Living in Dublin- First thoughts.
Although I had visited Dublin before, this is my first week officially living in Ireland and I just wanted to share my experience. Let’s begin!
Coming from Spain, and I assume most other European countries, moving to Dublin is very easy. Not only are the flights very affordable but most importantly you are received with kindness and good faith. Upon arrival the passport control is mild with limited scrutiny and questioning which is just a taste of Irish hospitality. This welcoming philosophy is perceived in every corner and comes to life especially through the Irish people.
During my time here I have spoken to Irish individuals from all types of backgrounds; taxi drivers, corporate managers, shop assistants, waiters… just to name a few and they all share a few things in common, they are all down to earth and humane. Despite the fact that I am sure that there are a few rotten apples, as the statistics would suggest, I have encountered generosity time and time again which shows that it predominates society and comes in many shapes and forms.
Just to give a few examples, whilst having a walkabout around the city my fiancée needed to go to the toilet and went to a large mall. She asked an assistant where it was and the assistant actually walked her there even though it was on the other side. On another occasion, she went to a coffee shop and since they did not have the coffee she asked for, she was given another one for free.
These cases represent just a pebble in an infinite supply of good gestures and manners that take place every single day. And for me such acts of generosity should not be taken for granted. In fact, I have found that they are increasingly rare as modernity has scaled up competition and technology has isolated us from one another, causing the rules for happy co-existence to slowly crumble.
Furthermore, such beauty of character is also represented by the unexploited landscape. Silky grass, endless displays of wildlife and charming architecture provide plenty of eye candy. Dublin itself is low-rise which makes you feel like a protagonist. The buildings do not try to gobble you up. Instead, they invite you to have a friendly conversation with them over a cup of tea. It is amazing to see that even inanimate objects are good hosts! Perhaps one could argue that even the rain and clouds are respectful as they often appear but tend not to stick around for too long.
On a final note, I would like to say that Ireland is clearly open for business and diplomacy. While others shut down, Ireland attracts global talent by collaborating with its European partners and inviting guests from further abroad by using the universal English language and reasonable taxation. I love how Dublin manages to uphold its traditional values and simultaneously accept people from all over the world with different cultures, races and beliefs.
In summary, Dublin is awesome! No wonder pubs are always packed and jolly music is playing. For now, I would rather be here than anywhere else, and who knows what will happen in the future. Thank you! Can’t wait to see what more there is to offer.
Fernando Pascual
