Things I find Strange about Dublin

I've only been here a couple days so far, but here is a list of things I find weird.

1. The toilets- There is no standardized method, and flushers come in a wide range, including strings, buttons, handles. No automatic flushes here unfortunately. One time I set off the bathroom alarm and had a security guard come to my assistance :)

2. You have to hail a bus for it to stop. I forgot to stick my hand out at the bus stop and the driver just zoomed by me even though I was standing there clearly waiting for the bus.

3. Palm trees- Yes... It's true. There are palm trees here. It is not tropical, sunny or what you typically would think of Ireland.

4. Their online video laws...I can't watch any of my American TV shows here. They won't allow it.

5. American Football! We got the special package to watch the Eagles and the commentary is with an English accent. WEIRD!

First day of work

So I had my first day of work yesterday and it was quite fun. Even though I had already been trained, I had to go through orientation for the HR/Benefits stuff.

This new office is a like a mini UN! Members of my orientation class came from everywhere including the Netherlands, France, Russia, Poland and Germany to name a few countries and here I thought I was moving to an Irish company! You hear all different languages in the cafeteria which is very fun...

Also in the cafeteria, there is Ben and Jerry's ice cream... ALL DAY! To my friends in the Boston office... haha!

Overtipping

I had tons of bags with me leaving the airport (some taller than me!) so I was definitely grabbing a cab to my new apartment. Clearly an American and clearly not sure about the best route to take to my apartment, I think I got the full tour of Dublin city during that cab ride for sure. Not the friendliest cab driver, but really have you ever met a friendly driver?

When I finally got to my place, I was hoping that the cab driver would help me bring my bags into my apartment foyer so I tipped him over 20%. After the tip, he chatted with my happily and helped me move my stuff, only after I told Kiers about the tip did I learn that you don't tip cab drivers at all. So I was taken for a ride and gave him extra money to do it. Man... I have a lot to learn!

My Flight to Dublin

I officially started my journey to Dublin on Friday the 6th. I thought that security would be bad but I managed to breeze through very quickly. I flew using Aer Lingus and LOVED it. When I went for my interview 2 months ago, I flew a different airline and while it was fine, Aer Lingus is the way to go. We had personal tv screens (like Jet Blue) and we got to choose our own movies, tvs or video games (good stuff!). The full entertainment selection made the flight go by very fast.

The only drawback during the flight... 4 bratty kids under the age of 6 surrounding me... The one behind me in particular was a treat. She throughly enjoyed kicking the back of my chair the entire flight. I was definitely even more excited when we landed!

Election day

Oh! One more thing... yesterday obviously was election day so I made sure that I voted one more time before heading off overseas. Results were exactly what I wanted. I'm leaving America very happy and definitely proud to be an American (I may even walk around in red, white and blue on my first day there.)

It will definitely be interesting to follow American politics from overseas and listen to everyone's reactions. I will make sure to report back!

Last Day!

Yesterday was my last day at work in the American office of my company. It's sad to know that after 10 months all I've accumulated of worth to even bring home was a Red Sox potato head and a flying monkey... that's the type of company I work for. :-)

I also booked my one way ticket to Dublin as well. Flying out this Friday! Nothing like traveling on a one way ticket bought 3 days before the flight with tons of luggage. I look forward to constantly being frisked at the airport. Should make for a fun flight!