It is surreal that we have finally made it to Dublin, Ireland! I have to keep rubbing my eyes to believe that I am finally here. It seems like just yesterday I was talking about going abroad. During my travels, I had the opportunity to get to know the other members traveling with me. Embarrassingly, I was still learning names in the airport, but I am glad to say within these past few sleepless 24 hours I have learned more than just names and even was entrusted to watching luggage and carry-ons quite a few times (Lol). It was a tiring arrival day, but a lively one full of flights and layovers, airplane meals, and memories made. After a goodnight rest, our first official day in Dublin kicked off with a walking tour where we got to hear first hand some of the rich culture and history that has formed the city we are in today. Similar to Pittsburgh weather, Ireland’s weather was uncharacteristically sunny and warm then chilly and rainy today, which was what many of the locals call typical weather here. Unpredictable weather is keeping us on our toes! Some of the sights we saw today on our walking tour included: Christ Church Cathedral, the spire, the grand post office building, O’Connell Monument, Ha’Penny Bridge, Trinity College, etc. Geographically, it is crazy to me how everything is within 20 minutes of walking distance from where we are staying on St. Augustine Street. Also knowing that I am directionally challenged a goal I have for this week is to get better at navigating the city. After, we ate lunch at Trinity College to learn that the current students just finished up their final exams for the term so the restaurant was quite packed and lively. Looking back, it is hard to believe I finished up finals just last week. Post lunch, we boarded a bus where we continued a tour of the city sans the walking. I will have to say that we stick out like a sore thumb which is funny to me (Look at those Americans!).
My initial impression of Dublin now that I have been here a full day has been one of awe and curiosity. What stood out to me the most is how early places close in Dublin. Back in Pittsburgh, I am used to running to CVS at 10 PM and being able to pick up items at such a late hour. In Dublin, many places close around 6 or 7 PM. In this regard, I have taken for granted that I can run to CVS or various places around the United States so late at night and still pick up items. In return, I am becoming more self-conscious of the time as I navigate this new way of life for two weeks. Another thing that surprised me is learning how the country has only recently become more modernized. For example, divorce only became legalized 20 years ago and same-sex marriage just a few years ago. Rooted in Catholicism, Ireland is just now starting to become less conservative and progressing. With this in mind, history is still being made today which I find to be pretty interesting. After spending most of today learning about the past and modern history of Dublin and of the country itself, I can’t help but appreciate the elements of newness and touches of oldness Ireland presents to us.
As a business consultant, it is important to recognize that without the past history there can’t be the present day Ireland. To me, I feel understanding the history, artifacts, culture, and even inside jokes that the Irish have plays an important role in connecting to businesses and clients. For example, I like to think of it as making a new friend. Often, I find myself striking up a bond with people through stories, commonalities, or other means to get conversations flowing. Bringing this full circle much like I worked to form new relationships on this trip, the same can be said about the process of working with new businesses and clients alike. Having the history and culture of Ireland and Dublin under my belt makes me feel me more prepared to converse with the locals as well as make more informed analyzations as a business consultant at our site visits.
As the week progresses, I hope to gain a better historical and cultural lens of the city and business itself. So far, it has been an exciting day, but I will be signing off to get some much needed rest! Talk to you very soon!