After a long journey, we finally touched down in Ireland on May 6th—and the first moments were unexpectedly memorable. While waiting at the airport, I wandered into a little general store where an older man, seemingly just enjoying his day, began singing Beatles songs to himself. His thick Irish accent made it feel like a scene out of a movie, but the moment turned surreal when two officers quietly escorted him away. It wasn’t threatening, just… surprising. Was he too close to tourists? Too loud? Either way, it was a striking, odd introduction to Irish public life—one that made me feel like I’d really landed somewhere different.
I grabbed a drink to stay hydrated (headaches from a concussion still linger), and we soon met up with Sean, our guide and lecturer. The airport was refreshingly low-key compared to places like Pittsburgh’s mall-like terminal: minimal commercial noise, no flashing “BUY ME” signs. After meeting Sean, we hopped on a 30-minute bus ride to drop our bags, offering our first look at Dublin’s streets, statues, and tree-lined lanes. I took a few photos—there’s already so much to see.
Our orientation was held at Champlain College, where we heard about the itinerary, program safety, and expectations. Sean’s a compelling speaker—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Ireland. We had sandwiches, tea (of course), and I sat beside a giant teddy bear I nicknamed Philip. These little comforts helped ease the exhaustion.
After a much-needed hot shower (and a confusing battle with the Irish plumbing system), I took a glorious two-hour nap before our welcome dinner. I had classic fish and chips (wanting to compare it to the one I’ll try later in Howth), followed by a rich apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. We shared what we were most excited for, and Sean offered travel tips—places to hike, explore, and get lost in the countryside.
I’m still figuring out how to use the free time, but part of me wants to avoid over-planning. I want to absorb the culture, not just chase it.
After dinner, we made a Lidl run for groceries. I love to cook, and somehow, I managed to buy enough food for a week for under €45—which would’ve easily cost over $100 back home. That felt like a small win, and a big step toward feeling settled. I ended the night with some calls to friends and finally, some deep, uninterrupted sleep. Ireland already feels rich with character, and I’m ready to soak in every odd, lovely, and delicious moment.
