Dublin Diaries #3: Resetting

Reflecting on my second week of work and living in Dublin, the word that comes to mind most is “reset.” I’ve always loved a fresh start - and I think that’s one of the main reasons I love traveling so much. Navigating and exploring somewhere new completely resets your mind, body, and soul. Plus, when you get back home afterward, there’s that feeling of resetting all over again. It’s one of my favorite feelings, and something I think I unknowingly seek out in life: a good, grounding reset.

While moving to Ireland and starting a new job are obvious resets in their own right, there were so many little resets I built into this week, too - and those are actually the ones that matter most. It’s quickly become my Sunday ritual to reset my nervous system by being outside very early, ideally in time to catch the sunrise. This started a few weeks ago when I did the sunrise sea plunge at the Forty Foot. Out of all the things I’ve ever tried for rest and recharge (massages, saunas, haircuts, bingeing reality tv, etc) — being outdoors and simply noticing nature has actually been the most effective for me.

Work this week was intense. I’m still learning a ton, and things are moving a mile a minute. But I feel so energized by the work I’m doing, the people I’m around, and the environment I get to live in. I was so excited for this weekend. Yesterday, I took the 7 AM train to Cork for a day trip. I toured Blarney Castle, kissed the Blarney Stone (so I’ll officially have the gift of the gab now!), and explored the Cork City Gaol. From there, I walked into Cork City and fell in love immediately - the cutest shops, colorful buildings, and an incredible English Market where I was completely overwhelmed by all the fresh fruits, veggies, chocolates, and local stalls. The Cork accent was so thick I could barely understand anyone though! I caught the 3:30 PM train back to Dublin (and slept soundly both ways). It was a long day (over 10 miles of walking!) but such a memorable one. I was honestly on the fence about going because of the rainy forecast, but a friend at work reminded me that we can’t let the rain stop us from living. So I went for it, and it turned out to be a gorgeous day.

Then this morning, I went to Malahide to walk along the coast to Portmarnock and watch the sunrise. It was easily one of the prettiest sunrises I’ve ever seen (though the sunrise over Angkor Wat will always hold first place!). I did a long beach walk and loved every second of just listening to the birds and breathing in the crisp air to feed my lungs. Afterward, I spontaneously toured Malahide Castle and wandered all around its gardens and surrounding forest. The greenery was unreal. Malahide was one of the early Viking settlements, and the castle dates back 800 years — home to the Talbot family almost that entire time. In addition to seeking resets, another thing I’m learning about myself is that I’ll never stop being a student of the world.

Cork

Blarney Castle

Cork City Gaol (Jail)

cork city

MALAHIDE