Kate Stein: Week one of Bucknell in Dublin

My experience at Bucknell in Dublin so far has been gratifying. I am deeply grateful for this journey, and I look forward to the upcoming experiences ahead. I have had a fantastic time, and each day brings something different and meaningful.

I have enjoyed spending time on the campus at University College Dublin, as well as exploring other parts of Dublin. The view from our dorm is gorgeous, as are the views on campus and beyond. The nature here is lovely.

It has been fascinating to compare and contrast Dublin with other European English-speaking cities I have visited, such as London and Edinburgh. While I love all the towns, Dublin stands out and has its distinct charm.

So far, I have met many great people and had the opportunity to explore the city. I visited a couple of pubs, including the famous Temple Bar, as well as an Italian restaurant. We also went to the Irish Emigration Museum on our class trip, and I would like to visit more museums in Dublin.
I also went to the Goat Tavern, which felt like a quintessential Irish experience. There were many well-known traditional Irish dishes on the menu, such as Bangers and Mash. We also visited a pub where Irish musicians were performing.

I have also very much enjoyed my experience at Gill Publishing. I work in the educational department, and so far, I have learned a great deal about the inner workings of the publishing process. We had a meeting with the editorial team, and I had the opportunity to meet one of the authors over a Zoom call, which was an enjoyable experience. I also look forward to working on upcoming projects.

There are many landmarks I look forward to seeing, as well as exploring other parts of Ireland. I have enjoyed immersing myself in Irish culture, even in mundane ways, such as riding the bus or going to Tesco. I have learned that Irish people do not talk much on public transportation. So far, Irish people have been very friendly in everyday, mundane interactions at stores and such.

This experience has been extremely wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I think that these experiences are encouraging me to go out of my comfort zone and explore new things. I am already learning a great deal about myself, and I look forward to discovering more.