Eire

Eire, Ireland in English, has been my home for almost 5 days now. I love this country. The weather has been abnormally sunny and warm and I have yet to experience the famous Irish rain. The people are friendly and the country side is beautiful (just like it is in the movies!).

Liz and her dad picked me up from the airport. Seeing the familiar face made me realize how close to Canada I really am now. It was a little strange seeing Liz, my friend from Japan in her home country. They drove me to their home in Dublin on the north side of the Liffey in an area called Glasnevin. Here I was welcomed by lizs mom, and two sisters, Emma and Mary. They told me to make myself at home, and I really do feel comfortable and at home here. I have my own room and ensuite bathroom in their old townhouse.

I acclimatized myself with Glasnevin during the day on Friday and enjoyed a play in town with Liz and her siblings on Friday night. Liz and her twin Michael ran a 10 mile race on Sat morn so we just went to the pub for a short while on Friday night. Here I met Liz's boyfriend Lada. Saturday after the race, Liz and I took public transport into town and walked around. I was actually a little shocked being in an English speaking country. It felt and still feel weird to understand people talking in the streets or on the buses and to know they understand me too. Our first night out I was almost nervous having to order food in English. Like, peoples expectations of me as a native English speaker are higher then peoples expectations of my Japanese and I don't like the pressure. I wish I could explain this better, but Liz says she felt the same way and that it didn't last long. Saturday night Liz and I met up with her friends and sisters and another Irish friend of mine in town. good times.

Yesterday we travelled south of Dublin to Glendalough. It is a beautiful scenic area with rivers and lakes and Irish hills. Really, this country is unbelievable. I know I will have to come back again, rent a car and experience it properly. I also had my first Rugby match experience last night. The Rugby World Cup is in France and Liz and her family are hardcore Irish Football and Rugby fans so I celebrated the Ireland/Namibia match Carolan (Liz's last name)style. Donned in Irish Jerseys the Carolan troupe (sisters, brother and Sig. others) went to a bar 2 hours before the game to save seats in a prime location. They gave me a crash course in Rugby rules and gave me a play by play as the game progressed. Even I could tell that it was a pretty weak showing by the Irish team, but they still managed to beat Namibia with an appallingly low score of 37 to 17. It was a sombre walk home to say the least but an exciting 'authentic' Irish sporting experience for me! Hopefully next Saturdays match will be better. Go Ireland!