Nihil Mutantur

I arrived back in Dublin to very familiar sights and sounds. Indeed, after being away for 3 months in a very different environment, I must say that very little has changed to the familiar surroundings I returned to. Here are some things that welcome you back to Dublin:

1. Having to stand in the Non-EU line at the Immigration counter, and face the Garda interrogation while watching the EU Nationals breeze through the other lines. What makes it more frustrating is that when their lines are empty, you are still not allowed to queue there.
2. A incredible amount of people waiting at the baggage reclaim area. Dublin airport is an amazingly small airport for the amount of people it has to cater for. An even longer line awaits at the Taxi and Bus stands.
3. A red lane and a green lane at customs indicating something and nothing to declare respectively. However, the red lane is closed and there is no officer at the green lane. Everyone strolls through customs.
4. People. Loads and loads of people of every colour and race walking when you reach the City Centre. Beware, you will be one of them as soon as you get of the bus.
5. A chatty taxi driver, always very informative and inquisitive. Will be able to strike conversation with anyone. Sometimes, you will find yourself explaining about your family or even what your dad does. On some other days, you will receive a local news update or a lesson in history.
6. BEGGARS! You know you’re in Dublin when you hear the very familiar phrase “Could you spare some change please?”
7. You have to remember to look where you are walking just in case you step on a pile of puke
8. Drunkards singing in the middle of the streets at night.
9. The rain, or drizzle by Malaysian standards, is a really irritating part of life here. Walking along a street, it may start drizzling halfway and then stop when you reach the end of it. Always be prepared.
10. As stated in number 4, you know you’re in Dublin when your legs at the en of the day from walking too much… Oh how I miss my car.

Right then, I’m off to Bristol this evening. When I come back, I will have hit the 20 year old mark, it’s going to get a lot of getting used to having a 2 in front of your age!