As my first week progresses, I find myself more acclimated to the different timezone and the slower pace of living. Despite the initial challenge of adjusting, which included staying up until 4:00 am on the first night to watch the New York Rangers which unfortunately they lost, I have begun to settle into the new routine. Before leaving for this trip, I was warned that people might tell me I’m pronouncing my last name incorrectly. I wasn’t expecting to be corrected twice within the first hour of landing. Both the security agent and the taxi driver commented on my pronunciation, adding an unexpected twist to my arrival.
On Saturday, once everyone in the apartment had arrived, we decided to explore the city and take in the sights. Dublin is filled with beautiful and contrasting architecture, offering a feast for the eyes at every turn. On Monday, after class and before our museum tour, a few of us wandered around the city. Two pieces of architecture that particularly stood out to me were a bridge that resembled a bone and a slanted building, both of which added to the city’s unique charm. At the museum, one photo especially caught my eye; it featured the phrase “Tá breis agus fíúntas i nGuinness,” which translates to “Guinness is more than worth it.”
Tuesday marked my first day at my internship. My tasks were straightforward, including writing emails and identifying bugs on the company’s new website. My boss, who is very passionate about the business of a soccer academy and agency, spent a significant amount of time explaining its operations. He proudly mentioned one of his clients, Evan Ferguson, an Irish striker who plays for Brighton. Currently, our group consists of six people, but one will be leaving at the end of this week to return to France. The language and accent barrier has been a bit challenging. I sometimes struggle to understand the Irish accent, and among the interns, one primarily speaks French and another mainly speaks Spanish, as he is from Barcelona. My middle school Spanish and high school French have proven useful, but translation apps have taken most of the load off our shoulders in navigating our communication hurdles.
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my time so far and am looking forward to the remaining eight weeks here. I can’t wait to fully immerse myself in the rich Irish culture and learn more about my heritage. This experience is shaping up to be incredibly rewarding, and I am eager to embrace all the adventures that lie ahead.
