We are More Alike than Different

by Mandie Salmon (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown Ireland

We are More Alike than Different I’ve lived in the Caribbean for most of my life before moving to America. My ideal vacation is sitting by the beach, drenched in saline waters, sipping on Pina Colada amidst blue skies. I thought nothing could ever come close to this, until I visited Ireland! I still remember vividly in my mind the day I stepped off the plane in Ireland and unto the bus. For starters, it was a very rainy day and I was unimpressed. We drove all the way from Dublin Airport to Dingle which was a really long drive. I was mostly sleepy at first but was soon awoken by the “oohs and awes” others were expressing about the scenery. Our first stop was at Cliffs of Moher. We climbed a wet and muddy hill, a long way up before beholding the most glorious cliff I had ever seen in my entire life. I was utterly shocked. In Jamaica I had seen the Lover’s Leap Cliff, but this cliff was far more romantic. The water beneath it was still and blue, the rough, jagged edges and the enormity of the cliffs filled me with wonder and excitement. I felt small, but in a good way! The scenery engulfed me and I felt like a child in a storybook, especially because there was a castle in view. My husband and I wandered around and stole a few kisses before returning to the bus with the rest of our college peers. The day was almost over and we retired to bed in our hotel before checking out any more sceneries. The next day we went to the Clougher Strand beach. The drive there was enriching. I was amazed to see that the way of life in Dingle was somewhat similar to that of the Caribbean. I saw clothes hanged outside for drying, subsistent farming, cows, sheep and lush vegetation. This really made me think about how alike we are as humans, even where we least expect it. There I was in Europe, feeling more at home than I do in America. When we arrived at the beach there was a great view at the top of a rocky hill. My husband and I didn’t go swimming as we are not accustomed to the cold water, but it was really satisfying to watch the birds fly around freely and the sunset creating an array of colors. It was serine and relaxing. On our way back to the hotel we stopped at a lounge and restaurant. I ordered fish and chips as it was the only thing on the menu I knew I would like. As a Caribbean gal, my tastebuds have been trained to like only spicy foods. My husband wanted so badly to try black pudding with our other friends but we weren’t brave enough. Black pudding is basically sausage made of pork blood. Our friends went on about how good it tasted, but we were cowards. They mocked us for being able to eat pig’s tail in Stew Pease, a famous Caribbean dish but unable to eat Black Pudding. On our third day in Ireland, we decided to take a trip to Dublin City before leaving for Germany. We listened to a song that our friend David requested over and over. “In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty.” To this day I still hum the tune in my head. The city was amazing. I am Fascinated by people and culture and the Irish accent was like melody to my ears. I also went to an event that showcased tap dancing, practically alone because these things don’t interest my peers or my husband. It was amazing! I could see their history and pride as a country through every step and every tap. Being a tap dancer myself, it was fulfilling to watch the authentic thing. By the end of the night, I found myself singing to Irish songs, dancing like I was from Ireland and trying to decode Gaelic. It was a swell night! This is what I love about travel, it enriches you. I never expected to have so much fun in Ireland or connect that well to the culture and people. We are more alike as humans than different.