Irish People :)

Oh, how Grande the people of Ireland are :).  They completely live up to their stereotype; welcoming, sarcastic, fun, out going, DRINKERS haha, just about the nicest people I have ever met (and to be able to say that about a whole country is a pretty big deal).  Imagine that you are in New York City (or any big, busy city) and you are very very lost, looking confused trying to read a map and looking for street signs. Now in a big city in the US, on most occasions, people will continue to walk right past you, pretty much pushing you out of their way because their schedules hold them on a tight leash and time is their worst enemy, they might even knock you down and kick you (ok, maybe not that extreme but you get the idea ;) ).  But here, you won't get 'pushed' around in a big city. We were walking around in Dublin during one of our first few days, completely lost/confused/ looking like complete tourists, and of course standing in the way of everyone around us. All of a sudden a girl probably in her thirties, stops what she is doing and comes over to us, asking if we are alright and if we need help getting somewhere.  Even for someone to do such a simple, considerate action, made me realize that I wasn't in America anymore.  Now, in Minnesota something like this would happen, the midwest is just full of friendly people.  But being a 'foreigner' in this new country, people knowing right away that we are American and 'don't belong there', this factor doesn't change their morals, their kind personality, and their generosity in helping others when they need help. 

There was another incident when we were in Limerick City, on our way back to UL, looking for the bus.  As we saw it come up to the stop, we all started running, however, once we made it, the bus driver informed us that this was his last stop and the bus wasn't running for the remainder of the night.  As we were about to get off, he said "I can drive you back to UL, you are our guests and we have to make sure that you are having a grand time here."  Hearing this, I about shit my pants! haha. This man was suppose to be done for the night, he was on his way home to his family or maybe out to the pub with some buddies, but he postponed his evening to drive us back to school. 

The people here in Ireland, are all truly one of a kind.  I have never felt so welcomed or so comfortable or so accepted by everyone that I meet.  This trait that the Irish people have is truly incredible and it unites them as a country and builds that pride and unity that they have been striving for since the 1900's, when they rebelled against the British and fought for 'Home Rule'.  Ireland has proven itself to be a strong, unique, kind country, and many places cannot express those traits.  I am so grateful that this is where I chose to spend 4 months of my life, growing as an individual and feeling prideful to have Irish running through my veins and being able to call this place home.