't be that difficult but nevertheless were.
As my first week in Dublin passed by, I began to explore the city more and more. However, I quickly realized I have much to learn in this city and in general. This week I, and a few other people in my program, walked almost 10 miles in one day and explored City Center Dublin a little more, believe it or not, even though we walked so much, we barely put a dent in exploring the city. This week I got to see The National Gallery of Ireland which is home to a great collection of European artwork from as early as the 14th century.
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After the Gallery, we walked to Dublin Castle, again, but still didn't go inside. I'll get there one day. We also walked to Saint Patrick's Cathedral, and actually went inside. If anyone ever visits Dublin, you have to visit the Cathedral. The spirit and design of the Cathedral are truly breathtaking.
While the sightseeing was amazing that day, I had way too many close encounters with buses, cars, and bikes. In case some of you don't know, the Irish like to drive on the wrong side of the road which can get a little confusing when trying to do something as simple as crossing the street. No matter how many times I look both ways there always seems to be a car, or bus, or bike on the road. This led to me almost getting hit by a double decker bus on my way home after a day in the city. I'm fine, don't worry mom and dad. Hopefully, I'll get used to it soon.
I also decided it was time to figure out the bus system here this week. However, it did not go as planned. As a student, I have a student card that allows for a discounted rate. Thinking I had already set up my card through the ridiculous process that is too complicated to even describe, I thought I would have no problems at all. If only that had actually been true.
For some unknown reason, my card couldn't be accepted when I boarded the bus. So, with about five other people pushing past me cursing, trying to dig money out of my wallet I tried to pay for the fare. Little did I know you have to pay with coins on the bus. So after finally finding enough to pay with I found out they don't give change either. Not only that, the buses aren't the cleanest either. Needless to say, I will be walking everywhere from now on.
Some other little things I couldn't quite figure out: the heat (the Irish are very energy efficient and don't seem to like using the heat unless absolutely necessary, Butter comes in a block or tub, not sticks, and Irish Netflix does not have Grey's Anatomy. Although most of these are not major and I will live, this past week, while exciting and fun, has taught and showed me how much I don't know and how much I have to learn. I know I'll figure it all out eventually and I'm excited to learn new things.
