I haven't been in Ireland even three days, and already I'm almost certain that everything I've ever heard about the island is true. I had this thought before the end of my first night here, but I gave it a couple days, just to be sure. First of all, it IS green. It's all green. And it's very green. The train I took the first day goes pretty straight West, from coast to coast through the middle of the country. And the whole ride, to the north and south, all I could see was green. The beauty here is entirely impossible to miss.
Secondly, I haven't yet met anyone here who wasn't friendly and endearing. The first gentleman with whom I really had a conversation was Sean, who happened to be catching the same train from Heuston Station on Tuesday. His introduction went something like this (and don't forget to add the fantastic Irish accent): "I'm Sean. I'm a butcher. I'm not butcherin' right now. I'm also a gardener. I am gardenin' right now." Love it. And then there were the taxi drivers who were happy to point me in the right direction once I got to Westport, despite me declining their services, and the woman I also stopped for directions when I inevitably got lost on the simple, ten-minute walk. Then I had a couple hours to kill, waiting for the bus and watching all the passers-by. I've really never seen so many cute, elderly couples walking and holding hands. That should happen more often. And then a man, who reminded me quite a bit of Mr. Thomas Andrews (Titanic), although he was not a ship-builder but in fact a baker, was kind enough to make sure I boarded the right bus when it arrived. To continue the theme, the bus driver, I noticed, waved to everyone along the way, who then smiled and waved in return. And when I finally did get to my hostel, Pat, the owner, gave me a very friendly welcome and tour of my home for the next few weeks. I could get used to this.
By nightfall, I found myself, yes, in a pub, hanging around, singing along with the guitars. And who would've guessed it? Guinness all around. I don't think I'll be too surprised if I run into a leprechaun soon enough.
Note: No, I have not met a candlestick-maker...yet.
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