Greetings from Dublin everyone!! I arrived bright and early on Sunday morning. The flight was long and boring, I've come to the conclusion I'm not overly thrilled with AerLingus... The seats were kinda squished, my seat didn't lean back, and there were only big tvs in the center, which meant I was forced to watch whatever was shown... Although one of the things they did show was 'Shrek The Halls' which was really cute!! On the plus side for AerLingus, the staff was incredibly nice.
Also, despite what I was told, Irish immigration is pretty intense and I might need to look into a visa...
The Mom, Claire, picked me up at the airport and drove me all the way to the other side of Dublin to the house (which I am in love with!!) It's 6 stories (well technically 3, but they have a level at every half point on opposite sides so it seems like six) Their garden in in the process of being redone, but looks as if it'll be amazing! The girls actually met with the contracter last night and discussed their plans (they're getting a 3 story tower!!)
My cottage is very nice, small, but cozy. On the downside there are only 2 heaters, one in my room and one in the living room, so it can get a tad chilly!
Once Claire and I got to the house, she introduced me to the girls (still pj clad and sprawled across the backs of the living room sofas) than let me spend a few much needed hours of peace and quiet by myself in the cottage.
Once settled, I lounged a bit than went over to the house and played with the girls (who were actually happy to see me) I met Nigel (the dad) who was very nice. After a day full of playing, they kindly let me go back to the cottage and crash when I almost conked out in the middle of dinner.
My second day I helped the girls in the morning (they are in no way speedy) got to join in on the walk to school, then joined Claire for some shopping as I was dying to get out and see the city. We headed to the grocery store, which is a completly different experience over here. No one has personal space issues. In the states when shopping, if 2 people are looking at the same thing, one or both moves when they get too close, not here... They stand on top of one another, with zero issues...AMAZING! Also the checkout experience was pretty intense. First and foremost, the cashiers are treated like kings (at least compared to American ones) They get to sit, not just on stools, but on office chairs. Like the intense office chairs that are large and squishy, and lean back, and have that little leaver that makes the chair go up and down! Also the moving belt that you put your groceries on is massive! I'm serious, it starts atleast 30 feet before the cashier. Claire and I put our FULL cart on, and we had 2 people with full carts infront of us!! However, when it's your turn, you learn its a game...you have to see who is faster: The cashier at scanning, or the customer at catching. Because despite the massive belt, the grocery loading area is apporximatly the size of a kindergaden school desk top. Our cashier was pretty intense, and since I was in charge of loading, he was forced several times to wait and give an annoyed sigh while I cleared him a spot. I ended up tossing everything back in the cart and loading it later. Also, they ARE NOT allowed to use plastic bags! They have to bring bags from home to load!
After that adventure Claire and I picked up Laura (one of the twins) and went shopping. Laura, like her sisters is a very sweet girl. she kept telling me that she's very used to me, which I believe is Irish 4 year old for 'I've accepted your presance and won't try and strangle you with hair ribbons while you sleep' I appreciated that!
Today is my 3rd day here, and I'm slowly getting into the swing of things. I'm thinking of talking a walk around the city on my own since I'm off this afternoon. So I hope to be able to return before dinner!
The internet is having some problems, so they have taken my internet out of the cottage for now, but hope to return it soon! I'm on the parents now, which I won't be able to check all the time.
I better get going, I just heard Claire pull up with the twins, and one of them is crying. I'll update as soon as I can!!
Hope everyone is well!!
-J
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