I Have Arrived!!

A week ago today I got on a plane in Toronto headed to Gatwick airport in London. I don’t have the best track record with planes but luckily that flight - and my connecting flight into Dublin - both went smoothly. My luggage arrived and I passed through customs with no issues either. Once I collected my luggage, I found a bus into my neighbourhood. My landlord, Jason, and his three girls picked me up from the bus stop and brought me back to what will be my home for my time here. When Jason motioned me to the car he said take the passenger seat and I started walking towards the drivers side since they are opposite from us here... OOPS! Jason and his family are absolutely lovely, that evening he and the girls brought me on a little driving tour of the area and down to the grocery store and later in the evening his wife, Fiona, and niece brought me Irish tea and cupcakes. The tour was very helpful in trying to find my way around here.

I live within walking distance from the Clondalkin Village, which has lots of little pubs and shops. So far my favourite pub out of the ones I’ve tried was The Laurels. I have been completely thrown off a few times when I walk into a restaurant and am supposed to just seat myself, but I’ll be used to that soon enough I’m sure!

A few things I have found interesting about Ireland so far…

1. You actually have to wave down the bus...and the city buses are all double deckers

2. Most people drive smaller vehicles

3. The roads are all fairly narrow, only two car spaces wide

4. There are very few squirrels here

5. There are TONS of chinese takeout places around

6. Beer and liquor is available at grocery stores, corner stores, gas stations and...well everywhere.

7. They have this sauce called Brown Sauce

8. They also have this thing called Salad Cream (I’m assuming a type of salad dressing)

9. The most popular chip flavour appears to be Cheese and Onion, I’ll update about that when I eventually try it

I don’t start at school until January 22nd so for now I’ve just been exploring the neighbourhood and city centre. I went into Dublin and toured the Dublin Castle and went to the Dublin Zoo but stay tuned for posts about those!

#dublin #ireland #travel #semesterabroad #clondalkin #homeawayfromhome