#262. First Impressions

The first impressions of being home are not all that bad: apart from the bad weather, everything seems well and nothing much has really changed, except my perceptions. Places that I may have previously thought were ugly or run down now look like relatively nice places to live. The Luas seems ridiculously shiny and smart. The accuracy and pedantry of the little DART signs that tell you when the train is arriving seem silly (what's a minute here or there?). And when you get on the train, no-one tries to sell you anything or preaches or sings for money. It's a nice change from being hassled all the time, but seems quite dull in comparison with chicken buses.

In town, the sky is dark and the people are white. They don't stare and seem very hurried to get wherever they're going. The cars drive on the left, which always takes me about a month of having to look both ways before I'm used to it. It's strange to walk around with your cash in your pocket and not have to worry about pickpockets. It'll take a while for the general paranoia to wear off. It still feels that everyone is out to con you. It's hard to break the habit of checking every note and asking the price of things twice. Also unexpected is the habit of saying "gracias" at barmen, waiters and shopkeepers. This has attracted some strange looks indeed.

There are slight indications that Ireland is actually growing up. More than one DART an hour and nightlink drivers stopping for you are all good signs. As is that barman not serving Jonathan because he was too drunk. A responsible drinking establishment is sure sign of progress.

We'll probably stick around and work for a year or so and see what the craic is around Dublin. Next step is to find a job and somewhere good to live.