Across the Universe: Dublin

The European Union (which means Germany here) is a death sentence for the Irish economy, but still the Irish know that for the first time they have become too important to fail. The governing party that ran Ireland for decades has been thrown out, with most people going into the election carefree, chancing their vote away to anyone but Fianna Fail. Times are uncertain, but life goes on.

Ireland has a strong welfare system, which, in combination with carefree Irish standards, means you don’t really need a job if you don’t want one. That’s been a part of the economy’s demise, a promise so great it deals with leeches and the unfortunate alike. But most people still want to work, and the Celtic Tiger is proof of what Ireland can accomplish when circumstances are made right.

I can’t help but feel the growth spurt is over, even though the exceptional privatization, fundamental to the growth, remains. The Celtic Tiger was an economic miracle for a reason - it caught most people off guard. Persistent, goal-driven ambition is hardly an Irish quality.

For years, Ireland had just muddled along, a nation comprised of the lower middle class, but it remains cheerful. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad. When times got tough, the kids slept in the cupboard drawers, and family members emigrated to find work. No big deal.

Things here are relaxed, and I can’t tell if it stems from wisdom or neglect. Maybe it’s both.

My friends from larger EU countries react to the Irish situation with a sympathetic but knowing smile, like a parent comforting a child who scraped a knee on the playground. Ireland’s having a reality check, and in the meantime, they’re going to have a good time like always. It’s no wonder the favorite song to scream here is The Wombats’ "Let’s Dance to Joy Division": "Everything is going wrong/but so are we/but we’re so happy!"

St. Patrick’s Day was no exception. Disregarding complaints of excessive spending, Dublin threw a massive party for everyone, and everyone showed appreciation by going nuts for a few days. As reported by many in the wee hours of the morning, this was the best St. Patrick’s Day ever.

Ireland is much more diverse and generous than I originally imagined, and this has allowed me to find some really unique experiences and develop great friendships with people from all over Europe. Dublin City University’s focus on activities and great residential set up really make it easy get in the mix. But you still have to get up, get lost, take chances and engage random people. Feel the flow, stay on your toes, company over comfort and live in the present.

Beyond DCU is pretty typical big school party atmosphere (flavored by excessive 90’s nostalgia) and the city itself, I can confirm there is something incredible and unexpected taking shape out in the world just for you.

So far I’ve hunted by moonlight in the muddy hills of Kilarney and hiked across Fermanagh to squeeze through muddy caves and underground rivers of snowmelt into Northern Ireland. I’ve run away from angry Scottish Rugby fans in kilts, been an all around champ in Belfast and screamed with a million people in leprechaun hats. Most of this wouldn’t have been possible, or at least cheap, if I hadn’t met someone new and just went with it. There are plenty of people around the world so excited to meet you and show you their version of a good time.

I want to finish with a shout out! I’ve become more grateful of my Jewell journey since being here. The edge I have in such a diverse and new place is knowing at least a little about a lot; the Mannerheim Line, Foucalt and the Panopticon, cold fusion, you never know what will spark a new experience or relationship. And what’s surprisingly valuable is hearing "risk and reward" in the back of my head when I’m out and about in all of this awesomeness.

Here’s to you all back in Liberty. Sláinte!