This past week was definitely monumental. I can not believe it was our second to last week here in Dublin before going back to America. We have been making the most of it for sure – going out every day of the week together to experience as much as possible. This past weekend was exceptional. Me and eight other Pitt students in the program decided to have one last trip together while in Europe, so we went to Scotland. I had absolutely no expectations before going because I don’t know much regarding geography to begin with, let alone Scotland or what the place had to offer. We flew into Edinburgh, the main city that was full of tourists. Immediately getting off the bus I was so pleasantly surprised. The buildings were so different and beautiful and unique compared to in America because of how old they are. The architecture from long ago is so much more beautiful than modern creations. The first thing we did was get food and try some traditional Scottish food like haggis. It definitely was not my favorite thing but it was still good to try it out once, but something about knowing it is made of sheep heart, liver, and lungs makes it a lot less appetizing. 

After brunch, we went to Arthur’s seat which was so beautiful. We basically hiked up a mountain on this steep trail and it was exhausting but so rewarding when we finally got to the top of it. The view of the city, the water, and other land and mountains was stunning. After that, we toured Edinburgh Castle for a couple of hours where we saw some authentic jewels and the crown, and weapons that used to be used. The castle was huge and beautiful and sits at the top of a mountain making it difficult for any enemy to pursue it. Then it was finally time to check in to our hotels and get cleaned up for the night ahead where we later had dinner together and went out. The next day was a little brutal with a 12.5-hour tour ahead. We took a coach bus at 8 am to see the coos (cows) that were so cute and big with their horns, I had never seen them before in person. The bus stopped later at 2 different sightseeing spots for some photos of beautiful mountains and lakes, then for lunch, and then finally to the main destination of Loch Ness Lake. We took a cruise boat tour around the lake and learned about the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. Finally, it was time to drive back to Edinburgh, but seeing the Highlands was probably my favorite part of the entire trip. We went out again later that night and the next day we checked out of our hotels and walked around the University of Edinburgh and gardens, and later we got to watch the Euro final game. We had a late flight and got back into Dublin around 1 am Sunday night which was pretty rough, but here I am now writing this blog post, so all must be well.

In Ireland, I have noted a few communication differences and preferences in my host country. With indirect communication, Irish communication tends to lean towards a high-context style. This means that messages are often conveyed through implication, non-verbal cues, and shared understanding rather than being explicitly stated. Although I do not always understand this, I do my best by asking more clarifying questions and continuing communication during the entire process. There is a strong cultural preference for subtlety and nuance. This can involve using humor, understatement, and indirect suggestions to convey messages. The Irish also use a lot of humor in their everyday life, especially containing sarcasm. There are embedded meanings in the things and jokes they saw meanwhile this way of communication with humor and sarcasm makes things easier to say and in a more light-hearted manner. Humor is a common feature in Irish communication, often used to diffuse tension or convey criticism in a more palatable way. This humor is context-dependent and might not always be immediately understood by outsiders. 

While I do believe I have the ability to understand their jokes and sarcasm because I am super similar, sometimes I take things too hard when they are supposed to be just a joke. I never really had any miscommunication situations I had to overcome considering they do speak English. I feel this would be more of an issue if they spoke their traditional Gaelic as I would not recollect what they are saying at all – so we communicate fine besides an occasional heavy accent. I only work in person and have not worked hybrid or remotely at all for that matter, so communication is pretty direct being in the office working next to everyone and having them available for questions and help as needed. Overall, I don’t find Ireland too difficult to understand and grasp, as I know the Irish humor a little too well and find it enjoyable.