The Dublin Down Low

On the eve of my 5 month mark in Dublin, I will fly home to Austin. Where has the time has gone? I blinked, and it was mid-October. My apologies for not blogging sooner, or more frequently. Things are finally settling, and I resolve to write more.

I'd like to introduce the Dublin Down Low; posts designed to document five tidbits about my new residence that I feel compelled to share with you. These tidbits can be facts, observations, questions, or simple afterthoughts.

To start:

1. Dublin's summer and autumn weather was not all that gloomy, or cold. The highs averaged around 64F and the lows approximately 52F. I only stopped opening my window at night for ventilation this week. The sun also made more appearances than I expected. Being so far north, its bad rap may be because Ireland receives less direct sunlight. Thus my not-so-tan skin and my vitamin D pills.
   
2. About half of Dublin's population is under the age of 30.
3. Do not walk on the grass. Unless you are purposefully walking in a designated park, it is against Dublin's cultural norms. I am unsure if it is unlawful, but locals will stare you down. I retaliated by silently making fun of people who awkwardly dodged sidewalk corners.
4. The Irish ladies doll themselves up with make-up, strut around in platforms, and have mastered the art of layering. As put together as they are, I swear they do not brush their hair. (With the exception of my colleagues) Their hair is always a tangled mess or in a knot.
5. Ireland is windy. I battle hurricane-like forces everyday walking to and from work. Hence why the girls do not mess with their manes. Their hair can't even handle the wind right now.