Beginning of Ireland

I jetted off to Dublin Saturday afternoon (not after one last argument with the roommate and cleaning the entire apartment with no help) to spend 10 wonderful days with Melissa in Bray.

She is an au pair in Bray for a family with 3 children. Over the weekend I did not really interact with the family because Melissa wasn't working. We went out in Bray, met a few friends, etc. Monday was also a bank holiday so Melissa and I got out to go to Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Leery) to see a movie and hang out a little more. We had a great time catching up and planning some more for our stay.

Then, for the past 3 days I have been helping take care of the kids. Melissa is in charge of Daniel (3) all day. Then, she picks up Jennifer (6) and Peter (8) from school and makes dinner for them, etc. I've been getting along really well with the entire family, and Daniel is just adorable. Although I may not be out seeing Dublin quite yet, I am getting insight into the lives of a real Irish family. Plus, we have made a few little daytrips to the shore in Greystones, and yesterday we went to a nice garden/estate to walk around. I'll share pictures when I can, but Mel's computer is not a fan of putting pictures online, I already tried.

I think everything they say about Ireland is true. So far, the weather has been cold (at least compared to Nice) and it changes from sunny to rainy several times a day. It does seem very green here, and there's a flower/bush called mustard which is on all the hillsides which is also quite gorgeous. Before coming, I was also told that the Irish are very friendly. I definitely have to agree with this so far, because everyone I come in contact with is so welcoming!

I also realized right before I left that this is my first Anglophone country in 7 months. It has been a bit strange getting used to a different culture but constantly comparing it to France. I watch English/Irish TV and still expect French commercials. It's also been a bit weird when Melissa drives me around several times per day and I look to my right to talk to the driver. The first few times I got a little nervous, but I leave the driving to Mel since she knows what she's doing.

Well, that's about all I have for ya. I would like to make another Ireland post, especially if we get to go to Edinburgh as planned this weekend. Hopefully I will not get stuck in this beautiful country due to the volcano disrupting flights again. I cannot believe in 12 days I'll be back in the US!