I'm close to wrapping up six months in Dublin, so I thought I should post a follow up to About Dublin. Kinda amazing how fast these months passed by, but somewhat expected. It's been an interesting experience - which is euphemistic and detached, but nonetheless a good description - so far.
I don't remember having any bad experiences with Irish people, so I guess this confirms the rumors I heard before coming here, that the Irish are friendly and like BRs in a lot of ways. For instance
Forgot my wallet at a shop in Smithfield, went back half an hour later and got it back (with everything in it).
Took dozens of pictures for tourists and locals around city center, and people were always nice and friendly.
Random conversations with complete strangers at bus/tram/train stops were, for the vast majority of times, hilarious.
Lost my credit card at another shop in Dublin, got it back just fine.
Was coerced (in a very nice, friendly way) to have my picture taken with three teenage girls at Connoly station - you owe me a picture girls ;)
Wasn't kicked out of a pub after asking if they had non-alcoholic drinks there (I know, this was lame, but hey, they do carry a rep..).
Random conversations at pubs have also been good fun, even though sometimes just understanding what some of the people were saying with all the noise was difficult.
Taxi drivers can be extremely funny. I once came back from the airport with a cab driver that should be a professional comedian. Best jokes I heard in a long time. He told me about a swimming 'competition' on the Liffey in September, and that he's one of the guys who goes on a boat in front commenting and narrating the thing. Out of the blue he pops some pictures of it. I'm looking forward to September, and this race is one of the reasons.
Even when some old fella stops you to ask directions but you tell him you don't know where it is and he starts mumbling to himself, you gotta love the attitude. Sometimes there's nothing funnier than someone talking and complaining by himself down the street.
And yes, I'm in a good mood today.
