American living in Dublin shares 7 things Ireland has 'ruined' for her
An American woman moved to Ireland eight years ago and has revealed seven things the country has "ruined" for her after eight years of living here.Ireland enjoys worldwide recognition for countless attractions, from its striking, wild and diverse landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher and the picturesque vistas along the celebrated Wild Atlantic Way, to its welcoming traditional pubs, thriving music culture, and much more.The nation offers a perfect blend of heritage and culture, with cities such as Galway providing a bohemian vibe, while Dublin appeals to those passionate about history. Tosin Cullen moved from America to Dublin and has adjusted to the marked contrasts in daily life in the Emerald Isle.She's shared her journey on social media, with a recent Instagram upload highlighting seven facets of Irish living which have transformed her perspective. Her post consists of multiple images with overlaid text detailing her observations.In the accompanying caption, Tosin wrote: "A few I forgot to mention in my initial post. Consider this the last part of my little love letter to the Emerald Isle".In the opening image, she said: "Things Ireland has ruined for me (as someone who has lived here for eight years)". She then began: "Getting off the phone. If I don't say 'bye-bye-bye-bye-bye' at least six times, the call isn't over."Tosin went on: "The post-dinner cuppa: dinner isn't officially over until the kettle is on. If there's no tea, did we even eat?"The career break. Try explaining to someone outside of Ireland that you're just 'nipping off' for a year to find yourself and your job will be waiting."The word 'grand'. It no longer means money. It is a feeling, an emotion. Heartbroken? Grand. Won a free meal? Grand. In a hurricane? 'Ah sure, it's grand'."She then turned her attention to the airport experience and said: "'Welcome home' from the immigration officer melts my heart every time. It just feels like a hug the second you land."After that, she highlighted the sense of "trust" that permeates Irish culture. She explained: "It's kinda ruined my ability to deal with strict rules. Whether it's 'tap to pay' for water at the airport or the 'Luas is free' joke - nowhere else has that same 'sure it'll be fine' energy."Rounding off her observations, Tosin concluded: "'Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin' translates to 'there's no hearth like your own hearth' which essentially means there's no place like home."The post prompted a flood of responses in the comments section. One Instagram user said: "I love this!! American here - just moved to Ireland six months ago with my husband (who's Irish)."I laughed out loud about the post-dinner cuppa. As someone who has never liked tea, I now get so excited when my husband turns on the kettle after dinner. Add a biscuit and I'm in heaven."Another said: "I know... the 'welcome home from immigration' OMG every time I just want to hug them. It's so special."A third commented: "The cupán tae after dinner is so real! I don't feel right if I don't have it. Don't think I ever thought about it this much before but I always have to have one! Haha."A fourth said: "You're one of us now girl! No turning back". Someone else revealed: "Ireland is my favorite place on Earth!"Another shared: "Wow wow wow you have explained our island perfectly, thank you". And another added: "Ah this post is so lovely. I could relate to every bit of it. There is no hearth like your own hearth."
