Diddly Dee Potatoes
Trip Start
Apr 01, 2008
1
19
20
Trip End
Jul 24, 2009
Dublin,
County Dublin,
Ireland
Thursday, October 9, 2008
But let's start on a positive note! I arrived in Dublin 3 months ago to chaos at Dublin airport because of some failure with the radar system. I think it was an early sign of Irish infrastructure, as I have had too many bad experiences with infrastructure to list (telecommunication, police, immigration, postal services... oops I'm listing!). The Summer had been one of the wettest on record, and unfortunately things didn't improve in that area. I was quickly introduced to the crazy, intense, patriotic, loyalist world of hurling when I attended the Munster final between Tipperary and Clare. These guys are insane. Kind of a cross between lacrosse, hockey, and aussie rules, mixed with madness! 30 Irish men with sticks and what seems like very few rules. I would definitely recommend any visitor to try and attend a match as it does give a very unique experience you wouldn't have anywhere else. I was surprised at the level of enthusiasm and atmosphere in the crowd
Dublin Bus Tour... it's easier than walking!
. 50,000 at a county final! Would be unheard of at a rugby game... it's lucky they don't sell alcohol at games, because with the passion of the supporters, it would be asking for trouble!Other highlights have included the Cliffs of Moher (although if you've done The Great Ocean Road it's nothing to get too excited about - especially when you are robbed in broad daylight to pay for parking!), Bunratty Castle (cute enough), Rock of Cashel (impressive for someone who comes from a country with a very short history), Guiness Factory (go on a week day), and of course, Riverdance. Diddly dee. The main star was not quite Michael Flattley lord of the dance material, and the highlights would have been the Russian dancers and American tap dancers (yup at an Irish show), but it was still an experience.
Downers have included the cost of living, traffic, weather, and terrible radio stations! I was near tears for the first month when I kept converting my meals and transport... $20 for a sandwich for lunch! It's enough to put you off eating... As a staunch anti-car owner (which is do-able when you're in Sydney...), I have become a victim of the dreaded commute. The M50 is painful on a weekday and I have learnt to meditate (aka zone out) on my daily trips. Weather is self-explanatory. And radio stations? Well I never thought I would say that I miss The Edge, but these stations have not heard of originality or variety, if I hear another Rhiannon song...!
Okay vent over
Guiness Factory
. Overall, despite a recession, Ireland still pays more than the corresponding positions at home, work expectations are more laid back, and people have been living the high life for a good few years. Although I would say quality of life is very different. People definitely know how to have a good 'craic' (good time), and hurling is huge, but I miss the sun, the beach, 'freshness', and being able to wear jandals without frostbite. A temperature above 20 degrees is positively roasting... But best of all is Europe on my doorstep! With a trip to Paris next month, Dusseldorf in December, and London whenever I can... well as a dedicated traveller, I'm stoked by that! Lastly, I would say Ireland is great to visit for a weekend or so but it's not a top 3 destination!
(p.s. No offence to Paddy, a patriotic Irish fellow!).
