(Country count 5/10 - Ireland)
2015 is gone and the Netherlands are a distant,
rose-coloured memory.
It’s way-past being 2016, but I’ve officially hit the halfway mark on my 10 country tour.
That’s right friends – I’ve landed on the Emerald Island aka Ireland.
It’s way-past being 2016, but I’ve officially hit the halfway mark on my 10 country tour.
That’s right friends – I’ve landed on the Emerald Island aka Ireland.
I will be the first to admit that I didn’t (and still don’t)
know enough about this beautiful country so it’s time for a few fun-facts:
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| Lucky Charms! - 90s breakfast throwback (Courtesy of General Mills) |
- Population size: < 5 million (surprising small right?)
- Languages: English and Irish Gaelic (fun and confusing to read)
- History: Suffered a potato famine in the 1840s which saw 1 million people die and another million emigrate to the US (#EastCoast)
- History: Revolutionary war in 1916 (#100years) split nation into the Irish Republic (independent state) and Northern Ireland (part of the UK)
- Source of breakfast inspiration:There was legitimately a rainbow the day I arrived in Dublin and was I so tempted to follow it to the marshmallow pot of gold and shamrock it promised.
Why Ireland? Why Dublin? Why
now?
Exchange semester, exchange semester … exchange semester.
Exchange semester, exchange semester … exchange semester.
So I’m on phase two/deux/dos of this Master’s program, where
the specialization focus is “Societies in Transition.” So looking
at the humanitarian system as broader than just delivery of emergency items in
a disaster but understanding people,
and the context of the world they live in. (#thatsmyjam)
I’m about to get all kinds of nerdy about research,
development and the study of culture – but that’s a long-winded rant on a
tangent for another time.
The opportunity to switch it up and move beyond the comfort
zone of our first semester groups to embrace new environments, people and ideas
is somewhat painful, but necessary to get the most out of this adventure as
possible. And as far as I’m concerned, new smiles are allllways welcome.
Google
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| Sandra & I at Google's outdoor swings set - because that's a thing - #nbd (Courtesy of Sandra Shaban) |
So while this is the somewhat “intro-to-Ireland” post –
never one to disappoint there have been some early wins to up my #coolfactor. Last fun fact --- the
Google EU Headquarters just happens to be in good ol’ Dublin. My buddy Sandra
has a good friend who works there and invited us for the full Google experience.
All I can say is:
- Fresh/hot breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
- Game rooms
- Nap pods (yes, absolutely a thing)
- Sparkling water (and other beverages) on tap (#ftw)
- An internationally representative group of co-workers
- A suite of other amazing onsite services, making life hella convenient for the staff
I was simultaneously thinking “WINNING” yet waiting for security to kick us out for having “seen too much” as non-Googlers (yup, they call themselves
Googlers).
Perhaps in another life I go the developer/marketing/business
analyst route.
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| Panel (r-l) Googler, Sue Conlan (Irish Refugee Council), Thawab Shibly, Googler (Courtesy of Lily Vayer) |
Luckily, we didn’t have to sneak ourselves back in as our
entire class was actually invited back to the majestic building for a film
screening of #humanitarian proportions.
The “YouTube for Good” crew was screening a documentary (followed by a panel discussion) portraying a glimpse
into the lives of Syrian refugee communities, working hard to support themselves in the
midst of the ongoing war.
"The reality they uncover is touching, gripping ..."
Thawab Shibly, a YouTube team member, and her brother,
filmmaker Akram Shibly, created the documentary piece "Waiting at the Door" using footage from their
visits home to their native Syria and surrounding areas. The reality they
uncover is touching, gripping and a hopeful account of the strength and will of
regular Syrians (men, women, children – young and old) to persevere despite the
pain, loss and challenges they face.
But don’t take my word for it, check it out here:
Documentary Film by Akram Shibly
Creative Producer Thawab Shibly
So needless to say I know how a softer spot in my heart for
Google mapping how to get from point A to B and searching for flu remedies (there’s been a lot of that happening
since arriving in Dublin - #wetwindycold).
While I’m in the midst of a scheming my next visit to their offices , I’ll bid you adieu
until the next post.
Oíche mhaith (Irish for “we outtt”
--- and you’re definitely pronouncing it incorrectly ;))
