Prominent Cultural Differences

To me, the most prominent cultural difference between Ballyvaughan and Boston is how people spend their free time. In Ballyvaughan, I’ve found that people’s solution to most problems is going to the pub, not necessarily to drink, but to just socialize and enjoy one another’s company. The local people’s way of thinking is that, if you’re having a bad day, that’s okay; just go hang out for a bit with some friends. “Tomorrow will be a new day.” I think that there’s a lot to respect in that optimistic, proactive way of thinking. I really enjoy being able to wander around or sit in a “fairy forest” with friends, without actually having anything to do or any plans in mind. That partially comes from the fact that Ballyvaughan is a small town with very few shops and restaurants, but it also seems to be part of the more laid-back culture that exists in Ireland that I’ve come to admire and love.

I think that, for me personally, a large portion of the culture shock that came with staying in Ballyvaughan was learning to live in a rural area, which I had never done before. At first, it was slightly unnerving to see more farm animals in a day than I did people. Although I loved all the grass and water that surrounded me from the very beginning. Living in such an unpopulated location definitely worried me at first; I usually prefer to spend my time with other people. However, I came to really love the peace and quiet that are always present in Ballyvaughan. I think that being in western Ireland for two months has really taught me to enjoy spending time alone, which I’ve heard can be a good skill to have in life. All in all, the “culture shock” that I experienced in Ireland wasn’t extremely striking. Ireland’s not too different from the US–they speak mostly English just like we do–but I think that it has definitely been worthwhile to spend time in a country where they take life a little less seriously in a way that we could all learn from.